I know it’s not the most romantic event in your marriage, but sitting down to discuss your family finances and doing a budget together at least monthly is one of the healthiest things you can do for your marriage. It’s critical that we dream together and share common goals so that you’re working tandem to achieve them.

Take a quick look at this list after you make your budget to ensure you don’t forget any of the little (or big…Valentine’s Day *ahem*) things.

• Valentine’s Day - We’ll start with the obvious! Or it should be…sometimes the more obvious something is, we make assumptions and forget about it. Saying I love you doesn’t need to be expensive and wild. Get creative, get romantic and just show him/her you care! Check out this post by Wedded Bliss Financial for some great date night ideas to celebrate.

• Taxes - It’s always a great idea to get started on your taxes early so that if you do owe, you have time to save up. The end goal is to break even as close as possible. If you’ve gotten big refunds in the past and expect another this year, consider making adjustments to your withholding and bring your hard earned money home as you make it, not as a “gift” from the government.

  If you are getting one last big refund and have debt, consider dumping it all on debt to reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay, to shorten you time before you can get to the good stuff in life and to increase your monthly cash flow. You won’t be sorry! If you need to be refreshed on the tax changes for 2018, you can read more about it here.

• Superbowl Sunday - Having a party for the big game? Heading out with friends? Make sure you plan accordingly and budget for the chips, beer, snacks, bets, etc.

• Girl Scout Cookies - You’ve already seen the posts all over Facebook…it’s that time of year! Just in case you forgot and still need to budget, they’re about $5/box. *Hint* You just might want to make a separate cash envelope for this category this month.

• Birthdays/Anniversaries/Special Events - I go through this every month, but sometimes it feels so common to say, “It’s my son’s 5th birthday” that you forget to budget for the party, cake, gifts, etc. that you need. Always think about the special events of the month coming up.

• County Real Estate Taxes - Not every county of course, but many will have the discount period ending in March, so it’s a great time to be aware and start saving if you want to take advantage of the 2% discount.

• Spring Break - Also just right around the corner! If your family plans on going anywhere for travel or a getaway, saving a little this month toward it will go a long way to alleviate stress next month.

By creating a spending plan before the month begins, you’ll feel more in control of your money and you’ll have more left over at the end of the month! If you’re still not sure how to get started, click here to set up your FREE introductory coaching session to see how I can help!