FINANCES AND RELATIONSHIPS: WHY AVOIDING MONEY DISCUSSIONS MAY JUST BE RUINING YOUR RELATIONSHIP.
Most people in relationships struggle to talk about money. We tiptoe around the idea of having uncomfortable conversations. This often invites a lot of defensiveness. What most couples dating do not know is that these conversations help in analyzing if the relationship will lead to a healthy marriage.
A netizen shared how her ex-partner would get into debt then expect her to provide for both of them. This went on till he started asking her for money to cover his daily expenses. When she left the relationship, she says she felt as if a burden had been lifted off her shoulder.
Many men too complain about the outrageous demands their girlfriends make while dating. Expensive dates, road trips, and frequent outings. This has seen them get into debt to please their partners. Pressure from society’s perception of a man doesn’t make it any easier; he needs to flex financial muscle if he’s a real man.
Money issues in relationships begin the moment we fail to be open with our significant others about our financial bare minimums.
Healthy money conversations lead to a healthy relationship.
As experts say, great relationships need a combined effort. This includes setting financial boundaries too.
In dating, you must not share;
- How much you make.
- How much money you have saved.
- Investments.
- Total assets.
By sharing such vital information, you may be welcoming characters such as the tinder swindler.
Money personalities in relationships.
Dating is the ground to understand your partner more. Both of you should be able to recognize each other’s spending habits. By knowing their money personality, you will be able to understand if the relationship will last. A relationship between a hoarder and spender will often lead to disagreements. So what is your money personality?
1. Hoarders/ Worrier
Money to hoarders should be saved. They generally believe that spending large sums of money could put them at risk.
Hoarders will deny themselves luxury but expect someone else to fund them. Most women fall under this category. People who equally grew up in divorced settings, or in poverty do this a lot.
According to research, men are more competitive with money and associate it with freedom and power while women feel more needy and vulnerable therefore associating money with security and love.
This explains why more women fall under the hoarding category.
How to tell if you are a money hoarder.
- Spending makes you develop financial anxiety.
- You prefer to save all the time, not knowing what exactly you are saving for
- Struggle in tracking your savings.
- Recurrent and obsessive fears about losing your savings.
2. Spenders
This personality type spends on things they do not necessarily need. Their spending is spontaneous. They may often throw parties, show up with expensive gifts, buy the latest vehicles in town.
Spenders always try to compensate for what they lack by splurging. Mostly, they view themselves as generous but regret immediately after spending.
How to tell if you are a spender.
- You desire to have the latest and greatest gadgets in the market.
- Often look for a way to make a statement.
- Do not fear debt.
- Have zero to limited savings yet you spend largely.
To read more about money personalities, click on this link.
