The Long and Short of It

Sit down and write out what your personal Long-term money goals/ savings or spending goals are. This is usually a 3-5 year in the future goal.

Then take some time to write out out your personal Short-term money goals. Again it can be something you want to save for or something you want to spend money on in the short term. This is usually around 6 months to one year from now.

Then share your ideas with your spouse. And then listen while they share their ideas with you.

At this point it may be wise to say something like "Let's take a week to think about what the other person values here and meet again a week from now to talk about a short term goal and  "action" and a long-term goal and  "action" that we can agree upon.

Money differences can often bring up conflict, but see these conversations as stepping stones to helping make your life experience be more fulfilling for each of you over time.

Read books, talk to counselors, ask close friends and family how they manage their long and short term money goals. You will be glad that you did!