Hello

I have been thinking of starting a money series and I was inspired today to share a bit this morning. In today's world , a lot of women still suffer as a result of bad financial decisions especially while being in a relationship or married. I have seen it happen first hand and I want to educate the beautiful ladies of hive about it. That's why I came up with this topic "Navigating finances with your partner". I hope you find it useful because it has been useful to me as well

Navigating finances with your partner - A woman's perspective

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Spending in a relationship, is an essential topic that must be discussed as a couple and women need to learn to approach the topic with confidence, free from stereotypic ideas and openly. Our goals and needs can only be realized when we take the bull by the horn and be at the forefront of our own battles. Actively being a apart of the discussion determines just how much progress would be made in your relationship whether married or heading towards marriage. Infact if you don't have those conversations now it might be very difficult approaching the subject later in marriage or years after in a relationship. In this post I will be listing a few tips which are helpful in approaching spending in a relationship as a woman.

• Where are you financially: Before you approach this topic as a couple you need to take time to understand where how your financial situation stands . How much do you make? how much do you spend daily weekly or monthly? What are your saving goals? You need to be able to determine your own financial capabilities before you can approach the topic as a couple. These questions would help you make better decisions as a woman as well as with your partner when it comes to shared finances
• Be Open; you should be able to communicate freely on your ideas of finances with your partner. That way you can both make decisions that will be helpful to not only him but you as well. Discuss your long and short term financial plans and goals. Let him know about your concerns and expectations about finances. I know in today's world women are being advices to take and take but we need to remember that your partner is also an individual with valid needs and goals as well. As you express your concerns listen to your partners concerns as well. It is a relationship and everyone needs to be able to communicate openly and freely together towards a better future.

• Be a part of the Decision-Making: I know in the past many women were passive when it came to the financial decisions and so offcourse a lot of them suffered when they lost their partners or when they had to break up. This is 2023 and as a woman you should be a part of every decision that concerns you. Don't just take the back seat and expect things to go well, participate in the financial health of your relationship because I the end it will affect you as well. It shows how matured and ready you are for your future together. Budgeting, savings goals, and major purchases should be team work and not homework for just one person.
• Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care: While you are working as a team it is also important that each member doesn't suffer. You need to set boundaries. You need to be able to breathe individually before breathing as a team. Ensure that your personal spending isn't affected by the relationship. It wouldn't make sense if you can't pay your rent just because you are saving up to buy a yatch as a couple. It is important that as a couple you make realistic goals ans plan that doesn't affect the other person negatively.

• Financial Independence is still key: A lot of women have been unable to leave certain relationships because of the ridiculous financial commitment they have made with their partners. For others it is because they have gotten do sudes to depending on their partner for everything. While that is cute and sweet to share about it is not profitable in the long run. You might eventually begin to face emotional and physical abuse that you can't walk away from because you are financially tied. That is why it is important that you maintain financial independence within the relationship. You need to have your own bank accounts and credit cards, and even set aside personal savings. This independence allows you to make decisions with a clear mind while contributing to the overall financial stability of the partnership.

• Find a balance; it is important that you find a balance between shared expenses and individual discretionary spending no matter what. Discuss what expenses you will share with your partner and how exactly you will divide them. This is not the time to be shy or try to play the love card. Not finding a balance might cause your relationship to crumble even while in love. Not every financial decision really has to be discussed. It is important that Financial autonomy still has a room in the relationship and you trust each other enough to make the right decision.

• Learn to Invest in Financial Education: You need to learn to be able to work your own finances as a lady . Make sure to learn continuously about how best to handle your finances.There are many books, courses , workshops, podcast and people you can learn from on issues of personal finances.The more weapons in your arsenal, the more equipped you are to win the battle against financial instability both as an individual and as a couple.

• Make plans for your future: learn to take an active role in decisions that shape your future as a couple. Retirement plans, savings, investments, insurance and major financial decision that need to be planned for very early. Work out together to make sure a good plan is in place for the future.

Always remember that approaching spending in a relationship as a woman means you have to be open, informed and proactive. Make sure to be an active contributor in all major financial decisions that affect your relationship and future together.