Do you tiptoe around money conversations with your partner? You’re definitely not alone.
I’ve seen lots of couples deal with and struggle with this. And the thing is, many couples don’t realize how deeply financial communication impacts their relationship.
Communicating
Talking about money isn’t always comfortable. But nearly 9 in 10 couples report they communicate well about their finances. Those who communicate well about money are more likely to feel financially secure and confident about their retirement future.
Financial secrets might help you avoid an uncomfortable conversation today, but they almost always end up eroding trust tomorrow. That’s why you should start with complete transparency. That includes sharing your debts, assets, income, and expenses.
Speaking firsthand and from working with countless couples, honesty really lays the foundation for all future financial discussions.
Also, setting aside dedicated time to discuss finances can transform how you approach money as a couple. Start by sharing your financial history and the attitudes about money you each bring to the relationship.
You’re not just sharing numbers-you’re sharing values and experiences that have shaped your relationship with money. What I’ve noticed is that couples who view their finances as a team effort tend to be more successful. Consider these areas:
Develop a shared vision
Work together to identify and prioritize your financial goals. Write them down and post them somewhere visible as a daily reminder of what you’re working toward together. Something this simple can be powerful in keeping both partners aligned.
Regular check-ins
What I’ve also seen that works well, is to set aside time each month to review your progress together. These regular check-ins help to avoid small issues from becoming major conflicts.
Know each other’s money personality
What we value about money is actually super personal and it’s even tied to who we are and how we want to live. Your partner’s financial habits can cause conflict. When this happens, try not to be too judgmental. If one of you tends to be a spender while the other is a saver, work on understanding these tendencies instead of just criticizing them.
Couples Who Communicate
Even the most financially compatible couples will fight or disagree about money. 45% of partners admit they argue about money at least occasionally. And these disagreements happen across all income levels.
When conflicts come up, try looking at them as opportunities to understand each other better. These moments can actually be used to strengthen your relationship.
According to Fidelity, the data shows that couples who manage their finances together often strengthen both their financial and emotional relationships. Couples who communicate well about money:
- Discuss finances together at least monthly (78%)
- Expect a comfortable retirement lifestyle (65%)
- Rate their household’s financial health as excellent or very good (57%)
I’ve also seen this play out with my clients. These couples who deal with their finances as partners typically achieve their goals faster and with less stress along the way.
If you want to improve financial communication in your relationship, start small. Maybe choose a relaxed moment to suggest a conversation about your shared financial future.
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