Money and financial issues are often a key source of conflict in a relationship. People with a saving personality may struggle dating someone with a spending personality. The debt each person carries, future financial plans and day-to-day priorities typically differ from person to person. Therefore, understanding what really matters when it comes to money and relationships is healthy on all accounts. Understanding one another’s habits and motivations can help you devise a better debt management plan to work on together.
Money and relationships doesn’t have to be complicated.
Money And Relationships: Factors That Matter
Money can easily be a major reason for divorce. Arguments about money are usually longer and more intense than other issues. This is because financial stress can be extremely overwhelming and feel very personal. So what can you do to make matters easier when it comes to money and relationships? Our credit counseling advice is to discuss these topics.
- Credit – If your partner has bad credit, you can find yourselves facing mountains of debt. This presents a variety of challenges. It makes affording or qualifying for big purchases, such as a car or a house, difficult. Student loan debt relief can also play a key factor impacting your credit. Therefore, assessing each other’s financial situations in the relationship is crucial when trying to move forward together.
- Money Management – Couples with good money management skills know how to live within their means. A budget created by a couple, not just an individual, is key to making a good foundation when it comes to money and relationships. By ensuring you have a comfortable budget, couples can reduce arguments related to finances. Clear definition on budget categories avoids ambiguity and confusion. Working together on your finances can result in successfully tackling financial goals, like lowering credit card debt.
- Financial Beliefs – When it comes to money, everyone’s beliefs are different. Often times each person’s financial beliefs can differ depending on their family backgrounds and socioeconomic histories. For some, money shows status is most important; others believe using money as a sense of security is best. When in a relationship, it’s important that couples regularly discuss their financial beliefs so that they are on the same page when it comes to budgeting, spending, and other financial issues that invariably arise.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
