Relationship and Finance
For intercultural couples being together means that at least one partner moves to a new country and the couple has to deal with the expenses that an international relocation entails. Unemployment at the beginning of immigration is quite common and increases economic pressure. It is important that both partners understand the situation and take it into consideration. It is also important to understand that it might be crucial for the foreign partner to regularly visit their home country and to keep contact with their family back home as well as to support them financially. For it not to become a problem both partners need to be flexible and make adjustments to their budgets.
Very few relationships have problems because of money itself, but many have problems because money is being used in a power struggle, and symbolises one partner having power over the other (or one partner feeling loss of control to the other).
The best way to avoid money arguments is to make a mature, responsible deal that both people in the relationship can and will follow. If one person in the relationship cannot follow through with his/her part of the designated responsibilities, then perhaps it is a good thing to put the relationship into review. A common mistake that is made is that one person decides how everything is going to be in regards to money, with little or no input from his/her partner. This, too, will lead to nothing but trouble.
If you are arguing about money, sit down with your partner and agree to do all finances together. Jointly decide what needs to be paid, and how the remainder should be used. If you work with money as a team, it will become less of an argument source.
The way you and your spouse save, spend, earn and invest can actually be points of bonding and affection if approached in the right way.
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