Albany Times Union (Sunday)

How to make your most romantic money moves

Talks about finances can be enjoyable and even fun, planners say

- By Kimberly Palmer NerdWallet kpalmer@nerdwallet.com

For some people, talking about money is as pleasurabl­e a way to spend time together as going for a long walk on the beach.

“I am a money nerd, so to me, talking about money is super fun, and I’ve paired up with someone who is the same,” said Kate Fries, a certified financial planner and financial adviser at The Family Firm in Bethesda, Md. “For us, talking about money is the same thing as talking about dreams. Where do we want to go, what do we want to build? It’s a fun conversati­on.”

But not everyone looks forward to money discussion­s. Finances can be a significan­t source of stress in a relationsh­ip. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here are some ways to make talking about money with your partner more enjoyable or at least less painful — and possibly even romantic.

Consider own money values

Before initiating a conversati­on about money with your partner, Eugenie George, a financial wellness expert based in Philadelph­ia, suggests taking time to reflect on your own money values. In other words, what do you want to prioritize when it comes to spending and saving? Answers could include community, adventure and fun, she said.

“You need to figure out yourself first,” George said.

Schedule ‘money dates’

George suggests starting the money conversati­on with your partner by asking about their values, which allows you to find common ground even if those values aren’t identical.

“If your values aren’t lining up, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. You could be complement­ing each other,” she said.

In George’s case, her partner

prefers spending on family experience­s, like a good meal, while she likes spending more on larger group activities, such as parties. Once they understood and accepted their difference­s, she said it was easier to move forward and find shared goals, too.

Fries suggests having a money date with your partner at least quarterly to check in and review recent spending patterns and goals. “Make sure everyone’s tanks are full. You’ve slept and eaten, so you are coming with your best resources available.

“Maybe a cup of tea or a glass of wine and a candle, so you are associatin­g positive things” with the ritual, Fries said.

Goals, then logistics

Fries suggests using your money dates to share your goals, making the conversati­on fun. “‘Oh, you want to go to Paris? How can we make that happen in the next two years?’ Now that’s an exciting conversati­on,” she said.

It’s also important to get a clear idea of your current financial situation, including an

overview of your net worth, with how much you have in each account and how much you owe on any outstandin­g loans, Fries said. Then you can give yourself smaller tasks to complete before the next money date, such as making a budget or reviewing your retirement savings. Whether or not you commingle your finances, your actions still can affect the other person’s money if you’re sharing a home and other assets or debts.

Maintain flexibilit­y

According to Fries, maintainin­g flexibilit­y within the goals and budget you share can increase your chances of success. For example, you might not want to spend $200 a month on golf, but your partner does.

“Each person can have a bucket to spend however they want,” she said, and that can help reduce conflicts over dayto-day spending.

This Valentine’s Day, true romance might mean scheduling a conversati­on about money.

 ?? Charlie Riedel / Associated Press ?? While money can be a source of stress in relationsh­ips, it can also spark romance if you use money dates to focus on your goals.
Charlie Riedel / Associated Press While money can be a source of stress in relationsh­ips, it can also spark romance if you use money dates to focus on your goals.

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