The Biggest Money Mistakes Couples Make

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I think that before finances even become a topic you should somewhat know who you are dealing with. If you trust to the bottom of your heart that you and your significant other are going places and have the same objective in mind (other than the way you look), then money shouldn't be an issue. These days there is too much segregation in relationships. Everybody wants to control everything and what's the best way to do so........Money and materialism. Me personally I'm renting my house and if me and my wife and lover for 8 1/2 years just so happen to break up she can have it all. If you have to fight about the house or the car it's because you're afraid that you can't acquire these things again without their assistance. Also during a break-up if your significant other is selfish enough to take the house that you both acquired together and leave you in the cold when they have else where they can go and you don't or take the car but not the kids is a selfish individual who is looking for somebody to kiss their butt and you are more than likely better off without them.

SuMbOdY wHo KnOwS of FL 1:27PM March 09, 2011

I would love to live in your perfect world, but things happen. Even if YOU plan on till death do us part, your partner/spouse may end with a different opinion, and then where do you end up?
We buy insurance in case of a house fire, it doesn't mean we WANT or PLAN for a fire to occur. In many cases, it doesn't...but that insurance means you can breathe easy.
I think it's less of an issue these days, but so many have gotten screwed over the years by staying home raising the kids and taking care of the household, and then trying to find a job while still raising the kids with a terrible-looking resume while her husband's life barely changes at all after the divorce. Staying somewhat independent helps the partnership of a marriage as well as both individuals.

ephy of WA 5:49PM March 04, 2011

Josy, we ALL PLAN to stay together when we marry, but it rarely happens. Dont be a fool like I was. My ex's criminal behavior caused me to have to choose between my marriage or the kids, and the choice was obvious. He made all the money decisions. I would have made smarter choices, but those would have caused him to have less fun, so efforts to do so ended in bodily harm. Since I have a job and he doesnt, I got all the debt, $200,000 of it. Try to see if he will go for the "share the burden" idea, but when you get smacked across the room, or end up working two jobs to support his habits, dont say I didnt warn you.

Stephanie of IN 3:37PM March 04, 2011

My husband and I have been married for 5 years now and have always kept our finances seperate with the exception of two joint savings accounts. A woman should always have control of her own money. I can't tell you how many boomer friends I have that have gotten screwed because their marriage of 30 years fell apart and they got left in the dust financially. That will never happen to me. I don't ever plan to seperate from my husband who I adore. But, I will also never be stupid enough to risk my own future for a man. I have a very solid retirement strategy which I manage. My husband has his own as well. It just makes sense.

Jen of OR 3:09PM March 04, 2011

we marry to live together till the end of life. Then why do we need to care so much about splitting up. share the burden equally.

josy of NV 6:03AM March 02, 2011

Have a monthly 15-minute budget meeting, review a spreadsheet of incoming v.s. outgoing money. Spend everything for that month on paper before you actually spend it. Get a book or DVD of Dave Ramsey and follow his financial advice.

John of MN 2:50PM February 10, 2011

Being married for 29 years and so happy that we keep our money separate, except an account to pay the bill. Since we didn't get married until in our 30's and had already formed how we individual handle our money, we decided to do it this way. Eventhough my husband made more money than me, it didn't concern me because I knew I was thrift and can save. I put my money into stock, a retirement fund, looking ahead re long term goals and/or just in case hard times hit. We both retired now and because we have our own money there is no money stress on the relationship. We buy what we want and go on vacations, taking our young adult family working members with us, of course paying for them . Bottomline, the method can work (look at it as always having each others back). Also you have peace of mind that if the relationship doesn't work out, you can walk knowing you have your own money.

Liv of NJ 6:53PM February 05, 2011

Base your marriage on the Lord Jesus Christ and you won't have to worry about splitting up and the consequences on your finances.

Ray of PA 12:53PM January 27, 2011

If you have all these concerns, have a "meaningful relationship" in separate homes!

Chrystine Blums of NH 7:35PM January 26, 2011

This advise is not cynical, just good procedure for any new relationship, mainly because there is no down side. I have been married for years. and we still follow most of the tips mentioned above, because it is easier for each of us to keep track of our own accounts. And believe me, if unmarrieds do break up, they will be glad they kept things separate. (Been there, done that).

Eric of WA 7:18PM January 26, 2011