Example of Newlywed Meetings Step by Step
Meeting 1:
1. Get to know them, and help them get to know themselves and each other. They should try to
understand their financial attitudes based on their upbringing.
2. Explain that in order for couples to have a healthy approach to finances, they need to understand
each other, communicate properly, and agree on priorities. Most disagreements in marriage
around money stem from differing financial attitudes.
3. Explain the importance of being proactive, and deciding ahead of time what your monthly and
periodic expenses will be, rather than going with the flow and patching things up later.
4. Explain the concept of wants and needs, and that we aim to have all of our needs and some of
our wants.
5. Explain to them monthly vs. periodic income & expenses and how to build a budget.
6. Assignment: Have them fill out the Transaction record and Mesila Guide to Budgeting
Workbook/Workbook # 1. Have them try to judge their financial behavior based on their
backgrounds.
Meeting 2:
1. Review the Workbook with them, making sure that it was done right.
2. Discuss their income and expenses and what new insights they’ve gained from tracking expenses
and filling out the workbook.
3. You may advise them in areas that you understand they are making fundamental errors.
4. Discuss the pros and cons of credit cards, and how to use them wisely, if at all.
5. Discuss what kind of loans are okay, and what kind should be avoided.
6. Have them designate a time to sit down with each other every month – even if only for a couple of
minutes- and make sure that they are staying on track.
7. Give them any articles from Your Money & Your Life which you find relevant to their situation.
8. Encourage them to return to Mesila if they ever feel that they need outside help managing.
Explain that it is totally normal nowadays to need and seek outside help to manage home
finances.
Working with newlyweds is different than standard coaching. Your role is more like that of a mentor than a
coach. You’re educating them as well as inspiring them.