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Financial Stress

Marriage places two individuals in an environment where they must work together to manage and use their money. Research has shown the financial practices and patterns a couple chooses can help or harm their marriage. Experts suggest discussing expectations and creating a plan for how finances will be managed in your relationship even before the marriage begins. On this page we've compiled several resources to help you manage financial stress throughout all stages of your relationships. We also provide financial education resources for healthy marriage programs.

• Finding Help

  • NHMRC FAQ on Finances in Marriage (PDF - 99 KB) - The NHMRC has compiled common questions about finances and marriage and research-based answers to those questions.

  • Quick and Easy Budget Kit - Jennifer Openshaw -- Discover where your money is going. Toolkit for budget planning.

  • Getting to Know You, Your Co-Spender, and Money - A Fact Sheet and exercise from The Ohio State University Extension intended to help you and your co-spender examine expectations regarding handling your finances.

  • Money Mechanics: Communication (PDF) - An Iowa State University Extension Fact Sheet and Quiz designed to encourage healthy communication between you and your partner about finances.

  • The Importance of Communication in Learning to Manage Money (PDF) - A Fact Sheet from The Ohio State University Extension intended to help you and your partner discuss managing your money and reaching your financial goals.

  • Your Money Matters (PDF) - A Fact Sheet from the University of Florida IFAS Extension designed to help couples who wish to marry discuss money matters openly and honestly. Includes brief case studies.

  • Managing Two Incomes: Yours, Mine, and Ours (PDF) - A Fact Sheet from The Family and Workplace Connection® concerning advantages and drawbacks to different of managing two incomes.

  • Smartaboutmoney.org - A Web site resource center sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education, a non-profit organization. Find ways to manage money and keys to financial planning, including household budget worksheets, financial assessments and more. NEFE's Financial Literacy Resource Center found on this Web site houses many free resources and tools.




• Tools for Healthy Marriage Programs

  • Money Smart - A free financial education program for adults created by the FDIC to teach important information about banking and financial services. Money Smart can be taught by an instructor or viewed online or via CD-ROM through computer based instruction (CBI). Instructor-led modules are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. CBI modules are available in English and Spanish.

  • Financial Literacy Resources - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has listed many helpful financial literacy resources on its Web site.

  • Dollar Wi$e Resource Matrix (PDF) - The National Dollar Wi$e Campaign has created a matrix of financial education resources using recognized financial standards that are available free or for a nominal charge.