Signs of Unhealthy Money Habits and Red Flags in Relationships

One of the things many people are insensitive to is the money red flags in a relationship. A personal unhealthy relationship with money would amplify money red flags in a relationship. Therefore, before things grow serious, it’s important to get financially aligned from the start, ideally during the dating stage.

You’ll hear people say, “money cannot buy love,” but in the real sense, money is needed to sustain a relationship. If you are wondering if money is a reason to end a relationship, it might be if your partner has a bad relationship with money. Do you know what percentage ends in divorce because of money? It’s 20-40%! 

These marriages are dissolving today due to certain financial red flags that they didn’t address in their relationship. If you want to know how money ruins relationships, just check out these money red flags: 

8 Signs of Unhealthy Relationships with Money

Your partner may even be unaware that he or she has an unhealthy relationship with money and not know it. If you have an unhealthy relationship with money, such as ignoring debt or failing to check balances, it causes worry. This could be because you are afraid of what may happen if their card is declined, according to Aja Evans.

Watch out for important money red flags in a relationship that may indicate more serious problems later on to prevent future turmoil. If you catch them early, you can save yourself heartache and money. Learn about money red flags in a relationship you should look out for in a partner.

How Money Ruins Relationships: Key Red Flags 

1. Financial infidelity: Interdependence and trust would be weakened if your spouse were lying to you about how money is earned or spent, or if you were concealing certain financial activities from them.
2. Different lifestyle, income, or values: No two individuals are the same. Lifestyle, cultural, religious, or personality differences might influence how one sees money. If the differences are irreconcilable, it’s a serious money red flag in a relationship. 
3. Providing for children or extended family: A world of conflict may arise when sustaining extended relatives or raising children becomes an additional expenditure. This looks like a married couple issue, but what if your boo or bae has children? Will he/she be insistent that you provide for these children at all costs? It’s ideal to provide for their children, but if it’s a forced responsibility, then that’s another money red flag! 
4. Chronic Overspending: An unhealthy relationship with money is shown by spending more than one can afford. Evans links this to problems with self-worth, such as purchasing a $40 Stanley water bottle that you know you can’t afford.
5. Comparing Finances: Tying value to pay or comparing finances with someone else is unhealthy, since it might make you feel superior or undeserving.
6. Inability to Accept Gifts: Feelings of inadequacy are reflected in the inability to accept little gestures, such as a coffee offer from a colleague. This is due to the fact that he or she cannot afford the gift, and you won’t be able to give back.
7. Debt: Financial stress and debt lead to tension. A partner isn’t prepared for the level of financial responsibility that a committed relationship demands if they ignore savings, live pay cheque to pay cheque, or accumulate credit card debt without any strategy. Watch it!
8. Financial control: A clear warning indicator is when your partner restricts access to joint accounts, controls your spending, or dictates how you handle your money. Emotional or financial abuse can result from financial control. Communicating anxieties can help restore trust, but only if it’s safe, according to Ashley Bendiskson. It’s time to leave if the behaviour turns violent or abusive.

Conclusion

Spotting money red flags in a relationship, like financial infidelity or control issues, early, can save you from major headaches.

Think about debt counselling or financial therapy if your partner engages in risky behaviours like excessive spending. You and yours should be financial teammates to safeguard your financial well-being and establish common objectives. And if you guys can’t come to terms? It is a red flag!

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