If you’re constantly fighting with your partner about money, you’re not alone. In a recent poll, it was revealed that 67 percent of couples regularly argue about money, and 20 percent admit that their clashes over financial matters had a negative impact on their relationship. Experts say that the root of all arguments over money is lack of communication regarding spending habits, as well as having different values about money matters. Having constant arguments with your partner about money can be tiring, but there’s a way to see eye to eye with your loved one and have healthier discussions about your finances in the future. Here’s how to stop fighting about money once and for all.
Mind your credit score
Money-savvy people, or those who’ve been previously burned by an ex-lover’s spending habits, often choose to be careful during the early days of dating and are eager to know more about the other person’s credit score. However, traditional dating milestones, such as traveling together or saying “I love you” for the first time, may take a shorter time to reach when compared to reaching financial milestones. In a study of the dating habits of more than 1,000 adults, it was found that it takes about one year and 3 months of dating before people reveal their credit scores to their significant other.
As credit scores can indicate a person’s level of commitment, trustworthiness, and sense of responsibility, it’s important to look after your finances to have a good relationship and to avoid the consequences of having a sketchy credit history. Not only will a poor credit score means having constant fights with your partner in the future, but it can also make it difficult for you to find a new place once you decide to move in together.
Come clean
If you’re constantly surprised by mysterious purchases or if your partner often complains about always having to pay for the household expenses that you’re supposed to cover, then both of you will need to come clean about certain matters. For instance, if your loved one has a tendency to go wild while purchasing things online, then they’ll need to be open about it so that both of you can come up with a solution to curb this spending behavior. Apart from what you spend on, you also need to be honest about your earnings. Knowing how much each person makes will make it easier to decide who gets to pay for certain expenses and it also helps you make plans for your shared financial goals.
Don’t let money dictate your relationship dynamics
It’s rare to find two people in a relationship who are making the same amount of money. Oftentimes, one is earning significantly more than the other, and the difference in earnings can have an impact on relationship dynamics. For instance, the person who’s earning less may feel resentful if the one who’s earning more is the one who’s controlling the purse strings, while the one who’s the main breadwinner may feel burdened about taking on this responsibility. Keep in mind that ensuring your financial stability as a couple is a team effort, and that there’s no star player in your team. If you think of it this way, you’ll get to move on to more pressing matters, such as securing your financial future.
Create financial goals
You may have constantly bickered about how much each of you spent on unwanted purchases, but have you ever discussed the goals that you want to achieve in the future? Part of being in a committed relationship involves taking concrete steps to secure your future, so you’ll need to talk about what you hope to achieve within a certain time period. For instance, you may want to consider buying your first home after five years, or start saving for your retirement fund after celebrating your first wedding anniversary. Remind yourselves of these goals the next time both of you are tempted to dip into your savings for non-essentials, and actively save money or invest to make your dreams a reality.
Constant communication, honesty, and being mindful of your own and your partner’s money habits are the keys to stop fighting about finances once and for all. Don’t hesitate to talk about money matters and keep your cool at all times to prevent money from ruining a loving relationship.
