Instructions:

This activity is designed to help you and your partner explore your feelings and beliefs about money, both individually and as a couple. Each of you should answer the questions privately on your own, without discussing your responses initially. Once both of you have completed the questions, plan a 30-minute meeting to share and discuss your answers together. The goal is to foster an open and honest dialogue about your financial goals, challenges, and beliefs to strengthen your understanding of each other’s perspectives on money.

Important: Be as honest as possible in your answers. Honesty is the key to getting to the root of where you truly stand with money. When you face the facts, you gain the power to make real changes. Through this activity you'll uncover the true drivers of your financial beliefs and behaviors, paving the way for meaningful growth and transformation. This is your chance to confront and understand your financial reality so that together, you can create the changes you desire.

Part 1: Personal Reflection Questions

1. What are your top three short-term financial goals (within the next year)?

   Why are these goals important to you, and how do you plan to achieve them?

2. What are your top three long-term financial goals (5-10 years from now)?

   Describe how you envision your financial future, including where you want to be financially and what milestones you hope to reach.

3. When someone mentions money, what are the first three words that come to mind?

   Reflect on why these words came to mind and what they reveal about your relationship with money.

4. Do you feel like you have a good relationship with money? Why or why not?

   Think about your past experiences, habits, and beliefs that shape your current relationship with money.

5. How did your upbringing influence your beliefs about money?

   Consider how your parents or guardians handled money and the messages you received about money growing up.

6. What is your biggest financial fear?

   Describe how this fear affects your daily life and decision-making around finances.

7. What is your definition of financial success?

   Is it tied to a specific income, lifestyle, or sense of security? Explain what financial success means to you personally.

8. How comfortable are you with debt, and why?

   Discuss your views on using credit, loans, or other forms of debt to manage finances or achieve goals.

9. What emotions do you associate with spending money and saving money?

   Reflect on the feelings that come up when you make a purchase or set money aside for savings.

10. How do you handle financial setbacks or unexpected expenses?

    Think about how you typically react to financial challenges and what strategies you use to cope with them.

11. How do you feel about budgeting? Would you be open to creating a budget to help lighten the stress or worry around money?

    Explore your thoughts on budgeting and whether you see it as a helpful tool or a constraint.

Part 2: Partner Reflection Questions

1. How do you think your partner feels about money?

   Describe what you believe are your partner’s financial attitudes, including their comfort level with spending, saving, and discussing finances.

2. What do you think your partner’s short-term and long-term financial goals are?

   Reflect on your partner’s goals and how they align or differ from your own.