Cheating in a relationship doesn’t just happen when one person hides having an affair. It can happen when a mate hides his or her spending or saving habits. Below are some tips on how to deal with financial infidelity:
- In a marriage or committed relationship, there needs to be full disclosure around money – no ifs, ands, or buts about it. As soon as behavior around money starts being hidden, trust issues blossom.
- If you are keeping money secrets from your mate, whether it’s that you’ve overspent or that you are hoarding money, be proactive and confess. It’s better to own up before your mate finds out than for him or her to discover it.
- The best way for mates to create a transparent relationship around money is for them to commit to having a regular “financial meeting,” whether it’s quarterly, monthly, or weekly. Avoid having these meetings while watching TV, while on the run, or when you’re tired.
- To keep the less money-minded person in the loop, invite him or her to participate in one or more of the money-related tasks. The person who is good at paying the bills can continue doing so, but find something the other person can do – for example, opening the bills, filing the bills, etc. This helps keep your mate involved in the finances.
- Hire a financial counselor/planner to help you stay on course with your financial goals and values. This is a third party who can keep you be accountable for doing what you and your mate say you want to do with your money.
- Every person has his or her own money messages he or she receives while growing up. Share yours with your mate and vice versa to help you both understand your relationship to money.
To learn more about how to deal with financial infidelity in your relationship, click here:
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