For many, this time of year involves buying gifts and other kinds of holiday spending. Such spending can have the potential to be a point of contention within a married couple. Recent surveys suggest that many individuals here in the U.S. aren’t very forthright with their spouse when it comes to such spending.
According to a Swagbucks.com survey, nearly half of Americans report that their spouse or significant other isn’t aware of how much they spend over the holidays. Another survey, by Quicken, found that almost half (47 percent) of individuals who come to agreements with their partner about holiday spending limits end up deceiving their spouse on what they spent (the main form of this being overspending the limit).
Why do you think being deceptive about holiday spending to a partner is so common?
Spouses being dishonest with each other about holiday spending can have many impacts. For one, it could increase the likelihood of overspending, which can have major financial implications for a couple.
Also, holiday spending deception could harm a married couple’s relationship. Financial dishonesty can weaken trust and increase financial stress within a marriage. Financial stress can sometimes even be a factor that leads a couple towards divorce.
So, this time of year, it can be important for couples to have clear and honest communication with each other about holiday spending. This could help with keeping holiday spending from triggering problems.
When issues regarding financial dishonesty or other types of problems within a marriage lead a spouse to the conclusion that a divorce would be the best course of action moving forward, what happens in the divorce proceedings that follow can have major impacts on his or her future. Divorce lawyers can help individuals with keeping their interests protected during such proceedings.