For Richer, Not Poorer - The Money Book for Couples (Paperback)

~ Ruth Hayden (Author) "I can't take much more of this," David explains..." (more)
Key Phrases: Joint Account, Same Side, Nonmonthly Choice Account (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Nationally recognized educator and author, Ruth Hayden shows couples how to improve their relationship by learning how to permanently resolve one of the biggest issues in any marriage - Money.

Money matters are some of the most difficult areas for spouses to approach in an open and honest way. They are also some of the leading causes of breakups and divorces. This innovative, life-changing book will forever improve readers' relationship as a couple by teaching them budgeting and money-management techniques that will last a lifetime. Whether readers have been together for many years, a few years or are just starting out, this book will show them how to permanently resolve all their money issues.

Its unique approach does not offer a quick fix, but, rather, an evolutionary process that will teach readers how to make their money life work in a way that fosters a strong, committed, lifelong partnership. Readers will learn how to work together in a financial partnership focused on budget and cash flow. Even as their life as a couple changes and the numbers in their budget fluctuate, readers will be able to effectively employ the methods, strategies and skills they learn in this book for a lifetime.

This book identifies the three communication responses couples use that do not work to create a long-term financial partnership, the four cornerstones of a healthy money partnership, the two absolute rules of budgeting, the three negative consequences that result from living without defined couple goals and what your mutual values are. It provides a step-by-step structure for developing a workable budget that both members of the couple are committed to emotionally and intellectually. In addition, readers will find this book readily accessible and easy to read. It presents case studies from the author's consultation practice, along with examples and step-by-step practical instructions that all readers will be able to use in their day-to-day life as a couple. The case studies will encourage readers and help them see that they are not alone; the concise, easy-to-use information will show them why thousands of couples have benefited--and continue to benefit--from the author's unique approach to money management for couples.

About the Author

RUTH L. HAYDEN is a nationally recognized educator and author based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. For the past sixteen years, she has been president of Ruth L. Hayden and Associates, her own successful consulting business, and is a member of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Her 1993 Minnesota Book-award-nominated book How to Turn Your Money Life Around is based on "Women and Money," a series of well-known classes which she has taught for twelve years. She has been quoted in numerous national periodicals including Money, Reader's Digest, Mademoiselle, Working Woman, Marriage Magazine, New York Newsday, Woman's Day, Ladies' Home Journal and Time. In addition to numerous radio guest appearances nationwide, she is a frequent commentator on Public Radio International's "Sound Money." She is also one of the experts for the new PBS series Right on the Money.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: HCI (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558747184
• ISBN-13: 978-1558747180
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #214,317 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars #1 Marriage Saver!! THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE!!!!!, April 1, 2001

By A Customer

I can not emphisize enough how this book significantly impacted my marriage and my life. My husband and I had seen marriage councelors and therapists and the arguing about money, and building resentment never really went away. By chance I happened to see an article in a local paper's bridal section about money problems in marriage. It recommended this book-which I had never heard of before. I am totally amazed that all of the trained psychologists didn't have the insight that this woman has. She takes you and your partner, step by step, through chapters with questions for both partner to answer on their own and then recommends scheduled times for meeting to discuss the answers. She gives specific guidelines and rules to keep it short and respectful of both partners. The program methodically goes through a series of questions alongside actual dialogue of several case study couples struggling with different money issues. I saw bits of my husband and I in each of the couples arguments. I saw the blaming that had them stuck, and the familiar roles of one being the "responsible" one and one being the "spend thrift"...and then I learned how and why the blame was paralyzing them and ME! My husband and I are learning through this book how we are each responsible for the quality of our marriage, and our marriage's money life. This book is full of practical steps to awareness and change. I literally feel it was an answer to a prayer.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spending plan for Two, January 4, 2003

By A Customer

This book offers detailed direction for couples to set up and follow through on money management. Many books offer a quip here or there to account for two checkbooks. This author takes you through step by step. The truth is that many households have two wage earners or at least two money handlers. Coordinating spending is difficult. I have read numerous books on this topic and this one stands out to me.
This review would have been 5 stars if more detail had been given regarding the dual income impact of online payments, automatic billing, reimbursable business expenses, etc. However, I have not found a book yet that adequately addresses these.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best budget book ever!, February 21, 2002

By	Shawn T. Oconnor "dahunter" (Menifee, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At first I was put off by the main title of this book. However, I soon realized that the title of the book wasn't talking about becoming richer materialistically as much as it is talking about your relationship!

The book starts at the real beginnings-- Your beginnings, to reflect on how you look at and value money. Then your partner and you REALLY begin to communicate about the deeper issues which have made the mere money issues break down before. Only after all of the emotions are understood do you begin to really budget in Chapter 7, and the introduction is small so as to get used to the system first. Then you get into the real meat of it quickly and finally things just start working!

I've read many budget books before, but by far this was the best one for couples.