For most relationships, the number one cause of trouble is and always has been money
. A couple's finances can lead to arguments or even separation and in these trying times, one can expect financial related arguments and debates to be a commonplace. So the question most couples are asking is how their marriage can survive through financial issues. Never forget that communication is the most important part of a relationship. If you cannot communicate with each other then arguments and disagreements are bound to happen. Talk to one another about every single expense irregardless of how small or minute it may appear to be. Your spouse may have had plans for that few extra dollars.
Communicating means nothing though if one is not listening; do not simply shrug off your spouse or pretend to be listening because you are bored or preoccupied. Engage your spouse in the conversation and share ideas as to the best ways to handle the financial situation. If you do not listen, you never know what important thing you may miss and come to regret later on. You will need to be flexible. The easiest solution to any dispute is obviously compromise and without flexibility there can be no compromising. Sure you are adamant about making that particular purchase, but if you do will it lead to trouble. What if you could compromise with your spouse and get it later to make sure you have all of your needs met today.
Breathing helps to reduce stress and keeps you from blowing your top. Make sure that you are always breathing and if at all possible, take the time to learn some breathing exercises that will help you along the way. You absolutely must maintain your calm through these trying times if you plan on making it through them.
Just because finances are tight, does not mean you need to slip apart as a couple. In these dire times what you need to be doing is growing closer together so make sure that you are setting aside more time to spend together as well as going out on an occasion. It does not take a lot, but the benefits are priceless.
A secondary plan is always important too. Remember that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Even you best laid out plans need to have another prepared just incase the unforeseen occurs. If you take the time to come up with your backup plan together, you will benefit greatly from your decision.