.Why My Husband and I Don't Fight About Money -- Even With Different Habits

by Christy Bieber | Aug. 17, 2021

Could our technique work for you?

My husband and I tend to have very different spending habits. I am generally much more of a spender than he is, while he has a preference for saving more money. We also have different investing styles, and we both like to spend money on different things.

Despite our very different financial habits, we have had almost no money fights over the decade that we have been married. And the reason for that is our budgeting method.

We have a unique approach to budgeting

.11 Basic Money Moves Everyone Should Make During Hard Times

Gabrielle Olya Tue, August 17, 2021,

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a major hit on the economy and the personal finances of workers across the country. The national unemployment rate was as high as 14.7% in April 2020. It's down to 5.4% now, but many Americans are still struggling to find jobs that pay them enough to stay afloat.

Whether you've lost your job, are experiencing reduced hours or are among the fortunate Americans who are still employed, here are the money moves experts say everyone should be making right now.

Review Your Budget

It's important to revisit your budget so you know exactly how much money you have coming in and how much you will need to cover essentials."A budget is key to feeling financially secure right now and determining if you can make ends meet," said Tony Drake, CFP and founder of Drake & Associates in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

.Why I Talk Openly About My Money Mistakes

Nicole Spector Fri, August 13, 2021, 3:00 PM

Americans are very good at spending money, but not so good at talking about it. Sure, people will mention being broke or having just gotten paid. But discussing hard truths about money — like the mistakes we’ve made with spending, or the distinct path we’re on to save more in the years ahead — isn’t normal social conversation.

The subject of money isn’t as forbidden as it was in say, the 1950s, thanks to an escalation of awareness around issues such as pay transparency and the gender wage gap. But it’s still not embraced as a regular part of the conversation. As a March 2020 article in the Atlantic noted, the topic of finances is taboo partly because money (or lack of it) can make us feel bad — and who wants to talk about bad stuff?

.20 Worst Money Mistakes People Make in the Name of Love

Don't let finances ruin your romance.

By Andrew Lisa November 17, 2020 Start Saving Now

While it's true that love might not cost a thing, plenty of romances fall victim to money -- or at least to money mistakes. Money and relationships are inseparable, and if you mismanage the former, the latter hardly stands a chance. From secrecy and poor communication to conflicting priorities and plain old bad decisions, some of the best relationship advice helps two people avoid the pitfalls of money mistakes in romance.

Read through to find out if you and your partner are making common money mistakes, and discover how these mistakes can hurt your relationship.

.Travel Prep: 10 Financial To-Dos Before Going on a Trip

Plan a trip without worrying about your finances. Here's how.

By Charlene Oldham June 9, 2021

From searching for the best flight deals to finding the perfect Airbnb rental, travelers often spend hours planning the perfect vacation. Unfortunately, many jet-setters neglect to take the same care with their financial planning.

"Before leaving for a vacation, it's important to create a 'financial to-do list' to ensure your finances are kept in order while you're away," said Natasha Rachel Smith, a consumer affairs expert with TopCashback.com.

Making a few small monetary moves before leaving for your trip can ensure your re-entry into the real world is as smooth as possible. Here are 10 tips to avoid financial ruin and overspending on your next trip.

.Financial Responsibility Is Self-Care

6 Ways to Treat Yourself (and Your Wallet) This Week

by Mike Brassfield Senior Writer Updated July 14, 202

In times like these, we could all use a little self-care. Things like getting a massage, maintaining good sleeping habits, eating a vegetable or two, curling up with a good book and sticking with a somewhat regular workout could do us all some good.

Ah, but what about financial self-care? We’re always being reminded to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. But what about your financial health?

We all need that too, because we’re all financially stressed. For example, a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that a whopping nine in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their personal finances.

.Here’s Why Having Separate Bank Accounts in Marriage Might Make Sense

by Nicole Dow Senior Writer August 10, 2021

If you’re married or living with your significant other, there’s a lot you share. Your home. Your weekend plans. Perhaps even a kid or two. But just because you’re sharing a life together doesn’t mean you have to share the same bank account. Having separate bank accounts in marriage or a serious relationship may be the perfect solution to harmonious money management.

Having separate bank accounts isn’t an indication that you’re not connected as a couple. In fact, there are plenty of valid reasons why a couple might choose to not to merge finances.

.6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt

Cynthia Measom June 30, 2021

Getting out of debt isn't easy. It requires a lifestyle shift. Sometimes, you have to make a small change in the way you handle your finances -- and sometimes a big one.

If your New Year's resolution for 2021 was focused on getting out of debt, you may not have made much headway. This past year has been financially devastating for many families; and despite some assistance from the federal government, the Democrat-Republican congressional divide has slowed up stimulus for individuals and businesses alike.

.Planning To Retire? Here’s A List Of At Least 14 Things To Account For First

Alessandra Malito Tue, August 10, 2021

Retirement requires an enormous amount of planning, affecting not only how much money to put aside for old age but how to spend and maintain it.

Retirement Tip of the Week: When planning for retirement, especially if you plan to retire soon, make a list of expenses you expect to have — as well as any other variables that will affect your financial picture. Compare it to your income.

.9 Easy Ways to Be Fiscally Responsible

Jacqueline Sanchez June 30, 2021

For some, it's surprising the amount of consumer and student loan debt a person has. This financial situation is a future you likely won't want for your children. So, "How do I prepare my children for the future and be fiscally responsible?"

This simple question of "How?" can unlock the way you think about money. It often isn't enough to graduate college and work a stable career.