FINP060 What to do if you aren't a financially compatible couple? (510 words)

With financial issues cited as one of the major reasons for marriage and relationship breakdowns, this article prompts readers to discuss their financial goals and values with their significant others, and provides tips to begin the often-confronting conversation. The article closes with a recommendation to seek assistance from your financial adviser.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2019 there were 113,815 marriages. Sadly in the same year there were 2,162 divorces, with financial issues cited as one of the major reasons for marriage breakdown.

For couples deciding to move in together, the idea of buying a home and building a future can be very exciting, and prompt a lot of discussion.

Conversations around shared finances and where one another stands on money – in particular, financial goals and obligations – don’t seem to generate the same enthusiasm.