More Money, More Problems

Money – and how you spend it – is one of the biggest problems in a relationship. Don’t get caught up in the conflict.

- Vida Lisik

ARE you and your spouse or partner constantly fighting over money – the way it’s spent or the lack of it? Then join the club. Experts say money is one of the main causes of friction in relationships.

A survey by an American bank in 2015 revealed a large number of couples argued over money, hid transactions from each other or simply did not consult each other about large purchases. A random telephone survey by a US credit-card company found that one in five people admitted spending R5 000 or more without their spouse or partner’s knowledge and 6 % of respondents had bank accounts they were hiding from their significant others.

DIFFERENT PRIORITIES 

Men and women often have different priorities when spending money. For her, that gorgeous pair of shoes she saw at a sale was a “must-have” item and having her hair or nails done is a weekly necessity. For him, paying for drinks with his buddies on a Friday night goes without question as something “he has to do”.

At the same time, secret spending can result in major conflict once uncovered.

Mandisa Sonani* was shocked to discover her husband Ronald* had blown R20 000 on gaming one month and would not be able to pay his share of their household accounts.