36 Things That Are Worth the Money
.36 Things That Are Worth the Money
These are the products and experiences worth splurging on.
By Jaime Catmull November 4, 2020 Savings Accounts 101
It's always tempting to look for the best deal, but some things are simply worth splurging on — even if you're on a budget. As you decide when to spend and when to save, consider where quality matters to you and which experiences are on your to-do list.
I spoke to financial experts and business leaders to get insight into their thoughts on the best ways to spend money. Some of these recommendations -- like international travel -- might not be realistic now, in the middle of a pandemic, but they're still worth keeping in mind for the future. These are the purchases experts say you won't regret.
36 Things That Are Worth the Money
These are the products and experiences worth splurging on.
By Jaime Catmull November 4, 2020 Savings Accounts 101
It's always tempting to look for the best deal, but some things are simply worth splurging on — even if you're on a budget. As you decide when to spend and when to save, consider where quality matters to you and which experiences are on your to-do list.
I spoke to financial experts and business leaders to get insight into their thoughts on the best ways to spend money. Some of these recommendations -- like international travel -- might not be realistic now, in the middle of a pandemic, but they're still worth keeping in mind for the future. These are the purchases experts say you won't regret.
Hiring a Virtual Assistant
Anthony Clervi, managing partner at Una, said investing in a virtual assistant can be "invaluable." Hiring an efficient assistant to take care of administrative tasks enables you to focus more on the aspects of your work that need your attention and could help shave hours off your workweek.
Virtual assistants typically cost an average of about $16 an hour, according to PayScale.
Working Out With a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers cost an average of $26 per hour, PayScale reports. This might seem like an unnecessary expense, but personal trainers can help you meet fitness goals that you might not be able to achieve on your own — and you can't put a price on your health. The benefits of hiring a trainer include a personalized workout, detailed instruction, motivation, accountability, a variety in your workouts and efficiency, according to Livestrong.
"Hiring a fitness coach is absolutely worth the investment and here's why: If you're Batman, your physical body is your Batmobile, which means it's the vehicle that not only allows you to move and perform optimally as a human being, but keeps you feeling confident and attractive when you look in the mirror each day," said Andrew White, co-founder of IVRY Fitness. "We pay for tons of things in life that function purely for our own entertainment, so why not flip the script and invest in yourself?"
If a personal trainer is out of your budget, do the next best thing and join a gym.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
5 Major Money Mistakes To Avoid Once You Turn 60
.5 Major Money Mistakes To Avoid Once You Turn 60
Laura Woods Wed, June 30, 2021
You’ve been working hard your entire adult life and you’re finally nearing retirement. The prospect of having more time to relax and enjoy yourself is exciting, but you’ll need money to do that.
As you wrap up your peak earning years and prepare to step away from the workforce, it’s important to make smart money moves that will protect your nest egg. All it takes is one poor financial choice to throw a wrench in your plans — and financial stability — so take the time to make informed decision
5 Major Money Mistakes To Avoid Once You Turn 60
Laura Woods Wed, June 30, 2021
You’ve been working hard your entire adult life and you’re finally nearing retirement. The prospect of having more time to relax and enjoy yourself is exciting, but you’ll need money to do that.
As you wrap up your peak earning years and prepare to step away from the workforce, it’s important to make smart money moves that will protect your nest egg. All it takes is one poor financial choice to throw a wrench in your plans — and financial stability — so take the time to make informed decision
When faced with a large amount of cash, it can be tempting to share it with loved ones — i.e., your children — or indulge yourself with luxury items. However, this money needs to last your entire retirement, which could span decades. Here’s a look at common financial blunders you don’t want to make as you get older if you want to avoid a major financial setback.
Collecting Social Security Benefits Too Soon
Many people make the mistake of taking Social Security income as soon as they can because it’s available. Others start early because they’re afraid the system will run out of money. Neither approach is the best way to maximize benefits.
“You receive more each month if you wait until your full retirement age, and you can even get increases after that — amounting to roughly 8% per year until you're 70,” said Justin Pritchard, CFP, founder of Approach Financial, Inc. in Montrose, Colorado.
Having patience can literally pay off.
“Instead of claiming as soon as possible, run some numbers to determine how much you'll earn if you wait,” he said. “Remember that a surviving spouse who takes over your benefit will be affected by your decision, so choose carefully.”
