Jamie Lynn Byram

And it's common.

I mean, again, I'm an N of one.

But in my experience, that's common when working with couples.

Yes, communication is so important about money in relationships.

I have couples talk about money on a regular basis.

And in the beginning, I may need to give them

like a guide, a how-to guide, because a lot of couples have not had conversations without it turning into arguments.

And so they shy away from it because they don't want to fight.

And so I give them one or two topics to talk about during their first session, and then we go from there, taking baby steps.

So understanding someone's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors

in regards to money and their money history, if you will, of how money was used in their home that they grew up in, that's what shapes who they are.

And so if couples can understand that, that the two people probably did not come from the same type of home and can understand the history that's there and why they do what they do, it will make

the partner more empathetic and approach conversations differently when they don't see it as a you versus me, but we're a team and we bring different skills and ideas into the conversation, but we both have the same desired outcome, which is financial harmony and a strong relationship.

Well, I would say communication, but then also I've found it helpful for couples to have, I guess, fun money.

Some label it that way.

I'll let them call it what they want to.

Funny money, mad money, you know, whatever.

It's a set amount of money that each person gets.

in a month and they can spend it however they want with no judgment.

So if somebody wants to wallpaper the bathroom with $5 bills with their money, they can do that.