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BlogHow to Avoid “Relationship Debt”

December 4, 2011by Frank Love6
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Debt is an unpleasant reality that most Americans have learned to live with – both in their personal finances and in their politics. It also affects our romantic relationships.

I recently read a great article in The Washington Post about how Gaithersburg, a D.C. suburb, has managed to consistently remain debt free. The philosophy that allowed this city to do what the U.S. and most Americans have been unable to do is both simple and brilliant: “Pay as you go and build your financial reserves.” This strategy is as useful in romantic partnerships as it is in city funding, because money troubles have been the beginning of the “end” for many marriages.

The holidays are upon us – a popular time for racking up more debt (as if any of us needs that). In most communities and relationships, there are countless wants, issues, emergencies and “holes in dams” that require fingers. But as the story goes, when we address one, another one pops up. Pretty soon, we are rushing to address every issue, and the dam collapses. In relationships and households, these issues and emergencies can look like gifts that one or both people want to give or get – opportunities to show someone how much you care, to show off, or whatever. Obtaining these things can seem urgent, but often, we can’t afford them. And assuming you’ll be able to afford them later can mean undue stress on you and your partnership in the New Year.

In times of complications, temptations and good intentions, regular communication helps a team maintain their focus – whether that team is made of lovers or legislators. In order for Gaithersburg to remain debt-free, I am confident that its players regularly communicate with themselves and each other. Plans are made and adhered to, and emergencies are accounted for. I’m also sure the legislators have to contend with unforeseen issues where new infrastructures are wanted or needed, but since a goal is to avoid debt, new expenses either come from rainy day funds, are taken from other, lower-priority expenses, or are tabled until the funds can be made available. So, in order for them to address the issues without loans, or without letting the dam collapse, it is necessary for the community and the local government to be on the same page, their agreed-upon “prize” (continuing to have a surplus). Focusing on this prize means all decisions are made with a surplus in mind. This is effective communication and stick-to-itiveness.

Couples may also have to regularly communicate about their financial goals. But if they “prize” having their finances in the black, discussions that pertain to money must focus on that shared goal. A couple that prizes maintaining a credit balance will not purchase items for which they do not have the cash. If one partner wants something that would require using credit, the decision is already made. No need to worry about hurt feelings or resentment when one person doesn’t get what he/she wants, because it’s what needs to happen to get what you both want – freedom from debt.

The bottom line: If your union cannot afford it, don’t buy it. Otherwise, the credit card bills that come in January will be a wonderful reminder of the need to assess or re-assess priorities and expenses. But by then, the damage will have been done. This is a tough pill for many American families, including mine, to swallow. But avoiding that important conversation and reality today means a doubly-difficult conversation in the future. A good reality check and a rainy-day fund help each of us to be Powerful People in Partnerships.

Keep Rising,

 

Frank Love

www.FrankLove.com

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6 comments

  • Dr. Mary

    December 5, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    My husband and I recently took @DaveRamsey’s course and you are exactly right! The financial piece was only one piece of what was causing conflict in our relationship. We had baggage and had both accumulated unpaid relationship debts.

    Reply

  • Emma

    December 5, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Enjoyable reading and much success with your Blog & Book endeavors.

    Reply

  • Ivan Robert Luther

    December 6, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Yes Frank I can understand your concern which is a positive one. I hail from India where the concept breeded by our fore fathers cultivated the logic earn four spend two or three save two or atleast one for furure as a backup to your future needs & demands.
    It is with the advent of U.K or U.S.A. banks & there concepts of marketing (especially plastic money) we also are getting buried in this concept, & it is affecting our Marriages as well.
    I have crossed 30 years of working as a professional and proudly say that I do have a debit card but not a CREDIT CARD, & I am happy. Me & my Wife we plan save and procure our needs & sit back to enjoy our achievement.

    Reply

  • OurMom

    December 6, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Excellent article frank!

    Reply

  • Andi

    December 6, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Thanks for sharing. I am a financial counselor and have counseled many on love and money. Definitely worth being on the same page during holiday shopping to keep the relationship strong.

    Reply

  • Artur

    December 6, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    I read Dave Ramsey’s book ‘The Total Money Makeover’. It is full of useful tips. I use some advice from the book and I feel more secure and have peace of mind about my finance future. Also I saw how debt in relationship was destroying them. Definitely finance in relationship play huge role.

    Reply

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