Money is a leading cause of worry and conflict for couples. Pre-marital counseling helps you discuss finances openly and honestly before you say “I do,” setting the stage for a smoother, happier future together.
What Is Pre-Marital Counseling?
Pre-marital counseling is when a couple meets with a trained helper. The helper is a trained counselor. At My Tribe Counseling, we meet with couples to talk and learn. We help couples build a strong start. We teach simple tools to solve big problems.
Why Money Causes Problems
Money touches many parts of life. People have different habits. Some save. Some spend. Some feel fear about bills. If a couple does not talk about money, small problems grow bigger. Money can make people feel alone. Talking early keeps small problems small.
How Pre-Marital Counseling Helps
1. We Make Talking About Money Easy
Talking about money can feel hard. In counseling, we teach safe ways to talk. We use simple steps. Each person gets to say what matters to them. We help you listen to each other.
2. We Teach You to Make a Plan
A plan helps everyone know what to do. We help you make a budget together. We show how to split bills and chores. A plan is like a map. It helps you stay on the same road.
3. We Set Shared Goals
Do you want a home? Do you want to save for a trip? We help you name your goals. When goals are clear, it is easier to save and plan.
4. We Help You Handle Debt
Debt can feel scary. We show respectful ways to talk about debt. We help make steps to pay it down. We make the plan fair and kind.
5. We Teach Money Skills
We teach fundamental money management skills, such as creating a bills checklist, tracking expenses, and establishing a consistent savings habit. These small skills build long-term financial strength.
6. We Build Trust
Talking and planning build trust. When trust grows, couples feel safer. When couples feel safe, they argue less and help more.
7. We Make Rules for Money Fights
We teach ways to calm down when a fight starts. We give rules to follow so fights do not get out of hand. These rules are simple and kind.
How My Tribe Counseling Helps Couples
At My Tribe Counseling, we offer many services for families and couples. We do pre-marital counseling for couples getting ready to marry. We also offer marriage counseling, family counseling, and classes like Healthy Relationship Classes and Parenting Classes. Our goal is to remove barriers to care and help people feel they belong. We help many ages and with many needs. Our counselor, Andrea McPhatter, LMHC, has more than 15 years of experience. Andrea uses a caring, person-centered way to help each person feel heard.
What Happens In a Session?
- We say hello and make a safe space.
- Each person says what they worry about.
- We ask simple questions about money habits.
- We make a small plan together.
- We practice talking with each other.
- We leave with one small task to do before the next meeting.
Sessions are kind and calm. We move at a pace that feels right for both people.
Simple Money Rules Couples Can Try
- Name one shared goal this month.
- Check the budget together for 15 minutes each week.
- Decide who pays which bill.
- Save a small amount each week in a shared jar or account.
- If you feel upset, pause the talk and take three deep breaths.
These rules are easy to follow. They help people feel like a team.
When to Seek Help
If money talks turn into big fights, get help soon. If one person hides money or debt, tell a counselor. If you feel stuck or scared, a counselor can help you find a safe path.
How This Fits With Our Mission
My Tribe Counseling wants to restore communities and remove barriers to care. We help couples learn skills and find support. We want everyone to feel they belong. Pre-marital counseling is one way we build a village of care. We teach skills that help families grow and heal.
Conclusion
Money does not have to break a relationship. With simple talk, a clear plan, and steady practice, couples can fix money problems early. At My Tribe Counseling, we walk with you. We teach practical steps. We help you grow trust and set goals. You do not have to do it alone. If you want help, reach out to us. We will listen and help you make a plan that fits your life.
FAQs
Q. Do we need to be good with money to come?
No. We teach easy skills that anyone can learn.
Q. How long does a session feel?
Sessions are calm. You will talk, make a small plan, and practice talking kindly.