Minimize money arguments in marriage (and block the road to divorce court)

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Minimize Money Arguments In Marriage (and block the road to divorce court)

Couples disagree about money more often than you may think. It can happen in any marriage, but it’s best to learn how to work together as a team and keep the money arguments to a minimum. You may be surprised to know that constant fighting over regular money arguments in marriage is one of the primary causes of divorce nowadays. And kids are not immune from the arguments, since they may often be at the center of the battle when it comes to clothes, video games, toys, or the latest digital gadgets. Preventing money arguments in marriage is one of the best ways to increase the level of harmony in the home. And we have some tips and advice to help you do just that. If you’ve been feeling there’s nothing you can do to avoid money-related fights, then read on. There are many things you can do to minimize the disagreements about money and keep the peace in your home. Tips for handling money arguments at home: 1. Take a moment to figure our your attitudes regarding money. If you and your spouse have a different attitude when it comes to money, then there is fertile ground for money battles. Money problems are one of the main causes of stress for women. Perhaps you grew up in a wealthy home, and your spouse didn’t. Or like me, you might value saving over spending, while your spouse is the exact opposite. Speaking from personal experience, I know that can be a nightmare. Natural-Stress-Relief-Women.com


Think a bit about your husband’s background. If his family never could afford cars unless they were 10 years or more, then that might explain why he is so places such high value on having a brand new .

Take a minute to understand and analyze your differing views. That might help you find middle ground regarding finances. That new car might mean more to your spouse than you realize.

2. Make sure everyone gets involved in the budgeting process. No one likes to be told what to do, and if you make the budget by yourself and impose on your spouse and kids, there is bound to be a LOT of resentment ( and perhaps even rebellion) in your home. So instead of creating, imposing, and enforcing a budget all on your own, make sure to include your spouse and kids in the money management process to minimize feelings of animosity. Have a meeting with the entire family and go over the budget. Provide an opportunity for everyone to give their opinion and ask questions. Everyone will be more likely to stick to the budget if they’re involved in the process. 3. Talk about major purchases with your spouse in advance. Coming home with a pair of $50 shoes is one thing. Towing an amazingly soothing massage chair home without a discussion is an entirely different situation, regardless of your good intentions to create that “relaxed feeling” at home for everyone. No one will enjoy it if it becomes the center of a major money battle. It would much better to discuss it in advance with your spouse and agree in advance that it is something you both need and can use. 

Have an agreement that all major purchases will be discussed beforehand.

Once you learn to minimize “financial surprises” there will be a lot more peace and a lot less fighting about money.

4. Make special arrangement for regular family budget meetings. I know this sounds a bit too business-like, but running a home is no different from running a business. Scheduling a 15-minute meeting once a week should be sufficient to keep everyone informed about the “financial health” of the home. Go over the spending for the week and compare it with your current budget plan. Make adjustments where necessary helping everyone to see the need for doing so. During the “family money management meetings” you can also include discussions about any unbudgeted expenses that may be coming up. 5. Grant every family member a weekly or monthly allowance, including yourself. No one wants to feel like they have to ask permission for the smallest of purchases. That’s a quick way to create resentment and many financial disagreements boil down to someone feeling a lack of freedom or too much control. Providing everyone in the household a few dollars to spend any way they desire can be helpful.

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6. Discuss and set common financial goals. Everyone in the house is likely to be more agreeable to a reduction in spending if it’s being done to reach a desirable goal, such as a vacation. Saving for a dream house, retirement, or college can put everyone on the same page. Set, pursue, and achieve goals together. 7. Think before you speak. If your spouse has run up the credit card again, take some time to get your emotions under control. Share your displeasure with them, but leave your emotions out of it. If you focus on the behavior rather than the person, you’re less likely to make someone defensive. Fighting over money is a common occurrence and money problems has been identified as the number one cause of stress among women. With patience and understanding, most arguments over finances can become a thing of the past. Include the whole family in the budgeting process and review the family’s spending on a regular basis. Your family will thank you for it. Please Share Your Thoughts In the comments below, share with us: 1. What strategies do you use to minimize arguments about money with your spouse? 2. Which tip mentioned in the post above can you use to prevent money battles in your home?

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