We share a bed with them, a pet, maybe even (in emergency circumstances) a toothbrush… so why is it so challenging to talk to our partners about money? If the thought of sitting down and talking to your significant other – whether they’re a relatively new partner or spouse – about pounds and pennies fills you with dread, then you’re not alone.
Last year, research from Royal London found that three in five couples have argued about money, with 62% falling out over overspending. A quarter of respondents said they believe their partner is irresponsible with money, and a third admitted to keeping details of their savings and debts hidden from their partner.
Financial therapist Simonne Gnessen from Wise Monkey Financial Coaching told Women’s Health that having an open and honest conversation about money doesn’t need to be fraught – it can even be made into something fun.
Simonne says that there is no reason why a conversation about finances can’t be approached from an almost playful standpoint. She suggests investing in either a set of specific money conversation starter cards (like Habitudes) or finding a similar online resource that will allow you and your partner to speak objectively about your approaches to spending, saving and earning.
Financial therapist Simonne Gnessen from Wise Monkey Financial Coaching told Women’s Health that having an open and honest conversation about money doesn’t need to be fraught – it can even be made into something fun.
Simonne says that there is no reason why a conversation about finances can’t be approached from an almost playful standpoint. She suggests investing in either a set of specific money conversation starter cards (like Habitudes) or finding a similar online resource that will allow you and your partner to speak objectively about your approaches to spending, saving and earning.
