How I Convinced My Wife to “Budget Party” With Me

Budget Party” was the name I gave to a proposed monthly date for Nicole and I to review our family finances. I was incredibly determined to rid ourselves of our $50,000 of student loans and car debt before our first child came into the world.

Since staring at spreadsheets was not exactly my wife’s cup of tea, I knew that my super-awesome date name could only get me so far. I had to put the party into the “Budget Party”. 

Here are 10 ways I livened up the traditional couple budget meeting and created a “Budget Party” that strengthened our family tree and our marriage.

How I Convinced My Wife to “Budget Party” With Me

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Nicole and I like to have a nice glass of wine every once in awhile. Why not combine a glass of wine, a slice of pizza and some budgeting? For us, this made it more of an event.

Have a Drink and a Slice

Instead of talking about the process of paying off debt, reducing our expenses and living on a budget, I eventually learned that it was better to talk about our financial dreams instead.

Review Financial Dreams Instead of Financial Process

Goals are fun to accomplish, especially with someone you love. Early on in our “Budget Party” process, I would make sure to put our financial progress up front to keep us both motivated.

Put the Results First

Each month, I took the lead on coordinating when and where the party would take place and assumed the seat at the computer first. Once we got going, we’d both provide our feedback on how much money should be saved, spent and what it should be spent on.

Have a Leader, but Share Control

Nicole and I have used Mint to track our budget. The system automatically imports your bank, credit card and investment information into your monthly budget. 

Use a System That Makes it Easy

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