|
|
Welcome to Montana Couples
Connection! Before, or when, your relationship gets rocky. . . Dr. Jana Staton is repeating her popular video seminar and study group for therapists Sat. Jan. 21 & 28, 2012
Marriage Therapy - A Research Based Approach Based on the Work of Dr. John Gottman
Click on
the Events and classes button to the left for info and flier The Montana
Couples Connection website is for all couples committed to a serious, intimate relationship. What makes relationships
work over a lifetime? What real dangers erode love? What skills help couples get through the tough times?
Here you can find practical knowledge that you can use every day. We offer assistance in strengthening couple relationships,
tips and ideas, links, and information about local programs, classes, and counseling for couples in Western Montana. Our mission is to serve all couples who are committed
to a serious, intimate relationship, formally married or not. We also offers information and services to individuals who are
seeking knowledge and relationship skills to improve their current or future relationships. The philosophy of marriage
& relationship education is straightforward and simple: the more you can learn about the skills that successful couples
actually use, the better your relationship will be. Now, for the first time, the knowledge and practical strategies that couples
need are being taught, geared to the life-cycle: -- what makes relationships work over a lifetime, what are the real dangers
that erode love, what skills help couples get through the tough times. This is practical knowledge that couples can put to
use right away The Montana Couples Connection is an independent association of local relationship educators and couples
counselors and is not affiliated with any organization or religious institutions. We offer classes and materials to the public,
for community organizations and agencies, and for various faith congregations. THIS PAGE WILL SOON BE DEVOTED TO OUR PARTNER AND REFERAL
CONNECTIONS. Check out our HOT TIPS and HOT TOPICS pages for good topical information.
|
Couples and Money More on Couples and Money Tips from Talking Money, by Jean Chatzky, regular Money Magazine and Today
Show contributor: Track Spending — A budget,
which includes tracking spending, is the only way to really know where your money is going. Agree to Disagree
— Come up with spending and savings goals and guidelines for your joint assets, then let your partner manage their own
spending money. Come up with spending and savings goals and guidelines for your joint assets, then let your partner
manage their own spending money. Designate a Bill Payer — One of you is likely better at day-to-day management
of household expenses. It's okay to designate this person as bill payer, but the other person should be involved, know
what needs to be done, and how to do it. One of you is likely better at day-to-day management of household expenses.
It's okay to designate this person as bill payer, but the other person should be involved, know what needs to be done,
and how to do it.
Couples and Money Psychologists say many people will talk about anything, even sex, before they'll talk about their finances.
Why is it so difficult to talk about money? Perhaps because money symbolizes different things to different people: power,
control, security, or love, for instance. But you CAN live happily ever after, if you work at not letting financial issues
come between you. Here are some tips for twosomes: Neutral
Zone: Don't wait until your spouse has charged up a credit storm. Your goal is to have a calm, relaxed discussion when
there's no particular issue at hand. Give a Little / Get a Little: To encourage your partner to do the same,
volunteer feelings, experiences, hopes about money. Discuss how parents dealt with money, what money meant while growing up
and in past relationships. To encourage your partner to do the same, volunteer feelings, experiences, hopes about
money. Discuss how parents dealt with money, what money meant while growing up and in past relationships. Know
Where You Stand: You have to be honest with yourself to be honest with your partner about feelings. For example, if you're
independent, it may be hard to be "taken care of"; if you have more assets than your partner, you may resent their
carefree spending. Differences as Strengths: Couples usually differ in money-handling
philosophy – a reflection of different personalities. A financial conservative often falls in love with a "live
for the moment" type. But differences are really complementary strengths. List positive differences, and then agree to
use them to keep the family boat afloat. Bring in a Third Party: If you can't seem to talk about
finances, seek out a counselor to help you sort through financial issues. In Missoula, there is an excellent help available
through the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, 543-1188.
Read about other issues on the Montana Couples Connection blog by clicking on date archives above. key words: stress, money, finances, marriage, counseling, couples, fighting, training, licensed,
resources, skills, Missoula, Montana
|
|
We will make changes to this site on a regular basis, sharing events news, useful information, new
resources, ...whatever occurs to us. Check back often!
 |
|
|
|
Most recent posts to the weblog:
|
|
|
