Collaboration truly does lead to success regarding financial matters and satisfaction in relationships among military families, as indicated by recent findings from the University of Georgia.

While financial worries in couples with service members can adversely impact their relationship, researchers from the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences discover that addressing those worries together can lead to positive changes.

“Relationships and finances — these areas are interconnected. When you inquire about the biggest source of stress in their lives, people often cite money, relationships, or both,” stated Catherine Walker O’Neal, co-author of the research and an assistant professor in Human Development and Family Science.

“Both are difficult, but the intersection of these issues, particularly for military families, can be an even greater challenge.”

Financial issues affect military couple’s contentment

There are several stressors that are specific to military families, with many connected to finances.

Military families frequently move, and relocating can be costly. They are occasionally assigned to high-cost cities on short notice, which forces them to hurry in their search for affordable housing. Ongoing relocations also limit job opportunities and mobility for the other partner.

The researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 couples with service members and found that financial anxiety had a direct influence on their feelings about their relationships.

Finances and relationships are intertwined; when everything is functioning smoothly, it feels wonderful. However, when issues arise, it can become quite difficult.” —Clairee Peterson, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

“As financial pressures increase and couples perceive their financial situation declining, they tend to feel more anxious and stressed,” remarked Clairee Peterson, a researcher in Human Development and Family Science and the study’s corresponding author. “This generally shifts their relationship in a negative direction.

“Finances and relationships are intertwined; when everything is functioning smoothly, it feels wonderful. However, when issues arise, it can prove very challenging for couples very quickly.”

Relationships among service members were often more strained when one partner managed the finances alone and when partners disagreed about spending. These relational aspects of financial stress led to conflicts within the couples, affecting their overall relationship perceptions.

Collaboration is essential to mitigate financial stress

Having someone to share difficult choices and pressures with can significantly alter the situation.

The researchers discovered that couples who budgeted and made financial choices collaboratively reported enhanced interactions with their partners and an overall healthier relationship.

Since discussing finances can be a sensitive subject even for the most affectionate couples, it becomes even more crucial for military families to navigate this through. This process begins with communication, the researchers indicated.

You may not be able to address all significant issues, but you can ensure that both you and your partner are engaged in financial decisions.” —Catherine O’Neal, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

“Talking about finances can be challenging. Resolving financial conflicts is tough, but it’s vital. Most couples encounter this struggle at some point,” Peterson commented.

“However, couples who aligned on their financial strategy typically fared better and their relationship was less adversely affected compared to other couples also experiencing financial anxiety. This suggests that working together to agree on financial management can help prevent the spillover of financial anxiety into relationship problems.”

Once communication opens up, both the couple’s relationship and the family unit as a whole can reap long-term benefits.

“When financial pressures become overwhelming and/or the relationship feels burdensome, it’s crucial to engage in shared financial decision-making or have an agreement on spending,” O’Neal asserted. “You may not resolve all major issues, but you can concentrate on ensuring that both you and your partner are active participants in financial choices, that both voices are valued and that you are listening to each other’s priorities.”

This research was published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues and was co-authored by Mallory Lucier-Greer, a professor at Auburn University.

The post Collaborating on finances can aid in healing relationships for military couples appeared first on UGA Today.