Couple Money Podcast

Money can be a huge source of stress, but it doesn’t have to be.

Today I’m going to share 5 ways you can simplify your finances so you two can enjoy your marriage and money!

Simplify and Reboot Your Money

How do you feel about the progress you’ve made this year with your finances?

If you’re not quite happy with where you are right now, don’t panic. There’s still plenty of time to reset and reboot things with your money.

Since my Dump Debt Together session aired last Monday as part of the Mamas Talk Money Summit, I have been keeping busy answering some of your questions about changing things up for the better.

I’ve noticed that the biggest concern is getting the ball rolling.

You’re more than welcome to dig around the site and podcast. With over 1,000 articles and 300+ episodes, we cover a lot here on Couple Money.

But I know that approach can make you feel overwhelmed so today I want to wrap up this special series on the podcast with how you can get started.

In this episode we’ll look at:

  • habits to develop that will make your finances much easier to handle
  • key numbers to track (and which to pass on)
  • An easy way to reboot your money

Hope you enjoy!

Resources to Hit Your Money Goals

If you two are looking to improve how you talk and work together with your finances (and lives), please check out these resources.

If you want to discuss talking with your spouse about money, ask questions, or share your own tips please join us over at Thriving Families on Facebook.

5 Ways to Simplify Your Finances

Whether you’re the spreadsheet king or queen or more the big-picture person, I think we can all agree that we want to streamline our finances so you can focus on the people and things that matter to us.

You can really dive into the weeds with finances and debate the minute, but if you’re looking for big wins not only with your money but your marriage, here are 5 things you need to focus on.

#1: Go on Regular Money Dates

Why do I talk about money dates so much? It’s because they work!

Pretty much every couple whose paid down debt, saved a significant amount, or is on the path to financial freedom does this.

They may call it something else (like Andy and Nicole with their budget parties 🙂 ), but the idea is the same.

Having a regular time where you’re in a relaxing and low key environment to get together to discuss your dreams and your money

It can be a night out at one of your favorite restaurants or you’re just in the backyard relaxing with a glass of wine by the firepit.

Wherever and however you have your money date, you want to make sure you look at the goals you’ve created together (your WHY) and then review your numbers.

Knowing your budget, your monthly cash flow, and net worth is smart.

If you’re not sure how to start or even begin the conversation about finances, pick up my Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money.

I take you step by step through money dates, with conversation starters and ice breaks. I also share a 4-week plan to get you two on the same page with money.

#2 Switch to a 50/30/20 Budget

If the idea of making a budget makes you break out in hives, then you have to switch things up.

Typically when someone is complaining about a budget, there are a few key reasons. The root of it for many is that there’s no room in the budget for what matters to you. It’s so strict, you can’t any fun with things.

And while that might look like a good idea on paper – you think you’re going to get out of debt faster or hit your goal sooner – it’s usually an exercise in frustration.

Sustainable is the way to go and for most couples, it’s a process and one of the best budgets to get you started on that path is the 50/30/20.

As you probably figured out, your money (net income in this case) goes into one of three ‘buckets’ of expenses.

  • 50% Essentials: This covers your ‘needs’ like rent/mortgage, food, utilities, and necessary transportation.
  • 20% Financial Priorities: This money is allocated for your future such as investing for retirement and taking care of important money goals now like having an emergency fund and paying off your debt.
  • 30% Wants: These are your lifestyle choices. What do you two enjoy?

#3: Automate Your Budget

A simple trick that’s helped us is scheduling the bills to come out 48 hours after the deposits gone in.

You can use track your progress with apps and options such as:

  • Personal Capital – If you have a ton of accounts between you, this makes it easy to sort them out.
  • Tiller – Love how easily you can customize it based on your unique budget.
  • Zeta – Created for couples, by couples, Zeta is designed around how you two want to share your accounts.
  • Honeyfi – One of the first on the couple money app scene and very focused on getting you to share goals.
  • Mint – If you’re looking to get a handle on your budget, Mint is a very visual way to see what’s happening.

Don’t forget that along with bills, you want to automate things like your debt snowball or if savings if that’s your goal.

#4: Only Use Cash When Eating Out

Chances are eating out is a big expense with your monthly budget. Those quick lunches with coworkers seem small, but those constant convenient and on the go meals typically add up to more than you estimated.

Something that I’ve seen that’s helped me curb my spending is using cash.

There are families that like to use cash for multiple expenses and they stash them into different envelopes to track things down, but for me, that was too much work.

I’ve found that just using cash for lunches keeps me aware of what I‘m spending and minimizes me breaking the budget.

#5: Develop Laser Focus on Your Goals

Don’t try to work on all your expenses across the board. You can burn out quickly trying to slash multiple expenses at once.

I think one reason systems like Dave Ramsey’s baby steps are so effective is that they have you laster focus in on one step or goal at a time.

You begin with a starter emergency fund, then it’s all in with paying down debt, then you can fully fund your savings, and so on.

