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Talk it out: According to a recent study, 31 percent of adults claim money is a major source of conflict in their relationship. It can be an uncomfortable topic partners often tip toe around, but it’s one of the most important areas to ensure you align on with the one you love. How do you get there? Start communicating, and consider several ways to ignite the conversation, as listed here:

📌Conversation Starter #1: Pinpoint areas of improvement – As a couple, this includes answering questions such as: What do you like/not like about your (and your partner’s) approach to money today?

📌Conversation Starter #2: Are you focusing on the big picture? – It’s important to ensure you’re thinking long-term, specifically on these six areas of your financial puzzle: Income, Expenses, Insurance, Investments, Debt, Financial obligations to others.

📌Conversation Starter #3: When did you last talk about W.H.O.? – WHO is monitoring which piece of the financial puzzle? HOW is each piece of the puzzle doing? Take OWNERSHIP and identity if each piece of the puzzle still makes sense for your financial goals.

Don’t delay this discussion: If you are married, the odds of a simultaneous death are incredibly slim, meaning the odds of one spouse having to do it all are incredibly high. Don’t delegate while abdicating all responsibility for awareness.