As someone who has been married for 23 years, I can argue that sometimes, being married is difficult. However, marriage is much easier if you and your partner are a good match and agree on significant aspects of life. Considering the second leading cause of divorce is financial problems (behind infidelity), choosing your partner carefully, especially when it comes to their financial traits, can help you avoid the emotional and economic upheaval that comes with divorce.
4 Crucial Financial Traits to Seek in Your Ideal Partner
The traits that make a partner a good match financially are also traits that make for a stable and loyal partner.
Responsible
A responsible person is someone you can rely on. Financially, this type of person pays his bills on time, avoids debt, and saves for financial goals. He has stable employment, and if he wants to leave his job, he finds a new one before he quits. He gets to work on time and is reliable.
Has Impulse Control
Being spontaneous can be fun sometimes, but you’ll likely suffer financially if your partner lacks impulse control. Instead, look for someone spontaneous who spends on unexpected activities with money she already has. This type of person does not go into debt for spur-of-the-moment activities or adventures.
Ability to Compromise
A good partner is willing to compromise, which goes for financial decisions, too. Think of all your major purchases as a committed couple—vehicles, houses, vacations. These are major purchases that can be some of your largest expenses. You and your partner must be able to compromise. If one of you wants a townhouse with a reasonable house payment and the other wants a large country estate, you will have trouble if you can’t compromise and agree on a housing budget.
You’ll also need to compromise on your saving and investment goals. One person can’t get everything she wants if she also wants a strong relationship. There must be a give and take.
Can Communicate Openly
Finally, you and your partner must communicate openly with one another. There shouldn’t be secrets, especially financial secrets, between you. Unfortunately, financial infidelity can lead to bankruptcy and the destruction of marriages.
However, if your partner communicates financial issues with you, you can trust them. Many couples agree on an amount they can purchase, such as $200 each, without letting their partner know. My husband and I have a much lower number than that. We don’t spend more than $40 without talking to one another about the purchase. In addition, we regularly discuss the budget together and plan for upcoming expenses and what we want to do with our money.
Talking about money can be difficult, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. The better you can communicate, the more agreement you can find about how to use your money.
Final Thoughts
The critical financial traits to seek in your partner—responsibility, impulse control, compromise and communicate openly—are also the traits that make a good partner. Find these traits in a partner, and you’ll be more likely to have a successful relationship, financially and otherwise.
Read More
How to Safeguard Your Savings from an Irresponsible Spouse
How to Handle a Spouse Who Doesn’t Contribute Financially
5 Things to Consider Before Adding Your Spouse to Your Credit Card
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