We’ve all heard the saying, “Love is blind,” but when your partner’s spending habits start resembling a runaway train, it’s hard to keep your eyes shut. Money troubles can turn even the sweetest relationship into a stress-fest if not handled right. But don’t worry! If your partner isn’t great with money, there are ways to navigate the situation without turning into their personal accountant. Let’s dive into some fun, relatable ways to approach this delicate subject!

1. Don’t Be the Budget Police

Nobody likes a nag, and if you constantly hound your partner about every dollar they spend, it’s not going to help. Instead of micromanaging, start by having an open and honest conversation. Explain how their financial decisions are affecting both of you. It’s about creating a dialogue, not starting a dictatorship.

Relatable Moment: It’s like when they keep buying avocado toast every weekend and you’re thinking, “That could be our vacation fund!” But instead of freaking out, you just casually ask, “So… how do you feel about making some of those at home?”

2. Set Financial Goals Together

Make saving a team effort! You’re in this relationship together, so why not create shared financial goals? Whether it’s saving for a trip, a house, or just reducing debt, setting targets together makes managing money less of a chore and more of a mutual mission.

Relatable Moment: Picture this: You’re dreaming of a beach vacation, and they’re eyeing the latest gadgets. The compromise? Set a goal for the vacation first, and when you hit it, you can splurge a little on that tech toy they’ve been eyeing.

3. Lead by Example

If your partner isn’t great with money, don’t just tell them what to do—show them! You don’t have to rub your pristine savings account in their face, but casually demonstrate good financial habits. You can set up automatic savings or show them the benefits of budgeting apps without being overbearing.

Relatable Moment: You’re at the store and instead of impulsively grabbing that extra shirt, you say, “You know what? Let me think about this purchase.” Next time, they might just do the same (or at least think about it before swiping).

4. Create a Fun Budget

“Budget” is not the most exciting word in the dictionary, but who says budgeting has to be boring? Create a “fun money” category that gives you both some freedom. This way, your partner doesn’t feel restricted, and you can avoid those surprise Amazon packages showing up at the door every other day.

Relatable Moment: You set aside a specific amount for “fun spending.” So when your partner decides to go on a spontaneous sushi spree, they’re just dipping into their “fun” cash, and you’re not left panicking about rent!

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Everyone has a financial vice. Maybe they love eating out, or perhaps they’re always the first to pick up the latest gadget. Instead of expecting an overnight transformation, celebrate the small wins. If they used to blow through their paycheck in a week and now they’ve stretched it to two, that’s progress!

Relatable Moment: It’s like when they skip the daily coffee run for a week and brew at home instead. Sure, they might splurge on a Saturday latte, but hey, that’s a win!

6. Be Their Money Cheerleader

If your partner’s making an effort to improve their finances, be their biggest supporter! Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrate when they stick to a budget or manage to save a little extra. Being each other’s cheerleader can turn financial discussions from tense to motivating.

Relatable Moment: When they manage to save a chunk of their paycheck for the first time, give them a high five or surprise them with a homemade dinner. It’s all about reinforcing the good behavior!

7. Split Responsibilities

If handling money is stressful for your partner, take on the responsibilities they struggle with. Maybe they’re great at meal planning but terrible at saving. You can handle the savings, while they ensure you don’t spend too much on takeout. It’s about balance!

Relatable Moment: You divide the bills—literally. They handle groceries and entertainment, and you take care of utilities and savings. It keeps things fair without making them feel overwhelmed.

8. Talk About the Future

Sometimes, being bad with money stems from not thinking about the future. If your partner is more of a “live in the moment” type, sit down and talk about your future goals. Whether it’s buying a home, starting a family, or traveling the world, discussing these dreams may motivate them to get serious about saving.

Relatable Moment: You’re both watching a movie where the couple buys a cute house, and you pause and say, “Hey, that could be us someday if we start saving a little more now.” It plants the seed without being too pushy.

9. Seek Professional Help (Together)

If money is a major stress point in your relationship, consider seeing a financial advisor or coach together. Having a neutral third party help you navigate finances can take the pressure off both of you and create a structured plan that works.

Relatable Moment: It’s like going to couples therapy, but for your wallet. You both get advice tailored to your specific habits, and neither of you feels like the bad guy.

10. Remember: No One’s Perfect

At the end of the day, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Your partner might be bad with money, but they could be incredible at something else—whether it’s emotional support, cooking, or making you laugh when you need it most. Focus on working through money issues together as a team, and don’t forget why you’re with them in the first place.

Relatable Moment: Yes, they blew a little too much on a shopping spree, but they also bought you that random gift just because they thought you’d love it. Sometimes, it’s about finding balance between financial responsibility and enjoying life together.

Handling a partner who’s not great with money can be tricky, but with communication, compromise, and a dash of humor, it’s something you can definitely navigate. Plus, who knows? Maybe they’ll inspire you to loosen up a bit, while you help them tighten the purse strings.