Since financial decisions have to be made almost daily, it's a frequent source of disagreement. Yet couples often don't know how to deal with these conflicts, and they get stuck. There are many underlying emotional issues that can cause money battles. Sometimes the fights stem from the couple's different family backgrounds. What's surprising to many couples is that money fights are not a function of how much money you have or don't have.
Some couples argue over whether to go to Barbados of Europe for their vacation.
Other couples fight over whether they can afford a vacation at all this year. Sure, a higher income can reduce stress, but it doesn't necessarily stop the fighting. Money fights are especially common during the early child-rearing years, notes Berg. Often one parent cuts back to part-time work or even quits a job to care for the child. Being an at-home parent is challenging, but there's no financial compensation.