When a spender Marries a Saver

Couple embracing at home

Learning How to be Financially Compatible

Financial compatibility is crucial for a healthy relationship. When it comes to combining finances as a couple, there can be challenges if one person is a saver while the other is a spender. However, with open communication, understanding, and a few practical strategies, it’s possible to find middle ground and foster financial harmony. Here are some valuable tips to help couples navigate their differences:

Start with open and honest communication:

  • Discuss your individual financial goals, values, and priorities.
  • Share your past experiences with money and any concerns you may have.
  • Understand each other’s motivations behind saving or spending habits.

Find common ground:

  • Identify shared financial goals and work towards them together.
  • Establish a budget that accommodates both saving and spending needs. Here’s our budget worksheet to help get you started.
  • Prioritize expenses and allocate funds accordingly to meet each person’s needs.

Compromise and create a financial plan:

  • Agree on a designated amount that each person can spend freely without judgment.
  • Set specific limits and boundaries on discretionary spending.
  • Consider creating separate bank accounts or having joint and individual accounts. Check out our guide on making this decision.

Embrace the benefits of saving:

  • Educate the spender on the importance of saving for the future.
  • Set savings goals that are meaningful to both partners, such as a vacation or down payment.
  • Celebrate milestones together when savings goals are achieved.
  • Create an account dedicated to savings. We suggest earning interest along the way (shameless plug for Primis Premium – one of the top interest accounts around!)

Incorporate a system of checks and balances:

  • Implement a regular review of financial statements and expenses together.
  • Explore financial apps or tools that can help track and manage finances.
  • Schedule periodic money talks to reassess and adjust financial strategies.

Seek professional advice if needed:

  • Consider consulting a financial advisor who can provide objective guidance.
  • A financial advisor can help you establish a solid financial plan that accommodates both saving and spending goals.
  • Reach out to one of our account specialists if you want to talk through options.

Practice empathy and understanding:

  • Recognize and appreciate each other’s strengths and perspectives.
  • Avoid assigning blame or judgment; instead, focus on finding common ground.
  • Be patient and willing to compromise for the sake of the relationship.

Whether you’re a newly engaged couple trying to determine how to combine finances after marriage, or a couple deep in your relationship that still hasn’t perfected merging finances, challenges will always exist. While navigating the differences between a saver and a spender in a relationship can be challenging, it is not impossible.

By fostering open communication, compromise, and a shared financial vision, couples can find harmony and build a strong foundation for their future together. Remember, it’s not about changing each other’s nature but finding a balance that respects both partners’ needs and desires. With time, patience, and a little effort, you can transform financial differences into opportunities for growth and understanding.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.