Couple’s Guide To Essential Money Values

It is no secret that many individuals aim to grow their wealth. Building a “healthy” relationship with your finances is vital in controlling it. Now, how does one begin to achieve this type of financial relationship? For starters, you must review the basics.

Money values, consisting of internal and external factors, influence your attitude towards money. It can help mold your life decisions too! For instance, a person who values foresight may build a robust retirement plan as early as 30.

Your money values are deeply rooted in your personality. Long before you met your partner, you have developed values surrounding money. Studies suggest that we inherit values, beliefs, and attitudes about money from our parents and other family members. It is important to discuss these money values when entering a romantic relationship.

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Unfortunately, couples rarely talk about their financial values and goals. They see this subject as a restricted topic fueled by social custom. However, it is never too late to have this financial conversation! Talking about your money values is the first step to syncing your financial plans. Start by discussing what your parents taught you about money as well as your financial goals. Having this serious discussion prevents conflicts, which came from differing money values.

In your discussion, consider creating a list of your money values. Here are some of the examples: Value of Time, Openness, Resourcefulness, Honesty, Patience, and Generosity.

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Encourage an flowing conversation whereby each of you will share about your list of money values. Understand each other’s point of view by highlighting the similarities and differences. Afterwards, choose the “top three values” that are important to the both of you. Work with these values to reach your goal.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, your financial discussions may become heated. Pause the conversation and revisit the issue later on. When it comes to money, it is difficult to always see eye to eye. Take a time out. With open communication and understanding, you can devise a plan to reach your shared financial goals. Good luck!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Couples, Who Should Pay The Bill On A Date?

The unspoken sentiment of “Who should pay the bill?” has been a hot debate over the years. Its answer however, changes over time.

The arrival of professional women in the workforce was delayed in most countries due to being denied to universities. For instance, Cambridge University only fully embraced women students during the late 1947. Across time there was an increase of women laborers in factories (e.g., textile or machinery). The 20th century solidified women and their rights in the workforce.

The younger generations were raised to empower equality in the household. Moreover, the quality of life is getting harder as economies fail. And so, there is a great need for both men and women to work regardless of social norms.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for women to be earning more than the men they are dating or are married with. In fact, a study by Prudential Company in 2012 showed that approximately 53% of the sample was made up of women breadwinners.

Since both sexes are relatively equals, it will be interesting to know the opinion of the population regarding who should pay the bill. A poll by Cosmopolitan investigated that. According to the poll, less than 25% of women believe that their partners should always pay for the bill. And, about 40% of women think that couples shall always split the bill.

Image Credits: TheeErin via Flickr

Image Credits: TheeErin via Flickr

The results of this poll only highlight the fact that more women feel empowered to share the expenses. Although, 50% of women think splitting the bill can hurt the romance between two people.

Why would going halfsies hurt the romance between two people? Well…gender stereotypes that it may emasculate the male mate and even social norms impose against it. Furthermore, California therapist Susan Axtell says, “we’re more independent than ever but many women today still want to feel taken care of”. These irrational thoughts may hinder further verbalization of the desire to share the expense.

On the other hand, four out of five men believe that they should always pay for the bills on their dates or at least until the relationship is established.

The key to addressing this issue is to value each other’s money and to treat each other once in a while.

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