Tips For Financial Wellness With Your Partner

Picture this: you're enjoying a cozy candlelit dinner with your partner, immersed in conversation until the bill arrives, and suddenly, tension fills the air. Whose turn is it to pay? You were pretty sure they were supposed to pay this time, but they’re not reaching for the bill (again) and your feeling of frustration starts to rise. Does this scenario sound familiar? You're not alone. Did you know that a staggering 70% of couples argue about money? That’s right, according to the National Endowment For Financial Education, it's the number one source of relationship conflict.

But here's the kicker: it's not just about the money itself. Let’s take Sarah and Michael as an example, a seemingly solid couple who constantly clash over finances. Sarah loves spontaneous getaways, while Michael is all about saving for the future. But beneath their arguments lies a deeper conflict of values and priorities.

Financial disagreements often mask underlying issues rooted in childhood experiences and personal values. For instance, someone raised in a frugal household may see spending as irresponsible, while their partner from a wealthier background might view it as a reward for hard work.

With couples therapy you can learn to uncover these hidden conflicts and crafting a financial plan that aligns with your shared goals. By fostering open communication and a willingness to compromise, a great therapist can help navigate these differences. In Gottman Method couples therapy, we use exercises like the "dreams within conflict" to understand the underlying issues better.

The best part? Strengthening your financial communication can lead to a stronger relationship overall! So, whether you're constantly butting heads over budgets or simply want to create a more harmonious financial future, learning how to have these discussions is an investment in your relationship's health, helping you build a financially secure future together.