Am I the only one who avoids conversations about shared finances?

Many people find discussions about money with a partner to be challenging. Concerns about judgment, disagreement, or revealing past financial decisions can make these conversations feel daunting. This reluctance often stems from a desire to maintain harmony or avoid potential conflict in a relationship.

A 2023 survey by Bankrate found that 35% of cohabiting couples admit to keeping a financial secret from their partner, highlighting the prevalence of financial hiding.

See other perspectives

Does everyone avoid conversations about shared finances?

Does Everyone?

<h1>Is it normal to avoid conversations about shared finances?</h1>

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to avoid conversations about shared finances?

Is It Weird?

Why do I avoid conversations about shared finances with my partner?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

Sometimes, you know, you get to a certain point in life, and you just THINK about all these decisions you’ve made, like that BIG inheritance I got years ago. …

financial hiding

I, a sixty-eight-year-old woman, am still allowing my parents to pay for a significant portion of my monthly rent. …

financial hiding

The thing is, I found out she won the lottery. …

financial hiding

I feel like an absolute fraud, and it's eating at me more than I care to admit, I guess. …

financial hiding

You know when you do something, and you know it’s bad, but it’s like a secret little comfort that you can’t let go of? …

financial hiding

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you never talk about money with your partner?▾
Avoiding financial discussions can lead to misunderstandings, hidden debt, and missed opportunities for joint financial planning. Over time, these unaddressed issues can create significant stress and erode trust in a relationship.
Why is it so hard to talk about money with a spouse?▾
Talking about money with a spouse can be difficult due to differing financial habits, past money mistakes, fear of conflict, or concerns about losing financial independence. Personal beliefs and upbringing around money also play a significant role.
How can I start talking about money with my partner without it feeling like a fight?▾
Choose a calm time, not during a stressful moment. Start with a specific, low-stakes topic, like a future goal you both share, and frame it as a joint effort. Focus on listening and understanding each other's perspectives rather than assigning blame.

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