Five questions to ask your partner to see if youll live happily ever after
‘For richer, for poorer.” Sounds reasonable at the time but when the going gets tough many couples choose to go their separate ways. Financial stress is one of the top causes of break-ups, according to Relationships Australia, and while bills, budgets and debt are hardly the stuff of romance, couples who talk about money often end up with a stronger relationship.
Whether you’re married, engaged or just starting out, if you’ve never sat down to have a money chat it can be a little awkward. The best way to start this conversation is to go in lightly.
Let me give you an example: “What would you do if you won $1 million?” The answer should give you some insight into what your partner values and whether they’re a spender or a saver. So much softer than: “Do you have a spending problem?”
Here are six questions to help you discover a little more about your loved one.
1 IF YOU WON $1 MILLION WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT?
If the answer is “first-class tickets to Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible, Ducati and pool for the kids,” then you’re dealing with a spender. Often opposites do attract and if that’s the case you need to find some common ground. Can you afford a purchase? Will it put a strain on your finances? Where else could this money go? If you’re the only one who wants to splurge, you may have better luck if you suggest that you’ll pay for it independently with your savings.
Your next move … see where your money is going with apps such as MoneySmart’s TrackMySpend or Pocketbook, which is linked to your bank account.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Money Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the October 2018 edition of Money Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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