Even the happiest and healthiest relationships include arguments.
Many believe that money problems lead to divorce, right? Well, yes and no. Some believe that the stress of living on a tight income is what causes divorce. Sometimes that is true, but a tight budget alone does not cause a couple to split.
A recent study, however, revealed that early financial arguments in a marriage could predict risk of divorce. It was stated that, “Arguments about money is 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.”
The study was conducted by using longitudinal data from more than 4,500 couples. The study looked at income, debt and net worth. Results revealed it did not matter how much you made or how much you were worth – arguments about money happens at all levels.
Are you aware that arguments about money are usually more intense than arguments about something else? In addition, it takes longer to recover from such an argument – couples often use harsher language with each other.
When financial arguments happen at the very beginning or a marriage and they continue throughout, couples decrease their relationship satisfaction. Aside from a negative effect on those around you, such as your children, increased stress leads to a further decrease in financial planning that could help better the situation.
It has been said that people who are stressed are very short-term focused. They don’t plan for the future. So, if you can reduce stress, you can increase planning by looking for a financial planner as part of your premarital counseling.
Are money issues damaging your marriage or did they cause your divorce?
If you have money problems that are causing you and your spouse to consider divorce, or any other family issues, contact the experienced family attorneys in the Orange County law offices of Amy M. Montes.
We are committed to protecting your rights and interests as we are in trying to reach mutually agreeable settlements.
