Is Your Lover Cheating on You and Slowly Killing You Financially?

photo © 2010 Jaci Berkopec | more info (via: Wylio)A new study by the National Endowment for Financial Education and Forbes says 1 in 3 couples who have combined their finances, admit they have been keeping financial secrets from the other. The leading money crimes were hiding cash, minor purchases and bills. Meanwhile, a significant …

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Debt, Relationships, Fighting, Sexually Transmitted Debt and Financial Infidelity

This time we will discuss a serious subject, fighting over debt. In all the years I’ve been helping people with money troubles, I think I’ve seen many ways people fight about money. Here is a real example. Guy: Damnit, woman, I told you to stop spending. Stop Spending! Woman: I can’t. I have to spend …

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Respecting Your Wishes if You Become Ill or Incapacitated: A Guide for Gay and Lesbian Couples

All gays and lesbians, whether coupled or not, should consider what will happen if they become seriously ill or suffer a medical emergency. Ask yourself several questions. Who do you want to have authority to act for you if you are incapacitated and cannot make your own health care decisions? Who do you want to …

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Divorce in The Military: Protect Your Financial Future

If you’re going through a divorce, you’re probably exhausted by the emotional upheaval and the day-to-day details of carving out a new, separate life. Separation when you or your spouse is a member of the military can pose special concerns, like division of military pensions or survivor benefits. One thing that’s easily overlooked — or …

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Marriage and Money: How to Talk to Your New Spouse About Finances

So you’re engaged. Or thinking about it. If you’re really serious about spending the rest of your life with another person, it’s time to get some of the tougher issues out in the open. Somewhere near the top of your list should be MONEY. Conflicts about money issues can stop a relationship before it has …

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Managing Your Money: Options for Same-Sex Couples

Congratulations! You’ve met the man or woman of your dreams and have moved in together or are planning the big move. You’re probably in the “ain’t love grand” stage, and we’d prefer not to burst your bubble. But how about a dose of realism, especially about money? When you live with someone, you and your …

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The “Living Together” Contract: A Guide for Same-Sex Couples

A contract is no more than an agreement to do (or not to do) something. It contains promises made by one person in exchange for another’s actions or promises. Marriage is a contractual relationship, even though the “terms” of the contract are rarely stated explicitly, or even known, by the marrying couple. Saying “I do” …

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Living Together: A Financial Contract for Unmarried Couples

A contract is no more than an agreement to do (or not to do) something. It contains promises made by one person in exchange for another’s actions or promises. Marriage is a contractual relationship, even though the “terms” of the contract are rarely stated explicitly, or even known, by the marrying couple. Saying “I do” …

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