The One Conversation You Don't Want To Delay 

The Money Conversation

If there is one conversation you want to have relatively early with your partner or future partner, it is about money.

Of course be pragmatic about it and discuss money when it makes sense and comes up organically. Don't force it or be weird about it, but also don't delay it or go too deep in the relationships without ever talking about this critical topic.

Many people continually delay the conversation about money because they fear how it might make the other party perceive them, but here's the deal: Who cares? And pairing with someone financially misaligned is more costly than how someone perceives you.

If a person perceives you negatively because you bring up the topic of money and they struggle to communicate openly and efficiently about money, then this is a sign that you will likely face some hurdles along the line--deep ones.

Another reason why people delay the conversation about money is because they're uncomfortable with the topic themselves. 

The more discomfort two people have regarding money, the less productive they will be as they intermingle their finances.

You cannot experience a financially successful and financially balanced relationship if you don't discuss money.

The Best Open-Ended Question I Have Received About Money

One of the best questions I've received regarding money is:

What's your take on finances in a relationship? 

It's such a simple question, but no one had ever asked me that question prior, and this stood out to me because it was an indicator that this person also values their financial health and wants to understand how our financial values might align or misalign.

Many people do not have a healthy financial relationship with money, which carries over into their relationships.

Many couples do not have a healthy relationship with money, nor do they manage it effectively together.

One of the top points of contention in relationships concerns money.

How can couples avoid this hurdle?

Talk about personal finance sooner rather than later. 

Some questions to ask your person:

• Do you tend to live above or below your means?
• What is your philosophy on credit cards?
• Do you enjoy shopping?
• What are your top spending categories?
• What do you value?
• What is your philosophy on investing?
• What does financial stability look like for you?
• How do you want to handle finances in a relationship?
• What does financial independence look and feel like for you?
• When did you become financially independent?

Most of these are open-ended questions that reveal quite a bit about a person's finances. You can also learn whether or not their financial philosophy aligns with yours.

Have The Money Conversation EARLY

It's not always how much a person earns but how they leverage their money.

Healthy financial habits can help create healthier and happier relationships since money is a core issue in most relationships.

If you initiate a conversation about money, keep the questions open-ended.

Also, be sure to listen and try to understand the other person's perspective.

Healthy relationships not only have open communication about life, sex, family, relationships, politics, religion, etc., but also money.

If you can't talk about this one, it's a red flag.

Take Action

If you've never discussed money or had a truly transparent conversation about it in your relationship, this is a great time to get something on the books and schedule a conversation.

The sooner you can get on the same page about money, the sooner you add more easefulness to growing wealth with your partner.

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When you know better, you do better

This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions."""