The ability for couples to successfully manage conflict while navigating their financial situation is important to the ultimate success of their relationship. Disagreement over money matters is a frequently cited source of conflict for couples, and a contributor to relationship dissatisfaction and divorce. Research was undertaken to better understand the influence of spending personality on marital outcomes. The research findings are presented and the method and assumptions behind the research are explained.  Some ways advisers can minimise the potential for financial conflict between couples are described.

Advisers who discuss perceptions of spending and saving behaviours during the initial client meeting and at subsequent interactions, plus help guide couples’ resource allocation decisions may have happier clients with better financial outcomes.

Although the research is set in an American context, the findings are likely to also apply in the NZ context.