GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.
These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.
This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.

Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.
it’s possible for you to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.
Ive seen countless relationships strain because partners avoid talking about finances until it becomes a crisis.
That silence, he explained, creates tension and missed opportunities.
While it doesnt have to be formal, it does need to be consistent.
Mismatched Values Around Money
One partner might prioritize saving while the other values experiences or generosity.
Neither is wrong, but they pull in opposite directions if not addressed.
Lokenauth shared the similar view that a major block is misaligned money values and goals.
He explained that this couple would fight constantly, because they never established shared financial priorities.
After he got them to create a joint vision for their future, things improved dramatically.
But without some level of shared planning and visibility, Heerlein said its hard to work toward mutual goals.
Keep in mind: Combining finances doesnt always mean joint accounts; it means joint clarity.
Lokenauth said he dealt with a case where one partner hid $30,000 of online shopping debt for years.
The deception damaged trust way more than the actual amount.
He observed that when couples keep financial secrets, it prevents them fromworking as a team to build wealth.
How To Break Through These Blocks
These steps can help you start building wealth together.
They track progress on joint goals and celebrate wins together.
He said creating positive associations with money talks makes a huge difference.
He said this alignment is crucial.
Ive seen net worth increase two to three times faster when couples work toward common goals.
Be Radically Transparent About Spending
Lokenauth recommended sharing all accounts, debts and purchases over $100.
One couple he worked with struggled until they started using a shared budgeting app.
Now they message each other about expenses and make spending decisions together.
Lokenauth said this prevents resentment while maintaining transparency for shared finances.
Most successful couples I work with allocate 5% to 10% of income to individual spending.
One of his clients automated $2,000 each month.
They barely notice its gone but have built $100,000 plus in investments.
Get Professional Help Early
Lokenauth recommended meeting with a financial planner as a couple before problems arise.
The most successful pairs Ive worked with treat it like marriage counseling preventative maintenance instead of crisis intervention.
Ultimately, breaking through financial blocks requires consistent communication, shared goals and total transparency.
Focus on building trust and teamwork around money.
As Lokenauth put it: When couples align their financial lives, wealth naturally follows.
More From GOBankingRates
Share This Article: