If you’re thinking about marriage, you’re probably hoping you can find a partner who is not only in a good financial place, but who can also help you figure out how best to save, invest and grow your money. This isn’t always easy, especially when that may not even be the place you’re currently in. Where do you start especially when there’s so much you don’t know? There are many people out here who can guide you in making wise financial decisions concerning your money and assets. How do you begin to find the right person to guide you in your financial decision-making? By getting to know a person. There are certain qualities that point to someone being a great asset to your relationship. These partners see the possibility in their relationship and can help you achieve certain financial goals. Here are six ways to being in a relationship can help your finances.
Shared Responsibility
You like to spend and he likes to save, or vice versa. Money and finances are topics that couples rarely want to discuss, especially when you get the credit card bill for your part of the wedding finances and your honeymoon – but it’s an essential one. As soon as you tie your names together legally, you are both bound to certain responsibilities that’ll impact your ability to buy a home, save money and more. Who pays what share of the expenses is one of the major first year problems to deal with. People tend to avoid the conversation, especially in a new marriage because it can lead to arguments. But one of the benefits of marriage is that financial partnership is formed: two incomes and shared expenses. Couples who don’t talk finances establish a bad pattern where one of them is in the dark about money.
Financial Focus
It’s important that you and your partner are on the same page, especially when it comes to your financial goals. You should be dating someone who is financially trustworthy that has a big vision for your future together. Wouldn’t it be great to know that you’re with someone who is willing to put the work in so that you are both financially secure. If you and your partner are coming together and serious about getting your finances in order, there’s so much the two of you can accomplish together.
Honesty
Honesty and integrity are important in any relationship. You and your partner’s willingness to be open with each other can make or break the relationship. Relationships are about honesty. It’s imperative that you disclose any and all debt with your partner. Too often, debt is a source of shame in a relationship. If you are honest with your partner and committed to partnership, you both have the ability to pull each other out of any debt you’ve created. It’s all a matter of perspective. Nobody wants to inherit a bunch of debt, but if you know that together, you can help each other eliminate debt so that you can have a bright future, why not come together?
Opening up to a partner can make us feel vulnerable and exposed, but it is the most important ingredient of a trusting, intimate relationship. For a relationship to be balanced, partners must be able to depend on one another and feel that they are needed and appreciated for the support they give. While vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, it’s actually a strength. On top of being vulnerable, it’s important that you’re honest with yourself about your financial weaknesses. If they know this, they may be able to help you and vice versa.
Accountability
If you’ve had issues with finances, you should seek a partner that will hold you accountable – the ones that can help you through your financial situations. These shouldn’t be people who will agree with everything you say just to make you feel better about your actions or encourage you when you’re in a tempting situation. These potential partners will be honest with you, even when you’re in the wrong or making a poor financial decision. If you’ve fallen short with a financial choice, you have to accept responsibility for what you did. These people will encourage you to be honest with yourself and help you move past it.
Better Communication
Having conversations about money will force you to communicate better with your partner. You should be openly communicating with your partner. Make sure the space is one where you both feel you are being respected and can openly express your thoughts and feelings. You should let them know whatever’s on your mind regarding yourself, your relationship and hopes and dreams for the future. You should also encourage them to do the same. It’s also important that you don’t keep secrets from each other. Keeping secrets about even the smallest things makes it easier to keep the big issues quiet too. Keeping secrets of any kind is the first step towards damaging a relationship that used to be strong.
Better Decision-Making
A good partner can help you make the right choices in your relationship. Some of the decisions you make in your relationship have the power to make or break your relationship. If you want to protect your relationship from financial breakdown, make sure you’re making choices that are in the best interest of your relationship. This means you’re consciously making the effort to better yourself and save your relationship. If you find yourself in a questionable financial decision, you have an important decision to make. Hopefully, you will make the conscious choice to stay on track and do what’s best for your relationship.
If you’re wondering if being in a relationship can help your finances, it really comes down to how you want to manage your money. While it may be intimidating to think of someone coming in to help you manage your money or spending your money on someone else, it’s valuable, especially when you have big financial goals. At this point in your life, your financial goals and options get more complicated. A financial planner can help you not only make wise financial decisions, but also save you a good amount of time.
