report from\u00a0BMO\u00a0<\/a>revealed that\u00a0financial pressures\u00a0are given more priority than\u00a0emotions for marriage and\u00a0separation\u00a0decisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\u201cMoney is often one of the biggest sources of stress during a separation or divorce, particularly when the financial impact is larger or more prolonged than expected,\u201d said Carol Willes, Director, Estate Planning, BMO Private Wealth. \u201cWorking with a financial professional can help individuals understand the full picture, reduce uncertainty and focus on rebuilding financial stability as they move into the next chapter of their lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The numbers not adding up<\/p>\n
The study\u00a0noted that\u00a037%\u00a0of\u00a0divorced or separated Canadians admit financial concerns kept them in a marriage longer than they wanted and influenced when they separated; 47%\u00a0viewed\u00a0marriage as more of a financial commitment than an emotional one and\u00a033%\u00a0of coupled Canadians said\u00a0spending is a source of conflict in the relationship.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The survey, titled\u00a0Real Financial Progress Index, also examined the role financial compatibility plays in relationship dynamics and found that 32% said spending is a source of conflict in the relationship; 36% feel their partner or spouse spends too much on impulse purchases and expensive items; 17% say big purchases have led to arguments and 28% say vacation planning causes financial conflict in the relationship.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Honesty is the best policy<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile building a life with someone special can be a journey filled with joy and hope, affordability concerns can bring some challenges, complicating and even overshadowing the romantic elements of a relationship,\u201d said Anthony (Tony)\u00a0Tintinalli, Head, Specialized Sales, BMO. \u201cHaving early and honest conversations about money, building emergency savings and seeking professional advice can help couples better prepare for how financial realities intersect with life\u2019s biggest moments, protect themselves from unexpected challenges and make real financial progress through every life stage.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The financial power imbalance tends to skew a lot of internal debate about money, as 60% say their partner or spouse is the more frugal party in the relationship; 54% said they are financially dependent on their partner or spouse and 41% admit their partner or spouse understands financial planning better than they do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The survey went on to offer suggestions on how to manage financial pressures and prepare for relationship milestones, while making financial progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some of them include\u00a0aligning\u00a0on spending styles early\u00a0in the relationship, setting\u00a0clear expectations for big financial decisions;\u00a0transparency\u00a0about financial responsibilities and confidence levels;\u00a0planning\u00a0for shared goals while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0flexibility\u00a0and building\u00a0resilience into financial plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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