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The Money Couple, Scott and Bethany Palmer, have 35 years of combined financial planning experience. They're financial advisers and financial communication experts who lead the financial planning company Envoy Financial, representing 12,000 clients. Scott and Bethany are popular motivational speakers and frequent guests on radio and television programs across the country. They co-authored Cents and Sensibility (Cook, 2005) and First Comes Love, Then Comes Money (HarperOne, 2009). Scott and Bethany enjoy living in Colorado with their sons, Cole (7) and Cade (5).

Most of us have strong, deeply ingrained ideas about money. As financial communication experts, the Palmers have found that many couples need help learning to communicate about money to prevent clashing ideas from destroying their relationship. Scott and Bethany answered the following questions submitted by MOPS moms, related to building strong financial communication in the family:

Anne M., Ohio: Do you have any tips on how to keep healthy communication between one spouse who mostly makes the money and budget, and me, the spouse who's mostly responsible for spending that money to provide for our family and household?

In working with thousands of couples, we find it's normal to have one person in the relationship that's primarily responsible for the finances. It's imperative that open, clear and transparent conversation is taking place. We strongly encourage you to have a monthly meeting we call "the money huddle."

When one person handles the money, it's easy for there to be lying about money and secret spending. We call this "financial infidelity." The "money huddle" will not only help you continue to agree about your budget, but also to discuss the changes in your family needs and household expenses.

Angela L., Arizona: How can we creatively teach our children about money? I want to make it fun and something that just comes naturally so they don't go through the pain of poor money management later.

It's important that you and your husband have strong financial communication. Modeling this to your children will give them a positive outlook on money. Start with understanding your child's money personality—the pros and the cons. The five money personalities are: Saver, Spender, Security-Seeker, Risk-Taker and Flyer (see sidebar for complete descriptions). This can be a fun way to start.

Another idea is to get three shoe boxes and label them, Giving, Saving and Spending. Every time your kids receive money, teach them how much money goes into each box. This is a great way to teach them basic financial principles.

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