Stop Fighting Over Money With Your Spouse!

Fights over money can be hazardous to your marriage, as it has been shown to be the biggest predictor of divorce. This is because for most people, money evokes feelings of pride and self-righteousness.

It is not surprising that couples fight most often over money because people with differing values about money will hardly ever see eye to eye. There are two money personalities people may have: the spender and the saver. Bring these two differing personalities in a marriage, and there’s bound to be friction.

How do we then mitigate and/or prevent money squabbles in a marriage? Read on.

See what money really symbolizes to each of you.
This is the first step in preventing money squabbles. To one person, money may be an invaluable commodity which is spent to bring happiness and well-being. To another person, money is a commodity so valuable that it ought to be protected so that it can grow all the more. Discuss this with your partner so that the spender can learn to save a little and the saver can learn not to get upset over small purchases.

Revise your financial goals together.
Couples fight over debt, spending habits and retirement savings whenever they discuss money. Instead of bickering, go over your financial goals and priorities together and have a plan in place for tackling debt, maintaining your budget and investing for your retirement.

Be financially faithful!

Financial infidelity (lying to your spouse about money) is one reason why couples divorce. Many people in a marriage have at least one bank account their partner does not know about or major purchases and investments they hide from their partners. Imagine how you would feel if you found out your husband was building a house in Dubai but did not deem it fit to tell you. It shows a sign of deep trust, closeness and intimacy when a couple is completely open financially with each other, even if they keep separate bank accounts.

Even the perfect couple is going to have disagreements about money. However, with the tips given above, they can fizzle into nothing more than a calm discussion towards the greater good of the marriage.