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Show Money problems hit nearly everyone By JOANN MATHIAS ROSS, M.S. Extension Home Economist USU Extension Service Davis County Money is a problem for nearly everyone. Money problems can result from insufficient income, in-come, or lack of clearly defined financial goals, but more often than not, money problems result from poor communication about money. Different attitudes and values toward spending and saving money, and unrealistic financial goals may result in conflict When family members don't talk things out, the conflict may intensify and result in poor financial decisions. Communicating about money isn't easy, but it is important if you want to get the most satisfaction satisfac-tion from financial resources. The more open communication about finances is, the better the quality of financial decisions. When talking about money, be honest and candid. Arrange a specific time and place where the family can talk about money without interruption. inter-ruption. Meet regularly instead of waiting for a problem to occur. When talking about money, recognize that whoever earns the money doesn't always earn the right to dictate how it should be spent. Financial Finan-cial decisions should be made as a team. Allow everyone to have input in financial decisions. Clearly identify the issue at hand. Is the problem prob-lem one of spending too much money, spending it at the wrong time, or spending it on something i you consider unnecessary or unimportant? Let each family member freely state his or her wants, needs and personal feelings. Avoid judging judg-ing or criticizing others. Encourage communication communica-tion beginning with "I think" or "I feel." Avoid the phrases "you always" and "you never." Listen carefully to others. Try to understand their position. Be willing to negotiate and compromise com-promise in reaching a settlement of differences. Communicating about money isn't easy, but neither is living with financial conflicts. Make a positive change today. Resource: Successful Money Management (EC 428.1-4) by Dr. Barbara Rowe with Kay W. Hansen and Marsha M. Peterson, Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service, November 1990. |