Your New Favorite Date Night: The Money Date


The end of the month is here. For some, that might mean a sigh of relief, while for others, it’s a moment of dread. Are you still sifting through receipts, wondering, "Which budget category should this purchase go into?" Are you and your spouse playing detective, trying to remember what you bought from Target on the 5th that cost $34.26? Or maybe you’re asking, "Do we even have a budget or spending plan? And how can it even help us?"

If any of this sounds familiar, don't worry—you're not alone. But I'm here to tell you that it's the perfect time for something truly transformative: a money date.

What Exactly Is a Money Date?


A money date isn't about rigid spreadsheets and stressful interrogations. Think of it as a dedicated, intentional time for you and your partner to connect over your finances. It's about teamwork, transparency, and aligning your financial future.

This is your opportunity to:

  • Review this month's budget: See where your money went, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement. If you're wondering where to start, check out How to make a Budget: 5 Steps to Create a Personal Money Plan.

  • Plan next month's budget: Proactively decide how you want to allocate your income to reach your goals.

  • Get on the same page: No more financial detective work alone! This is where you work together to recall purchases and assign them to categories.


Why Have a Money Date?


  • Clarity and Control: When you actively track your money, you gain a clear picture of your financial health. This empowers you to make intentional decisions rather than letting money just slip through your fingers.

  • Reduced Stress: Money arguments are one of the leading causes of relationship strain. Regular money dates reduce tension by fostering open communication and shared understanding.

  • Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: You’re a team in life, and your finances are no exception. A money date reinforces your partnership, ensuring you’re both pulling in the same direction towards common goals.

  • Achieve Your Goals Faster: Whether it’s saving for a down payment, paying off debt, funding a family vacation, or building a retirement nest egg, a budget is your roadmap. Money dates ensure you’re consistently following that map.

Free Budgeting Apps/Tools for Couples:

  • Honeydue: Specifically designed for couples.

  • Goodbudget: Uses the envelope system, which can be great for visual budgeting.

  • EveryDollar: A popular zero-based budgeting app (free version available).

  • YNAB (You Need A Budget): A powerful zero-based budgeting tool, great for joint finances (paid, but often offers free trials).

How to Have a Successful Money Date


  1. Seek God's Direction Together: As you plan your finances Pray together. Ask for wisdom and discernment in how you manage the resources entrusted to you. Discuss your giving goals, and seek guidance on how your financial decisions can honor your values and support causes you care about. Inviting God into your financial conversations can bring immense clarity, peace, and purpose to your budgeting efforts. For more guidance, consider from Focus on the Family, Marriage and Money: What Does God expect?

  2. Schedule It & Stick To It: Pick a consistent time – weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly – that works for both of you. Put it on the calendar just like any other important appointment.

  3. Choose the Right Atmosphere: Make it comfortable. Grab some coffee, a favorite snack, or even light a candle. This isn't a lecture; it's a collaborative session.

  4. Gather Your Tools: Have all your financial information handy: bank statements, credit card statements, your budgeting app or spreadsheet, and a pen and paper. Those on Pinterest offer some good options for "Couples Budget Template Printable".

  5. Start with Gratitude & Vision: Begin by acknowledging what you do have. Then, talk about your dreams. What are you hoping to achieve financially as a couple? Keeping your shared vision at the forefront makes the numbers feel less daunting.

  6. Review, Adjust, Plan:

  • Review: Look at your spending from the past period. Be honest and non-judgmental. If you overspent in a category, discuss why and what you can do differently next time.

  • Adjust: Life happens! Your budget isn't set in stone. Adjust categories as needed for unexpected expenses or changing priorities.

  • Plan: Allocate funds for the upcoming period. This is where you decide where every dollar will go before you spend it.

  1. End on a Positive Note: Always conclude your money date with encouragement, appreciation for each other’s efforts, and perhaps even a plan for how you’ll celebrate a financial win, big or small!


A budget isn’t about restriction; it’s about freedom. It’s about intentionality. And when you tackle it together, with open hearts and a willingness to seek wisdom, it becomes a powerful tool for building the life you both dream of. So, when is your next money date?

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