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	<title>Better Relationships &#187; FINANCES</title>
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	<link>https://www.better-relationships.com</link>
	<description>Marriage &#38; Couples Counseling, Psychotherapy, Premarital Counseling</description>
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		<title>Money Troubles? How to Understand Your Relationship with Money</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/money-troubles-how-to-understand-your-relationship-with-money/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/money-troubles-how-to-understand-your-relationship-with-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:18:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[household finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spending habits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4205</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We each have a unique relationship with money. Though not everyone recognizes the connection, there is a direct line between how you feel about money and your financial tendencies. Not only does your relationship with money influence financial decisions but it also plays a role in your self-worth. Thus, making it a topic worth exploring. Especially since money affects most areas of your life. When you understand your relationship with money, you can then begin to change it, allowing money to have a more healthy impact on your life. Consider these ideas for understanding your relationship with money and changing your financial future. Reflect on What Influences Your Relationship Money We’ve all had people and events in our lives that influence our relationship with money in both positive and negative ways. For example, did you have a parent that always seemed to be spending money, without any limits? Or did you experience an event that caused financial distress in your life? One event that has had a big impact in this regard is the 2008 financial crisis and recession. Research is showing that Millennials now make more conservative financial decisions because of the influence of the financial crisis. This can be both positive and negative. It means that many of us are more likely to save money. But we also may be more averse to taking major life steps such as buying a home or starting a family. Consider Your Philosophy Towards Money Once you have done some mindful reflection on your financial influences, locate within yourself some basic information, such as whether you’re a saver or a spender. This is actually an easy answer to retrieve. Simply open the books and analyze your saving and spending patterns. For example: Review your credit card statements to understand what you choose to charge. Log into your 401k/Roth IRA to see how much money you have saved. Assess your status regarding debt. (Home, car, student loans, etc.) Examine where your cash is going. (Eating out, shopping, tech gear, etc.) If this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Plenty of online tools are available now [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>How Looking At Your Past Can Create Business Success Today</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-looking-at-your-past-can-create-business-success-today/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-looking-at-your-past-can-create-business-success-today/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2018 00:15:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SALARY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finacial success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leardership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[succes in business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Everyone has a past. Our histories inform who we are, often impacting the decisions we make in the present. However, what happens when your past becomes a barrier to creating today&#8217;s business success? This is an important question to consider as you build your business. Believe it or not, the obstacles that you face in reaching your goals are not always the ones in front of you. Instead, the choices you make today can be also be influenced by the long shadow that you carry behind you. And these choices can make or break your business. That’s why it’s important to look at your past when trying to create business success today. Embrace Lessons Learned in the Past Think about some examples from your past or lessons you learned that have continued to influence you today. For example, let’s say that you were shy as a child. Maybe you learned to be shy because you found it hard to trust others. You discovered that when you told someone a secret, they didn’t keep it to themselves. Instead, they told the whole class, embarrassing you in the process. Ultimately, you learned to keep to yourself. However, when running a business you often need to interact and trust other people, and speak openly and with authority. While this may be hard for you to do now, there are effective ways of dealing with shyness, mistrust and other underlying issues. How Experiences Shape Who You Are Humans usually make decisions based on what has occurred in their past. This makes sense when you think about it. If you touch a pot that has been sitting on a hot stove, you learn quickly not to touch it again until it is cool. The same is true when attempting to create business success. For example, let’s say that you learned early-on about taking risks. You were the child that loved to climb trees or explore the woods near the neighborhood. Now, as a business owner, you feel comfortable taking risks (especially calculated ones) if they can improve your bottom line. This didn’t come out of [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Should We Move In Together &#8211; (12) Questions</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/should-we-move-in-together-12-questions/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/should-we-move-in-together-12-questions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2018 23:22:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMITMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finding happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[living together]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust in relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Many couples take the big step of moving in together without first considering the full ramification of the decision. When you started dating, you most likely each had your own space to live. Now, though, you will be sharing a space together. How you both communicate, resolve conflict, and deal with emotional and day-to-day stress are important considerations. That’s why it’s crucial to have several discussion about this big decision. Consider these (12) questions: 1. How Do We Get Along? This is a question you might not have considered before, but it’s still important. How do you both get along with each other on a day-to-day basis? Are you fairly agreeable with one another or is there conflict? Remember that you will be living with each other—and seeing each other—a lot. 2. Do We Communicate Effectively? The next question to ask is whether or not your communication skills are effective as a couple. It’s easy to sit on the couch together watching TV while making small-talk. Yet, effective communication requires listening, understanding, and problem-solving. Most especially, it requires that you have empathy for the other person. 3. Have We Practiced Problem-Solving Together? What’s the biggest problem you have had together? Were you both satisfied with the results? Knowing how to problem-solve is an important skill for any couple. There are always challenges that arise when sharing a home together. Consider how you each approach solving problems individually and as a couple. If you are unsure, then it’s time to put yourselves in some test situations. For instance, if you haven’t already done so, go on a trip together or plan a dinner party, and see what happens. 