The most common cause of arguments in couples is money. Money can become a sore spot for couples if it is not adequately discussed. When two individuals come together, so do their finances, and with that comes all the good spending habits and the bad ones. 

It’s common knowledge that it takes more than love to keep a relationship intact, and sometimes when people finally realize the issue, it’s already too late. For a relationship to work, people need to talk to each other, be honest, and understand that life is no longer just about them. Thus, any financial missteps one partner makes will likely affect the other. 

Let us see how you can improve your finances and help your spouse, who is bad with money: 

Talk to each other

When both partners are working and unable to agree on a financial plan, they tend to take the easy way out, which is to split the bills equally among themselves. After all the bills are paid, both partners can spend their remaining money as they see fit. It’s a great plan, but sometimes it leads to resentment when one spouse makes purchases for themselves. 

Moreover, it also diminishes the spending power of the couple as a whole, hindering their ability to pay for long-term expenses. 

Splitting the bill can be a great strategy initially, but you have to make better decisions for the future. So it’s necessary to discuss your finances and devise a plan to support you in the long run. You must do it as a team, not as two separate individuals. 

Pay down debt

Even if you don’t like it, your spouse’s debt becomes yours when you get married. Even though you are not legally responsible for the debt your spouse gets into before you get married, their credit score will affect your ability to get credit together in the future. 

Since credit card debt is so prevalent today, you and your partner must take immediate action to consolidate or settle your credit card debt. 

Build an emergency fund

Having an emergency fund can make sure you have your finances under control even before an emergency occurs. Along with avoiding getting into debt and not using credit cards too much, having an emergency fund is essential. 

When making a monthly budget, set aside a small percentage of your total funds in a savings account that acts as your emergency fund, you should make sure you keep growing the emergency fund until you have saved at least three to six months’ worth of expenses. 

You must ensure enough funds are in your account to help you get through unexpected expenses. Also, both partners must agree that neither can touch the emergency fund without the other knowing. 

Don’t forget to sympathize

Bad money habits come from a lack of financial education. Many individuals may not get proper financial education, which is not your partner’s fault. It is normal to feel angry and frustrated when your partner is bad with money, especially your money. Take a step back and look at the points that may have gone wrong. 

Because of the emotional intensity of the topic, couples often struggle when discussing financial matters. It’s a good sign if your significant other is honest enough to admit they have a money problem because that means you can start working together to solve it. You should give your partner a chance to learn how to manage their finances correctly through financial education and advice. Let them understand what they are doing wrong, and remember to support them through the process. 

Have weekly budget meetings

Managing money can get complicated, even with a budget in place. Communication is vital in these scenarios. Having weekly budget meetings, even for 15 minutes, can be helpful for both of you. 

With the help of these budget meetings, you can determine how much to set aside for groceries, how much to spend on the weekend, and how to save more money. You should ensure you have one day fixed for these meetings when you know you won’t be interrupted. 

Take help if needed

Sometimes, helping your spouse alone may not be enough. A financial advisor can help you in ways you might not be able to do independently. A financial advisor can help with various financial issues that can become severe if not handled properly. 

Bottom line

Too often, people let financial issues fester for too long before seeking help. Having a partner who is poor with money can cause major problems in a marriage. 

To assist your partner in improving their financial situation, you both must have a firm grasp on the factors that have contributed to their present condition. 

When you and your spouse commit to a budget, you can reduce some of the strain from living with someone terrible with money.

About The Author: Lyle Solomon has extensive legal experience, in-depth knowledge, and experience in consumer finance and writing. He has been a member of the California State Bar since 2003. He graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1998 and currently works for the Oak View Law Group in California as a Principal Attorney.