Monthly Money Date: 30-Minute Agenda
Use one page each month with your partner. Bring the shared information you agreed to review and last month's page, if available. Set a 30-minute timer and make brief notes. Either person may pass on a question or ask to pause. Revisit parked topics only by mutual agreement. An unresolved topic is not an agreement.
Before starting: Date and place. Who gathered the information, and who will take notes?
0–3 minutes, settle in: Confirm today's topic. Each person may offer a word about how they are arriving or pass.
3–10 minutes, look back: Last month's decision is done, in progress, changed, or no longer relevant. Note any follow-up.
Look back: Record something that worked and any unexpected shared expense. Do you expect that expense again?
10–17 minutes, look ahead: List shared bills, renewals, events, and plans in the next 30 to 60 days. Label estimated amounts.
Look ahead: What information is missing? Who has agreed to find it, and by when?
17–24 minutes, one topic: Write the specific choice or question you are discussing.
Each person's aim: What would each of you like to get from this conversation?
Options: Note the possibilities you discussed and any questions still open.
24–28 minutes, next step: Write the agreed action, or mark the topic unresolved.
Follow-through: Who has agreed to take the action, and by when?
Parking lot: Note any topics set aside. Revisit them only by mutual agreement.
28–30 minutes, close: Choose something enjoyable to do together. A no-cost plan counts.
Next date: Confirm the day and time. Add a next topic if you both want to choose one now.
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