4 Signs of Financial Harmony
In surveys that ask couples, “What are the top issues you fight about?” money is almost always featured prominently among the responses.1 For example, in a survey conducted by Ramsey Solutions, money fights ranked as the second leading cause of divorce, behind infidelity.2 Money is considered the invisible third person that brings tension to the relationship.
How can you tell if you and your partner are financially compatible? To be financially compatible, it involves understanding and respecting your partner’s behaviors, habits, and values in regard to money. The following are signs you’ll be able to live in financial harmony with your loved one.
#1 – You can talk about money without fighting
In a lifelong partnership, couples absolutely need to be able to talk openly and honestly about financial matters. However, in a survey conducted by Wells Fargo, 44% of Americans reported that the topic of “personal finances” was the most difficult to discuss with others.3 If you and your partner are unable to discuss money issues without fighting, you likely aren’t financially compatible.
#2 – You have similar credit scores
While credit scores can be improved, if you and your partner have vastly different scores, it’s important to understand why. If your partner’s score is low because he or she doesn’t believe in borrowing and, therefore, has never built a credit history, you’ll need to decide if this is a financial approach you can live with. On the other hand, if you have a high credit score above 750 and your partner’s score is below 580 and they have a history of taking out large amounts of debt and not repaying it, this may be cause for concern and an indication you aren’t financially compatible.
#3 – You share similar financial goals
Even if you have separate accounts, for better or for worse your spending impacts your partner, because you’ll need to share money to accomplish your long-term financial goals. Financially compatible couples share similar financial goals and can agree to similar spending habits that will allow them to achieve those goals. The good news is even if you have different spending and saving habits, sharing a vision of what you want your future to look like can help motivate each person to make compromises to achieve that goal.
#4 – You have similar spending and saving habits
If you and your partner share similar spending and saving habits, chances are you have similar financial values. If you take vastly different approaches to spending and saving, you may have more challenges finding common ground. Fortunately, you and your partner don’t need to agree on every monetary issue to be financially compatible. But you do need to have open communication, have trust and find ways to work together to accomplish your joint financial goals. When you share similar long-term goals and can talk openly about money, you’ll improve your habits in pursuit of a big picture goal. It’s all about communication.
As with most financial matters, a bit of effort and planning can help you achieve financial harmony. And it never hurts to work with a qualified wealth manager who can serve as a non-biased intermediary in helping you and your partner chart a course toward achieving your financial goals for a better future.
If you and your partner would like help assessing your financial compatibility, or for help with any other financial matter, schedule a call with a member of our team.
Footnotes:
- https://www.allprodad.com/top-10-things-you-and-your-wife-fight-about/
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/newsroom/releases/money-ruining-marriages-in-america
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140220005317/en/Conversations-About-Personal-Finance-More-Difficult-Than-Religion-and-Politics-According-to-New-Wells-Fargo-Survey
