• Discounts and special offers
  • Subscriber-only articles and interviews
  • Breaking news and trending topics

Already a subscriber?

By signing up, you accept Moneywise's Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, and Privacy Policy.

Not interested ?

Money may not buy happiness but it can buy clarity

Money can be as big a player in love as flowers or candlelit dinners. But when financial transparency isn’t prioritized, miscommunication and unmet expectations can quickly follow.

According to a survey by Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA), 22% of divorces in North America stem from money problems, underscoring how important financial conversations are. Roughly 41% of people admit to hiding purchases from their partners, according to Forbes Advisor.

As CDFA professional Justin Recker explains, “disparate goals and values around money coupled with the power and control financial prosperity represents makes money a common battle ground in marriages.”

Without transparency, couples find themselves in avoidable financial conflicts.

Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord

Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.

The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.

Learn More

Why financial transparency matters

Research from Indiana University Kelley School of Business shows that married couples who merge their finances actually tend to have higher-quality relationships.

This is because financial transparency creates a foundation of trust, allowing couples to align their goals, make informed decisions and prevent the kind of misunderstandings that can drive a wedge between them.

By laying all their cards on the table, partners can better navigate their financial future together, whether that means budgeting for a home, planning for retirement or simply managing day to day expenses.

In the case of the Redditor’s missing home equity, open communication could have prevented the surprise realization. This underscores the importance of being transparent from the start — whether it’s property ownership, leases or even debt.

Money may not buy love, but when it comes to marriage, it’s important to know where it's coming from and where it’s going. Couples who prioritize financial transparency are better equipped to manage their assets and avoid the shocks that come from hidden debts or misunderstood ownerships.

Sitting down with a financial adviser can provide both partners with an honest look at their finances, helping them steer clear of costly surprises and ensuring that what they believe are assets are truly assets.

Sponsored

Become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger

Looking to hedge against market volatility? First National Realty Partners offers accredited investors access to premium commercial real estate opportunities. Their team of experts vet every deal and provide white-glove service which means you get to enjoy quarterly distributions without the headaches of being a landlord.

Victoria Vesovski Staff Reporter

Victoria Vesovski is a Staff Reporter for Moneywise currently pursuing her Masters of Journalism at New York University.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.

†Terms and Conditions apply.