When it Comes to Marriage, What Matters Less than you Might Think?

Financial security makes life easier and reduces anxiety related to meeting basic needs. And shared views related to money such as how much to save and budgeting priorities are important dimensions of marital stability. Nevertheless, improved financial security does not necessarily lead to a more fulfilling relationship. Sometimes money infects and compromises a marriage. I notice a surprisingly common phenomenon with couples who work well together to generate financial security, but lose parts of themselves and compromise their relational bond along the way. Phrases like, “We just finished renovating our dream house and finally are out of debt, but it feels like we have nothing to talk about” are not uncommon. Urban areas – aka “the bubble” – offer paths for couples to achieve startling levels of material success. We are socialized to imagine that wealth will generate happiness. But sometimes the process of accumulating wealth simultaneously causes cracks in the marital bond that become most noticeable once lofty monetary milestones are met.