A Simple Monthly Money Meeting Agenda for Couples

Regular “money meetings” offer couples a relaxed, structured way to connect about their finances—before any issues have a chance to grow. This simple monthly agenda helps keep the conversation focused, brief, and genuinely useful.

1. Set the Stage (5 minutes)

• Pick a day and time that works for both of you each month, and treat it like any important appointment—add it to the calendar so it doesn’t get overlooked.
• Find a cozy spot, silence phones, and kick things off by celebrating one win from the past month—maybe paying off a bill, sticking to a budget, or enjoying a no-spend weekend. Starting on a positive note sets the right tone for the rest of the meeting.

2. Review the Basics (10 minutes)

• Look at current balances for checking, savings, and major debts, plus any recent changes to income or recurring bills.
• Take a quick look at how your spending matched up with your budget or cash-flow plan—no need to stress over every tiny expense. Focus on the big categories that matter most to you.

3. Check Progress Toward Goals (10 minutes)

• Check in on your short- and long-term goals together—like building an emergency fund, paying down debt, or saving for big dreams such as a home, college, or retirement. Notice and celebrate any progress, no matter how small, since last month.
• Decide whether to adjust contributions, timelines, or priorities based on what has changed in your lives or the broader economy.

4. Address Issues and Decisions (10 minutes)

• Pick one or two topics that need a little extra attention—maybe an upcoming trip, a big purchase, or questions about investing or insurance. Decide together on next steps and who will look into what, so you both feel involved.
• Jot down any open items in a shared list or doc, so nothing gets forgotten or turns into a recurring argument between meetings.

5. Plan the Next Month and End on a Positive Note (5 minutes)

• Double-check any changes you want to make to automatic transfers, bill-pay settings, or calendar reminders before you wrap up.
• Set a date for your next money meeting, thank each other for showing up, and finish with something fun—maybe planning a low-cost date or giving yourselves a small treat. Working on your finances together is really about building the future you want, side by side.

Disclosure

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any security or to participate in any specific financial, budgeting, or investment strategy, and it should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any financial decision. The suggested meeting structure and topics are generic in nature and may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances or relationship dynamics. You should consult a qualified financial professional who can consider your and your partner’s specific situation, objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon before implementing or changing any financial plan or investment strategy. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and no plan, process, or meeting template can guarantee profits, prevent losses, or ensure any particular outcome. References to regulatory concepts, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s marketing rule, are provided solely for context and do not imply that any regulator has reviewed, endorsed, or approved this content. Past performance is not indicative of, and does not guarantee, future results.

Sources

• Abacus Wealth – How to Have a Monthly Money Meeting With Your Partner: https://abacuswealth.com/love-and-money-how-to-have-a-monthly-money-meeting-with-your-partner/​
• YNAB – Financial Intimacy: The Budget Meeting Date Night: https://www.ynab.com/blog/financial-intimacy-the-budget-meeting​
• Financial Bliss Coach – Money Date Agenda: https://www.financialblisscoach.com/moneydates​
• Charles Schwab – How to Plan a Financial Meeting With Your Spouse: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-to-plan-financial-meeting-with-your-spouse​
• Centier Bank – Money Conversations Every Couple Should Have: https://www.centier.com/resources/articles/article-details/7-money-conversations-every-couple-should-have​
• Marriage Kids and Money – How to Create a Money Date with Your Spouse: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/podcast/how-to-throw-a-budget-party-with-your-spouse/​
• CFP Board – Must‑Have Financial Conversations Before Moving in Together: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/financial-topics/articles/planning-for-couples/must-have-financial-conversations-in-your-relationship​
• JPMorgan Chase – Couples Money Map (Financial Journal for Couples): https://www.jpmorganchase.com/content/dam/jpmc/jpmorgan-chase-and-co/documents/financial-journal-couples.pdf​
• Money Maven Financial – Weekly Partner Check‑Ins: https://www.moneymavenfinancial.com/blog/weekly-partner-check-in-aka-how-to-talk-to-your-partner-about-money​
• SEC – Investment Adviser Marketing Final Rule: https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/final/2020/ia-5653.pdf​
• Dechert – SEC Adopts Modernized Investment Adviser Marketing Rule: https://www.dechert.com/knowledge/onpoint/2020/12/sec-adopts-modernized-investment-adviser-marketing-rule-governin.html​

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