Mindset, Micro Habits, and Mamas Talking About Money

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Today we’re into how you can shift into your debt-free journey with one question!

Dump Debt Together with Mamas talk money summit!

It’s on!

All this week the Mamas Talk Money Summit is hosting sessions about family finances, investing, career, and kids. 

My session was out Monday night – Dump Debt Together (When You Can’t Agree How). 

I had a fantastic time! While the session was on, I was live in the chat speaking and answering questions about how to get your spouse on board with knocking out this debt. 

People had some wonderful questions and were kind enough to share their biggest money challenges. 

We got into creating a budget when one spouse has irregular income, secrete debts, and conversation starters for those initial chats about money. 

But I’m not the speaker in this event. There are about 40 amazing mama speakers that are a part of the summit and their sessions cover not only the ‘essential' goals like paying off debt, saving, and investing but also topics they may not have as much exposure or have accessible resources.

Brynne Conroy is one of the speakers. She’s going to be this Friday as part of the kids and money sessions. 

I’ve had her on the podcast when she released her book, The Feminist Financial Handbook. She’s also the creator of Personal Finance By Women. 

Her session is Managing Your Finances With a Special Needs Child. 

In this episode we’ll look at:

• Why Brynne’s session is needed
• One activity you can do to get your spouse on board with becoming debt-free

Hope you enjoy!

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Resources to Hit Your Money Goals

If you two are looking to improve how you talk and work together with your finances (and lives), please check out these resources.

• Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint, Zeta
• Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
• Grow Your Stash Faster: High Yield Savings with CiT Bank
• Automatic Saving: Qapital
• Free 401(k) Analysis: blooom
• Why Most People Fail with Their Goals (And How You Can Win!)

If you want to discuss talking with your spouse about money, ask questions, or share your own tips please join us over at Thriving Families on Facebook.

Shifting your Spouse in the Debt Free Mindset

While there are couples who have both spouses on board from day one, most times there’s one who’s kind of pushing it. 

And they’re frustrated that their spouse isn’t keeping in step with this debt-free journey. 

In the session, I go over the most common reasons and excuses that you typically hear and how to win them over.

But I want to highlight one simple, yet effective activity you can to shift your spouses’ mindset and the conversation about paying off that debt faster. 

You ready? 

Okay, I want you to go ahead and write down all the monthly payments you make for your debt, not including the mortgage.

The credit cards, the car loans, any student loans you have. 

How much was it? 

Now take that number and multiply by 12. 

How much is that? 

Now I want you to spend 5, 10 minutes today – now if you can – and write down what you would do with that money. 

Oh and one more thing. 

Pretend you already have an emergency fund stashed away. 

So now what would you do? 

If you’re a regular listener to the podcast you might say invest more, which is smart, but let’s also be real. 

Would you use some of that money for trips?  A house project, maybe update a room? Grab some tech? 

Are you getting excited? I hope so. 

Why? 

If you’re like most people you’ve stopped seeing the number and you’re starting to see the bigger picture. What kind of life would you have with no debt? 

Now when I speak with most couples, when they tell me that they can’t get their spouse on board, it’s because their approach is all focused on the numbers and eventually slides into the blame game. 

“You spend this much! We have that much debt!”

Instead, try it this way. 

Yes, have the numbers – I think it’s incredibly helpful to know how much is going towards debt, but reframe it so that it’s about possibilities and not punishment. 

This may seem like a simple exercise, but I’ve seen it work. 

Reframing the conversation around paying off debt can make the difference with whether or not your spouse will join in. 

Support the Podcast!

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast!

• Spread the word! If you enjoyed this episode and think it can help a buddy get on the path to dumping debt and become financially free, please share.
• Leave a review. Honest feedback and reviews make a big difference and gets the word out about the podcast. Leave your review on Apple or Stitcher.
• Grab a copy of Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money. My book is designed for a busy couple to set up their finances in 4 weeks. Get tips and tools that have worked for other couples on their journey of building their marriage and wealth together!

Music Credit

Like the music in this episode? Our theme song is by Gentle Regime. Additional music by Lee Rosevere