Tips to navigating financial habits as a couple

(InvestigateTV) — Debt.com polled 500 divorcees and found one-third said credit card debt and spending was a factor in their divorce.

Debt relief attorney Leslie Tayne said it is not just marriages that can be impacted by finances. She has seen friendships, partnerships, and other relationships fall apart over money and credit card debt.

Tayne said to keep money from getting in the way of a relationship, people must be open and honest from day one.

“Early on it’s good to have some open discussions about your spending and your savings habits and your financial goals,” Tayne suggested. “See if that meets the same goals and expectations as your partner, whether that’s a business partner, a social partner, or even a family partner that you might get involved with when it comes to money.”

Tayne said people need to be on the same page whenever allowing somebody to be on their credit card or when they use other people’s cards. This is because any misuse, whether by the owner, friend, or partner, could harm the original cardholder’s credit score and standing.

She recommended people have regular conversations about spending habits and goals with anyone who shares finances and credit lines.

“It’s not necessary for couples to combine their money,” Tayne noted. “It’s okay, and many couples today do keep their money and finances separate and either combine a small portion of it or just keep everything separate and agree to pay bills differently. So, there’s no one right way in terms of managing money with significant others, but it is important that everyone is on the same page.”

Tayne said she finds when it comes to managing their money, the most successful people have open discussions about spending habits and what’s going on, leaving judgment out of the conversation.

She suggests a monthly money date with partners, to go over goals, spending habits and future plans.

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