Times are hard these days, especially if you are a gig/contract worker or are self-employed. Between layoffs and cutbacks, you may find yourself without a steady paycheck or, worst-case scenario, without a paycheck at all. If your income is irregular, budgeting is not an easy task. Ensuring you have enough money at the end of…
The act of spending money you don’t have is a financial practice we’ve become accustomed to over the years. Our mortgages, car payments and tuition, are generally paid in installments. No matter your tax bracket, these types of loans are a standard way of life. For most of us, having a line of credit attached to our name is no longer a luxury, but is deemed a necessity.
In relationships, discussions about money typically equal stress. But if you and your partner communicate openly about your finances, money talks don't have to be stressful. As I mentioned in Part One, How to Start the Money Talk, before you combine finances with your partner it is important to have a detailed discussion about your individual financial situations.
Once you have a clear picture, it will be easier to set a plan for managing your expenses. The best way to deal with your money each month is to have a method in place that you both agree on. Here are a few suggestions for how to manage money as a couple.