just starting out?

Money can be a really awkward thing to talk about when you’re in the beginning stages of a relationship, but the conversations don’t have to be deep. Simple discussions about who’s going to pay for dates, the sort of activities you can afford and how you generally like to spend your money are extremely important.

An easy way to start the conversation could be asking “What if…” questions, such as “What if you won the lottery? What would you do with the money?” It keeps the conversation nice and easy, but gives you an idea of how your partner views money.

further on down the road?

Maybe you’ve been together for a while, and you’ve decided to move in together. Hopefully you’ve already talked some about money matters, and now it’s important to talk about how you’ll split household expenses, such as rent or mortgage and utility bills. That’ll make living together much more comfortable.

Don’t forget to also discuss your current financial obligations, aka debt. You’ll both want to know if the other person has student loans or credit card debt, especially if you plan on combining finances in the future.

walking down the aisle?

Make sure you discuss how you want to spend your money in the future. Are there big purchases you want to make, such as a house or a new car? Work out a plan for how you can save for those bigger purchases.

Other things to talk about could be your job or career goals down the line, as that could have an impact on your financial situation in the future. Discussing what you want your bank accounts to look like, joint or separate, is important too.

settled in to married life?

As you start married life, talk about making – and sticking to – a budget. Be honest about your spending and most important? Make sure to keep talking about your finances with your partner. Whatever it’s going to look like, you’ve agreed to share a financial future, and it’s important to be on the same page.