Today we are continuing the discussion between the couple. Later there is value for a full family discussion.
The first things for the couple to do is for each to reflect on some negative attitudes about money and finances that each gets from his or her early family experience. Was money something that was not discussed as a family? Was it a source of argument? Did member of the family try to hide their spending patterns? Did a member of the family create a major crisis in the family by being foolish with money? Look back at your family and make note of what you saw and then talk about how that has impacted your own attitudes and behaviors in your current family.
Once that discussion has been held, move to discussing what type of values and attitudes you want to develop for your current family. Think of it as trying to create a family financial biography from which your children will develop their own values and attitudes about money. What do you want them to see in your family life that will create a healthy attitude towards the role of money in their future families?
Out of that discussion, try to identify 5-6 values and practices that you would most want your children to inherit from their experience growing up in the family.
