The Money Couple Minute:
Take A Financial Holiday
Seriously? The Money Couple says, "Take a Financial Holiday"? That doesn't mean throw all reason out the window but we know this time of year can be stressful... let's face it , ALL of the 5 Money Personalities™ find stress around this time of year:
Savers stress because the savings are dwindling,
Spenders are going crazy with the gift giving,
Risk Takers are “going for it”,
Security Seekers are holding on to their lists; and
Flyers, well, the gift giving isn’t on the radar quite yet
So together take a financial holiday, kick your feet up and enjoy the reason for the season!! That’s right, the Money Couple just told you not to think about money. We recognize that it’s not easy to stop thinking about your finances during what is often the most expensive season of the year. But spending energy talking about money right now will only take away from what should be a peaceful, joyful time filled with family and friends. Here’s how to let go of the stress and enjoy your holidays:
- Don’t worry about the bills. - Whatever you’ve spent has been spent. While that’s not an excuse to go overboard for the rest of the holiday season, let yourself enjoy giving gifts and making memories with those you love. The bills aren’t going anywhere - they’ll be there in January.
- Don't berate your spouse. - Protect your Money Relationship. If you’re a Saver, be gracious about gifts you receive and don’t ask how much they cost. Do your best to appreciate the thought and care that went into them. If you’re a Spender, stop shopping and spend time with your loved ones. Find contentment in the people around you, not the things you’ve purchased. And most of all, try not to suck the joy out of the holidays by talking about, worrying about, or arguing about money. This is the time of year to be thankful for all the goodness in your life, most of which has nothing to do with your bank account.
- Don't have a Money Huddle. - Hopefully, you and your spouse have developed a good habit of regular communication about your money over the past year. But if you’ve got a Money Huddle scheduled for the last two weeks of December, we say cancel it. Instead, use that time to hang out with your kids, go for a long walk, have a snowball fight, or just sit by a fire and reminisce about the year. No matter how deep your debt or how tight your budget, this is the season to celebrate everything that really matters.
So give yourselves a break and put money worries aside. You’ll make your holidays a whole lot happier.
Make It Happen!Scott and Bethany Palmer
The Money Couple
Money Huddle Tip: The tip for this month is don't have a Money Huddle!!
Featured on Yahoo: 5 Money Resolutions Couples Should NEVER Set
Ask the Money Couple your financial relationship questions.
View the complete list of Money Couple Minutes
Get the Money Couple’s latest book
View recent videos from the Money Couple
