Making a contract or written agreement may help avoid misunderstandings. Values Affect Decisions One place to start communicating about money is by identifying personal values. Values represent those qualities, situations, and material things an individual cherishes most. Values are a product of your past experiences, present situation, and expectations for the future. Some values and attitudes toward money can be traced to childhood.
Values guide decisions.
Also, the goals you establish mirror what you have chosen as important things in life. It also will tell you what you know about your family's income and spending patterns. Notice the exact form is printed again on the opposite page. Ask your spouse or another member of the family to fill out the second Talk About Money Worksheet. Don't let the other person see your responses until you both have filled out the worksheet completely.