When you start dating someone, you try to find out important things about your partner, like; his/her likes, dislikes, hobbies, dreams, etc. But more often than not, we forget to ask questions pertaining to one of the most important areas; finances.
Most people are really sensitive when it comes to money so this is not conventionally a first date question. Partners struggle for less sensitive ways to bring these issues up but most just avoid it to circumvent the awkwardness. While it’s not something to focus on too early, it’s also not a conversation you want to table until after you walk down the aisle, or worse, when all the bills show up.
SO HOW DO I APPROACH THESE TOPICS?
Here are 4 creative ways to get this over with without putting your partner off;
1) BABY STEPS HONEY!
As money is a tough subject to bring up, it is best to start easy. Start with just letting your significant other know your credit score and work up to the big stuff, like retirement plans, not only will this strengthen your relationship early on, but it will also strengthen your financial, physical, and mental health. Surveys found that people who discuss their debt and tackle finances head-on were less likely to feel isolated and prioritize other aspects of their health and well-being.
2) SHARE YOUR MONEY GOAL
A subtle way to broach the subject of finances is by bringing up a financial goal you are working on. It Is easier to approach the conversation of money with someone you are dating by giving them an idea of what is happening in your life, including a money goal you are working towards, a trip you are saving for, or a debt you are working to pay off.
3) FRAME QUESTIONS THEORETICALLY
When bringing up money, it pays to be inquisitive, yet not too overt. You can frame questions as ‘What if … ‘
Allison Kade, a millennial money expert said “This way, you can start understanding their underlying psychology by asking broader questions.”
4) ASK ABOUT THEIR UPBRINGING
Finding out how someone was raised, financially speaking, it can tell you a lot about how they view money today. A lot of our opinions and attitudes about money come from our family background. So a great way to start understanding where your significant other is coming from is to understand his or her upbringing — and you can start with conversations about your childhoods.
Learn more on how to take financial matters into your hands by looking up our previous post : http://35.182.148.93/taking-control-5-ways-women-can-take-their-financial-matters-into-their-own-hands/
