585: NAVIGATE THE PANDEMIC TOGETHER: PART 5 — FIGURE OUT YOUR FINANCES

“Stay on top of your finances. Don’t leave that to others.” —Leif Garrett

We’ve reached May 2020 and are collectively navigating the pandemic together. There’s so much to “unpack” when it comes to being thrown into a situation where you cannot really leave your house.

Although we are all navigating at the same time, how it looks from each of our points of view might be very different. Including how it looks from the points of view of you and your spouse.

But this is not the only thing in your marriage right now where you might have a varying view. One area you have to address as a couple is the area of finances.

The area of finances is one that can be challenging to couples even in the best of times.

Now throw in some uncertainty. Then add in job concerns, and top it off with worry over how long things you normally do in life are going to be closed. 

Sprinkle in the rising costs for groceries, dropping gas prices, and the management of your expanding parenting responsibilities.

Don’t forget to add in a heap of media reports that basically make you feel like the sky is falling. EVERYWHERE.  

This recipe can cause a lot of things to happen in your marriage. 

But how do you talk about all of this when everything seems so emotionally charged?

You take a deep breath and you start a conversation. That’s what you do. 

This might feel different because you’ve never had to manage life during a global pandemic. At the core, however, this is just another opportunity for you and your spouse to work together, communicate, and plan for your future. 

Your finances are going to look different for a while. You may have to start a new job or begin to freelance. It may be a time to cut back to make sure your family is protected. You might even discover that you’re fully confident and flourishing right now because you were more prepared than you realize. 

Whatever financial challenge you might be facing, go back to the basics and map out where you are, where you want to be, and exactly how you are going to get there. Working together is always the best solution for the success of your marriage.

495: Money and Marriage: Part 1 — Bringing Finances Together