{"id":67536,"date":"2021-07-07T11:33:47","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T11:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=67536"},"modified":"2023-07-09T05:06:49","modified_gmt":"2023-07-09T05:06:49","slug":"how-does-money-affect-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/finance\/how-does-money-affect-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Money Affect Relationships? 3 Tips for Money Conflicts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Couple,<\/p>\n

Money is amoral and inanimate.<\/span><\/p>\n

But a lot of what makes or breaks relationships—especially the relationship between a husband and wife—has to do with money.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the <\/span>top ten reasons for divorce<\/span><\/a> is <\/span>money issues<\/span><\/a>. Divorcing for financial reasons often get too complicated for the couples to discuss. Relationships deteriorate over money fights. The quality of life changes for people living together whenever there are disagreements over how to spend and earn the money.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how does money affect relationships? Let’s find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Top 5 money problems in relationships<\/span><\/h2>\n

Money ruins relationships, if not handled well. It brings out the best and worst in relationships and in people. The more you have of it, the more problems and <\/span>arguments over money<\/span><\/a> it would create if the relationship was rocky to start with. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even with a great relationship, being <\/span>financially strained can lead to stress<\/span><\/a> and frustrations within a household.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does money affect relationships?<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are top 5 money problems couples may face in their marriage, and how the problems affect the relationship between husband and wife:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Financial infidelity<\/b><\/h3>\n

When your spouse is being dishonest about how money is being gained and spent within the home or if you’re <\/span>hiding certain financial transactions from your spouse<\/span><\/a>, this would undermine trust and interdependence between the two of you. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is how money affects relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

It harms the relationship on many levels. However, keeping open, clear lines of communication on the <\/span>use of money in the household<\/span><\/a> can go a long way toward avoiding this difficult situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Different lifestyle, income, culture, religion, and personalities<\/b><\/h3>\n

No two persons are exactly alike. There are bound to be differences between you and your spouse, whether those be cultural, lifestyle, income-related, personality-related, or religious differences. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, how does money affect relationships when the <\/span>personalities of the spouses are poles apart<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, all these can affect how one views and uses money. <\/span><\/p>\n

Within a relationship, this may get tricky. Being aware of the differences between you and your spouse would help both of you work out solutions in specific financial situations that would satisfy everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Providing for children or extended family<\/b><\/h3>\n

Raising children or taking care of an extended family is also how money affects relationships. It can become an added expense, opening up a world of disagreement between you and your spouse. <\/span><\/p>\n

Such disagreements can get emotional because they directly relate to your children and you or your spouse’s family members.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Again, honest and <\/span>clear communication<\/span><\/a> would help lower the instances of money fights over this issue. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Debt<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Crisis<\/p>\n

Debt and financial stress<\/span><\/a> of any kind can cause tension between you and your spouse. <\/span><\/p>\n

One of you may be itching to throw every penny possible into paying off the debt as soon as possible, while the other might be more relaxed about it. This is where <\/span>budgeting and setting joint financial goals<\/span><\/a> would be useful.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Splitting finances<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some couples abide by <\/span>separate finances for married couples<\/span><\/a> and want to draw clear lines on what money is yours, mine, and what is “ours.” Other couples are comfortable with pooling their resources. <\/span><\/p>\n

Talk with your spouse<\/span><\/a>, and discuss what would be best for your household. Confusion as to what money to use and where to direct income can create lots of stress within the relationship!<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out these video below where different couples explain how they split their finances and get some tips:<\/span>