This week’s edition:

• 3 Money Conversations Every Couple Should Have

• This Week in Business

• The Big Green Vault

3 Money Conversations Every Couple Should Have

2 weeks ago I wrote one of my most popular newsletter editions:
3 Tips for Couples to have healthier Money discussions

It’s hard enough to make decisions about Finances as an individual.
It can be a recipe for disaster when you add another person with different experiences, characteristics and goals.

Or, you can be stronger because of it.

The 3 Tips newsletter was about How to have open conversations with your partner.

This edition is about What to actually talk about.

Let’s get to it.

Conversation 1: Combining Finances - "Completely, Not at All, Partially”

This can be a pretty intimidating conversation to have because it should ideally happen at the beginning of a new stage of the relationship.

You’re in a relationship that’s getting serious.
You’re moving in together.
Engaged.
Married.

(And everything in between.)

You’re entering a new phase together and you might have different preferences (and expectations) on how to manage money.

Will you merge everything ? Keep things separate or find a hybrid approach ?

Conversation 2: Practical Goals - "Building Our Foundation"

Now that you’ve gotten the tactical/day to day conversation out of the way, it’s time to set some Foundational Goals.

You should come out of this conversation (or conversations):

• Aligned on which short and mid term priorities you will work together to achieve and How.

• Clear on your individual priorities

Some examples of Short/Mid term priorities:

• How will you create a budget that works for both of you?

• How much will you save each month, and where will you save/invest it?

• How will you track your progress and stay accountable to each other?

• What are your plans for managing unexpected expenses or financial emergencies?

Conversation 3: Dream Big Goals 

The “Practical Goals” build towards the “Dream Big Goals”. So, you might prefer to have this conversation first.

That’s fine.

Dream Big Goals are your long-term aspirations as a couple, and how can you align your finances to support those dreams.

Some examples:

• What are your individual and shared dreams for the future? (e.g., early retirement, travel, philanthropy)

• How much money will you need to achieve these goals?

• How will you balance your "dream big" goals with your current financial responsibilities?

• How will you adjust your plans if your circumstances change?

More Tips for Making these Conversations Successful:

• Choose the right time and place: Find a relaxed setting where you can talk openly and honestly without distractions.

• Be open and honest: Share your thoughts and feelings about money without judgment.

• Practice active listening: Really try to understand your partner's perspective.

• Be willing to compromise: Find solutions that work for both of you.

• Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and appreciate each other's efforts.

• Don't be afraid to seek help: If you're struggling to have these conversations on your own, consider working with a Money Coach.

What’s one goal you and your partner are working on together ?
Are you facing challenges achieving it ? 

Drop me an email and let’s talk!

This Week in Business

• Protectionism is back in fashion ? The EU imposes tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles, Macron warns the EU might collapse and Germany introduces stronger border controls. The 90s to mid-2010s were the decades of liberalizing trade and opening borders, the 10 past years have seen a countermovement on that front. 

The Big Green Vault

• The Big Short: If you lived through the 2008 Financial Crisis and you watch this movie, you’ll inevitably go “are you f***** kidding me ?” multiple times.
  Sure, this classic movie is about a crisis that almost brought down the entire system but at its core it’s about Greed, Hubris and Incompetence.
  It’s also a ton of fun and doesn’t require Financial knowledge.

The information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.