Tag: economy

The economic environment we have endured over recent years has left many people in a financial mess—these financial hardships can put a strain on a couple’s relationship when either or both of the partners are feeling the stress. As they say, money isn’t everything, but it is a necessity in life and an aspect that every couple has to deal with regularly.

While mounting financial pressures can seem overwhelming, by working together, couples can effectively manage their money no matter the economic situation they are in.

For millions of Americans, being out of work is an all too familiar situation. The jobs that people once had have been eliminated; bills are due, part-time jobs aren’t paying well, families need to eat and unemployment is running out. For those who were the breadwinners, guilt, failure, hopelessness and stress can feel overwhelming. So how do you take care of yourself if you find yourself in this predicament?

The following is a news item selected by the Hitched editors during the week of October 02, 2014.

What Does It Mean That a Record Number of Americans Have Never Married?

The Pew Research Center has released a new report looking at the marriage trends dating back to the 1960s. To be honest, there was not much that was surprising in the U.S. Census data that was analyzed.

I have a problem with money. My problem, though, is not that I’m reckless with it, that I go on shopping sprees or that I spend beyond my means. On the contrary, I hate gambling, I could care less about shopping, and I only use credit cards to collect points—which I later trade in for cash. My problem with money is not that I spend too much, my problem is that I have don't like to spend any at all.

I don’t know how or when I became so painstakingly conscious of money. Growing up, I had everything that I wanted or needed, so if anything, I should have grown up to value each dollar less.

Holiday decorations, music and festivities surround us this time of year. People are busy decorating, sending cards, buying presents, playing holiday music and attending holiday parties. What do you do if you are just not into the holiday spirit this year?

Of course, you can choose to ignore the holiday spirit around you, but are there other ways that you can rally...especially when you have family, children and friends looking to you to join them or lead the way?

Everyone knows the economy is acting like an out-of-control roller coaster. Yet, what goes unreported in the news is the fact that a troubled economy often leads to a troubled marriage. After all, money issues are cited as the most common reason couples argue. You and your spouse can easily work through money issues in a way that leads to more love and trust by taking the following five steps.

1. See It As It Is: Nothing good ever comes out of the tendency to deny or distract ourselves from unpleasant facts. To prevent your marriage going the way of our economy, I suggest you take a good look at what's going on between you and your partner in regards to money.

It’s bad out there, no question. The headlines scream at us, "The worst failure… Not since the Depression… Never before in our history..." Of course, you’re feeling upset. These are horrible things to hear.

So how can we survive this economic crisis and catastrophic predictions of the future? Turn inward. In tough times, look back, look around and look inside. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and a former journalist who spent more than two decades covering people and crises, I have some suggestions for getting through the current meltdown.