photo credit: David Blackwell

Northerners have had more than our fair share of winter this year, which means one thing come spring:  it’s time to dig out.  The dirty little secret of hibernation is that your stuff hibernates, too.  Haven’t been up to cleaning out closets?  It’s time to open the windows and get busy!  (Okay, you might want to wait until it’s a little warmer before you throw up the sash.)  Storage space morphed into a zone of clutter that’s scary to approach?  Pull that stuff out and haul what you don’t need to the Salvation Army.  Someone can use it; it’s just not you.

photo credit: xJasonRogersx

And what about your finances?  Has your budget been hibernating, too?  If so, it’s time to dust off Quicken, or your calculator, and get your numbers in line.

What’s this got to do with relationships?  Everything, friends, everything!

It’s no secret that money is the root of a bazillion arguments in marriages (that official number courtesy of the latest government survey, of course).

• “I earned it, I can spend it.”
• “We have it but you shouldn’t spend it.  I don’t.”
• “I’m better at being a tightwad than you are so you don’t care about me.”
• “Your wallet is like a sieve which means you don’t respect me.”
• “You don’t own me/control me/have the right to tell me how to spend my money.”

And these thoughts are just for beginners.  Try being married for 10 years, 15, 20.  Money management doesn’t get easier, so sit down as early as you can and get yourselves on the same page.

HINT:  Getting on the same page does not mean getting your spouse to agree to your plan.  You may have to acquiesce in some areas, too.  Your Way does not necessary equal the Right Way.  Crazy concept!

Hash out a budget plan that works for both of you.  If you’re just updating an old budget, make sure to account for new activities and delete old ones.  Leave wiggle room where you can.  Always save.  Stop buying more stuff you don’t need.  Spend on things that add joy to your life (not things that make you happy for a few weeks).

And remember, it’s just money.  Life is so much bigger.