The reasons for fights between couples are as numerous as the reasons for love. Most relationships involve some amount of fighting – and, hopefully, making up. However, most couples believe that love has nothing to do with money and that money doesn’t count in a relationship.

Nevertheless, up to 80% of all fights couples have are about money. Maybe it’s because you don’t think about money when you fall in love. As love turns into a relationship, money matters creep in. When planning your first holiday as a couple, you realise you can’t afford what your partner had in mind. Or it dawns on you that their lifestyle is quite generous, unlike their income.

Spending should always be equal in a relationship, as one partner paying for everything can lead to tension. If a couple has wildly different income levels, it’s tempting to let the wealthier partner take over. However, this will always come up in arguments and gives them the upper hand. Money is power, so pay your way as much as you can afford to. If you earn more, don’t go overboard with expensive presents that will only intimidate your partner.

As soon as a couple considers living together, money becomes a serious issue in the relationship. No matter how much in love you may be, always keep your own account, along with a shared one for rent, bills and shopping. That way, the cost of living is split equally, but a shopping spree won’t endanger the relationship, as long as you’re spending your own money. Obviously, marriage and children change the power-balance and the money-balance in a relationship, but the separate accounts are still a must.
If, despite all these precautions, the odd fight about money can’t be avoided, remember: money can’t buy you love and your relationship is for free!

This entry was posted on Monday, February 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm and is filed under Relationship Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.