While relationships can be a gorgeous rainbow of smooches and chuckling at all manner of silly nonsense, they can also be complicated and hard – especially where money is concerned.
Maybe you’re with someone who always splashes their cash on every new piece of Apple tech, or maybe they’re an avid saver and squirrel away their money for something big like a shiny new car, so they don’t wanna part with their hard-earned dosh when the restaurant bill needs paying.
With help from CommBank, we’ve put together an overview of the common financial personalities to help you suss out your strengths, weakness, similarities and differences. Check them out.
Are you a generous giver?
Are you constantly going into homewares shops and buying $50 candles for your mates just because you’re feeling nice? Or maybe you’re more than happy to endlessly shout everyone dinner?
Sure, being generous is a great quality to have, but living beyond your means can have disastrous outcomes, particularly if it’s because you’re always paying for your partner or friends while they hold back with their own money.
Why not work out how much you’re spending on others, then write up a budget which includes any debt your owe and your savings goals, so you can focus on these rather than spending. It’s great to do this with your partner so that everything is out in the open and as fair as possible. Make sure you both contribute to household expenses and savings, and live within your means when it comes to activities and gifts.
I’m not suggesting you sub out your generosity for Happy Meal toys, just take them on a picnic or make a homemade meal to show your appreciation instead, you know?
Are you a savvy saver?
Are you literally at home every night watching free-to-air on your laptop because a Netflix subscription is too expensive and you refuse to buy a TV? Do you reach for your wallet a little slower at the checkout so your date grabs the bill? Look, it’s all well and good to be wise with your cashola, but you need to make sure your partner is on the same page.
Lumping the cafe and restaurant bills onto your significant other every time you go out because you’re trying to save for a house will start to create tension after a little while.
Try to make a plan for how you can let loose a little: like creating a budget and including a ‘Fun Fund’. This way, you’ll be able to keep things fair when it comes to day-to-day expenses and treat your partner from time-to-time.
Are you a boss dog budgeter?
Are you the type who’s aware of their spending and saving habits and tries to set aside a little of your pay each week for unexpected expenses or that big juicy goal? Or maybe you like hopping on Groupon and deals sites to snap up a bargain?
Well hats off to you for sniffing out the good deals and having a solid savings habit, particularly if you can maintain a healthy social life. Just make sure your goals are achievable and that your partner understands why you’re saving to avoid any hidden tension.
Would you rather just avoid thinking about your moola?
Do you even know how much money you have in your account right now? Would you be surprised with whatever number was on your statement – high or low? Don’t worry, we get it, organising and managing money can seem overwhelming.
But your partner might feel like you aren’t adulting and taking money matters seriously. So why don’t you set aside some time each fortnight to become more familiar with what you’re spending money on and start to track your spending. From here, you can get a budget and savings plan in place, and then you’re all set.
Do you play it risky with investments?
Do you just kinda think with your gut and fearlessly invest your money in stuff that you think will give you sweet dividends? Maybe you’re happy to take a chance on whatever cryptocurrency is racing upwards in value at the moment. Either way, the idea of making money with money is intoxicating to you.
Well, this kinda behaviour can get in the way of your relationship if you’re using shared funds to make investments. Figure out with your partner how much money you’re both comfortable to invest in riskier things that may not pay off.
There you have it, folks. I’m a giver, avoider and investor all in one, and I need to get it together. How ’bout you?
Wanna know more about how to manage your dollars when dating or coupled up? CommBank have more handy money tips on its Tumblr site. Check them out HERE.
