Between overscheduled social calendars, crippling financial demands and a major collective shortage of quality time, it’s almost no wonder that America’s divorce rate recently surpassed 50 percent. We live in a wedding-obsessed culture, yet more than half of people getting married today will be divorced before their 10th anniversary. It’s a seriously depressing statistic, but thankfully, one that we can change if we’re willing to put forth the effort.
It’s no secret that money and finances are often the biggest wedges in an otherwise happy marriage. In fact, seemingly small disagreements over budget can ultimately lead to giant feuds, and often separation.
Money is a hypersensitive issue, and a particularly tricky monster to tackle, especially within the delicate balance of love and marriage. That’s why it’s crucially important to reach a mutual understanding about money expectations before you walk down the aisle. And in the event that an unexpected expense pops up in the course of your marriage, seeking financial assistance from plaingreenloans can save you financially and personally. Even though you have a financial safety net, it’s important to straighten out these top three money and communication disasters that can ultimately threaten your happy marriage.
Confront the Little Things
You don’t mind when your fiancé or husband comes home with take-out for dinner, until he starts doing it three times a week. Even little issues like overspending on food or the occasional treat become huge obstacles if you’re not clear about your expectations from the very beginning.
It can be embarrassing to talk frankly about money at the start of your marriage, but those $10 take-out containers can add up to one giant credit card bill that you’ll be working to pay off for years.
Honesty is the Best Policy – Really!
Be honest – those brand new stilettos were not on sale! You lusted after them from afar for weeks, until you finally took the plunge and put them on your joint credit card.
Little white lies about spending can seem harmless, but if you’re using shared funds to impulse-buy, your significant other will eventually find out – and loose trust in your ability to budget.
Lending to Family
Even if you and your partner are financially secure and confident in your future, lending spare cash to family or friends is a slippery slope right into financial ruin. Exercise your best character judgment when considering an interest-free loan to your loved ones, and don’t count on ever seeing that money returned.
Lending money without your husband or wife’s approval or consent is the quickest way to breed resentment within your marriage – so try to avoid any unnecessary financial stress!
Avoiding these nasty money-related pitfalls is a crucial step to improving your relationship, and ultimately, your lifelong marriage – but do you think we left anything off our list? Do you have any budget-related tips to share?
