Navigating Financial Disagreements in Relationships

Disagreements about money between couples are not unusual.[0] Money can be a sensitive subject and conversations about it often have deeper roots than the surface-level issues.[1] According to a GOBankingRates survey, 19% of Americans 18 and older argue with their significant other over financial concerns while 13% argue about money often.[2] To work through these issues, couples should work on creating a plan that reflects their shared goals while also allowing for individual needs and preferences. Additionally, couples should take the time to discuss their perspectives on money openly and honestly to build trust and prevent further conflict.

Experts suggest that couples should be aware of potential financial red flags in their partner including hiding debt, being dishonest about assets, and keeping spending or debt a secret from their loved one. Additionally, Millennials are more likely to talk about money with their partner than other generations, and couples should create a budget and set joint financial goals to work towards.[3] Taking the time to have open and honest conversations about money can help build trust, bond over shared goals, and strengthen relationships.[4]

0. “How Couples Can Fight Fairly About Money” HerMoney, 8 Feb. 2023, https://hermoney.com/connect/love/how-couples-can-fight-fairly-about-money-podcast-357/

1. “Valentine’s Day: How newly-married couples can start talking money, together” Moneycontrol, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/valentines-day-how-newly-married-couples-should-make-a-financial-plan-10072941.html

2. “The Majority of Couples Admit To Arguing About Money: Here Are 5 Of the Most Common Disagreements” AOL, 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.aol.com/finance/majority-couples-admit-arguing-money-120045534.html

3. “Most couples are ‘financially incompatible,' survey finds. Having a money talk could help — no matter how long you've been together” CNBC, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/14/most-couples-financially-incompatible-having-a-money-talk-could-help.html

4. “For Valentine’s Day, Try Improving Your Relationship With A Financial Date Night” Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliecolley/2023/02/13/for-valentines-day-try-improving-your-relationship-with-a-financial-date-night/