While you don’t have to be as gazelle intense as some people are – it can actually backfire with getting your spouse on board – having a priority can be powerful.

Want to optimize your spending? Try monthly challenges with one thing. Give the cash envelope a go next month.

I want you to build better habits, not go for quick wins that get undone by the next month.

If you’re pressed for time, there are options like Trim that can save you money by canceling subscriptions, finding deals with insurance, or negotiating with your cable bill.

Just focus on one thing at a time each month and by the end of the year, you’ll have some big wins.

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere 

Direct download: Bonus_5_Easy_Ways_to_Simplify_and_Reboot_Your_Money.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 11:05am EDT

Today we’re into how you can shift into your debt-free journey with one question!

Dump Debt Together

It’s on!

All this week the Mamas Talk Money Summit is hosting sessions about family finances, investing, career, and kids. 

My session was out Monday night – Dump Debt Together (When You Can’t Agree How). 

I had a fantastic time! While the session was on, I was live in the chat speaking and answering questions about how to get your spouse on board with knocking out this debt. 

People had some wonderful questions and were kind enough to share their biggest money challenges. 

We got into creating a budget when one spouse has irregular income, secrete debts, and conversation starters for those initial chats about money. 

But I’m not the speaker in this event. There are about 40 amazing mama speakers that are a part of the summit and their sessions cover not only the ‘essential’ goals like paying off debt, saving, and investing but also topics they may not have as much exposure or have accessible resources.

Brynne Conroy is one of the speakers. She’s going to be this Friday as part of the kids and money sessions. 

I’ve had her on the podcast when she released her book, The Feminist Financial Handbook. She’s also the creator of Personal Finance By Women. 

Her session is Managing Your Finances With a Special Needs Child. 

In this episode we’ll look at:

  • Why Brynne’s session is needed
  • One activity you can do to get your spouse on board with becoming debt-free

Hope you enjoy!

Resources to Hit Your Money Goals

If you two are looking to improve how you talk and work together with your finances (and lives), please check out these resources.

If you want to discuss talking with your spouse about money, ask questions, or share your own tips please join us over at Thriving Families on Facebook.

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere 

Direct download: Bonus_4_Mindset_Micro_Habits_and_Mamas_Talking_About_Money.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 7:48am EDT

Can’t agree on how to tackle your finances? Learn how you work together on some of your biggest money issues!

Working Through Money Issues Together

Last month, in the newsletter I mentioned that for October I was going to be focused on the theme of r resetting and rebooting your finances so you can hit your goals before 2019 ends.

I’m doing a special mini-series this month on the podcast, but that’s not the only project I’m doing.

I’m also a part of a big event happening next week that follows this idea of pushing through on your financial goals – The Mama Talk Money Summit.

The event is happening next week – October 21st through 25th.

All week during the summit, there will be sessions from over 40 incredibly financially savvy mamas and speakers. We’re talking all about:

  • Family Finance
  • Investing, Retirement & Estate Planning
  • Career & Business
  • Teaching Kids About Money

And much, MUCH more!

So whether you’re trying to knock that credit debt, get some savings stashed away, or are looking to invest for long term goals, this summit will have at least a few sessions that can help you make it happen.

And 2019 Mamas Talk Money Summit is a FREE conference that’s 100% online!

This was an important point for me because I know we’re all at different points in our financial journey, so having it be free to register was one of the reasons I wanted to join in.

The reason I’m bringing this summit up is 1) I think it’s an incredible event and resource and 2) my session is going to be about a specific hurdle that we as couples can sometimes have when we’re trying to improve our finances, such as paying off debt.

In fact, my session is called Dump Debt Together (When You Can’t Agree How).

So you’re all ready to knock debt out, but your spouse….not so much.

I’ll be sharing some ways you can dig into the real reason they’re hesitating and some ways you can use that to come up with a debt-free plan they’d want to join in on.

So if you’d like to grab your free pass, catch that session and more, please just head over here.

So the session will be a deep dive on the topic, but I want to touch on today this idea of trying to get on the same page.

Adam Kol is joining me today.

He’s a former Tax Attorney and a Certified Mediator who is now focusing on helping couples working through some of their issues.

Today we’re going to take a situation and question from someone in the community.

In this episode we’ll look at:

  • Questions to ask to get your spouse to open up
  • How to use what-if scenarios to work through issues
  • Working to keep things open and honest so that you’re making the progress you want together

Hope you enjoy!

Resources to Hit Your Money Goals

If you two are looking to improve how you talk and work together with your finances (and lives), please check out these resources.

If you want to discuss talking with your spouse about money, ask questions, or share your own tips please join us over at Thriving Families on Facebook.

Adam Kol: Couples Financial Counselor

He’s a former Tax Attorney and a Certified Mediator who is now focusing on helping couples working through some of their issues as a couples financial counselor.

Adam is providing individually-crafted, fundamentally-sound Couples Financial Counseling and training.

