

Relationships can already be a lot of work on their own, but throw money into the mix, and you may have a whole new list of problems if you aren't on top of things. Money is super powerful and has the ability to turn a good thing sour real quick. And it's important that you don't let money come in between you and bae.
There are a number of ways that coins can make an impact on your relationship if you allow them to. Your boo may be hiding money from you or lying to you about the amount of debt that they're in. They might have a spending problem that they keep hidden. Bae may also make major purchases without getting your input first. All of these things lead to there being some trust issues in the relationship.
When things are hidden from one party, it's downright disrespectful, and can really do some damage. It becomes a never-ending cycle of poor communication, arguments, anger, stress, and sometimes even resentment for one another if you're not careful.
It is vitally important that each of you have a good understanding on how having your finances in check can make the difference between a wonderful loving, thriving relationship versus one filled with disappointments and frustrations.
Financial stress can put off wonderful opportunities, such as having relaxing vacations together, qualifying for that first starter home, or causing one partner to become so frustrated that they may walk out on the relationship altogether. Yes, couples have to sit down on the regular and decide where they are going to spend their coins. You have to remember that you two are on the same team and have to operate as such in order to be successful in this area. It is especially necessary to create a budget, and be of like minds where your financial goals are concerned.
The power that comes with being financial independent is the best power that any couple can obtain.
The more financially savvy you become with your money, the better you will feel about yourself, and the relationship that you share with your partner. Life can bring setbacks, such as emergencies, health issues, car problems, etc, and you must prepare for these types of events, which will come with no doubt. This is why you must be absolutely careful to have a savings, coins tucked away for those rainy days. It's so much easier to get through those things together if you both are open and on the same page at all times.
As soon as a couple decides that they want to take it to the next level, you may want to sit down with bae and discuss how do each of you think about money, and have that conversation about the importance of having a plan in place for planning financial independence. This is one area of the relationship where you don't want to be shy about. If bae doesn't want to talk about it, take it as a sign that they either are in denial about their financials or they don't believe it is important. Major red flags there.
Here are 14 important questions that you should ask your partner early in the relationship so that you can get a better understanding of how you should proceed:
- How was money handled in your household as a child?
- What did your parents teach you about money?
- How does spending money make you feel?
- Are you a spender or a saver?
- Do you budget?
- What are some of your financial goals?
- What are some of the issues you've had financially?
- What are some of your biggest frustrations and challenges when it comes to your finances?
- Do you invest? Aggressively or conservatively?
- Are you contributing to a 401(k) or another retirement plan?
- What's the most expensive thing that you've ever purchased?
- How do you feel about giving to charity?
- How are we going to handle our bills?
- Do you believe in having separate or joint accounts?
Let's face it, no one wants to live a life of deprivation, always wondering how you are going to make it from paycheck to paycheck. That's why it's important to learn how to manage your money before entering into a serious relationship. If you are already in a relationship and the financials are looking bleak, then there are a lot of ways you can fix what is broken.
There are many financial counseling companies out there who will do the work for you, or you can gain some discipline and do it on your own. Just know that the moment you begin taking gaining control of your money seriously, that is when you will be met with all kinds of challenges. Just don't let the distractions stop you from achieving your goals.
If you are real serious with bae, and you want to hold it together, then get a grip of your money and do what you need to do to make the relationship thrive.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Navigating the Financial Side of a Relationship - The New York Times ›
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- Love and Money: Discussing Finances With Your Romantic Partner ›
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- Happy couples: How to avoid money arguments ›
- How credit score can affect your romantic relationship - Chicago ... ›
- Who Says Financial Abuse Has to Be Romantic? 10 Signs You're in ... ›
- Avoid Financial Conflicts in Later Life Relationships | Investopedia ›
Kristin Sutton (aka the Money Therapist) is a personal finance and lifestyle blogger/coach over at DebtFreeBlackGirl.com that empowers young women to take control of their finances by changing the way they think about money. As a licensed therapist, her daily mission is to uncover and eliminate the mental roadblocks that hinder people from living the life of their dreams. You can find her on all things social: @DebtFreeBlkGrl
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
@caviardreamkendra so you’ve got your Caviar Dream…now what to eat it with? i’ve probably had cavi with just about anything you can imagine at this point {topped some fried cheese curds with my California White a few months ago and it was 💥} but i gotta say that i have some on my scrambled eggs every week 😌 no need to get fancy — just scramble your eggs however you usually do and scoop that cavi right on top 🤤 you can upgrade from there in a few ways: ✨ add a dollop of crème frâiche {see my previous video for a 30 second make-at-home recipe} ✨ sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top ✨ put the whole caviar / scrambled egg situation on a toasted + buttered bagel, croissant or onion bun! p.s.: i love our Smoked Trout Roe with scrambled eggs too 💖 if you try any of these combos, let me know what you think! 🩵💭✨👩🏽🍳 #CaviarDream #caviarforthepeople #putsomecaviaronit #caviar #caviartok #fyp #caviarparty #caviarnight #affordableluxury #chicagotiktok #homecooking #galentines #valentinesday #tiktokuniversity #cooking #easyrecipe #caviar101
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images