Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money with Your Honey is by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar. I received a copy of the book for an honest review and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information packed into this slim book.
I think this is a good guide and easy to read in a weekend.
I’m going to present a brief review of some of the chapters so you can see if this book would be a good fit for you in your situation.
Get Financially Naked
The book opens up with description from real people on what financial empowerment means to them. Unfortunately far too many do not have this right now and the book mentions that approximately 70% are living paycheck to paycheck. Kedar and Thakor go ahead and explain some reasons for people living on credit and then have an exercise so the reader can look ahead to when they are financially empowered.
This book has a lot of write in activities to get the involved and they share they’re answers and personal perspectives on them as well. I think they do a pretty good job of balancing it all.
How Financially Compatible Are You?
The authors have some frank questions to help you see if loved one is living beyond their means. I personally know of a friend that had a boyfriend always offer to pay her back, but he could barely keep up with his regular bills. Communication is the key to seeing if this is a lifestyle or if they’ve hit hard times.
Some people are afraid of creating tension by talking about finances, but I think you create more stress by being silent. If you need some motivation and information to get started, this chapter has what you need. There is a compatibility quiz at the end that could open up a discussion based on the results.
Save Wisely for Your Financial Goals
It’s good to have a financial gameplan that you both agree with if you’re married. That means creating a budget together. it may take awhile to get it right, but don’t worry, it’s normal. All couples have to go through this as they are merging their money, bills, and goals. My personal tip is to add 10-15% to your budget for things like car repairs, rental insurance, etc. Both of you should have a say on where the money goes.
My Take
I really enjoyed this book and I thought it covered some big topics without a lot of filler. Since it’s not as long as other personal finance books I’ve reviewed before I think many people can finish this as a weekend read if not sooner. I love the worksheets, scripts, and questions and I think this is a really practical guide for couple looking to be successful with their finances.
Your Take
If you grab a copy of the book, please share your thoughts on it.
