Money problems are some of the lead issues that lead to problems with marriages. It is rumored that almost 50% of marriages in the US alone will end in divorce.

That’s quite a high number, don’t you think? It’s not only about divorce, however. Money can be one of the most complex problems to tackle in marriages. In most cases, it is easier to find a way to avoid a problem than tackling it when it comes into play. With money and marriage, it’s the same. It is better to avoid the problem than tackling it.

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Talk it Out

The secret to any marriage’s success is communication. If you don’t talk about issues, your marriage won’t end with death. When it comes to money and marriage, you should talk about your finances openly.

If you aren’t communicating enough about finances in your marriage, a lot of issues are bound to arise.

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Now, you may think that it sometimes comes down to one or both of the partners not making enough money. However, the real problems usually arise when you aren’t having serious discussions about money.

Everyone is different in their own way and in the way they have been brought up. That means there will be a difference in their views of finances and responsibility. The only way out is by communication.

Set Goals (Short- and Long-Term)

When you and your spouse aren’t on the same page about where you are going financially, there will be problems.

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You need to set [financial] goals together as a couple. You can’t be on the same road but using different maps. You need to understand each other’s financial view.

For example, you could be merely saving to have some extra money, while your partner is actually looking to save for a house or children’s fees.

The goals shouldn’t be only long-term or short-term; there should be a plan for both.

Set a Budget

Every marriage should have a budget that guides it financially. If you don’t have a clear outline budget in your marriage, problems will pop up.

Your bills and expenses need to be taken care of. As such, a budget shouldn’t be considered torturous, but rather, a way to have a marked out plan for your finances.

When it comes to budgeting, technology has made it easier. All you need to do is to download a budgeting app. Forget the old school Excel spreadsheet.

A clearly marked out budget will show you where you and your partner may be overspending and where you can cut back.

Should You Share an Account or Have Separate Accounts?

According to a study in 2016 by TD Bank, 76% of married couples share at least one account.

That leaves a considerable number of married couples who have separate accounts. This, however, can cause severe strains in your marriage.

With joint accounts comes more responsibility and accountability as to how you spend than there would be with separate accounts.

Having financial independence is a good thing, but in a marriage, it can be a root to marital problems.

Also, with a joint account, you can be sure you have another set of eyes on the account; chances of errors on the account are quite minimal therein.

Conclusion

It is no secret that money problems are some of the leading causes of divorce in the world today. If money problems aren’t avoided in your marriage through communication, budgeting, among other means, your marriage will likely fail.