Money has been one thing that hasn’t been a stress in our relationship until recently. We both have jobs and we’re both pretty frugal, but we have felt the crunch in the current economy. There have been some moments where it … hasn’t been pretty. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when talking about money:

1. Don’t talk about it at ‘that time of the month.’ Because, obviously.

2. Have a joint account. Yes, really. The pendulum has swung between us when it comes to who is the primary breadwinner, and having a common pot is a great equalizer.

3. Have an allowance. As level-headed as you may be about your joint account, you need to have a set amount of cash in hand to do with it what you will. Take the $50 (or amount of your choice) as cash in hand to do with it what you will. 10 coffee shop lattes? A new pair of jeans? A pretty new dress? YOU CHOOSE. Without guilt.

4. Sit down together and map out your goals. Where do you want to be a year from now? Ten years from now? Sit down and hash it out, or you’ll be fighting about it because you haven’t talked about it.

5. Walk away. Money issues can be a trigger for fighting, so sometimes you need to walk away until the next day (or week).

Do you have any tips to add?

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