The Money Couple Minute - Investments vs. Cash in Hand

In these economic times, more and more couples are finding they need money in hand instead of in long-term investments. Without strong financial communication, finding the right balance between investments and liquidity can turn even the best financial relationship into a war zone.

Balance your present and your future. Resist the urge to pull back your investments completely. If you're worried about losing everything, talk with a financial planner who can help you find a few secure investments.

Find middle ground. Financial decisions are rarely all-or-nothing prospects. If you've been investing in your retirement or a college fund, there's no reason why you can't pull back for a few months while you ride out the downturn.

Maximize your investments. Make sure you're taking advantage of any matching contributions from your employer. Most will have a minimum investment requirement for employees, so stick with that minimum for a few months so you can have more cash.

Explore your options. Talk together about what you really need right now and know that you can change your plans down the road. Use your monthly Money Huddle (learn more about these in First Comes Love, Then Comes Money) to keep an eye on your financial picture and make adjustments as needed.