Money is both a personal and an emotional topic. Talking about money can be stressful for many people and it is almost never only about money. Culturally, we are comfortable discussing our health, personal, professional, and social lives, and even our intimate relations with more ease than discussing money situations. In a relationship, matters of the wallet can be as important as matters of the heart. After all, money decisions can impact any relationship, from getting a joint bank account or sharing a home, all the way to the retirement phase. Having a partner by your side may be helpful in achieving financial stability and retirement readiness, but first, you both must have the often daunting "money talk". In order for any relationship to succeed, it is critical to have open, candid, and honest conversations about relationships with money.

According to Scott and Bethany Palmer, coaches/authors of founders of the Five (5) Money Personalities, over 70% of divorced couples cite financial issues as the number one cause of arguments; financial discord can spill over into other areas of any relationship. They noted that each person has two distinct money personalities: the primary and the secondary ones. These two personalities inform and direct their habits and behavior towards money. These personalities play a major role in helping us deal with relationship challenges once we learn how to recognize them. Hopefully, by exploring how money relates to our value system, our attitude, and our behavior, we can find a common ground on which we can build a sustainable financial relationship. Below is a list of the five money personalities:

1. Spender

- Who is very happy to spend money to enjoy life
- There is no tomorrow
- Money is made to be spent

2. Saver

- Who has money for a rainy day that may (or may not) happen
- Hates to accumulate debt but pays all bills on time and in full

3. Risk Taker

- Who loves ideas that may (or may not) make money
- Willing to gamble reaching for the big score in life

4. Security Seeker

- Who researches opportunities and possible investments
- Very slow to take a dive due to fear of losing security

5. Flyer

- Who is happy to let someone else take the driver's seat and handle all financial matters

Can you identify among the five personalities which one is you?

Follow the chapters below in this module to learn how to preserve your relationships and money!

Chapter 1. What is my relationship with money?

Chapter 2. How to discuss money matters honestly and openly?

Chapter 3. What are the deal makers and deal breakers in relationships?

Chapter 4. Money secrets and financial infidelity

Chapter 5. Tips and ways to preserve money and relationships

Test your knowledge!

This was made possible in partnership with The Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship. This video and more videos like this can be found on Millionstories.com.