It s the classic opposites attract pattern. Someone who is anxious and likes to have control, for example, will often partner with someone who has a happy-go-lucky it s going to be all right attitude, she said. Those mentalities can bleed into every area of their financial lives, affecting communication and decision-making.
But in Clayman s experience coaching couples with these very issues, there s an obvious sign they re going to be able to overcome them: They re paying attention.
Couples who have a mutual awareness of their money are the most successful
Clayman said one of the biggest money obstacles people face is a habit of avoidance not checking your account balance, not bringing up financial concerns with a partner, not knowing exactly how much you spend each month, and the like. Avoidance is one of the primary coping mechanisms for managing anxiety, she said, and it s very difficult to overcome.