She's a Saver, He's a Spender

It's almost a rule of personal finances: couples have difference approaches in how they handle finances. It's almost a law of nature that a spender will marry a saver. And, as a result, money becomes a problem for many couples.

Here's a piece from Money Magazine where the wife wants to save and the husband wants to spend. Here are the key points:

It's difficult, if not impossible, for a couple to achieve real financial security if they're working at cross purposes, which you and your husband seem to be doing. So I think it's clear that you and your husband need to have a powwow. As far as the tone of this meeting, it should be serious, but non-confrontational. Make it clear that you're not accusing your husband of anything, but you feel that you can work together more efficiently to achieve a goal you both desire.

The key is to make saving not so much an abstract concept, but something that delivers a benefit that both you and your husband will enjoy, whether it's something tangible like a better home or intangible like feeling more financially secure.

Note that I said above it's "almost" a rule of finances. I have been blessed in this area -- my wife and I see eye-to-eye on most financial matters. As a result, our net worth has grown dramatically because we apply basic, solid financial principles to our lives. I've talked about this fact before and noted how, if you want to grow your net worth, both spouses need to be frugal.

Comments

[Make Love, Not Debt]

No kidding! When we decided to have our "powwow" it was hard - but now the results have been great. We're making better financial decisions. Stuff like this needs be addressed before you hit the altar.

[Digger]

Someone needs to have a chat with my wife. I could live in a cardboard box with some ramen and socks with holes in -- them putting everything I make into savings -- and I'd have everything I need. The wife ... not so much.