The Couple's Guide to Love & Money (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) (Paperback)

by Jonathan Rich (Author) "There are lots of books around to tell you what to do with your money..." (more)
Key Phrases: Some Problem, Annual Savings, Just Right (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The making and sharing of money is a loaded issue for every couple. A Citibank survey found financial issues to be the primary reason for divorce, but in this practical guide, clinical psychologist Jonathan Rich shows partners how to avoid finance-based conflicts and make negotiating money matters both pleasurable and productive. Section One starts with a self-assessment quiz to help readers determine their own "money personality" from categories such as "gambler," "banker," "homesteader," "pioneer," "spartan," or "monarch." Working from this foundation, the couple can learn to navigate differences in money-management styles and effectively negotiate financial matters. Section Two focuses on strategies for growing money. Quizzes and exercises reinforce these concepts and make learning them fun. A final section helps readers decide when to seek professional financial help. 20 worksheets are included.

From the Publisher
This book is for readers who feel that their primary relationship is plagued with money differences or difficulties and for marriage and family therapists helping couples with such issues. Conflict over money can be disastrous for couples but is often given short shrift in financial guides directed to them. Ours is a true self-help guide that offers essential and active steps to help couples achieve strong psychological insights into their own money personalities, navigate thoses differences, and improve communications around this hot button issue.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572243112
• ISBN-13: 978-1572243118
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,346 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing strategies for prosperity and intimacy, October 24, 2003

By	Kim Goldman, Psy.D. (Riverside, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

Too many self-help books offer vague "positive
thinking" advice. Not so with this one. Virtually
every type of financial conflict is addressed in these
pages, and the reader is given fun, interesting, and
effective ways to specifically address problems, gain
insight, and to start a mutual creative path toward
prosperity. The book is filled with real-life stories
of couples with conflicts over money - it's impossible
to go through it without finding situations that you
can perfectly identify with. One section provides a
method for weighing the value of your time - this
section allowed me to make a compelling case to my
husband that hiring occasional household help would
actually help rather than hurt our bottom line! Even
though my marriage is strong, I could still find many
tips which were powerful and effective for moving us
forward financially.
As a psychologist, I frequently see clients facing
the types of problems discussed in this book. I'm
delighted that this volume exists as a resource for
them, one that I'm glad to refer them to. This book
is strongly recommended for any couple, or for any
professional who counsels or advises couples.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Financial Advice with a Heart, March 24, 2003

By A Customer

This book provides useful, unique perspectives about dealing with money as a couple. It is written in a personable style and, unlike a lot of personal finance books, it's fun to read. The book exactly pinpointed my own and my husband's financial styles, and then gave insightful and practical suggestions about how to work together effectively without arguing. I loved the "Shared Dreams" chapter. The author explains that you can accomplish far greater things by working together as a couple than by working individually or at odds with each other. This is a great book, not just for couples that are having money problems or money-related arguments, but also for couples that want to reach higher financial ground. After going through the book with my husband, I feel we understand each other much better, and have a clearer vision of our future together. I LOVED this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any couple.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book with practical, step-by-step advice for real couples!, January 10, 2007

By	Mari Smith "MariSmith.com - Social Media Cons... (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews

This great workbook is one of my top picks for my clients - couples working on money issues. Jonathan's useful and validated assessment creates much fodder for in-depth discussions on differences around money.

Couples can finally get off the blame wagon and start to really understand why they each operate the way they do around money. My husband and I enjoyed the fresh perspectives for our own marriage too! ;)

Jonathan measures three different "Money Personality" dimensions: Risk-taking, Lifestyle and Dependence. He goes on to dispense useful suggestions for real-life applications - managing spending and debt, work, investments, savings, insurance and financial planning.

The Couple's Guide to Love & Money is among my favorite money book collection. Other titles include: Money Harmony by Olivia Mellan, The Secret Meaning of Money by Cloe Madanes, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People by Jane Bryant Quinn.

Cheers,
Mari Smith
Couples and Money Specialist
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