Cashing Out a Retirement Account
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-major-money-mistakes-avoid-160054463.html
What Not To Do While Trying To Get Out of Debt
.What Not To Do While Trying To Get Out of Debt
Know how to pay off debt so you don't make costly mistakes.
By Jaime Catmull April 30, 2021
If worrying about how to pay off debt keeps you awake some nights, late-night television abounds with alleged solutions. Some ads even promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar.”
Fall victim to these “deals” and you might be left with worse financial troubles than before. But these aren’t the only foolish ways of paying off debt. Financial experts shared some common mistakes people make while trying to get out of debt — avoid making these same missteps.
1. Not Having a Reasonable Debt Repayment Strategy
What Not To Do While Trying To Get Out of Debt
Know how to pay off debt so you don't make costly mistakes.
By Jaime Catmull April 30, 2021
If worrying about how to pay off debt keeps you awake some nights, late-night television abounds with alleged solutions. Some ads even promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar.”
Fall victim to these “deals” and you might be left with worse financial troubles than before. But these aren’t the only foolish ways of paying off debt. Financial experts shared some common mistakes people make while trying to get out of debt — avoid making these same missteps.
1. Not Having a Reasonable Debt Repayment Strategy
When sitting down to tackle your debt, the first step should be to see how much total debt you actually have. Add up any debt you have accrued from student loans, car loans, credit cards, medical debt, home equity loans, payday loans, personal loans and IRS and government debt. If you’ve been dealing with debt for a while, this might add up to a scary number that could leave you feeling overwhelmed, and you might feel like you don’t know how to even begin paying it back.
Why This May Be a Mistake
When you don’t have a clear debt repayment plan, your instinct might be to try to cut back on spending, save more and earn extra money until you’ve saved enough to pay back your debt all at once. However, if you are just making the minimum payments throughout this time, you’ll be accruing more interest all along.
Aim to consistently pay down your debt every month. Whether you want to tackle the highest-interest debt first or the smallest bill, know what your plan is and how you can achieve your goals.
Does It Ever Make Sense To Pay Down All Your Debt at Once?
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
9 Easy Ways to Be Fiscally Responsible
.9 Easy Ways to Be Fiscally Responsible
Jacqueline Sanchez Wed, June 30, 2021
For some, it's surprising the amount of consumer and student loan debt a person has. This financial situation is a future you likely won't want for your children. So, "How do I prepare my children for the future and be fiscally responsible?" This simple question of "How?" can unlock the way you think about money. It often isn't enough to graduate college and work a stable career.
What Does It Mean to Be Fiscally Responsible? Fiscal responsibility describes a person who has self-control and accountability for their spending. Government institutions' fiscal responsibility is about how wisely those who hold an office spend tax-payer dollars and manage money in the federal reserve bank. Defining fiscally responsible for personal finances is about how wisely an individual spends their earned income.
Why Is It Important to Be Fiscally Responsible?
9 Easy Ways to Be Fiscally Responsible
Jacqueline Sanchez Wed, June 30, 2021
For some, it's surprising the amount of consumer and student loan debt a person has. This financial situation is a future you likely won't want for your children. So, "How do I prepare my children for the future and be fiscally responsible?" This simple question of "How?" can unlock the way you think about money. It often isn't enough to graduate college and work a stable career.
What Does It Mean to Be Fiscally Responsible? Fiscal responsibility describes a person who has self-control and accountability for their spending. Government institutions' fiscal responsibility is about how wisely those who hold an office spend tax-payer dollars and manage money in the federal reserve bank. Defining fiscally responsible for personal finances is about how wisely an individual spends their earned income.
Why Is It Important to Be Fiscally Responsible?
Even with a decent-paying job, it often isn't wise to spend money unconsciously. You might be left waiting for your next paycheck to cover unplanned expenses. This can put your family's finances at risk.
If you don't make changes, debt may never go away. That is why it's so essential to becoming fiscally responsible. You need to control your money and not let your money be in control of you.
How Do You Become Fiscally Responsible?
There isn't a magic number that indicates that you're fiscally responsible. Instead, the kind of behavior you have when it comes to spending can be a deciding factor.
Below are nine easy ways to become fiscally responsible. You can perform each method in any order. Most of them you can do simultaneously.
Know Your Net Worth
Net worth is an indication of someone's financial situation. It's not how much a person makes in a year. Instead, net worth is the dollar amount of one's assets minus their liabilities or debt.
