New survey reveals the shocking number of times couples fight about finances each year

One in three Americans (32%) is uncomfortable discussing finances in their relationship, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans in a relationship, including 500 in a cross-border relationship (meaning that they have a partner currently living in another country) found that of those uncomfortable speaking with their significant other about money, almost half (44%) worry that discussing finances in their relationship will lead to disagreements. This is understandable, as the average couple surveyed reported having 58 money-related arguments per year.Disagreements are more common for those in a cross-border relationship, who average 72 arguments per year compared to 53 for couples who live in the same country. The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of international money app Wise, revealed that younger couples also stood out as more likely to have disagreements about money — with millennial respondents reporting about six arguments per month, compared to baby boomers’ three.Across all respondents, arguments are most likely to focus on what’s considered a “necessity” to spend on each month (43%) and how much to spend on “non-essential items” like streaming subscriptions and vacations (36%), as well as how much money should be saved (34%).But the potential of starting arguments wasn’t the only reason why respondents said they feel uncomfortable speaking with their partner about finances.For these respondents, almost a third said these conversations are difficult because they have different ideas about how much to spend and save (32%), while a quarter (26%) feel their partner is less responsible with money than they are. Of those with a partner in another country, 27% also noted that conversations can be uncomfortable because culturally, their attitudes to speaking about money differ.While arguments and discomfort in talking about money are relatively common, being aligned on finances with a partner is important to many...