Many couples face the rift of differing spending habits. If one is the main bread winner that can add another dimension in which to tug. He may consider eating out daily a routine expense, while she believes in cooking at home. Vacations can be stressful if one prefers five star hotels and the other is used to camping. 

 

We have playing cards about money habits in our marriage library, as well as a book that goes for the price of a latte. Apparently the person selling it is a pincher. The cards make a game of understanding our choices and those of our partner. Not to fling blame but to see patterns. 

 

John and I have managed to steer clear of financial tornadoes. To the annoyance of our kids, when we traveled we were more likely to stop at a grocery store than a restaurant. We both have clothes that are thirty years old. Just in case. 

 

But there is an expense that we both agree on. Taking couples out to talk.