Christine Luken: No keeping secrets about finances from significant other — discuss household budget


We like to tease about hiding our purchases from our husbands or wives so we don’t get “in trouble;” however keeping money secrets from your spouse is no joke. 

With almost 75 percent of divorcing couples citing money issues as a contributing factor, we all need to prioritize honest communication about money. 
 
0216 No Money Secrets

It doesn’t matter if you are hiding purchases, credit cards, or even savings accounts from your significant other, “financial infidelity” can wreak havoc on a relationship.

The first thing to ask yourself is this: “WHY do I feel the need to hide this from my spouse?”

Maybe you know you shouldn’t be buying more clothes, toys, electronics, etc. on the credit card. Maybe you’re squirrelling away money in a separate savings account because you’re afraid your husband or wife will find a way to spend it.

When you dig down to real reason for the secret, you’ll find that the issue isn’t money; it’s trust. You need to talk to you partner and get these concerns out in the open. (Don’t be ashamed to enlist the help of a counselor or therapist, if necessary.)

The good news is that if you communicate regularly with your spouse or partner about money, you’ll increase the odds of having a rock solid relationship. Communicate early and often! This is one reason I highly recommend meeting once a month to discuss the household budget.

And if you are engaged or seriously dating someone, it’s important to get “financially naked” with each other before walking down the aisle. The only secret you should be keeping from your sweetie is what you got them for Valentine’s Day!

Christine Luken is the Financial Lifeguard and a veteran Meal Planner. She helps individuals, families, and entrepreneurs design a financial road map to help them arrive at their Preferred Financial Destination.  You can find Christine’s blogs, podcasts, and videos on her Financial Lifeguard website.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *