Debtfree DIGI October 2015

There is little that can stress
a relationship like money
problems. Money problems
can force a wedge between
family, friends, business
partners and is toxic in any
relationship. How can you deal
with debt as a couple?
We look at practical steps which you can take
to avoid letting debt ruin your relationships.
First, it is important to realise that men and
women look at money (and debt) in totally
different ways. Let’s generalise for a moment
or two.
Men, in general, learn at an early age to be
rough and daring, to take risks and win at all
costs. Girls are, generally, taught to be soft,
vulnerable and open. Men value independence
and view emotion as a liablity. They worry
less about debt than women. Women value
security, tend to be more conservative and are
not afraid to express their emotions (including
about finances). As such, it should be no big
surprise that it is mostly women who seek help
in dealing with debt rather than men.
Most men feel that talking about their debt is
a sign that things are not going well, where as
most women feel the opposite; that talking
about debt is a sign that your relationship is
doing well. Thus as couples you may have very
different ways of thinking about ( and dealing
with) your situation. Some people prefer to