When Michael and I came home from our glorious honeymoon, we were awakened into the world of joint checking accounts. At first, it was hard to navigate how to spend money. Is it ok if I get Starbucks with friends? How will he respond when I pick up some shoes at the mall? Michael didn’t have a clue how much women spend on clothes, hair products, and pedicures. And since Michael has a magnanimous appetite, I was floored with the first month’s grocery bill.
Fortunately, we have great communication and any time money has come up as an issue, we’ve been able to discuss it. Like the time I overdrew our account because I just had to have this JCrew dress (“I actually saved money because it was 50% off“). You get the picture.
Anyway, I recently read a book called The 5 Money Personalities. The five personalities are spender, saver, flyer, risk taker, and security seeker. Both Michael and my primary money personality is security seeker (we like to know the future is secure) and his secondary is spender and mine is saver. You can take the quiz here to figure out your primary and secondary money personality. This book will show you how to avoid arguments and understand your spouse's (or future spouse's) money personality.
The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not
just managing money but understanding
how the other approaches money.
Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple — from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the number one cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change.
The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.
Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.
It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed.
Are you ready?
Thomas Nelson Publishers has partnered with FaithVillage to give away two copies of The 5 Money Personalities. To enter, comment below on how you plan to use the book with your spouse or family if you win. Contest ends on Friday, January 25, 2013. Winners will be notified through their FaithVillage account.
Photo cc by 401(K) 2013 on Flickr.