Given the importance of money in everybody’s life, it is probably no surprise that money issues can lead to divorce.
In fact, 35% of couples say that financial trouble is the number one source of stress in their relationships. Here’s how money woes can lead to divorce,
Emotional strain
Money problems can damage someone’s emotional well-being. If a couple is constantly worried about their bills, buried in debt or struggling with financial insecurity, that can lead to a lot of anxiety. In turn, that anxiety can translate into higher levels of interpersonal conflict between spouses and more emotional distance.
Different values
Sometimes couples simply have vastly different outlooks on money – and their spending habits reflect this. When one spouse is a “spender” who lives for the moment and the other is a “saver” who worries about the future, that can lead to constant bickering and resentment on both sides. The spender in the relationship may end up feeling controlled or restricted, while the saver may resent their spouse for being financially reckless.
Power imbalances
Sometimes money troubles crop up even when a couple’s bank account is healthy. This is particularly common in one-income – or where one spouse has a significantly higher income than the other. The higher-earning spouse may develop a sense of entitlement about the household money, while the lower-earning spouse may feel disempowered, undervalued or financially controlled.
Financial infidelity
Financial infidelity is any situation where one spouse lies about the finances to the other. This could include secret spending, hidden bank accounts or investments, gambling or lying about their income. Financial infidelity is just like any other kind of infidelity – it’s a breach of trust. That always has the potential to be fatal to a marriage.
In the end, money isn’t the issue so much as how you and your spouse handle financial problems and disagreements. If you feel like you’ve reached a crossroads with your spouse, divorce may be the best option.