Uber Frugal Month: Day 8

Today marks a major accomplishment -- our emergency fund is complete and now we are saving towards financial independence (FI)! This is pretty exciting, considering a few short months ago we were struggling to get the mortgage payment in on time!!!

The UFM challenge today is about bringing your partner on board.

Today’s mantra: First, establish shared life goals with your partner. Set your priorities and your money will follow.

Today’s action: Talk about money with your partner--not just today, but on a regular basis.
I think this is a key component to why we are starting to be more successful at the big goals. We were never working against each other, but we never really talked about these things together. Mo assumed I would handle everything, I assumed Mo knew where we stood financially and otherwise.We were both wrong.

Now that we have set up our life goals (Our major shared goals: 1-Live where we love, and 2- Spend a life in nature. Plus or personal but complementary goals: Me- be a scientist, and Mo- pursue personal creative pursuits), we are both more focused on achieving them. It's easier to support each other instead of accidentally undermining each other and ourselves.

I'm the more organized and goal oriented person in the relationship. I am also the natural number cruncher. Mo is the creative problem solver and the enabler. By turning her enabling powers to our goals, she helps keep me on track when temptations beckon. I make sure she stays focused on the goals by sharing info often and in small bites that don't bore her. This is working so much better for us!