5 Tips to Manage Money Stress in Your Relationship

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Splitting-Costs-RelationshipThese days, monetary stress is more prevalent than ever. Stressing over your finances doesn’t only put a strain on your shopping habits, it can also take a huge toll on your relationship. You might be in the “unicorn and butterflies” beginning stage of a relationship and can’t imagine ever fighting over financials, but monetary stress tends to sneak up on you. Will Money Ruin Your Relationship?

Most couples who are in it for the long haul, and plan on living together or building a future together will find themselves fighting over dolla dolla bills at some point. Here are five steps to avoid the financial strain on your relationship:

 

1. Don’t Judge Your Partner 

You’re not the police or their parent—you’re their partner. Whether their spending habits could use an overhaul or they lose their job or face some other financial hardship, be the best, most understanding and helpful partner you can be. Offer help and make suggestions. Let your partner know they can lean on you and be honest with you without being judged.

Portrait of smiling business woman showing piggy bank2. Set a Budget for Living 

Set up a budget that will not only get you out of any stressful situations you’re currently facing, but also set up a budget for going forward. Periodically, make sure you’re on track and make adjustments for anything new coming up in life, like needing a car or having a baby, etc. If you’re both on the same track, it will be much easier to handle upcoming challenges and handle money stress in your relationship—together.

 

3. Be an Open Book

If you’re willing to get naked in front of someone, you should also be willing to open up your checkbook in front of them. Sit down with your significant other and be honest about your spending habits. Find out if your lover is a spender or a saver. The trick to having a successful meeting of the minds is to be open and non-judgmental.

4. Honesty is Key 

The best way to handle money stress in a relationship is to be honest with yourself and your spouse or significant other. A survey of couples suffering from money stress revealed a somewhat strange confirmation that opposites do attract: In over 50% of cases, one was a spender and one was a saver. But not being on the same page financially can really put stress on your blissful existence.

200441351-0015. Make a Long-Term Plan

Aside from handling money stress from current situations, and aside from deciding how you’re going to handle money issues going forward, make a long-term plan with your eyes on the future. If you both have a goal to work for such as living in your dream home, retirement or taking that trip around the country in a Winnebago, you’ll both work harder to get there. Think of your long-term plan as your prize for putting all of your current money stress to rest.

10 COMMENTS

  1. “Be an open book” they say. Sure, let me just lay out all my debts and poor spending choices like some kind of romantic slideshow! Nothing says love like sharing your credit score over dinner.

    • (sarcasm detected) I can’t wait to tell my partner about the extravagant cost of my coffee addiction! Love really does conquer all—even the $5 lattes!

    • “Open book” more like “open wallet.” Let’s just hope our partners are ready for our messy finances when they take that plunge into transparency!

  2. This article seems overly optimistic about money in relationships. Sure, communication is important, but the reality is that financial issues often lead to irreconcilable differences. It’s naive to think budgeting alone can save a relationship.

  3. *sigh* Another article claiming money can’t ruin a relationship? Tell that to the countless couples who argue over bills every month. Let’s be real—finances can make or break love, period.

  4. I absolutely loved this article! It’s refreshing to see practical advice for couples dealing with financial stress. The idea of being an open book with your partner really resonated with me. Relationships thrive on communication!

  5. “Don’t judge your partner?” That’s rich! What if my partner spends all our money on rare action figures? Should I just cheer them on? This advice sounds good in theory but isn’t always practical—especially when it comes to hobbies!

  6. While I agree that honesty is key, I argue that setting a budget can be restrictive rather than helpful. Some couples thrive on spontaneity! Why should we box ourselves in with rigid financial plans? It’s about balance!

  7. ‘Make a long-term plan’? That’s cute! Why not just put together a Pinterest board of dreams while we’re at it? Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan—better grab some ice cream instead!

  8. The five steps outlined here are a solid foundation for couples to manage financial stress. However, it’s essential to also consider individual financial literacy and how it impacts decision-making within a partnership.

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