Dealing with the Inevitable Money Talk in Kenyan Relationships

 

Although you and your bae views on money might not be so plain and simple, the first step is to see what money truly symbolizes to each of you. Do you spend money as a sign of affection or to increase your happiness? Does having it make you feel successful or respected? Do you relate money to safety and security?

Many relationships have collapsed as a result of couples not being able to agree on money matters.

If you and your partner don’t always agree about your finances, then try out these strategies that could help end the conflict once and for all.
Create a joint financial plan
financial advice, relationship advice, financial planning

According to Yahoo! what couples fight about the most where money is concerned are debt, spending habits and saving money for the rainy days. So instead of arguing about the same things repeatedly, go over your financial goals and priorities together, and then have a plan that both of you agree on to tackle debt, maintain your budget, and invest for the future.

Have a plan for setbacks
financial advice, relationship advice, financial planning

You will have good financial times like a bonus pay at work and you will also have setbacks like your car breaks down unexpectedly. Save yourselves the trouble of arguing about what you’re going to do during those unplanned moments by discussing ahead on what you’ll do in such scenarios. For example, you could agree that if one of you gets a bonus, half of it will go towards debt, a quarter towards savings, and the other amount split into your fun accounts. If not, when the time comes, you may get into a debate about using the funds for a vacation versus buying stocks.

Give yourselves allowances
financial advice, relationship advice, financial planning
Most times, these arguments are all about control and freedom. It feels unfair that you’re not ‘allowed’ to buy that new gadget while your partner buys new clothes on a whim. The simple solution to this is set aside for some ‘fun money:’ an amount each of you can freely spend or save every month, no questions asked. Or, you could set up a shared bank account, which you both deposit part of your income into, and then save a percentage for yourselves in separate accounts.

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