Finances are a top stressor in relationships, survey finds

(InvestigateTV) — Every relationship has ups and downs – and new research from WalletHub shows money is often at the center of conflict.

“It’s definitely one of the major reasons. Financial issues can kind of create resentments and spark other problems and disagreements,” shared John Kiernan, managing editor at WalletHub.

Kiernan conducted a survey on money and relationships. He found that the love of money and lack of communication can lead to heartbreak.

WalletHub’s survey found nearly one in three people think their relationship is limiting their financial growth. And about a quarter of respondents believe sharing a financial account leads to more money problems rather than preventing them.

“A lot of people think, oh if we bring everything closer together, we can be fully transparent. But that also creates issues,” Kiernan noted.

Another reason for breakups: financial secrets. More than one in four Americans have a financial account that their partner doesn’t know about.

Kiernan said the key for couples to avoid letting money ruin their relationship is to get on the same page.

“94 percent of people on our survey said if you’re in a relationship you should budget together,” he said. “So that’s definitely something we recommend. Couples who budget together, stay together. You don’t necessarily have to combine everything but definitely communicate and work together openly and that’s the key to success.”

Kiernan also found that financial disagreements are worse for relationships than political disagreements. That’s why it’s important for people to make sure they are compatible with their partner on how to handle money. It is just as important as any other part of a relationship.

The takeaway: be open, honest, and clear about who pays for what, so small issues don’t turn into big resentments.

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