For example, a person has $50,000 in stocks and $10,000 in consumer debt. Therefore, this person's net worth is $40,000 ($50,000 – $10,000 = $40,000).
On the other hand, a different person has $20,000 in a retirement account and $40,000 in student loan debt. This person's net worth is negative $20,000 ($20,000 – $40,000 = -$20,000).
Having a negative net worth is a reality check that tells a person they need to start making changes to their financial habits. There isn't an exact dollar amount that considers someone financially stable.
Instead, the key is which direction is one's net worth trending: Up or down?
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/9-easy-ways-fiscally-responsible-040100046.html
6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt
.6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt
Cynthia Measom Wed, June 30,
Getting out of debt isn't easy. It requires a lifestyle shift. Sometimes, you have to make a small change in the way you handle your finances -- and sometimes a big one.
If your New Year's resolution for 2021 was focused on getting out of debt, you may not have made much headway. This past year has been financially devastating for many families; and despite some assistance from the federal government, the Democrat-Republican congressional divide has slowed up stimulus for individuals and businesses alike.
To get some additional insight on why you haven't gotten out of debt by now, take a look at these reasons why it's so difficult. Plus, learn what you can do to start conquering your debt once and for all.
6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt
Cynthia Measom Wed, June 30,
Getting out of debt isn't easy. It requires a lifestyle shift. Sometimes, you have to make a small change in the way you handle your finances -- and sometimes a big one.
If your New Year's resolution for 2021 was focused on getting out of debt, you may not have made much headway. This past year has been financially devastating for many families; and despite some assistance from the federal government, the Democrat-Republican congressional divide has slowed up stimulus for individuals and businesses alike.
To get some additional insight on why you haven't gotten out of debt by now, take a look at these reasons why it's so difficult. Plus, learn what you can do to start conquering your debt once and for all.
1. You Don't Have a Budget
Not having a budget is a sure way to keep yourself in debt. It's important to assign each dollar you earn to a specific category, including debt, and then account for every dollar you spend.
Many different budget plans exist, including the 50/30/20 rule. When using this budget, you put 50% of your income toward your necessities, such as rent, car payments, insurance, utilities and food. Next, 30% goes toward things you want, such as eating out, streaming services and new shoes. The remaining 20% goes into savings and paying off debt.
If you're determined to pay off your debt as soon as possible, you may want to play with the percentages a bit. For instance, consider putting 30% or 40% toward your savings and debt and leaving only 10% for things you want but don't need.
2. You Only Make Minimum Payments
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-reasons-why-hard-debt-220050527.html
17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
.17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
By Gabrielle Olya
Frugal living could cost you in the long run.
It's hard to resist seemingly good deals when we see them, whether it's a bargain home in a pricey neighborhood, a tempting cable company promotion or a $10 T-shirt. But sometimes deals that seem too good to be true actually are. Although the initial investment might be low, it could end up costing you in the long term, whether through maintenance costs or missed opportunities to put your money toward a more worthwhile purchase.
GOBankingRates spoke to financial experts to find out which seemingly "good deals" you should always avoid. After all, if you're hunting down deals and steals, you want to make sure that they're ones that will pay off.
17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
By Gabrielle Olya
Frugal living could cost you in the long run.
It's hard to resist seemingly good deals when we see them, whether it's a bargain home in a pricey neighborhood, a tempting cable company promotion or a $10 T-shirt. But sometimes deals that seem too good to be true actually are. Although the initial investment might be low, it could end up costing you in the long term, whether through maintenance costs or missed opportunities to put your money toward a more worthwhile purchase.
GOBankingRates spoke to financial experts to find out which seemingly "good deals" you should always avoid. After all, if you're hunting down deals and steals, you want to make sure that they're ones that will pay off.
Purchasing a Home That Needs a Complete Renovation
You might be able to find a great deal on a fixer-upper compared to a move-in-ready home that could come at a hefty price. With the median home value in the U.S. recently hitting about $230,000, it might seem like a smart move to save money upfront by buying a cheaper home and fixing it up. But that's not always the case.
How This Might Cost You More
Martin Eiden, a licensed associate real estate broker with Compass Real Estate, uses the example of a property selling for $700,000 when neighboring, finished homes sell for $1 million.
