It's normal to have a few bad money habits however, some bad habits can drive a wedge between you and your partner. In a relationship, it's important to be honest yet, some couples aren't always forthcoming about their financial standing. Withholding information about your finances may not seem like a big deal but there are seven bad money habits that can tear couples apart.
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1. Gambling
Bad money habits include gambling. Your partner might not make a fuss if you occasionally buy a lottery ticket or hit the casinos. But if you spend the majority of your disposable cash gambling in hopes of hitting it big, this can create serious problems in your relationship — especially if you're spending bill money or sacrificing savings to feed your addiction.
2. Hiding Money
Whether it’s from a side job or an inheritance, hiding money from your partner is never a good idea. Even if you're able to get away with the secret, your partner will eventually learn about your hidden stash. And when he or she discovers your secret, the lack of trust can take a toll on the relationship. If you want to finances separate in the event of a divorce, look into prenuptial agreements.
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3. You'd Rather Shop than save
The occasional splurge isn’t the kiss of death. But it's important that you and your partner are on the same page financially. And unfortunately, if you're a big spender and your spouse is a saver, this habit can create problems in your relationship. Find a happy balance where you spend a little and save a little. This way, you can get the things you want without damaging your financial future.
4. You Lie about Paying Bills
This might be hard to believe, but I knew a situation where a wife didn’t know that her house was in foreclosure until the bank knocked at the door. I’m still amazed how this occurred right under her nose. However, her spouse had a terrible spending problem and he lied about paying bills to keep his secret hidden. They lost their home and the marriage didn't survive.
5. Clueless about Money
If you don't know the first thing about personal finances, now’s the time to educate yourself. If your spouse is financially savvy, yet you don't have a clue about anything money-related, this can create problems. Even if your spouse handles all the bills, your lack of financial knowledge might result in unwise purchases, or getting yourself in hot water financially and expecting your spouse to clean up your mess.
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6. Lying about How Much You Owe
I understand being embarrassed about your credit card debt, but it's important to be upfront with your partner. You can hide balances, but the truth will come out once you apply for loans. This debt can impact your credit score and determine whether you qualify for certain loans. And if you have too much debt, it might prevent buying a house.
7. You Destroyed Your Spouse’s Credit Score
Your spouse might give you access to his or her credit card or cosign a loan for you. However, if you're irresponsible with this account, you might destroy your spouse’s credit score. And if he worked hard to achieve an A+ score, he might not forgive you for a very long time.
Marriage is hard enough, and the last thing you need is money issues driving a wedge between you and your spouse. It’s important to be honest with each other, and if problems arise, quickly discuss these. What are other bad money habits that can tear couples apart?