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere 

Direct download: Bonus_3__How_to_Work_Together_with_Money.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 12:07pm EDT

Learn how you can create goals to achieve your big financial goals while avoiding burn out!

Knocking Out Your Big Financial Goals

When we started this mini-series last week about rebooting your money, I talked about how to hit those goals you have to change things up a bit.

Karen Cordaway went over how we could reframe things around the quality of our lives.

It’s not paying off debt, it’s about having money to travel more. You’re not just saving money in the bank, you’re giving yourself a building a sizable downpayment to buy a house.

This can be a powerful way to motivate yourself.

There’s another side to that puzzle – creating the goals themselves.

Since most people don’t achieve those big results that they hope for, is there a way to make them work for you so that you do make them happen?

I think so.

I believe there’s a way to achieve those ambitious goals without burning out.

And I think Joseph Hogue is the perfect person to break it down.

Since I’ve met Joseph at a conference a few years ago, I’ve seen how well he’s done with following through on his plans and goals.

Joseph Hogue worked in private wealth management and venture capital for more than a decade before freelancing as an investment analyst.

He now teaches regular people how to beat debt, make more money side-hustling and invest.

So I thought having him break down his approach would be helpful.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

  • Creating goals that fit your season so you’re not burnt out
  • Avoiding the yo-yo diet cycle with your finances
  • Uses challenges to grab big wins

Hope you enjoy!

Mama Talk Money Summit

Speaking of hitting those money goals, next week we’re talking about a special event that I’m a part of to help you do just that – Mama Talk Money Summit.

Chelsea Brennan from Smart Money Mamas has put everything together.

For 5 WHOLE days, the Mamas Talk Money Summit is bringing you presentations from over 40 incredibly financially savvy mamas who have TONS of valuable advice to share with you all about finding your financial swagger, raising kids who are money masters, and connecting with a tribe of moms who are getting smart with their money.

We’re talking all about:

  • Family Finance
  • Investing, Retirement & Estate Planning
  • Career & Business
  • Teaching Kids About Money

And much more!

So whether you’re trying to knock that credit debt, get some savings stashed away, or are looking to invest for long term goals, this summit will have at least a few sessions that can help you make it happen.

Along with the session, there will be a live Q&A with each speaker.

For example, for my session – Dump Debt Together (When You Can’t Agree How) – I’ll be online in the chat so you can ask me questions while watching it.

It’s all online and you can register and watch the sessions for FREE!

This was an important point for me because I know we’re all at different points in our financial journey, so having it be free to register was one of the reasons I wanted to join in.

The event is happening on October 21st through the 25th.

Now what I love with how Chelsea is putting this together, is that she has some fun giveaways and prizes along with the summit.

There will be over $15,000 in giveaways of money tools, courses, swag, and gifts for moms throughout the event!

So you not only can catch the most useful sessions to help you knock out your big money goal, but you can also pick up some fantastic and helpful prizes.

I hope you’ll join me and other mamas. Just make sure you grab your FREE ticket by signing up here!

Resources to Hit Your Money Goals

If you two are looking to improve how you talk and work together with your finances (and lives), please check out these resources.

If you want to discuss talking with your spouse about money, ask questions, or share your own tips please join us over at Thriving Families on Facebook.

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

  • Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
  • Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
  • Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere 

Direct download: Bonus_2_How_to_Set_and_Reach_Your_Big_Financial_Goals.mp3
Category:personal finance -- posted at: 6:15am EDT

Today we’re looking at how you reboot your money by not focusing on the finances!

It’s now October.

The year is officially wrapping up and for many, it’s a busy season. Do you have any plans coming up? 

This month we have a family trip planned to see some of our friends and family for Virginia. 

We're looking forward to it. 

But I also know that this time of year can also be one of reflection and review. 

We've knocked out some goals like saving up for my husband's next car, but we're still working on our big goal for the year - paying an extra $11k on our mortgage. 

How about you? How close are you to hitting your goals? 

If you’re behind on them, it’s okay. There is still time for you to reset and reboot your finances. 

And I want to help out. 

So this month I want to turn things around by doing a mini-series on the podcast.

Each week we’re going to be tackling some of the big hurdles you might be having with your goals. 

One reason I’ve noticed people get behind is that they’ve lost that some of that momentum and motivation. 

Let's be honest if you’re dealing with something big - like trying to become debt-free, you could be in it for a while depending on how much debt you have now. 

So how can you not only keep on making progress but actually enjoy yourself? 

Something that can help you is reframing your goals. 

And today, Karen Cordaway is here to talk about how. She’s the author of The Everyday Bucket List.

If you subscribe to the newsletter - and you really should ;) - you’ll remember it’s one of three books I recommended this summer. 

In this episode we’ll discuss: 

  • Move away from making financial goals to more holistic ones
  • How you can create a bucket list that fits your season of life now
  • Tools to make it easier to incorporate more fun into your routine

Let’s get started! 

 


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