Once your partner identifies a problem, you can chalk out the areas that need work and find ways to solve them that work best for you.
Here are 6 efficient ways to deal with spending addiction:
1. Sensitively Deal With the Issue
When you are discussing your partner's spending habits, understand that they have a problem and that they often do it without knowing why. Handle the situation with utmost care and concern.
Avoid confronting them accusingly or judging them about how much they spend and how bad it is. Try to understand the reason behind their reckless spending and come to a mutual understanding about how to curb them.
2. Avoid Comparing Your Spending Habits
Although the first thing you may do in your frustration is tell your partner how little you spend compared to them, it is not advisable. Everyone has different values and perceptions, and such direct comparisons exacerbate the problem.
Instead, you can use some good spending habits from your life to help set an example for them, which they can follow.
3. Discuss Big Purchases Beforehand
Creating a budget and discussing any big purchase with your partner is a great way to curb overspending.
This way, you can know if your partner is planning to spend, and you can stop them from doing that if necessary so that it does not create misunderstandings later.
4. Create Separate Budgets
One way for you and your partner to keep track of your spending is if each of you has money allocated that you can use to buy anything you want. Doing this will set strict boundaries for each of you and help you avoid conflicts.
An excellent way to do this is to give your spouse a debit card attached to a bank account with a limited amount of money so they stay within the budget.
5. Get Rid of Credit Cards
Buying things with a credit card is too easy and can be tempting to someone with a spending problem.
Consider using cash to buy things for a while until your partner learns to manage money better. Moreover, seeing exactly how much money they have will automatically stop them from being frivolous.
6. Seek Professional Help
Even after taking all the necessary steps, you can talk to a professional therapist or financial counsellor if your spouse still spends too much money. You can look for an experienced couple's therapist dealing with financial issues.
Taking help from an expert who will act as an objective third party will give your partner an unbiased opinion without hurting their feelings. Furthermore, it will allow your partner to voice their concerns without the fear of judgement.
