In a recent study,[1] Dr. David Allsop and colleagues investigated factors influencing sexual satisfaction among couples during pregnancy, such as physiological (e.g., physical discomfort,[2] hormonal changes, sleep quality), psychological (e.g., anxiety, depressive symptoms, self-esteem), and social (e.g., relationship quality, support from friends and family, societal expectations) factors. Merely focusing on physiological factors is not enough to fully grasp or address the complexity of the issue. In fact, Allsop’s study revealed the complex and multifaceted nature of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of considering emotional and relational dynamics between spouses. By addressing a diverse range of influences, we can better support couples in experiencing enriching sexual relationships as they navigate through this transformative phase of life!

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Brandan Wheeler and his team[1] investigate the interplay between financial distress, relational aggression, and marital quality among married couples in the U.S. after the 2009 Recession. Their findings reveal that relationally aggressive behaviors such as spreading rumors about a partner and withdrawing affection partially explained the impact of financial problems on the couple relationship post-recession. In other words, when some couples are financially stressed they treat each other worse, which then harms their marriage. This discovery underscores the detrimental effects of using harmful conflict tactics (like verbal attacks, silent treatment, and blame-shifting) during economic hardship and, on the other hand, the importance of mutual support and understanding between partners during times of financial strain.

Married life can be a rollercoaster with ups, downs, and unexpected turns along the way. While couples might hope their finances stay stable throughout their marriage, history is full of examples of big, unexpected financial challenges for families across the United States. Instances include the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the Great Recession in 2008, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Other unexpected changes or disturbances happen to individual families such as the loss of a job, increases in living expenses, or the addition of a new child. The financial wellness of a couple—the level of stress or satisfaction in their financial situation—can be affected with each twist and turn of life.

Gold is the money of kings;[i] he who has the gold makes the rules.[ii] These famous sayings highlight the enduring link between wealth, power, and authority in our society. We only need to glance at the business world, politics, or Hollywood to see the influence money can have in pushing certain agendas and creating change in public spheres. But what about money’s influence in the private sector of our home lives? Does money influence family or couple dynamics, and if so, how? Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black and colleagues sought to answer these questions through two research articles exploring the associations between couple finances, relational power, and marital satisfaction and stability.[iii],[iv]

About half of emerging adults in the U.S. live with their parents,[1] which highlights the financial challenges they face, such as student loan debt, low income, and high living costs. These challenges significantly impact their financial situations and lifestyles. Notably, financial issues play a crucial role in the success of romantic relationships among emerging adults.

Money troubles can make or break a marriage, and in fact, financial conflict is the number one predictor of divorce—more than any other type of disagreement.[1] Therefore, understanding how couples manage and navigate through financial challenges is especially important. In a compelling study[2] led by Dr. Heather Kelley and her team, they explored the relationship between financial stress and marital quality. The study found that financial stress negatively impacts marital satisfaction. When couples experience certain life events such as marriage, unemployment, or childbirth, they are more prone to financial stress. However, effective communication and maintaining a positive attitude can help mitigate the negative effects financial stress has on marital quality, and can help couples strengthen their relationship.

Finances play a crucial role in adult romantic relationships,[i] and researchers had previously found that financial health and marital health were inter-connected.[ii] In their recent article, Money to Marriage, or Marriage to Money? Examining the Directionality Between Financial Processes and Marital Processes Among Newlywed Couples,[iii] Matthew Saxey, Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black, and their colleagues examined whether financial processes (such as financial behaviors and financial communication) predicted marital processes (such as marital satisfaction) or whether marital processes predicted financial processes in newlywed U.S. couples. In other words, money to marriage, or marriage to money? Finally, a chicken-and-egg situation we can find out the answer to!

Before getting married, my now husband and I often discussed our financial future. We chose from the start to have “all things in common,” (Acts 2:44)[1] financially that is, by combining our financial resources. That was a difficult and time-consuming decision for us. The reality is that finances are a huge part of any married couple’s relationship yet far too few individuals discuss the details of their financial goals and attitudes before tying the knot.[2] Having these discussions is beneficial because how couples choose to manage their finances from the beginning can have a long-lasting impact on their future marriage.[3], [4], [5]

Dr. Jeff Dew and colleagues’ article entitled Examining the Relationship Between Financial Issues and Divorce found that financial disagreements predicted divorce more strongly than other common types of disagreements (i.e., household tasks or time spent together).[1] This shows that money can be a real issue in relationships and take a serious toll on marriage. Another study explains that most marriages experience “financial conflict, strain, or stress” to one degree or another. Thus, it is important for couples to learn how to deal with these struggles and manage stress related to finances.[2] Dew and colleagues found that calm communication, overall marital satisfaction, and financial equality were important for a marriage to thrive. By cultivating healthy communication, managing expectations, and working as equal partners, couples can successfully navigate financial difficulties and claim joy in their lives together.

