Advice for a stronger relationship
Do you also argue with your partner about finances?
Do you argue with your partner about money, too?
Then you’re not alone! In fact, 12% of couples in Denmark admit to arguing about finances, according to a new survey from Nordea. These figures show that financial disagreements are quite common in relationships, and it's normal to have differing views about money.
Another statistic shows that women are more likely than men to report arguments about finances, according to a survey by Intrum. In this survey, 21% of women in Denmark say that finances cause problems in their relationship, compared to just 13% of men. Additionally, 15% of women find it difficult to talk openly with their partner about personal finances, compared to 10% of men. This suggests that women might perceive discussions about finances as more negative than men do.
Most couples - about 70% - say they don’t argue about money. However, for young and/or unmarried couples or young families, overspending and buying unnecessary items can easily lead to arguments. This might be because, at this stage in their relationship, they are still figuring out their shared financial rules and goals.
Why does this happen?
Common challenges couples face during financial discussions include not understanding each other’s values, avoiding conversations about money entirely, or feeling attacked or criticized by their partner over financial decisions. One partner may feel frustrated by what they perceive as unnecessary spending, while the other may feel that their financial contributions to the household are not appreciated.
Financial decisions are often linked to our core values and emotions, which can make them difficult to discuss with your partner. Therefore, be aware if your money discussions are actually more about values than about finances. For example, disagreements over spending on your children’s hobbies might trigger feelings of inadequacy or guilt about not being able to provide for them. It’s important to recognize that emotions can drive financial disagreements and that having different values and priorities is normal. The key to avoiding arguments is to express your values and goals about finances in a way that allows space for each other's differences and to involve each other in finding solutions and making decisions.