Expert advice on handling marriage finances
By Kaya 959 Lifestyle
Are you and your partner squabbling over your marriage finances?
Relationship expert Harold Mawela offers advice on what you can do to make sure money does not cause cracks in your marriage.
Mawela is a marriage counsellor and founder of Relation Ships or Sinks.
Many couples fight over money. In fact, according to Ramsey Solutions, a leading company in financial education, money is one of the top reasons why people divorce.
Financial stress
Mawela says money is an essential part of our everyday lives.
“Because of that significance, it is also a notorious cause of stress. The worst stress on earth is financial stress,” he says.
Because money is so important, Harold says couples need to have the same understanding of the role of money in their marriage and lives.
“When a couple fights, money is almost always part of that disagreement. It’s vital that you and your spouse get on the same page when it comes to money,” he says.
When should you have “the talk”?
While some people believe one should only discuss their finances after getting married, Harold disagrees. He says the talk needs to happen before you walk down the aisle and commit.
“Before walking down the aisle, you and your soon-to-be should have the money talk. It’s critical that you understand each other’s values on money.
“The talk isn’t always an easy conversation to have. However, these talks should be a priority, since poor money communication can lead to unhappiness in a marriage. Merging your finances and your lives may be challenging without a firm foundation. As difficult as the talks may be, each partner needs to bring honesty and realistic goals to the conversation,” he says.
Don’t be embarrassed
Mawela adds that couples should not let feelings of embarrassment stop them from being open about their finances.
“Many people find it difficult to discuss finances – usually because they’re embarrassed about debt, their spending habits, or income – but how can you expect to plan a future together if this topic never comes up?”
Honesty is the best policy
Mawela says it is important to not only be completely honest with your spouse about your finances but to support each other in your struggles and have the same goal in mind.
“Speaking openly and honestly about money empowers a couple to set financial goals and to support each other in pursuit of those goals. Be honest, even if you struggle with basic money management and especially if you have a poor credit history or credit card debt. These are things your partner needs and deserves to know so that together, you can both carve a much better path forward,” he says.
“Build your marriage on a foundation of trust and open communication. Talk about major purchases and show respect to one another through the whole process,” says Harold.
He concludes that “remember that money is a great tool, but it’s not nearly as valuable as your marriage, so keep your priorities in check.”
MORE ARTICLES
QUICK LINKS
UpComing Shows
Touch of Soul
With T Bose
Kaya 959 takes back Sundays with A Touch of Soul, the only show bringing you soul and RnB music that touches your mind, body and spirit. The Best T in the City, T-bose takes you back to a time when music was made to last. A Touch of Soul is the perfect wind-down to your weekend. Sundays 14h00 to 18h00.
close
The Jazz Standard
with Brenda Sisane
The Jazz Standard with Brenda Sisane. Sunday's 12:00-15:00.
close
Spade of Hearts
With Xola Dlwati
WITH XOLA DLWATI: SATURDAYS 12:00 -15:00 Spade of Hearts is a fuse of love and soulful sounds, pulling at your heartstrings. Tune in for songs that will take you down memory lane. It is the sound that once dominated your playlist. It airs Sundays 12:00 – 15:00.
close
The World Show
With Nicky B
The World Show is informative, expansive, and largely pan-African. This is a musical journey that bridges generations and genres, travelling across continents and timelines, with in-depth interviews and features. ‘The World Show’ is a four-hour global journey through sound – featuring the freshest tracks from home and afar.
close
959 Music Weekdays
Kaya 959 Hits
Real. Familiar. Memorable. Kaya 959 brings you the music you know and love from our playlist. Uninterrupted. Thursdays 20h00 to 21h00
close
The Best T in the City
With T Bose
He has held it down in the world of mid-morning radio with the best music, riveting topics, brilliant mixes and interesting guests. Every weekday, The Best T proves why he is the BEST by connecting to you like only your bro or favourite uncle could. He lets his listeners dictate the songs they want to hear in the ever-popular Top 10 at 10, and his Three Teaspoons never run out. Catch The Best T in the City Mondays to Fridays from 09h00 to 12h00.
close
Feel Good
With Andy Maqondwana
Feel good about feeling good! That's exactly what The Feel-Good show is about. An escape from the negativity that surrounds us, indulging you in good feels. Pass it on to one and all. Spread the good feeling around Gauteng with Andy Maqondwana.
closeConnect with Kaya 959
DownLoad Our Mobile App
