Playing the Game of LIFE (and Love): Why Financial Goals Matter

Playing the Game of LIFE (and Love): Why Financial Goals Matter

By Kristen Shearin, JD, CDFA On 06/01/2025

When I was a kid, I loved the board game LIFE. You know the one—hop in a plastic car, spin the wheel, pick up a spouse and a couple of peg-sized kids, and cruise through paydays, house purchases, and surprise expenses. It felt like a cheerful, colorful version of adulthood where everything kind of worked out in the end.

But in real life, money doesn’t come in tidy bills tucked under a plastic bank tray, and you don’t always end up in "Millionaire Estates." One of the biggest reasons I see couples splitting up? Money. Not just not enough money, but different priorities, different spending habits, and not enough honest communication around it.

If I could give every couple one golden rule for marriage, it would be this: insist on alignment and transparency when it comes to money. Easier said than done, right? That’s why I’ve put together a few helpful tips to get you both driving the same little plastic car down the same road.

1. Recognize Your Money Mindsets

Think of your financial style like your character in a board game. Everyone comes with their own "money personality"—usually shaped by upbringing, experiences, and values.

Here are a few common ones:

• The Saver: Loves security, hates debt, thrives on planning.
• The Spender: Lives for the now, loves to treat themselves and others.
• The Risk-Taker: Invests boldly and dreams big.
• The Security-Seeker: Needs predictability and stable footing.

Understanding each other’s mindset is step one. If you're playing two different games—Monopoly vs. Scrabble—you’ll always feel out of sync. But if you treat your finances like a business partnership with a clear operating agreement? Now you're in it to win it, together.

2. Communicate Like Teammates

Talking about money can be awkward. But if you’re avoiding the conversation, chances are resentment is building under the surface.

A few tips for healthy money talks:

• Schedule a “money date” once a month.
• Be honest about spending habits, debt, and dreams.
• Don’t aim to win—aim to understand and solve together.

And hey, if you're struggling to have the conversation on your own, get help. If you’d hire a plumber to fix your sink, or a realtor to sell your home, why not a financial expert to help you fix your money issues? Even if you’re in debt, or headed toward divorce, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® can help—and many offer a free consultation.

3. Set Shared Financial Goals

Imagine how much smoother the ride is when you both agree on the destination. Shared goals make decisions easier and help avoid detours into argument-ville.

Try setting goals like:

• Saving for a house or dream vacation.
• Paying off debt together.
• Building an emergency fund.
• Investing for retirement (or that lake house with a view!).

When you're both spinning the wheel with the same outcome in mind, it’s way easier to navigate the surprises that come your way.

4. Create a Budget That Works for Both of You

A budget isn’t a punishment—it’s your game plan. And like any good strategy, it only works when both players agree on the rules.

Here’s a couple-friendly budgeting approach:

1. Track your income and spending.
2. Identify leaks (aka “Where is all this money going?”).
3. Allocate funds for essentials, savings, and fun money.
4. Check in monthly (just like a real business would).

Budgeting together means both partners feel heard and empowered. Think of it like reviewing your team stats before the next big spin.

5. Compromise Without Sacrifice

You don't have to love every purchase your partner makes—but you should both feel respected. Create systems that give you flexibility and boundaries.

Try:

• Personal Allowances – No questions asked spending money.
• Spending Thresholds – Any purchase over X dollars? Talk it over first.
• Joint + Individual Accounts – Teamwork and autonomy.
• Trade-Offs – Want something big? What can we scale back on to make it work?

6. Tackle Debt as a Duo

Debt doesn’t just affect your credit score—it affects your connection. Being in it together changes everything.

Here’s how to team up:

• Lay all your cards (and credit statements) on the table.
• Make a joint plan to tackle it, bit by bit.

7. Respect Financial Independence

Even the best board game partners need their own moves. Independence within partnership is key to long-term happiness.

Support each other by:

• Allowing space for individual spending.
• Encouraging personal financial goals.
• Trust builds when both partners feel free and respected.

8. Bring in the Pros

Money issues don’t always go away on their own. If the conversations keep going in circles, or your budget looks more like a Jackson Pollock painting, get expert help.

Financial pros can:

• Offer neutral advice.
• Help you build personalized strategies.
• Keep small issues from turning into major conflicts.

Final Spin: Financial Harmony Is the Real Prize

Just like in the board game, there will be unexpected surprises—layoffs, windfalls, car repairs, and maybe a few babies in the backseat. But when you're spinning the wheel together, with shared goals and open communication, you're way more likely to land in "Millionaire Estates"—or at least, somewhere that feels just as good.

So pick your car, grab your co-pilot, and start mapping out a financial future that works for both of you. Because in the real game of LIFE, teamwork is everything.

Tagged with: financial planning, money and relationships, budgeting tips, couples finance, cdfa tips, divorce support, financial wellness, money communication, life planning, idfa

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