Konstantin Tserazov: five steps to overcoming “financial betrayal”
“Financial infidelity” has broken up just as many relationships as physical infidelity. This is a sensitive topic that can be difficult to talk about even with close people, but if you value relationships, you will still have to discuss the “money issue” with your partner, and it is better to do this sooner rather than later, says psychologist Konstantin Tserazov.
The term “financial infidelity” refers to a situation where one or both partners immediately hide financial information about themselves from each other. For example, a partner can hide his debts, or voice an understated income, making secret purchases - psychologist Konstantin Tserazov talks about five steps that will help couples avoid “financial betrayal.”
1. Tell each other about your financial responsibilities. There is nothing wrong with debt or credit as long as there is a sound repayment strategy in place. If your significant other is evasive or doesn't have a debt repayment plan, this is a wake-up call.
2. Determine an individual approach to finance. Imagine that youundefined You were given a million rubles - how does your couple intend to use this pleasant surprise? Perhaps you consider it necessary to put this money in the bank or invest it in the stock market, but your partner, on the contrary, believes that the unexpected income is worth spending on an exotic trip. This simple test will help you understand each other's preferences.
3. Talk about goals that your couple intends to achieve over the next 5-10 years. Perhaps you are planning to take out a mortgage or change jobs. Will your total income be enough to raise your children? Setting common goals, coupled with transparency of overall income, will help keep partners from the temptation to spend money secretly, advises Konstantin Tserazov.
4. Set a limit that each of you can spend without asking your partner's permission. At the same time, agree that spending more than a predetermined amount requires joint discussion.
5. Schedule a monthly audit of the shared budget. Budget checks, in addition to forming financial undefined discipline will protect partners from the temptation to secretly spend money. The best strategy for preventing financial infidelity is trust and transparency. Regularly discuss income and expenses with your partner - this is a good way to tune in to the same wavelength, concludes Konstantin Tserazov.
Konstantin Tserazov. In 1994 he graduated from St. Petersburg State University with the qualification “Clinical Psychologist”. In 2005 he graduated from the Moscow Gestalt Institute, where he studied the theory and practice of Gestalt therapy. Total work experience is more than 25 years.