Finances have always been something that makes a relationship harder. The financial stress of the Great Recession has turned up the volume. Studies have shown that couples who argue about their financial situation end up splitting up very often. Relationships can be hurt by money. Luckily, money helps relationships when it is discussed. Trouble comes from not talking about the money although nobody wants to really talk about this.
Couples keep away from spending budget discussions
Almost one in 3 couples say personal finance causes probably the most stress in their relationship, and 91 percent of Americans surveyed by a recent American Express Spending & Saving Tracker discover reasons to avoid talking about money with their partner. Knowing a spouse’s salary is pretty unlikely in many marriages according to Ruth Mantell of the Wall Street Journal. Since losing jobs are happening so often right now, talking about money is something couples should be doing more and more.
Financial strategy is something that helps all relationships
It makes sense that couples stay away from finances. The very same American Express Survey found that 45 percent of the couples responding said talking about money resulted in arguments. Relationship advice from Emma Johnson at Forbes suggests turning the tables and using financial strategy to improve a relationship. Saving, spending, earning interest or even personal finance are areas where couples can bond.
Bad times makes for arguments
Bonding over personal finance during tough times is easier said than done, nevertheless. A survey of 1,000 Americans was done by StrategyOne that showed 77 percent changing their life because of the Recession. More Americans are getting angry easier, getting depressed, and screaming and yelling more often. The recession is something people are using as an excuse to delay their lives.
Starting the money topic
The StrategyOne survey also found that more people are also putting off getting a divorce for financial reasons. Maybe then, couples will talk about their finances finally. Five money tips were given to couples by Mantell’s article. Number one is to start talking. Then couples will work together with changes. Couples should talk about spending. Try to find a new job out of all of this, and maybe you need to cancel some vacations.
Managing together
Couples not facing sudden financial stress still bicker about money. The Forbes article by Johnson shows relationships being better when working together with money. If the couple knows about each other’s spending habits, the relationship could get stronger. Money tasks being separate make communication and relationships as a whole better. Having the exact same goals in mind when it comes to spending and saving will really help a relationship within the end.
More details accessible at these websites
Wall Street Journal
marketwatch.com/story/five-money-tips-for-couples-in-tough-times-2010-07-20?pagenumber=2
Emma Johnson at Forbes
forbes.com/2010/07/15/marriage-money-fights-couples-relationships-forbes-woman-net-worth-family-finances_2.html
StrategyOne
prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategyone-public-opinion-survey-impact-of-great-recession-widespread-more-than-just-finances-affected-97574429.html
