The Family Financial Summit
A Step-by-Step Tool for Financial Harmony
Schedule the Summit
Pick a calm, neutral time. Adding it to your calendars makes it official and ensures you’re both prepared.
Identify Shared Interests
Before talking numbers, align on your shared vision. What are you working towards together? List your individual goals, then find the common ground.
Use Objective Criteria
Base decisions on data, not just opinions. Explore these lessons from financial experts to inform your plan.
Create a “Financial Treaty”
Document your agreed-upon budget. This is your shared plan for success. Sign it together to solidify your commitment.
Our Monthly Financial Treaty
| Category | Budgeted
?
BudgetedThis is your plan. Enter the amount you expect to spend or receive in this category. Strategy: Be realistic but aspirational. This column sets your financial goals for the month. |
Actual
?
ActualThis is reality. Enter the exact amount you spent or received. Strategy: Track this diligently. Use bank statements or a tracking app. Honesty here is key to learning. |
Difference
?
DifferenceThis is your report card, automatically showing the variance between your plan and reality. Strategy: A positive number means you came in under budget (great!). A negative number means you overspent. Analyze the big differences to adjust next month’s plan. |
Notes |
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