Financial Transparency vs Financial Infidelity? You Choose!
Money for some reason continues to be a taboo subject. People do not want to talk about it until they are faced with a situation. Unfortunately waiting until their is a crisis can lead to even more issues versus reducing the problem.
When there is hidden debt - it can lead to divorce, overspending, bankruptcy and even separation. The cost of financial infidelity results in:
1) Arguments
2) Hasty Decisions
3) Separation
4) Going to bed hurt, mad
5) Silence throughout the marriage on the subject of money
6) Fingerpointing - when in all actuality both are responsible
7) Decline in work performance
Whether you are reading this as a parent, clergy, relative or even the couple themself - we all know couples that could have benefited from premarital financial guidance resulting in learning how to talk about money. Yet, we take for granted that these couples are talking when in actuality most are not.
What is the benefit for allowing a couple to walk down the aisle without giving them tools to aid their marriage beyond the wedding day?
Financial transparency during the engagement leads to a stronger marital relationship and continued transparency. Financial transparency provides:
1) Trust in the marriage
2) Mutual financial goals
3) Long-term plans for the relationship
4) Healthy financial boundaries that both agree to
5) Greater intimacy in the relationship
6) No stress
7) Work performance excels and could lead to more promotions
Planning fabulous vacations without financial worries
9) Preparation for becoming a family with children
10) Discussing and setting a goal for affordable homeownership
11)Times where you can splurge without concern
12)Opportunity to learn from previous financial mistakes and grow together
13)Taking responsibility as adults and much more…..
Can you put a price tag on financial transparency? The value of it far outweighs any cost. The cost of financial infidelity costs and leaves a bad taste in people’s mouths regarding relationships.
What will you choose today? How do you want your marriage to play on the screen in your head?