Communicating Finances the Family: Talking and Taking Action

Most financial planning decisions faced by families are the result of family life stages--entering into a committed relationship; having and caring for children; working; taking care of parents; securing retirement funds; and distributing wealth at the end of life. All of these family life stages require planning, budgeting and, more importantly, communicating in order to reach these financial goals. Exploring the vital relationship between communication and financial planning, helps students move from seeing money as a "problem" to viewing money as the "path" to achieving their financial goals. Readers learn about the role of money within a family, the emotional controversy it can create, the importance of honest communication in financial planning, and how to develop a family financial mission statement, set financial goals, and develop a budget. Included are case studies that demonstrate communication strategies in action and self-check questions to help students consider their own experiences and plans. is an ideal supplementary text for courses in interpersonal communication, family communication, group communication, community, finance, economics, and family studies. (Ph.D., Ohio University) is the past president of the Central States Communication Association, has served on numerous communication journal editorial boards, and has held faculty positions at University of Northern Iowa, Western Illinois University, and Monmouth College. Her areas of study, research, and publication include family communication, instructional development, and the basic communication course. (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) is a financial and business teaching and training consultant. He is the former chair of the Department of Finance at the University of Northern Iowa College of Business and has held positions at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Cincinnati, Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and Iowa State University.