10 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Romance
1. Show each other the money – "In romantic relationships, communication is key," said Tasha Cunningham, a leading dating expert and creator of DontDateHimGirl.com. "Talk about your current financial with your significant other. Painting a realistic picture and giving your significant other a clear picture of where you're at financially will set the stage for you both to work together to recession-proof your relationship."
2. Share the pain - Talk to your significant other about any concerns, fears or thoughts you might have about your finances. Having an open and honest discussion about how the recession is affecting your lives is a way to bring you both closer in a time of adversity.
3. Give up the goods - "Cut back on dinners out and cook together at home instead. Figure out where in your budget you both can cut. If you cut your spending together, it's a lot less painful and actually can bring you both closer together," Cunningham said.
4. Go date-free and still have fun - "Plan dates with your sweetheart that don't cost a thing. There are tons of fabulous things you can do together for free," said Sonia Torretto, a DontDateHimGirl.com contributor and author of the book Men Should Come With Warning Labels.
Torretto suggests taking a bath with lots of bubbles together and then give each other foot massages or packing a little picnic or snack and watching the sunrise together after work.
5. Don't fight over money - A recession can put a chokehold on anyone's finances. The worst thing you can do is fight with each other over money. Instead, brainstorm with each and come up with a plan to save money.
6. Don't hide money from your partner –"Hiding assets or debt from your partner or keeping a secret bank account is financial infidelity," Cunningham said. "And it comes with dire consequences to a relationship. Be honest with your partner about both the money and the debt you have."
7. Book a lavish vacation - Whatever "lavish" is to you as a couple, make a goal together to save for a great vacation whether it's a bed and breakfast down the street or a few nights away on a Caribbean island. For instance, when the recession is a thing of the past, make a commitment to jet off to Jamaica for a weekend. "When you do this," Cunningham said, "You'll both have something to look forward to and work toward."
8. Challenge each other to save - Make saving fun by challenging each other to come up with new ways to keep money in your pockets instead of spending it. The winner gets a prize from the losing partner.
9. Do things for a dollar - "Check out a dollar movie theatre," said Torretto, "Or hit a dollar store together for fun."
10. Retrain your brains - Train yourself to cut back on the things you both love. It isn't easy, but both Cunningham and Torretto agree, if you make a pact and stick to it, it's going to make your relationship grow!
2. Share the pain - Talk to your significant other about any concerns, fears or thoughts you might have about your finances. Having an open and honest discussion about how the recession is affecting your lives is a way to bring you both closer in a time of adversity.
3. Give up the goods - "Cut back on dinners out and cook together at home instead. Figure out where in your budget you both can cut. If you cut your spending together, it's a lot less painful and actually can bring you both closer together," Cunningham said.
4. Go date-free and still have fun - "Plan dates with your sweetheart that don't cost a thing. There are tons of fabulous things you can do together for free," said Sonia Torretto, a DontDateHimGirl.com contributor and author of the book Men Should Come With Warning Labels.
Torretto suggests taking a bath with lots of bubbles together and then give each other foot massages or packing a little picnic or snack and watching the sunrise together after work.
5. Don't fight over money - A recession can put a chokehold on anyone's finances. The worst thing you can do is fight with each other over money. Instead, brainstorm with each and come up with a plan to save money.
6. Don't hide money from your partner –"Hiding assets or debt from your partner or keeping a secret bank account is financial infidelity," Cunningham said. "And it comes with dire consequences to a relationship. Be honest with your partner about both the money and the debt you have."
7. Book a lavish vacation - Whatever "lavish" is to you as a couple, make a goal together to save for a great vacation whether it's a bed and breakfast down the street or a few nights away on a Caribbean island. For instance, when the recession is a thing of the past, make a commitment to jet off to Jamaica for a weekend. "When you do this," Cunningham said, "You'll both have something to look forward to and work toward."
8. Challenge each other to save - Make saving fun by challenging each other to come up with new ways to keep money in your pockets instead of spending it. The winner gets a prize from the losing partner.
9. Do things for a dollar - "Check out a dollar movie theatre," said Torretto, "Or hit a dollar store together for fun."
10. Retrain your brains - Train yourself to cut back on the things you both love. It isn't easy, but both Cunningham and Torretto agree, if you make a pact and stick to it, it's going to make your relationship grow!
