How to Talk About Money With Your Partner: Tips From a Therapist

Licensed therapist, Joyce Marter, goes over the importance of talking about finances with your partner. Joyce gives practical tips on how to talk about money with your partner.

Healthy communication in a relationship is crucial especially when it comes to finances. In fact, financial challenges are one of the top issues couples address in couples therapy. After counseling individuals and couples for more than 25 years, I’ve discovered one of the main reasons that couples come to therapy is financial conflict, financial anxiety, and financial mishaps that could be avoided through improved collaboration. One study found that money problems are the second leading cause of divorce, behind infidelity. High levels of debt and a lack of communication are major causes of stress and anxiety.

When one partner is financially literate and the other is not, this can lead to an imbalance of power and control in relationships, sometimes resulting in resentment. Further, people who aren’t aware of their spending, debt, interest rates, or the fees they are being charged, may be in financial denial. Denial can cause someone to live beyond their means and outside of their financial reality. But, when your partner doesn’t have a clear picture of your joint finances because you are withholding information in some way, financial priorities can become skewed.

Talking about finances with your partner is important as it:

1.)Prevents money arguments
2.)Addresses and resolves economic instability
3.)Improves your financial health individually and as a couple
4.)Achieves shared financial goals such as buying a house, having a baby or saving for retirement

Everyone deserves to experience the benefits of improved mental health and emotional wellness. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, here are some helpful resources from Choosing Therapy.
Therapist Directory:
Best Online Therapy Services:
Online Therapy Services that Accept Insurance:
Best Online Psychiatry Services for Medication:

Video by: Joyce Marter, LCPC

Article: How to Talk About Money With Your Partner: 10 Tips From a Therapist

Written by:Joyce Marter LCPC

Medically Reviewed by: Dr.Rajy Abulhosn MD

Published: January 9, 2023

#finances #relationship