![When Money Becomes A Divisive Issue](https://cdn.magzter.com/1354588640/1675257109/articles/fVOA0NhMS1676891759937/Relationship.jpg)
In an ideal world, couples know what to do with their money. Salaries go into a joint account each month, expenses are dutifully paid for from this account, each partner doesn't spend more than they should, and whatever's left goes into building a nest egg for retirement. Hands up, if you are in this enviable situation. My guess is, many of us are not.
I have to admit: I'm not always happy with my husband's carefree attitude towards money. The way he manages his finances, it's as if the dreaded R-word (retirement, if you're wondering) will never happen to him. I, on the other hand, am a worrier. I worry about not having a big retirement fund, I worry about losing my job, and I worry about not having a sizable bank account that I can fall back on in case of emergencies.
When it comes to our attitudes towards our finances, we are as incompatible as oil and water. But thankfully, we agreed early on in our relationship to keep our finances separate. The fact that we've decided not to have children also makes it easier for us to manage our money.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
But what if things were a little more complicated? Say for instance, your partner may find himself in a position where he is suddenly unable to contribute to a dual-income household (due to circumstances beyond his control), and you find yourself shouldering the household expenses alone. And what if he seems to be in no rush to find a new job, or is reluctant to at least be a gig worker until he finds a permanent role?
Such situations can be fraught with tension and stress. You might find yourself trapped, unable to quit a job you dislike because you have become the sole breadwinner. Or, your spouse might think you are not being understanding of their problems and accuse you of asking them to "settle".
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
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
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
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
![The Rise Of Tradwives](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/b11N7zwO51715324794637/crp_THE-RISE-OF-TRADWIVES.jpg)
The Rise Of Tradwives
Is this just another fancy name for a stay-at-home mum?
![Independent Woman](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/bTYg22_eV1715322937606/crp_INDEPENDENT-WOMAN.jpg)
Independent Woman
Tap on floral prints, flowy skirts, sharp tailoring and sporty details for a new take on power dressing.
![Buying An Independent Watch? Here's How To Find A Good One.](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/y_IGVGe011715323736116/crp_BUYING-AN-INDEPENDENT-WATCH-HERES-HOW-TO-FIND-A-GOOD-ONE.jpg)
Buying An Independent Watch? Here's How To Find A Good One.
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
![Would You Swipe Right On Feminism?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/dKXUXT14A1715322726237/crp_WOULD-YOU-SWIPE-RIGHT-ON-FEMINISM.jpg)
Would You Swipe Right On Feminism?
In the debut instalment of this new opinion column, a single Singaporean declares that in her search for a long-term partner, there's nothing more attractive than a man who embraces gender equality.
![The Orange Peel Theory](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/T82QkQ_DG1715324901170/crp_THE-ORANGE-PEEL-THEORY.jpg)
The Orange Peel Theory
Would you break up with your partner over peeled fruit? This latest social media trend might just be the unlikely dealbreaker.
![You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Taking A Vacation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/4TK_0ll661715323961970/crp_YOU-SHOULDNT-FEEL-GUILTY-ABOUT-TAKING-A-VACATION.jpg)
You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Taking A Vacation
Even though you've booked that much-needed vacation, you might find yourself hesitant to take the time off. How do you address the guilt that may be weighing you down, and actually enjoy your holiday?
![Let Your Emotions Go](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/Rrx_Wg1OH1715321910970/crp_LET-YOUR-EMOTIONS-GO.jpg)
Let Your Emotions Go
Have a flaky friend who always bails on plans? Here's how you can share how you feel while addressing the situation effectively.
![How Much Is Family Planning Actually Costing You?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/_1A1skv2W1715324529673/crp_HOW-MUCH-IS-FAMILY-PLANNING-ACTUALLY-COSTING-YOU.jpg)
How Much Is Family Planning Actually Costing You?
It's always prudent to be financially sound and savvy - especially if you're planning to start a family. Find out how you and your partner can map out a financial plan that is realistic, based on advice from parents and experts.
![Do You Feel Guilty About Taking Leave?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/MlcGVlG881715323857485/crp_DO-YOU-FEEL-GUILTY-ABOUT-TAKING-LEAVE.jpg)
Do You Feel Guilty About Taking Leave?
We ask the Her World team, as well as readers, if they can truly unplug from work during a vacation.
![Air-Dry Or Blow-Dry - Which Is Worse For Your Mane?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1930/1685820/_Bbnd8Xgb1715325988985/crp_AIRDRY-OR-BLOWDRY-WHICH-IS-WORSE-FOR-YOUR-MANE.jpg)
Air-Dry Or Blow-Dry - Which Is Worse For Your Mane?
Haircare experts share their advice.