"A newbie buyer would look only at the cosmetic work and say, 'I can put $100,000 into the property to bring it up to the $1 million (value) and save $200,000.' However, it is not as easy as it seems," Eiden said.
"You often need an architect to create and file plans — which can take months — and get city approval, which can also take months. In other words, it often takes six months of design and approval before work can begin. Construction can take another six to 12 months. During that time you cannot live there since it's a construction site, but you still have to pay for heat, water, taxes and a mortgage. Meanwhile, you have to rent an apartment for a year. As such, there are double housing costs."
Leasing a Car
Leasing a car is often "more affordable" than buying a car, but it could ultimately be a worse financial decision.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/ways-penny-pinching-costs-more/
There Are No Rules, There Are Only Ethical Guidelines
.There Are No Rules, There Are Only Ethical Guidelines
June 27, 2021 · by The Escape Artist
You can escape to financial freedom… Getting to financial independence is hard. That’s partly because the system encourages conformity and obedience and discourages independent thinking. So escaping from The Prison Camp is not just about money (although money is a big part of it). It’s also about learning to choose our own Path.
Like all institutions, The Prison Camp has many rules. If you are going to break out, you will by definition be breaking The Rules… just by no-showing at the 9am roll call. So The Rules of the Prison Camp are a bit like eggs…. when you make The Omelette of Financial Independence, some of The Rules are gonna get broken.
This does not mean that we will be sacrificing ethics and integrity. If anything, Financial Independence allows us to be more ethical.
There Are No Rules, There Are Only Ethical Guidelines
June 27, 2021 · by The Escape Artist
You can escape to financial freedom… Getting to financial independence is hard. That’s partly because the system encourages conformity and obedience and discourages independent thinking. So escaping from The Prison Camp is not just about money (although money is a big part of it). It’s also about learning to choose our own Path.
Like all institutions, The Prison Camp has many rules. If you are going to break out, you will by definition be breaking The Rules… just by no-showing at the 9am roll call. So The Rules of the Prison Camp are a bit like eggs…. when you make The Omelette of Financial Independence, some of The Rules are gonna get broken.
This does not mean that we will be sacrificing ethics and integrity. If anything, Financial Independence allows us to be more ethical.
1) There Are No Rules, Only Guidelines
The Prison Camp tells you that Rules Are Rules and must always be obeyed.
The Escape Artist says, with only a touch of exaggeration:
There are no rules, there are only ethical guidelines.
The Rules are not the same thing as ethics. Not at all. For me, in the event of a conflict, Ethics beat Rules.
For example, the law says that I should not break into my neighbour’s house. But what if the house is on fire and there is a child or a kitten trapped in there that need rescuing?
The Escape Artist does not let Mr Tickles the kitten burn to death whilst explaining that: sorry, I’d love to help but “Rules are Rules”. Nor does The Escape Artist hide behind health and safety, the European Working Time Directive (sorry, I’ve clocked off) or political correctness.
No, like a superhero with his underpants on the inside of his trousers, The Escape Artist kicks down the door and gets Mr Tickles out safely.
2) The Rules Are Always Changing
If you think about it, humans have a long history of inventing and enforcing The Rules. Sometimes they are sensible, sometimes they aren’t.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://theescapeartist.me/2021/06/27/ethical-guidelines-for-escapees/
Idiots, Maniacs & the Complexities of Risk
.Idiots, Maniacs & the Complexities of Risk
Posted June 24, 2021 by Ben Carlson
Risk is a complicated topic. It’s hard to define. It’s impossible to eliminate. And our perception of risk can often have unintended consequences. When things feel safer, we can let our guards down, which actually increases risk in many activities.
Last year roads were far less congested because people weren’t traveling as much due to the pandemic. Yet U.S. traffic deaths were at a 13 year high, up 7% from the year before.
How could this be?
Idiots, Maniacs & the Complexities of Risk
Posted June 24, 2021 by Ben Carlson
Risk is a complicated topic. It’s hard to define. It’s impossible to eliminate. And our perception of risk can often have unintended consequences. When things feel safer, we can let our guards down, which actually increases risk in many activities.
Last year roads were far less congested because people weren’t traveling as much due to the pandemic. Yet U.S. traffic deaths were at a 13 year high, up 7% from the year before.
How could this be?
Roads were less congested so people took more risks by speeding, failing to wear their seatbelt or driving under the influence. The roads were “safer” but people took that safety to mean they could take even more risk.
