Avoiding financial problems could prevent divorce - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
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We've all heard that money can't buy you love. But stress over financial issues can put your marriage in jeopardy. It's important to be open and honest about money to keep the marriage healthy.
Ministers and counselors say it's so important to make decisions from the beginning about finances, because putting them off can lead to insurmountable problems in your marriage down the road.
"It was a very open conversation. We split everything down the middle as far as our home finances, or bills so to speak," said Randal Chatman.
Randal and Candace Chatman are newlyweds. During their two year courtship they took steps to ensure the knot they just tied doesn't unravel.
"You want to learn everything you can about that person before you take on a life-long commitment," he said.
That includes learning how your partner handles money. A recent study conducted by a university of Michigan professor revealed many divorced singles say money was the number one source of conflict.
"It's not uncommon for example for a husband to be concerned that his wife is spending too much money and she can't control it a they've been fighting over this for years," said attorney Bill Clark.
Clark says he encourages his clients to seek help for their financial troubles. If that doesn't work, he's willing to assist with divorce.
Money problems come in many different forms: debt, gambling, spending habits, and income to name a few.
Chatman says he and his wife sought spiritual guidance.
"We had some small counseling with our pastor, one of the officiates that handled our wedding and he gave us some good advice," he said.
Pastor Steve Green of More than Conquerors Faith Church counsels young couples like the Chatmans. According to Green, the key is to tackle tough topics with honest dialogue.
"Income, investments, bankruptcy, garnishment, child support, any and everything that could possibly happen. Loss of income," said Green.
Family counselor Joan Leary says the problem with loss of income has become more prevalent.
"We talk about planning and expectations and what someone feels about their spending and saving habits. And often times for one spouse it's very different from the other," she said.
But couples struggling financially are not hopeless. Leary, Pastor Green and Bill Clark agree that money is directly linked to communication. The more you talk about it, the better your chances are of survival.
Chatman believes his plan is air tight.
"The woman controls the house," he said.
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