We’ve all heard it before: Money is one of the leading causes of stress in relationships — so make sure your partner has the same views you do.
But what if you fall in love with someone whose money habits are the complete opposite of yours?
Most people would say you’re doomed…
Which is why I loved Britni de la Cretaz’s recent story in DailyWorth.
“Money has never been something I’ve been very good at dealing with,” she writes.
“While this way of living was sort of acceptable for me as a single person, it suddenly became a very big problem when I became one half of a couple.”
Though she and her partner almost split up because of her poor financial habits, they instead figured out a way to make it work.
And now they’re happier — not to mention more financially secure — than ever.
Here’s how they did it…
How This Smart Couple Managed to Make It Work
For de la Cretaz, who’d spent her life “overspending, paying overdraft fees, maxing out credit cards, and falling behind” on bills, her financial illiteracy was one of her “biggest sources of shame.”
And when she moved in with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, she knew she had to change.
Because, as she writes, “Now, when I blew all my money and didn’t have the cash for rent, it wasn’t just me I was screwing over — it became my partner’s problem too.”
Patient at first, her partner eventually became frustrated.
Their “fights over money almost brought [them] to a breaking point” — and that’s when most couples would’ve quit.
Instead, though, they worked together to find a solution.
First, a joint account just for bills — with automatic transfers whenever they got paid.
Second, a weekly money meeting, during which they discuss their spending, saving and long-term goals.
Not only does her husband say this makes their relationship feel “more like a partnership,” she highlights their budgeting and money management as one of the reasons they’re stronger than ever.
“Because we’re being transparent — and holding each other accountable — we’ve achieved a level of intimacy we never had before,” she writes.
“As a team, we know we’ll be able to weather whatever financial storm may come our way because we’re prepared and facing it head on, together.”
I don’t know about you, but those lines gave me ALL the feelings.
They also reminded me, ultimately, it’s not money that matters — it’s communication.
Your Turn: Do you and your partner have similar or differing views on money?
Susan Shain, senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, is always seeking adventure on a budget. Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.
The post How This Couple’s Opposite Money Habits Made Their Marriage Stronger appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.
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