A similar dynamic played out following the 9/11 attacks. Miles flown on airplanes dropped somewhere around 20% in the months after the attacks as people were afraid to fly. That meant more people on the roads and more accidents.
Researchers determined nearly 1,600 people died in car accidents above and beyond the averages because so many more people were on the roads.
It also helps to remember everyone’s appetite for risk is different.
The old George Carlin bit about how we view other drivers on the road is the perfect description of how your personal vantage point colors how you view the riskiness of other people’s behavior:
The same person can be an idiot or a maniac depending on the circumstances. In The Right Stuff, Tom Wolfe documented the lead-up to landing a man on the moon in the 1960s.
Many of the early rocket prototypes were tested by Navy pilots. This technology was still new, unproven and highly dangerous. Yet more Navy pilots died in car crashes than air crashes during this time since they were more careful when flying and more reckless when driving.
It’s not just risk itself that matters but your perception of risk and how that changes depending on the circumstances.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2021/06/idiots-maniacs-the-complexities-of-risk/
17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
.17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
By Gabrielle Olya
Frugal living could cost you in the long run.
It's hard to resist seemingly good deals when we see them, whether it's a bargain home in a pricey neighborhood, a tempting cable company promotion or a $10 T-shirt. But sometimes deals that seem too good to be true actually are. Although the initial investment might be low, it could end up costing you in the long term, whether through maintenance costs or missed opportunities to put your money toward a more worthwhile purchase.
GOBankingRates spoke to financial experts to find out which seemingly "good deals" you should always avoid. After all, if you're hunting down deals and steals, you want to make sure that they're ones that will pay off.
17 Surprising Ways Penny-Pinching Costs You More
By Gabrielle Olya
Frugal living could cost you in the long run.
It's hard to resist seemingly good deals when we see them, whether it's a bargain home in a pricey neighborhood, a tempting cable company promotion or a $10 T-shirt. But sometimes deals that seem too good to be true actually are. Although the initial investment might be low, it could end up costing you in the long term, whether through maintenance costs or missed opportunities to put your money toward a more worthwhile purchase.
GOBankingRates spoke to financial experts to find out which seemingly "good deals" you should always avoid. After all, if you're hunting down deals and steals, you want to make sure that they're ones that will pay off.
Purchasing a Home That Needs a Complete Renovation
You might be able to find a great deal on a fixer-upper compared to a move-in-ready home that could come at a hefty price. With the median home value in the U.S. recently hitting about $230,000, it might seem like a smart move to save money upfront by buying a cheaper home and fixing it up. But that's not always the case.
How This Might Cost You More
Martin Eiden, a licensed associate real estate broker with Compass Real Estate, uses the example of a property selling for $700,000 when neighboring, finished homes sell for $1 million.
"A newbie buyer would look only at the cosmetic work and say, 'I can put $100,000 into the property to bring it up to the $1 million (value) and save $200,000.' However, it is not as easy as it seems," Eiden said.
"You often need an architect to create and file plans — which can take months — and get city approval, which can also take months. In other words, it often takes six months of design and approval before work can begin. Construction can take another six to 12 months. During that time you cannot live there since it's a construction site, but you still have to pay for heat, water, taxes and a mortgage. Meanwhile, you have to rent an apartment for a year. As such, there are double housing costs."
Leasing a Car
Leasing a car is often "more affordable" than buying a car, but it could ultimately be a worse financial decision.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/ways-penny-pinching-costs-more/
Harder Than It Looks, Not As Fun as It Seems
.Harder Than It Looks, Not As Fun as It Seems
Jun 17, 2021 by Morgan Housel
There’s a saying – I don’t know whose – that an expert is always from out of town. It’s similar to the Bible quote that no man is a prophet in his own country. That one has deeper meaning, but they both get across an important point: Everyone’s human, everyone’s flawed, nobody knows everything. So it’s easiest to convince people that you’re special if they don’t know you well enough to see all the ways you’re not.
Keep that in mind when comparing your career, business, and life to others.
Good advice that took me a while to learn is that everything is sales. Everything is sales. It’s usually framed as career advice – no matter what your role in a company is, your ultimate job is to help sales. But it applies to so many things.
