Spender Vs. Saver, All About Couples and Money: Part 1
Perhaps you’ve heard couples coping up with their differences. This is because relationships can last long when both couples maintain a similar interest and share significant values and beliefs over time. Now, what if the issue involves finances? While this might not be a challenge for some, but what if one is more inclined in saving while the other is the exact opposite being the high-roller.
The Spender Attitude
Spenders would prefer fancy stuff and love amusements. He or she usually wants to have the extra comfort of living by eating lavishing food, drinking high-class wine, and likes to shop for extravagant clothes. Vacation and travel are their main priorities, and getting on-trend to the classy lifestyle is what’s keep them going.
However, this does not necessarily convey that they have bad money habits. They might not have set their minds to prepare for the future, such as obtaining a long-term savings plan or planning for retirement.
The Saver Attitude
On the other hand, savers can be fixated into its target to save money. They tend to think about how much they can save every time they spend on something that they feel unnecessary. Some may just be focus on making sure that they are in control over their finances.
Most likely, a saver has an emergency fund set up and has possibly opened up a retirement account in preparation for the future. Besides, they don’t necessarily shun the comfort of living and spending on nice stuff, but they carefully look into things and their finances before doing so.
The Arguments between The Spender and The Saver
In a relationship, disagreeing with something can boil down into unending arguments. In the case between couples, one being the spender and the other the saver, there might be certain things that one stands to believe which the others perceived it as insignificant. The saver is maybe setting up a household budget to be agreed and executed, yet the spender might not be openly enthusiastic about it. Regardless of the spender agrees to it, the chances to stick on the planned budget might not be altruistic. Moreover, in the long term, the spender my question the saver as he or she is frustrated that there is nothing fun to do with; similarly, the saver might get embarrassed as the spender isn’t mature enough to prepare for the future.
Looping Out of Control
These basic differences can cause tremendous issues if not resolve. This is because savers might feel the load of having to take care of everything. In some cases, this might include controlling the expenses to the extent of giving the other party a certain limit on spending.
In turn, spenders might outburst, making a more devious move in making huge purchases, getting all sorts of loans or credit cards, to the point of not disclosing any of these to the other party. At some point, this can result in guilt feeling in the part of the spender, which may lead to a more serious matter wherein they seek refuge to gamble just to overcome their losses. In the long run, this can even equate to a more drastic measure, such as seeking a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.
Meeting Both Ends
In situations like this, it is important to maintain open and healthy communication. You have to accept that your partner might not be open-minded to certain things like saving for the Future. As the spender whats to enjoy the present, the saver wants to look ahead of the future. So, both should not compromise either of these beliefs. The point is, you have to be open to each other and make a plan on how you can met both ends without sacrificing your choices.
Live For the Present or Live For Tomorrow
Although most people who were so busy preparing were able to retire with comfort and ease, the years that are supposed to be for enjoyment are all gone. You might say you have all the money to afford, but you might not have the energy and enthusiasm when you reach 65. In contrast, living each day with a notion that you live life to the fullest, and the line of thinking that you only live once can also be drastic along the way. This may result in loads of obligations piled up, making it difficult for you to attain financial freedom.
The bottom line is, there should be a balance in everything, and couples should look at the present and prepare for the future in a way that they won’t miss the significant things in life.
Your Starting Point
You should know by now whether you happen to the spender or the saver. To get a head start in building healthy goals and meeting your differences, you may have to reassess what your partner keeps on telling you and take some time in weighing those things over your relationship and financial stability. The key is a healthy communication, and an open mind. With good planning and open communication, there is no doubt that you can set aside your difference and come up with one goal.
We’ll talk more in the succeeding articles on how to open and set the conversation towards setting goals that will help you achieve your main purpose.
