Managing Money Worries in Relationships: A Guide to Avoiding Financial Stress
Couples often struggle with financial decisions, particularly when it comes to managing joint finances. The pressure to make ends meet and avoid arguments about money can be overwhelming. However, establishing open communication and a clear understanding of financial responsibilities is key to avoiding money worries.
The most crucial step in any relationship is having conversations about money. This includes discussing spending habits, budgeting, debt, and saving goals early on. According to Relate, a counselling service, this conversation can prevent misunderstandings and arguments later on. Couples may consider drawing up a written plan outlining how they will manage their finances as a couple.
When it comes to bills, there are several options for couples to split costs. Housing bills, such as utility bills and gas, can be split 50/50 or proportionally based on each person's income. Some utility companies allow couples to put both names on the bill, making both partners liable for any unpaid bills.
One option for managing finances is to have a joint current account, which requires serious trust between partners. However, this comes with risks, such as debt and financial abuse. Couples should consider opening individual accounts for personal spending, allowing each partner to manage their own money while still having access to the joint account.
Another approach is to opt for a "halfway house" – a joint current account for shared expenses, but individual accounts for personal spending. This way, couples can maintain control over their finances and avoid debt risks.
For those saving towards a shared goal, such as a holiday, a joint savings account may be an attractive option. Revolut has launched a range of joint savings accounts that allow couples to save side by side and earn up to 4.5% interest.
When it comes to borrowing, couples can maximize their mortgage power by applying for a joint mortgage. This allows them to borrow more than they would if applying separately, but lenders will consider both partners' credit records when assessing affordability.
Couples can also benefit from joint car insurance and life insurance policies, which are often cheaper than separate individual policies.
Finally, couples should take advantage of the marriage allowance, which allows one partner to transfer up to £1,260 of their personal allowance to the higher-earning partner. This can result in a tax saving of up to £252 per year.
In terms of inheritance tax, couples who are married or in a civil partnership can avoid paying tax on their estate when one partner passes away, provided they leave everything to the other. Couples who are not married may need to pay inheritance tax if their estate exceeds the threshold.
By establishing clear communication and a plan for managing finances, couples can avoid money worries and build a stronger, more secure relationship.
Couples often struggle with financial decisions, particularly when it comes to managing joint finances. The pressure to make ends meet and avoid arguments about money can be overwhelming. However, establishing open communication and a clear understanding of financial responsibilities is key to avoiding money worries.
The most crucial step in any relationship is having conversations about money. This includes discussing spending habits, budgeting, debt, and saving goals early on. According to Relate, a counselling service, this conversation can prevent misunderstandings and arguments later on. Couples may consider drawing up a written plan outlining how they will manage their finances as a couple.
When it comes to bills, there are several options for couples to split costs. Housing bills, such as utility bills and gas, can be split 50/50 or proportionally based on each person's income. Some utility companies allow couples to put both names on the bill, making both partners liable for any unpaid bills.
One option for managing finances is to have a joint current account, which requires serious trust between partners. However, this comes with risks, such as debt and financial abuse. Couples should consider opening individual accounts for personal spending, allowing each partner to manage their own money while still having access to the joint account.
Another approach is to opt for a "halfway house" – a joint current account for shared expenses, but individual accounts for personal spending. This way, couples can maintain control over their finances and avoid debt risks.
For those saving towards a shared goal, such as a holiday, a joint savings account may be an attractive option. Revolut has launched a range of joint savings accounts that allow couples to save side by side and earn up to 4.5% interest.
When it comes to borrowing, couples can maximize their mortgage power by applying for a joint mortgage. This allows them to borrow more than they would if applying separately, but lenders will consider both partners' credit records when assessing affordability.
Couples can also benefit from joint car insurance and life insurance policies, which are often cheaper than separate individual policies.
Finally, couples should take advantage of the marriage allowance, which allows one partner to transfer up to £1,260 of their personal allowance to the higher-earning partner. This can result in a tax saving of up to £252 per year.
In terms of inheritance tax, couples who are married or in a civil partnership can avoid paying tax on their estate when one partner passes away, provided they leave everything to the other. Couples who are not married may need to pay inheritance tax if their estate exceeds the threshold.
By establishing clear communication and a plan for managing finances, couples can avoid money worries and build a stronger, more secure relationship.