MONEY!! Ergh! Are you arguing or disagreeing with your partner about money? The sad truth is that you are not the only one. According to a survey conducted by Ramsey Solutions, money is the main reason most couples fight, and the second leading cause of divorce after infidelity.
Most people in this generation are facing great financial turmoil while they are single. You can imagine how it gets worse when someone else is added to the equation. This is especially true when you and your partner do not have the same financial priorities.
Imagine if you are looking to save for an investment while your partner wants to spend money on vacation or spend time with friends. It is important, as a couple, that you start planning your financial future from the beginning.
Is money important in a relationship?
Money is a very sensitive issue for many people in relationships. Some are from the school that love wins over everything, while others believe that they don’t pay bills. Money is important because it determines what you can do as a couple and imposes limits on the relationship.
There are many expectations when you are living or going out with someone else; and there are countless ways in which money influences a relationship. It is therefore important to work towards being stable for a lasting relationship that is not shaken by lack of money.
When in a relationship, your personal financial responsibilities become the financial responsibilities of the relationship. A roof over your head is also a roof over your partner’s head. Your accounts also become theirs. This means that your partner’s failure to supply leads to problems for both of you.
Reasons why money matters in a relationship
- Power
With money comes power; and with power, you are able to make independent decisions, including leaving a toxic relationship. There are many people who have toxic relationships, all because they depend on their partners for provision. If you are in a financially stable relationship, you have the power to get out of a toxic relationship without worrying about yourself or your children.
- Lux
Everyone wants the good things in life; and even if they are not looking for extreme luxury, they may just want to live a comfortable life. Money guarantees that you can get what you want or need at any given time. Do you want to vacation in the Caribbean? Do you want to buy the latest X-Box for your children? Bang! With enough money, nothing material is out of reach.
- Happy and healthy children
If you have children, money becomes even more important. The pride of all parents is to support their children. With money, you can offer them the best in health, education, safety and everything else they need to become happy and healthy children.
- Peace
With enough money between the two of you, the discussions reduce significantly. With a financially stable relationship, neither partner will have to worry about the other’s ulterior motives.
It is important to pay attention to financial issues in a relationship. Be open with your partner about your financial situation and expect the same from him. Talk about money, the future and your expectations to prevent it from becoming a stressor in the long run!