Harder Than It Looks, Not As Fun as It Seems
Jun 17, 2021 by Morgan Housel
There’s a saying – I don’t know whose – that an expert is always from out of town. It’s similar to the Bible quote that no man is a prophet in his own country. That one has deeper meaning, but they both get across an important point: Everyone’s human, everyone’s flawed, nobody knows everything. So it’s easiest to convince people that you’re special if they don’t know you well enough to see all the ways you’re not.
Keep that in mind when comparing your career, business, and life to others.
Good advice that took me a while to learn is that everything is sales. Everything is sales. It’s usually framed as career advice – no matter what your role in a company is, your ultimate job is to help sales. But it applies to so many things.
Everything is sales also means that everyone is trying to craft an image of who they are. The image helps them sell themselves to others. Some are more aggressive than others, but everyone plays the image game, even if it’s subconscious. Since they’re crafting the image, it’s not a complete view. There’s a filter. Skills are advertised, flaws are hidden.
A friend recently complained about how inefficient his employer is. Processes are poor, communication is bad. He then said a competitor company had its act together. I asked him how he knew that – he’s never worked there and has never been inside the company. Fair, he said. It just seems that way from the outside.
But almost everything looks better from the outside. I guarantee workers at the competitor find flaws in the way their company operates, because they know about their company what my friend knows about his: how the sausage is made. All the messy personalities and difficult decisions that you only see when you’re inside, in the trenches. “All businesses are loosely functioning disasters” Brent Beshore says. But it’s like an iceberg, only a fraction is visible.
It’s the same for people. Instagram is full of beach vacation photos, not flight delay photos. Resumes highlight career wins but are silent on doubt and worry. Investing gurus are easy to elevate to mythical status because you don’t know them well enough to witness times when their decision-making process was ordinary, if not awful.
Of course there’s a spectrum. Some companies operate better than others, some people are more insightful than average. A few are extraordinary.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here:
How To Deal With Fights About Money
.How To Deal With Fights About Money
By Mr Chaos on June 26, 2021 in Family, Finance
Mrs C reminded me today that my annual appraisal is next week. I’d rather refer to it as our wedding anniversary. But either way, we’re coming up on 17 years. A thriving marriage is difficult to maintain. Which is why we should spend more time celebrating our anniversaries than our birthdays. There are many things that can lead to disagreements in marriage. But the most likely cause of stress in your relationship? Fights about money. The second most likely cause? Annoying habits. Perhaps I should work on the heavy breathing.
Fights About Money
Money doesn’t just cause stress in relationships. About 75% of American adults experience financial stress at least some of the time, regardless of whether they are in a relationship.
How To Deal With Fights About Money
By Mr Chaos on June 26, 2021 in Family, Finance
Mrs C reminded me today that my annual appraisal is next week. I’d rather refer to it as our wedding anniversary. But either way, we’re coming up on 17 years. A thriving marriage is difficult to maintain. Which is why we should spend more time celebrating our anniversaries than our birthdays. There are many things that can lead to disagreements in marriage. But the most likely cause of stress in your relationship? Fights about money. The second most likely cause? Annoying habits. Perhaps I should work on the heavy breathing.
Fights About Money
Money doesn’t just cause stress in relationships. About 75% of American adults experience financial stress at least some of the time, regardless of whether they are in a relationship.
But the stress is exacerbated in a relationship as couples often have different financial values. Unsurprisingly, most of us blame our partner’s money habits for the financial stress.
The most obvious place where these disagreements arise is in our spending.
I’m Okay, I’m Not A Spender
There are clear challenges when one partner is a saver and the other is a spender. We tend to think of spenders being the issue. But I have friends who take saving to an extreme. Or more accurately, take their frugality to ridiculous levels.
Including an American friend who felt that a mud hut in Uganda should be more than sufficient for his new wife. Fortunately he realized the problem with his suggestion, otherwise he may still be living in that mud hut.
By himself.
A more common issue for the frugal is to buy the cheapest version of what they need. There are some quality cheap products out there, but there’s a reason why the phrase “you get what you pay for” exists. Mrs C would admit that this is something she’s struggled with in the past. Particularly when buying me birthday presents.
Spendy Pants
A spendy partner is likely to lead to fights about money. A close friend once told me that his fiancé was looking forward to being added to his credit card accounts. The credit limits on her cards had been maxed out. Bizarrely, this didn’t seem to be a red flag for him.
To continue reading, please go to the original article here: