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 some important questions that you should ask early on so that you can get a better understanding of how you should proceed in the relationship:
- 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.