In marriage, numerous factors come into play determining power dynamics, or who holds what amount of power in the relationship. From work stress, intimacy, and social lives, there is much to balance within a marriage. Yet, in this complexity, have you ever paused to consider how your financial behaviors as a couple might be affecting your marriage? In this article, we will delve into the often-overlooked connection between financial behaviors and marital dynamics, shedding light on how our financial decisions may shape the delicate balance of power in our relationships, (hopefully) contributing to equal partnership.

As evidenced by numerous research studies, financial distress often negatively impacts relationship satisfaction.[1] Work-family spillover may be one potential reason for this association. Work-family spillover refers to the spillover of work stresses to family life (such as working overtime or bringing work home), as well as the spillover of family stresses to work (such as bringing family issues to work). Toby Driggs, Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black, and colleagues analyzed how work-family spillover is related to financial distress and relationship satisfaction for newlywed dual-earner couples.[2] They found that although work-family spillover can be harmful to a relationship when paired with financial distress, couples can adjust to overcome this difficulty and come out stronger.

Picture this: Maui, Maldives, or Mexico. You and your spouse are newlyweds basking in the glow of marital bliss. The sun on your skin, the breeze flowing through your hair, the scent of the salty sea air, the sound of your spouse counting your money to prepare the weekly budget—wait what? In their research study, Matthew Saxey, Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black, and colleagues discovered that the way couples manage their money together could impact their sex lives.[1]

It might feel like common sense that as a couple experiences more financial stress, they would probably experience difficulty in their marriage and their marital quality could go down. Makes sense, right? This situation might resonate with you because you have personally experienced it; perhaps you’re newly married and all the financial demands of married life have suddenly become very real. Or perhaps you’ve been married for a while now, and everything has been fine until one of you loses your job. Being married may not feel as fulfilling in these moments. However, there is reason to hope that things can get better, and that marital quality will rise again.

Finances will always be an important topic for couples. Dr. Heather Kelley and colleagues recently studied how spouses’ perceptions of each other’s financial behavior are linked to marital well-being.[1] They found that how a couple views each other’s spending decisions can impact their relationship. Specifically, perceiving one’s partner as a spender negatively impacted marital satisfaction, commitment, and power for both spouses. In addition, viewing one’s partner as a saver was detrimental for the marital commitment and power of each spouse.1 This article will explore more of Kelley’s findings and discuss couple dynamics and perceptions as they relate to spending, saving, and communicating about money.

Joining your life with another person through marriage comes with many challenges such as raising a family, dealing with in-laws, or potential snoring—to name a few. Adapting to your partner’s financial habits and values is no exception. Trying to understand and compromise on finances is a daunting task, especially since finances seem to affect every aspect of our lives: where we live, what we eat, what we wear, and what we do.

Couples experience conflict about various topics, from work-life balance to sex. Amidst these heated debates, there is one topic that consistently appears as a common ground for disagreement and a powerful emotional trigger: money.[1] It is common knowledge that finances can affect relationships. This is more relevant than ever today as financial stress is at its highest level in nearly a decade.[2] Whether you are dating, married, or cohabiting, financial satisfaction can have an impact on your relationship satisfaction. Dr. Casey Totenhagen and colleagues put this to the test, conducting research where couples recorded how they felt financially (like what do you feel is the level of your financial stress today?) and relationally (like how satisfied, content, and happy are you with your relationship?) every day for two weeks.2 It is no surprise that as financial satisfaction fluctuates, so does relationship satisfaction. To add to this, gender also has an impact! So, what does all this mean for you and your relationship? Let’s get into more specifics!

Figuring out finances can create challenges, and we are here to provide some information that could be helpful for you! In simple terms, the study The Effect of Households’ Student Debt on Life Satisfaction led by Dr. Thomas Korankye[1] shows that having student-loan debt harms how satisfied people feel about their lives. Even though taking on debt is often seen as an investment in the future, it can make people feel less satisfied with their lives until the debt is fully paid off.

In their recent article, Couple-Level Attachment Styles, Finances, and Marital Satisfaction: Mediational Analyses Among Young Adult Newlywed Couples, Dr. Xiaomin Li and colleagues analyzed how relationships, finances, and attachment styles interconnect.[1]