Money. Depending how you grew up and how you are currently managing your wallet, this word can feel triggering or inspiring. Like most things in life, it’s all about perspective, and money simply isn’t something you can gloss over and hope that it takes care of itself. We all need money to live—and life is much more enjoyable when we are the ones controlling our finances—not the other way around.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the topic of money didn’t feel so heavy? The good news? It doesn’t have to. In fact, it can actually be fun if you just get a little creative with how you view your financial standing.
Introducing the Money Date: a weekly date held by yourself or with your partner to ensure financial success in a way that feels freeing, not restrictive.
The Money Date idea (a brilliant one) comes from financial coaches Cindy Locker and Carol Van Fossen of Next Chapter Finances, a platform providing financial clarity and support to women facing tough financial terrain due to divorce, loss of a partner, or simply starting a new life chapter.
“Recall your most memorable date,” Cindy and Carol state. “The ambiance, the connection, the joy. Now, imagine channeling that same energy into your financial life [with] the Money Date, a dedicated time to engage with your finances in a fun and meaningful way.”
The financial experts gave us a clear-cut outline for what a successful Money Date looks like, so all you have to do is apply this to your own life.
Set The Scene
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Choose the perfect spot: Opt for a comfortable setting that brings you joy. This could be a cozy nook at home or a charming cafè that offers a serene atmosphere.
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Personalize the experience: Incorporate elements that make the date special. Light candles or play your favorite music. The goal is to make the environment inviting and enjoyable.
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Eliminate distractions: Turn off your phone, set chores aside and focus entirely on the experience.
Make it Productive and Enjoyable
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Celebrate financial wins: Begin by acknowledging achievements, no matter how small. “Did you save more than expected this week? Pay off a debt? Recognizing these successes sets a positive tone,” Cindy and Carol say.
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Review spending habits: Look over your expenditures from the past week to see how much you spent on what. Pro tip: Use colorful charts to visualize where your money went as this makes the process more engaging.
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Set exciting goals: Discuss and plan future aspirations. This can be saving for a dream vacation or a fun investment opportunity. Setting clear and motivating goals adds purpose to your financial journey, making these meetings something to look forward to.
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Plan for the week ahead: Outline upcoming expenses and adjust your budget accordingly. This proactive approach ensures you are prepared, which prevents unnecessary stress.
Make Money Dates a Lifestyle
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Consistency is key: “Schedule your Money Date at the same time each week,” Cindy and Carol say. “This builds a habit and ensures continuous engagement with your finances.”
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Keep it light and fun: Avoid making the session overly serious. The aim is to foster a positive relationship with money, so infuse humor and lightheartedness into your discussions.
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Reflect and adjust: After a few Money Dates, reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your approach if necessary to ensure the experience remains enjoyable and beneficial.
While these strategies will certainly aid in making conversations around money easier to have, it boils down to having open and honest communication with yourself and your partner.