Charity urges: '˜Start talking money'

Christians Against Poverty says having “the money conversation” with a partner can be one of the hardest things to do but it is a move that can really change your year ahead.

David Kelly, Centre Manager of the Causeway Coast CAP branch said: “I see people who have fallen into crisis debt every week and I can tell you it is crucial for your health and happiness in 2016 that you have a reality check of your finances as soon as you can in this New Year.

“It might be nerve wracking to bring those bank statements out into the open but until you both know what’s happening, you can’t start to tackle it. Working at your finances together, setting goals together and resolving to sort things can be an amazing step forward for the whole family.”

The Money Advice Service found in a poll of more than 2,000 UK adults that nearly half (45%) weren’t always honest with their partner about finances while a quarter were lying about spending.

Christians Against Poverty’s latest research shows three in four debt clients said their situation had caused arguments while nearly a quarter (23%) said debt directly led to their relationship breaking down – so the stakes are high.

CAP’s top tips for having “the money conversation” are:

Pick your time when things are quiet at home and no one is dealing with any immediate stresses.

Use one of the many online tools – or book into one of the hundreds of free CAP Money Courses – to begin to build your budget.

If you have debts, don’t delay in getting help from a free debt counselling agency like Christians Against Poverty, Stepchange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice etc