Building relationships
People get in and out of relationships a number of times in their lifetime. Studies have established that people get into relationships for economic, cultural, religious, and social reasons, among others (Gebreyes, 2014).
Studies have established that one of the main reasons that keep a relationship alive or breaking is money. Experts argue that the financial situation of an individual can influence their ability to have relationships and the success levels (Reamer, 2001).
Causes of money problems in relationships
In the contemporary world, both men and women contribute equally to the economy of the household. This has changed the household role of men from being the sole breadwinners (Gebreyes, 2014).
Increasing expenses, especially for people with families is a major cause of financial issues in a relationship. This problem arises when the income of both partners remains constant while expenses in the house keep increasing (Reamer, 2001). A point comes when both partners cannot handle the financial burden and differences arise.
Increased desire for success can also lead partners to have differences. Experts argue that different definitions of success by partners often lead to differences. Achievements that one partner considers as success could mean something different to the other. Often this leads to one partner pushing the other to live beyond his or her financial ability in order to achieve their own success (Gebreyes, 2014).
Financial infidelity refers to a situation where partners hide crucial information, especially debts from each other. Studies have established that some of the debts that partners hide from each other relate to habits and addictions such as gambling. Others hide information about soured business deals and credit cards (Reamer, 2001). Differences normally arise when the other partner finds out and gets hurt for lack of trust.
Lack of common financial goals causes issues in relationships very often. Experts argue that most people in relationships do not plan for their money together. Most people, especially those in marriages operate individual bank accounts (Leong, 2013). This often leads to feelings of inequality, mistrust, and lack of togetherness. Such feelings often end up in numerous differences within a relationship.
Solving money issues in relationships
One of the best ways of solving financial problems in relationships is partners pooling their resources together. Experts argue that money plays a crucial role in building a healthy relationship, thus the need for partners involved to be a team (Leong, 2013). This address issues of mistrust and inequality.
Experts also advise couples to talk about money and the way to spend it on a regular basis. Studies have established that lack of adequate information about money in a relationship can make partners to have differences (Reamer, 2001). Therefore, it is important for partners to budget their money together and also discuss ways to get more income.
Sharing of responsibilities is also a good way of addressing financial issues in a relationship. Partners should ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute towards household finances (Leong, 2013).
Setting financial priorities is also a good way of solving issues in a relationship. This includes identifying things to buy and the amount to save. This way, a couple can never struggle with their finances or have issues arising from the same (Reamer, 2001).
References
Gebreyes, R. (2014). Financial Tips for a Happy Marriage When She Earns More. Web.
Leong, M. (2013). Should You Dump the Guy with Money Problems? Web.
Reamer, F.G. (2001). Tangled Relationships: Managing Boundary Issues in the Human Services. New York: Columbia University Press.