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While the saying ‘money can’t buy love’ is true, it sure can determine how long your relationship lasts.

According to the Huffington Post, most marriages end because couples argue about money – this is usually because of the differing views people have about it. When you and your partner have similar views towards money and spending, there’s a high chance that you’ll enjoy a good marriage or relationship. However, if you and your partner have glaring differences on how to spend, save, and invest money, it probably will not last long.

One way to ensure that your relationship survives financial friction could be to keep your relationship and financial matters separate. That’s to say, keep your expenses and liabilities from each other, but this is a little difficult if you and your partner share a home, expenses and more.

Short of going the keeping-your-finances-separate route, there are other solutions to remedy this situation, including learning to talk about money and aligning your financial goals to forge a solid ground for your relationship:

Examine your attitude towards money

It’s common for partners to hold differing views about money; while one partner may be frugal and a big saver, the opposite may be true for the other. Ask yourself how you view money. Do you see it as a means to an end? Do you see it as a means of control and of gaining power? Do you spend a lot when you are happy, or do you spend a lot when you are sad? By finding out these facts, you will be able to better understand your attitude towards money and only then can you address it.

Plan your financial goals

Just like with everything else in life, planning your finances together with your partner will help you to find a way towards your joint goals. This is helpful as you will both be able to discuss what you think you would like to do in the future. Do you want to buy a home, have children or even get a new car? Planning for this is the most important step and from this discussion you should be able to establish if you should have a joint account where you could save towards your goals.  

Have regular chats

It’s imperative to plan regular finance talks as this will help with gauging where you are with your investments, and it is an opportunity for both of you to touch base and discuss new investments.

Remove emotions from finance talks

When having the ‘financial chat’ with your partner, it’s important that you use your head and not your emotions, just like you would when you are shopping for vehicle insurance: you would probably begin by searching around for car insurance quotes before making a decision.  This makes it easier for both of you to have a frank discussion and to find solutions that work for both of you.

Be honest regarding finances

The purpose of having a chat about your finances with your partner is for both of you to create a financial path that works, which may mean keeping your money in separate accounts and then creating a joint account where you both contribute a portion for household goods and for other joint expenses. The upside of this is that you are able to do whatever you like with your own money while also ensuring that your joint responsibilities are taken care of.

Seek professional help

If you have tried to resolve your financial issues with your partner but nothing seems to be working, you should seek professional help. A financial planner can help you plan your financial goals and reach them. They could also help you create investment accounts where you can see your money growing.

Having an honest financial talk isn’t the easiest thing to do, let alone with a spouse or life partner; however by doing this, you will be building a solid platform for a life together.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.