Marriage is a big commitment, not only emotionally, but financially as well.
Rachel Cruze, a financial expert and money influencer, is married and knows from personal and professional experience what are some of the pitfalls to avoid when it comes to marriage and finances. In a recent YouTube video, Cruze breaks down the top woes married couples face and why they should steer clear of them at all costs.
Not Sharing a Bank Account
Being able to be open and honest with your spouse is a deep component of marriage, and Cruze explained that money is no exception. When couples do not share a bank account, it does not build financial trust in each other individually or together as a unit.
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Hiding Money
Whether it is a random account that you do not show your spouse or a secret credit card, Cruze highlighted that this can create friction in the martial union. It doesn’t matter if the amount is big or small, the point is that money is not meant to be hidden from your partner.
Not Making Big Purchase Decisions Together
According to Cruze, this can be a different dollar amount depending on where you are financially in your marriage. Cruze recommended setting that amount together, that way if either person is faced with that amount of money that might be spent, you know you need to discuss it together.
Thinking Your Financial Beliefs Are the Only Way
“There are big values that you want to agree upon,” recommended Cruze, with the added note to just make life easier in your marriage. These agreements definitely extend into the financial aspect of your marriage, yet should not be held on too tightly by either spouse. A couple of examples that Cruze lists are having an emergency savings fund or being okay carrying a certain amount of financial debt.
No matter what the issue is, Cruze recommended to be a little flexible in your mindset when it comes to money so that each person can get what they want and make little compromises to ensure the other’s happiness, safety or satisfaction. It is also an opportunity to learn from the one you love.
Not Being Aligned on Future Goals
Cruze described how if both people in the couple are off on their own separate goals for the marriage, money might get spent or saved or lost because the future is not clearly articulated by both spouses.
It’s important to communicate what you’d like from the other person, and how to utilize your finances to make it happen together, Cruze advocated. After all, marriage is about going on the journey towards success together and the desired outcomes need to be clearly mapped out for that to happen. Plus, it’s fun to reach your goals together!
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Money Conflicts Married Couples Should Avoid, According to Rachel Cruze
