Financial Confidence And MoneyTalk WhyYou Should Talk Money With Your Honey (NAPSA)—Here’s something to think about the next time you're with yoursignificant other: money. According to a recent survey by Quicken, makerofpersonalfinance soft- ware, dollars andcents can be an impor- tant part of your sweet talk. Here are four facts and figures that explain why your table for two shouldbe paired with an open conversation aboutfinances. 1. Talking about money is hard. People report anxiety about the topic and many have a hard time opening up about finances. Nearly a third of survey respondents said that talking about money made them feel anxious andover a quarter said that they avoid checking bank account balances because ignoranceis bliss. Another 31 percent said they wished people talked about moneyless. In fact, the survey revealed that only 43 percent of people tell their partners how much they make. 2. Talkingpays off. People who are most confident in their path to retirement talk about money with their spouse or partner more than any one else in theirlives. They even favor chats with their significant other over their financial plannersby 20 percent. People whoidentify as less confident in their path to retirement are 15 percent less likely to talk to their spouse or partner about money matters. 3.Moneytalk can even be romantic, Overhalfof millennials say they've talked about personalfinance ona first date. For Gen Xers, the numberdropsby nearly half, and boomersstick to more traditional topics—only 8 percent have talked about moneyonthefirst date. Itmakessenseto discuss dollars and cents with yoursignificantother. 4. Conversations are key. In short, open conversations aboutyour finances— especially with your spouse or partner— are a comerstone ofconfidence in your financial future. To help, here are some moneytalk tips that pair nicely with candlelight: Don't avoid the conversation. Dis- cussing andagreeing on spending lim- its, big purchases, and being equally informedaboutyourfinances arevital. + Choose the right timeto talk. Try to find a time when you andyour partner are more likely to be at your best, rather than when youre running out the door to work or havejust gotten home and may need time to decompress. Many couples have standing monthly dates to review theirfinancial picture together. + Leverage a tool to track your goals together. Using software or appssuch as Quicken, providerofthe best-sell- ing personal finance software in the US. can make setting goals and tracking spendingcollaborative—and maybeeven more enjoyable. Learn More Forfurtherfacts,tips andinsights on taking controlofyour financiallife and likingit, go to www.quicken.com.
