If you ask many couples why they got divorced, they will allude to some level of financial stress. Perhaps they had overwhelming debt and simply did not earn enough money. Maybe they had trouble making ends meet. Financial complications can stress a marital relationship to the breaking point.
But in many cases, what happens is just that they have different views or perspectives. One person likes to save money and focus on the future, perhaps putting it aside for retirement. The other person likes to spend money, using it to enjoy their life and buy the things that they want. Both people feel like their view is completely valid, but they are working against each other if their spouse has the opposing view.
Why does this cause friction?
This causes friction because they each start to see the other person as the “enemy” or the adversary that is causing the financial stress.
For instance, consider the saver. They are constantly worried that their spouse is frivolously spending the money that they would like to save for the future, so they do not feel like they have the security and stability in life that they crave. On the other side, the spender feels like they are not able to enjoy their life, and they feel like the saver is constantly nagging them for reasonable expenditures. Neither person is happy.
Some couples can communicate and find solutions, but many just experience long-term stress and eventually get divorced. Those who find themselves in this position need to understand their legal options when dividing marital assets, splitting up child custody and more.
