Money can be a difficult topic to discuss with your partner. Eventually it’s a conversation that needs to happen. No couple sees eye to eye on everything, but because finances are so important, it’s a good idea to take time and talk about them. Here are a few steps that will make your discussion easier.

What to Talk About.

Going into the conversation you should have an idea of what you want to discuss. There are basic things, like creating a budget for living expenses and having a savings, but you should also think of issues, or changes you would like to see happen.

You Don’t Want to Accuse.

Starting off by saying your partner spends too much, or date night needs to stop, will make this already difficult discussion even worse. The conversation should be a positive one. Use this time to set goals with each other. Positively discussing the future of your relationship will make it easier to talk about the little details.

Time for Numbers.

How much are you going to need to achieve your goals? If you’re looking to buy a house, how much is the down payment? If you’re not quite there yet, maybe you’re looking to adopt a pet or want to save for a vacation together. Attaching value to your goals will give you a way to track your progress together.

Sharing the Load.

One of the topics you will need to discuss with your partner is shared expenses. You may have those goals in mind, but it’s also necessary to look at your bills. Figure out an arraignment that works for both of you so paying rent, groceries, or utilities never becomes an issue.

SeaComm’s partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness can help you and your partner improve your financial outlook. GreenPath provides SeaComm members with access to free one-on-one financial counseling, student loan counseling, debt management services and more. To learn more about how SeaComm’s partnership with GreenPath can help you, click here or call (800) 550-1961.