Workshop covers financial tensions in couples, relationships

Financial tensions between partners can easily spill into other areas of a relationship, even in good economic times; no wonder, then, that money is the top source of conflict within couples.

On Wednesday, June 3, the Employee Assistance Office (EAO) presents “Finances and Romance in Turbulent Economic Times” from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Pyle Center. The workshop is free, but online registration is required due to limited space; attendees are strongly encouraged to bring spouses and partners.

EAO director Steve Pearson created the workshop in conjunction with presenters Don Ferguson (a psychologist and author) and Connie Kilmark (a financial counselor and consultant) to provide practical ways to talk about money and manage finances.

“Some people might say that employees should leave their personal issues at home, but it doesn’t work that way,” says Pearson. “If you’re preoccupied when you come into the workplace, it gets in the way of being able to focus on what you need to do. We’re offering this as a resource.”

This workshop addresses the ways in which many couples have the “wrong conversation” about money. It provides tools immediately applicable to both finances and other relationship challenges that participants may experience as a result of turbulent times. By handling these tough conversations in a different way, participants will learn to build critical skills of trust and commitment in other areas of their relationship as well.

Register online. (click on “Special Event” then “Finance and Romance”). For more information, call 263-2987 or e-mail crwillar@wisc.edu