How to manage disputes related to expenses between the couple?

40%. According to a study by SurePayroll by Paychex and One Poll, this is the number of people who have already ended a relationship because of money. Between financial infidelity, different ways of managing money, or even various financial stressors, it’s not always easy to talk about money in a relationship. The reason? Each person’s financial education is different and when spending frameworks are not established within the couple, tension can arise.

As stated by the site Coupleo.careSpecialist in couples therapy, money is a source of conflict in relationships. It is important to fight against these money related disputes as much as possible. “Clear and fair rules regarding the couple’s expenses”The special site reminds us: “There are as many ways to manage money as a couple as there are couples.”

How to manage money as a couple?

Before giving you the keys to managing conflicts, here are some tips for managing your budget within the relationship. Coupleo.careParticularly recommends:

• Establish a common budget, including: rent, groceries, housing bills. In some cases, it may be useful to create a joint account dedicated only to these expenses.
• Maintain an individual account: To avoid fights over money, it is recommended that each partner maintain an individual account, with a budget for their comforts. Enough to allow everyone to manage their expenses as they wish.
• Use a budgeting application: This can provide clear visibility of expense management, outside of personal accounts.
• Don’t always focus on equal distribution: We often think that dividing all expenses in half is a fair way to manage the budget within the relationship, however, this only applies when both partners earn the same amount of money. It is important to distribute expenses appropriately according to each person’s income. Therefore, the 50/50 assumption does not always apply.

How to deal with money related conflicts?

If there is tension between the couple regarding money then do not panic. It is possible to manage the arguments easily by applying some rules. First of all, communication is the essential key to managing finances as a couple: “It is important to be able to discuss financial matters openly without judgment or blame. This may include talking about your expectations, concerns, and financial goals.”specifies Coupleo.careSo no taboo!

Then, if money problems persist, do not hesitate to consult a couples therapist, who will be able to give you the keys to managing and eliminating these tensions. On the financial side, it is also possible to call a budgeting expert to better manage expenses. There is no need to make money the enemy in a relationship. With a clear organization, an efficient delivery that suits both partners and a good dose of communication, everything should be back to normal.