Top 3 Types of Fights About Money in Marriages (And How To Avoid Them)

There are many different problems which can arise in a marriage. Many experts and studies claim that money is the main reason for fights and divorces. Different people have different approaches when it comes to spending, saving and investing and this can be a source of many fights. From this article you will learn about three types of marital money fights and how to avoid them.

You are not being honest

One of the biggest issues with money is that it can difficult to talk about – this may be one of the reasons why it is the biggest cause of divorce! If you try to avoid conversations about money, you will not be able to get on the same page as your spouse and you can’t have a family budget or a plan when you are not on the same page. You may have different views about money. For example, savers need to keep money in the bank for a rainy day but a spender will drain their account knowing that another paycheck is just around the corner.

The important thing about money conversations is that they require openness and honesty. Try to get to the root of your partner’s beliefs about money. This can help you to work together and compromise. For example, if you have a sudden windfall and you have a disagreement over spending or saving, you can choose to save some and spend the rest.

You do not have debt issues under control

Debt is a stressful subject for individuals and as a couple you will have that stress is amplified. Whatever reasons you have for accumulating debt, blaming a spouse will not solve the issue.

It is important to find a time to discuss your finances on a regular basis. Find a quiet time to talk and, most importantly, listen to each other. Both the husband and the wife can take turns to explain all of their concerns first and the other party should validate the concerns – there must be no arguing. This can lead to you coming together to decide on your money goals. The next step is to put together a spending plan to help you get to where you want to be.

You are not handling your finances together

When it comes to money, husbands sometimes do end up making most of the important decisions. Often an agreement is made early in the relationship as to who makes financial decisions. Sometimes the agreement isn’t actually discussed on a verbal level and just evolves naturally in the relationship. But this may not be an agreement that both parties are happy with.

This is why communication is key in a relationship, including communication about finances. You may need to involve a counselor or a financial planner in this as it can be difficult to discuss. However, as long as a spouse can see that the partner is looking to move towards working together and discussing the issues about money, this can be a very beneficial change in the relationship.