TERRE HAUTE —
Combine the expectation of divorce for new couples hovering around 50 percent with a variety of studies that suggest money is the most divisive topic for couples, and you get a formula for disaster. But one expert thinks it doesn’t have to be that way.
Jane Honeck, CPA and author of “The Problem With Money? It’s Not About the Money” believes that while a SmartMoney Magazine survey revealed that 70 percent of all couples talk about money at least once a week, the communication isn’t very effective. Honeck, who specializes in tax and financial planning for professionals, small businesses and individuals, has some good advice that can help couples make arguments about money a thing of the past.
“Focusing on an overall vision and money plan will keep both of you moving in the same direction,” she said. “Once you have done that, the small everyday decisions about what to spend your money on take care of themselves with little or no effort. When we have clear communication and know why we do something, the ‘what to do’ with our money is easy.”
Honeck’s tips include:
Talk, talk talk. Money like sex is still a taboo topic and we often don’t have a clear idea about how our partner thinks or feels about money.
Find balance. Balance power around money. One person making all the decisions and having all the control is a recipe for disaster. Find ways for you both to be equally engaged in all money decisions.
Make decisions. Decide together what is mine, yours and ours. Most couples have their own hybrid system for what works best. Find the one that is best for both of you.
Define your system. Have a clearly defined money management system all the way from who handles the mail to who sends out the checks. Without a well thought-out operational plan, things fall through the cracks.
Address problems. When things get tough, address problems immediately (no secrets allowed). Avoiding the issue only makes it more toxic and drives a wedge in the relationship.
Perform checkups. Schedule an annual money checkup with each other. Things change and just like our physical health, money management needs an annual checkup to keep it healthy and relevant.
Talk a little more. Talk, talk and talk some more. The most important thing is to have open communication with no blame and shame. We all have hang-ups around money. Treat your partner with compassion.
“At the end of the day, couples need not argue about money,” Honeck added. “And it’s not just about communication. It’s about making a plan, and sticking to it together. Information gives you power over your finances. Not talking about them, not making a plan and not coordinating as a team makes you a victim of your finances. If you control your finances, they will never control you or your marriage.”
Business
Author offers money managing tips to couples
- Business
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- RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS: May 21, 2012
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EYE ON THE PIE: Use to be close tie between output, employment
Crusty Crawford joined our lunch table with a pronouncement. “We’ve always assumed a close tie between output and employment,” he said. No one responded.
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Employer opinions sought on students
A joint venture between Ready Indiana and the Indiana Department of Education is seeking employer input that will impact how Hoosier high school students are equipped for the workforce.
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Carlisle prison marks 20th anniversary
2012 marks the 20th year of service for the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, going on line with its first offenders Dec. 10, 1992.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Why young workers should care about Social Security
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BUSINESS CENTS: Does your staff understand pricing?
Many companies feel as though their staff will follow instructions and implement price strategies as instructed.
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Valley Child Development Center receives grant
Valley Child Development Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Terre Haute Day Nursery Foundation through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation.
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Exec offers advice on becoming startup entrepreneur
Sam Clemens, chief product officer of Cambridge, Mass., startup company Insight Squared, gave Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students insight on how to develop a startup business.
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Newsmakers: May 20, 2012
Leland Phipps, family practice physician at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center, has been re-elected to membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Alumna to serve as VP for Rose-Hulman Ventures
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumna Elizabeth M. Hagerman is returning to her alma mater to serve as vice president for Rose-Hulman Ventures, the institute’s successful innovation space that has spawned careers and entrepreneurial enterprises throughout Indiana.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Oil drops to lowest level in 6 months
The price of oil dropped to a six-month low Tuesday on concern that economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude.
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Adidas initiative: ISU students develop business improvement process at facility
As Indiana State University students cruised Interstate 70 on Friday afternoons from Terre Haute to Indianapolis, they were looking forward to reaching their destination.
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BUSINESS BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
An evening of networking and education for Clark, Crawford and Edgar counties regarding branding, marketing and tourism development opportunities is planned for 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Heath Museum on the square in downtown Robinson.
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Wendy’s partners with Riley Hospital
For just $2, customers at participating Wendy’s restaurants in the Evansville/Terre Haute area can get free Jr. Frosty desserts through Dec. 31 while supporting Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.
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Marshall Chamber to stage annual golf outing
The Marshall (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce invites golfers to its annual golf outing scheduled for June 8 at the Marshall Golf Course.
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ON THE MOVE: May 13, 2012
McKenze Rogers has joined Williams Randall as an account supervisor.
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Seminar teaches seniors to fight fraud
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Potential Medicare savings for mom
Given the current economic climate, buying a nice gift for Mother’s Day may be more difficult than in years past.
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‘Best Places to Work’ honored at banquet
Companies raising the bar with their workplace practices were recognized on May 3 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
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NEWSMAKERS: May 13, 2012
Susi Willis, CPA and partner in Larsson Woodyard & Henson, LLP, was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Indiana CPA Society at its annual CPA Celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
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Indiana Rail Road wins Family-Friendly Award
The Indiana Rail Road Co. has won the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s “Family-Friendly Business Award” for 2012 based on the company’s highly successful employee wellness program.
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Government cuts summer gasoline price forecast
The government says gasoline will be cheaper this summer than previously expected thanks to a drop in the price of oil.
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Mall operator becomes biggest real estate company
The nation’s largest shopping mall operator is now also the country’s largest real estate company.
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Dealership to celebrate first year
The 500 Automotive Group in Clinton will celebrate its first year in business with an big birthday bash at the dealership on Friday and Saturday.
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EYE ON THE PIE: Compensation levels did not cause the recession
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Old National begins year with strong first quarter
Old National Bancorp reported 1st quarter net income of $21.7 million, or $0.23 per share.
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Enroll in disaster preparedness class
The University of Illinois Extension is offering a disaster preparedness course on May 23 for Clark, Crawford and Edgar county businesses called Ready Business.
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Newsmakers: May 6, 2012
• Dr. Haytham Mansour
• Terre Haute Regional Hospital
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