A quarterly "money date" where couples review finances together can reduce conflict and strengthen retirement planning, according to reporting that cites an Ipsos poll finding one-third of American couples report money as a source of conflict.
The article recommends scheduling these meetings four times a year to discuss spending, saving, and investing habits. This regular cadence prevents money talk from dominating conversations while ensuring couples stay aligned on financial decisions.
Topics to cover during these meetings include retirement account contributions, progress toward savings goals, budget changes, debt payoff, large upcoming expenses, beneficiary updates, insurance, and changes in income or job benefits. The article notes that some meetings may focus more heavily on certain categories. For example, a couple with a $20,000 credit card debt might prioritize debt payoff discussions before shifting attention to increasing 401(k) contributions.
Couples who avoid discussing money risk developing mismatched savings goals and conflicting retirement directions. One spouse may feel they are pulling all the weight while another feels the budget is too restrictive. One spouse may save for long-term goals while the other spends on short-term ones.
The article suggests that couples unsure what to discuss during money dates should consider speaking with a financial planner to establish a roadmap for long-term goals. These quarterly reviews remain useful in retirement as well, helping couples track whether their plan is on pace and adjust as income, expenses, and lifestyle change over time.