DON'T LET FINANCIAL STRESS RUIN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Does this sound familiar to you? It seems that all my wife and I do is fight about money. We don't make a lot of money in the first place and we have a lot of debt that only makes things more difficult to talk about. We have both made poor financial decisions in the past but lately we can't seem to come together on how to handle our money. How do we get out of this mess?
- Nearly 50% of families in the US each year spend more money than they earn.
- Money and financial problems are ranked in the top three major issues in relationships today.
- A downward spiral of unchecked spending can lead to financial ruin, bankruptcy, marital
breakdown, loss of dreams and depression.
- Research has also supported that long term effects of the financial stress can cause
physiological health problems later in life.
SO HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF THIS CYCLE?
1. Communicate: Don't avoid talking about money
2. Have a plan: Put together a budget
3. Share all financial responsibility
4. Pay off your debt together but don't co-mingle your debts
5. Have a backup plan (emergency fund)
HOW I CAN HELP
I know that the process of developing financial goals and a budget often creates a sense of anxiety and worry, however, without a direction or plan, many people may find themselves sinking deeper into debt and feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
I will help individuals separate feelings of self worth from their material wealth. If appropriate, I will identify feelings of loss, anger, shame, sadness and anxiety regarding past decisions. And help them move through these painful emotions.
Working in partnership with individuals and couples, we will develop a plan for gaining control of spending habits, resolving feelings of anxiety, about money and develop goals to make your dreams a reality. During counselling sessions, individuals and couples will be taught new skills to help them discuss and resolve money issues and protect their financial well-being during these uncertain economic times.
However, the determining factor in your successful management of finances will be your ability to work together without becoming angry or defensive. Couples who learn to manage strong emotions in their marriages find they can discuss any topic, especially money, without spiraling out of control.
If you are experiencing financial stress in your relationship, you do not have to struggle alone.
Please give me a call.