4. How Do We Cope with Stress? Another benefit of placing yourselves in challenging situations is learning how you cope with stress. Again, this includes you both as individuals and as a couple. Does one of you get angry while the other shuts down? How do you communicate your stress to each other, if at all? Think about specific situations and how you might handle them. For example, what if one of you gets [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Financial Disagreements: 3 Keys to Avoid Them Destroying Your Relationship</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/financial-disagreements-3-keys-to-avoid-them-destroying-your-relationship/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/financial-disagreements-3-keys-to-avoid-them-destroying-your-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:16:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ARGUMENTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SALARY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial disagreements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[householed finances]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3962</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s an old saying that goes, “Money is the root of all evil.” While money may not be responsible for all the problems a couple may have, it’s definitely a double-edged sword. Although money can empower couples to make their own decisions, it also can cause financial disagreements and drive couples apart. Every couple has disagreements. They go hand-in-hand with any relationship. However, financial disagreements can be a particularly difficult problem. In fact, money matters and differing viewpoints regarding finances are at the top of the list of reason why couples separate or divorce. To avoid letting this issue destroy your relationship, consider these three important key points. 1. Communicate Early and Often About Finances Like with everything else in a relationship, communication is also key when it comes to finances. Even when in the dating phase, it is helpful to talk about money. Regardless of which stage you are in a relationship, consider applying these ideas: Know whether or not your partner has significant debt. Get a clear understanding of your income, expenses, and debt. Create a household budget together and stick to it. Review the household finances together, at least monthly. If considering a major purchase, review all of the information and discuss it before making a decision. When a financial decision requires a lot of work, divide tasks. Then, report back to each other with your findings. Make it a regular habit to talk about the family finances. This ensures both of you are engaged and have a voice when it comes to money matters. 2. Work Together to Prepare for the Future Together, envision where you see yourselves at 10, 20, or 30 years down the road. Do you want to have children? Are you interested in taking an extended trip? Or do you want to purchase a second home? As you discuss these things, are both your visions in alignment? If not, then you both may have some work to do. Remember that not every couple is going to align on every major issue. Some disagreement should be expected. Yet, you both should be in [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>The Positive Impact of Premarital Counseling – 7 Ways Your Relationship Can Benefit</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/the-positive-impact-of-premarital-counseling-7-ways-your-relationship-can-benefit/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/the-positive-impact-of-premarital-counseling-7-ways-your-relationship-can-benefit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2018 01:38:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMITMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUPLES THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIP THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[couples counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[premarital counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wedding plans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3957</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many couples consider premarital counseling as something for those who really don’t know what they want out of a marriage. Yet, that is far from the truth. In reality, premarital counseling should be a prerequisite for any couple looking to get married. How can it benefit and strengthen your relationship? #1: Refining Communication Skills Knowing how to communicate effectively is a never-ending challenge in most aspects of life. Even for people who are already experienced communicators, marriage poses its unique communication challenges. Some potential problem areas include: Listening Skills: While your partner can repeat what you just said, you still don’t feel that they heard you. Can you openly discuss your ideas, thoughts and feelings without being criticized? Do you have effective conflict resolution skills? Do you keep fighting about the same thing? Do you fight fair? What topics do you agree on and what do you fight about? Do you expect your partner to know what you’re thinking or feeling? (aka ‘mind-reading’) #2: Aligning Your Outlooks on Life Premarital counseling helps partners determine if their overall goals and outlooks on marriage are, in general, compatible and if not, is change feasible? Things to consider include: Lifestyle differences: Talk together about this example: One partner is energetic, socially active and fantasizes about running for public office. The other partner is more introverted and prefers a much quieter lifestyle. Could this couple be happy together? Are you both willing to accommodate the other’s points of view? What will happen if she or he cannot change? Who has more influence now and does this need to change after marriage? How are decisions made? Do you enjoy some of the same activities? If not, are you willing to try to participate in what your partner enjoys? Are both of you content with the amount of time you have to relax? Are you free to spend some time apart and enjoy your own friends and hobbies? Is your partner responsible for your happiness, and if so, how will he or she do that? The dating process helps with sorting out some of these issues. [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>When She Earns More Money Than Him – How Will The Relationship Be Affected?</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/when-she-earns-more-money-than-him-how-will-the-relationship-be-affected/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/when-she-earns-more-money-than-him-how-will-the-relationship-be-affected/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2018 02:44:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ARGUMENTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUPLES THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FINANCES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SALARY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[household income]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power struggles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salary]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3952</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to who the breadwinner is in the family, times are changing. According to the Pew Research Center, in 1960, 11% of American families had a woman as the primary wage earner. Today, that number has climbed to 40%. This change in gender roles can have an impact on relationships. How so? A New World but Old Egos Remain In the modern world, many aspects of society that were considered “traditional” have been upended. Often, this is for the better. Interestingly, though, many men hold onto old notions of what it means to be the primary breadwinner. Even if they have forward-thinking views on other issues, this particular matter may still hold fast. Why? It is because many men are holding onto older concepts of what it is to be a man. Plus, ego comes into play. Regardless of gender, jobs and how much money one earns are connected to ego. Work becomes a significant factor for how one defines themselves as a person. Defining Your Own Relationship It is important for couples to focus more on what is important for their relationship rather than societal conventions. Feeling that you have to fit into some kind of mold or strict definition can only cause stress in the relationship. Rather, sit down together and have an honest dialogue. Especially, discuss finances and how they affect your household. Remember, one of the major causes couples cite when it comes to divorce is disagreeing about money. Creating an Equal Relationship When ‘she’ makes more money than ‘he’ does, one of the issues that arise is the perceived difference in power. ‘He’ can feel he has less power when ‘she’ makes significantly more money. This is particularly true when it comes to making financial decisions. However, when partners openly discuss their concerns, it&#8217;s easier to: agree on who pays which household bills divide chores in a way that is equitable for both partners make major financial decisions, such as home buying or investments, together. Of course, both partners want to be able to contribute to the success of the household and the [&#8230;]]]></description>
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