Having a partner who refuses to live in frugal manner, while you are taking the proper financial precautions, can be maddening. When you are clipping coupons to save on your family’s next trip to the grocery store or getting online promos from such websites as Discountrue to Target, they are planning an extravagant vacation that neither of you can afford… If you need help convincing your partner to save money, read on to learn more.
Be Realistic
To be perfectly honest, your partner is not likely to accept your financial proposals with open arms. There may be some eye rolling, some angry muttering and even a little huffing and puffing. However, there is no reason for you to take this personally and there are bound to be bumps in the road to improved financial health. Provide your partner with factual information and be prepared for some level of blow-back.
Don’t Play The Blame Game
If you establish that your partner is the one who is to blame for every single monetary issue that you two are having, this will only make them defensive and keep them from wanting to listen to what you have to say. Making the money problems a “you” issue is much less important than making them a “we” issue. Take the approach of trying to point out ways that will improve both of your financial situations, instead of launching a personal attack that will make them feel victimized.
Ask For Their Input
Making a new plan for financial prosperity is all about coming together to draw up something that is more sustainable. As such, you will need your partner’s input, so that they do not feel ambushed. Be sure to ask them for their ideas on how to increase your overall savings and make them feel like an integral part of the process. When your partner feels involved, they are far more likely to go along with your suggestions.
Reward Positive Behavior
In other words, you need to become your partner’s biggest cheerleader. When you see them taking the proper steps to become frugal, be sure to point it out and offer them your sincere congratulations. Positive reinforcement is key when establishing new and improved behaviors. Letting them know that you appreciate their hard work and their efforts to make a change goes a long way. If slip ups occur along the way, resist the urge to lose your cool.
Set An Example
Don’t preach financial responsibility if you are not willing to make the necessary changes in your own life. Unless you are ready to fully commit to a new financial reality, do not begin to lecture your partner about their spending. Do your best to set an example and be a role model for your partner to follow.
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