Most people agree that money can be one of the biggest sources of tension in a relationship. Couples often disagree on how to budget their money and perhaps more importantly, how to spend it. When couples don’t have a plan for their finances, it can lead to arguments, resentment, and mistrust.
Here are some common reasons why money causes conflict in relationships
Imbalanced income
One of the most common issues that money can cause in a relationship is when one partner makes significantly more money than the other, or one person stops working altogether. This can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy in the lower-earning partner, which can cause resentment and tension in the relationship, either consciously or subconsciously.
This money imbalance can also cause power struggles in a relationship. The partner with more money may feel as though they have more control over decisions, while the lower-earning partner may feel as though their opinion isn’t valued.
Uncovers differences in values
Money can also cause couples to have different values and priorities that they might not have yet uncovered. One partner may be more focused on saving money and being frugal while they plan for the future, while the other may be more focused on spending money on luxuries. If a couple isn’t able to come to an agreement on how to handle their finances, it can cause a lot of tension in the relationship because they’re heading in two very different directions.
Security or insecurity about finances
Finally, money can lead to feelings of insecurity in different ways. When one partner is always the one to provide financially, it can lead to feelings of being taken for granted when they feel like they’re “doing the work.” On the other hand, if the lower-earning partner is always paying for things, it can lead to feelings of guilt and resentment because of how they might feel like things are imbalanced.
Money is a necessary part of a relationship, but it can also cause a lot of issues if it isn’t handled properly. Communication is key when it comes to managing money in a relationship, and it’s important for couples to be honest and open about their finances so that they can work towards dreams together. If a couple is able to come to an agreement and work together on their finances as a unit, they can avoid many of the issues that money can cause in a relationship.
