Relationships
Marriage
Partnering on Your Finances
7 Min Read | May 23, 2024
By Rachel Cruze
Love puts no limits on topics for conversation—but if you’re constantly fighting over money, it’s not something you want to bring up.
Money is the number one issue married couples fight about, and it’s consistently a leading cause of divorce. This is why working through your money issues in a healthy way is actually more valuable than the money itself.
When Arguing About Money Becomes the Norm
You’ve lived out some version of the story before: You’ve both had a long day at work, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and your spouse casually mentions that they just spent $75 on something fun for themselves.
So, under your breath, you say, “Must be nice to just be able to spend money like that without running it by me.”
Your spouse gets defensive, and the game of verbal tennis begins. Over the next 30 minutes, the conversation slowly evolves into a heated discussion, and you’re at odds with the person you love the most—again.
The kids scamper to their bedrooms. The dog hides under the couch. The neighbor outside looks up from pruning his rose bushes.
Or maybe money conversations in your house aren’t loud, but there’s an underlying tension that creeps to the surface every now and then.
Budget battles come in all shapes and sizes.Maybe it’s an expected bill that hits at just the wrong time or an unplanned loan to a family member. Or maybe it’s a purchase you just don’t think the family needs right now—or one you’re sure you do need.Whatever the reason you find yourself arguing about money, it’s stealing your trust, your peace, your communication and your fun from your marriage.
How Fighting Over Money Impacts Your Marriage
For a lot of couples, money fights aren’t just a small bump in the road. They can become a major roadblock. The reality is that fighting over money isn’t just holding you back financially. It trickles down to all aspects of your marriage and your life.
Negative Effects of Fighting Over Money:
- A lack of shared dreams: 45% of couples who describe their marriage as “okay” or “in crisis” avoid discussing their money dreams together.1
- Financial infidelity: One-third of peoplewho argue with their spouse about money say they’vehidden a purchase from their spousebecause they knew their partner wouldn’t approve.2
- Poor health: Study after study shows that money stress can negatively impact your blood pressure, back and muscle pain, mental health and more.
- A lack of trust: When money is a constant source of tension, it breaks down trust in the relationship.
- Divorce: Professor of family studies Sonya Britt said, “Arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce. It's not children, sex, in-laws or anything else. It's money—for both men and women."
7 Steps to Stop Fighting Over Money
Money fights and money problems are painful. If you’re struggling to get on the same page with your spouse, use these seven steps to restore the peace.
1. Recognize—and appreciate—your differences.
You already know men and women are different. But being different isn’t bad—in fact, it’s really important.I talk a lot about being aware of each other’s differences, like nerd vs. free spirit, spender vs. saver, and safety vs. status.
Being aware of your differences is the first step to actually being able to appreciate them. Use that to maintain balance during your money talks.And don’t just hear your spouse’s concerns—really listen to them and look for the truth in what they say. You’re not the only one with a perspective on the issues, which is why it’s super important to listen first and speak later.
2. Share a joint bank account.
People get so passionate and protective over their right to a separate account from their spouse.But you guys, to succeed financially and relationally in a marriage, a couple has to be on the same page.On your wedding day, the pastor says, “Two will become one,” for a reason. It’s almost impossible to stay “one” if you have separate bank accounts, argue about money all the time, and face constant financial stress in your marriage.
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3. Schedule budget date nights.
In marriage, effective budgeting means you should make time each month for face-to-face budget date nights! I’ve seen countless couples do this and get positive results beyond the budgeting spreadsheet.Couples who set financial goals together are generally closer because the trust factor is much higher.They can nurture troubled marriages and strengthen healthy ones. It’s a beautiful thing.
4. Avoid wild exaggerations.
Two of the most dangerous words in any marriage fight—about money or something else—areneverandalways.It’s easy to fall back on “you never do this” or “you always do that.” But most of the time, those accusations are based on emotion rather than reality. Don’t fall into that trap. Be careful of speaking in extremes.
5. Attack your debt together.
Debt creates a lot of money fights. Almost half of couples with $50,000 or more in consumer debt say money is a top reason for arguments.3
The Dr. John Delony Show helps people through real-life marriage challenges. Listen now!So, do yourselves a huge favor and start getting out of debt. Not only will this eliminate a huge (and maybe the biggest) stressor on your marriage, but it will also give you a shared goal to work toward together.
And listen, guys, go crazy when you’re paying off debt! That means making some short-term sacrifices for your long-term good. You might even consider getting an extra job for a few months. You may have to put date nights on pause. You may say good-bye to cable. If you want our complete plan for getting out of debt and building wealth as a unified team, check out Financial Peace University.
6. Don’t be afraid of compromise.
The wordcompromisemay not come naturally to you, but if you want to stop fighting over money, it’s crucial.While you never want to compromise your integrity or ruin your financial plan, meeting in the middle can lead to a great solution.Marriage is all about give and take, so stay on the same page by allowing a little wiggle room on tough topics.
7. Keep the end in mind.
As a couple, you know where you are right now. And after a few months of budget date nights, you should have a shared vision for where you want to be. A big part of marriage is creating a life you love together. Money is simply a tool to help you realize those dreams.
So, don’t let the immediate conflict erase the progress you’ve made or derail your dreams for the future.Start every financial discussion with the end in mind—and never let your fights move you off that foundation.
You CAN Stop Arguing About Money for Good
The biggest step to stop fighting over money is sitting down with your husband or wife and admitting that some work needs to be done.
So, after you put the kids to bed tonight,turn off the television, sit down and have a nice, long talk with your significant other. Put everything out there—money issues, communication issues, trust issues . . . everything. Once you understand how each of you are feeling, you can work toward overcoming the issues together.
Money is an emotional topic, and how you deal with it will affect your family tree for generations to come.You might not be able to avoid every money fight in your marriage, but you can learn to fight fair and work together.
Steps to End Money Arguments
One of the best ways to stop the budget battle? Finding community and working with people you trust.
- Recognize your differences and be respectful to your spouse during money conversations—even if you have different views.
- Set a regular budget meeting with your spouse—and stick to it!
- Get together with a Ramsey Preferred Coach (RPC). All it takes to start is a conversation with an expert who knows what you’re both going through.
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About the author
Rachel Cruze
Rachel Cruze is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, financial expert, host of The Rachel Cruze Show, and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. Rachel writes and speaks on personal finance, budgeting, investing and money trends. As a co-host of The Ramsey Show, America’s second-largest talk radio show, Rachel reaches millions of weekly listeners with her personal finance advice. She’s appeared on Good Morning America and Fox News and been featured in TIME, REAL SIMPLE and Women’s Health, among others. Through her shows, books, syndicated columns and speaking events, Rachel shares fun, practical ways to take control of your money and create a life you love. Learn More.
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