Feeling the effects of financial stress on your relationship? Expert suggests you do this
WASHINGTON (7News) — With prices going up due to inflation, so is stress. And financial stress can impact marriages and relationships.
Emily Simonian, a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor at Thriveworks, said it’s time to have a conversation about how to address rising costs. This can be especially helpful for those already feeling financially strained.
WATCH the entire interview with Simonian here or below:
She said that even if money problems can’t be fixed, being open and honest is a good first step.
Coming up with a plan also helps. She said it can be as simple as setting a grocery budget. Simonian said counselors won’t tell couples what to do but will help them start the discussion about what’s most important financially in their relationship.
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An issue she will see in her practice is something called “Financial Infidelity,” in which money or assets are hidden from a spouse. She said it’s a top cause for breakups.
“Usually the person that is hiding things financially wants to be in control, wants to make their own decisions about money, and is going ahead and doing so without consulting their partner because it’s my way or the highway,” she said.
Debt shouldn’t be hidden either. Simonian said even if money problems cannot be wolves, simply talking things out can help the relationship.
