Ameriprise Study: Majority of American Couples Feel Confident about Managing Their Finances but Still Disagree about Money

Nearly seven in ten couples say they have good communication
around finance and money, but many disagree over spending limits and
major purchases

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Money tops the list as the most important and frequent topic of
conversation between couples, according to new research released by
Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP). Yet, while the majority of couples
claim to be on the same page about their finances, there are many areas
in which the duos don’t always see eye to eye. The Ameriprise study on
couples and money surveyed more than 1,500 couples between the ages of
25-70, asking questions to both members in the relationship to determine
if their perspectives on money were aligned. While three-quarters (77%)
of couples say they agree on most financial matters, more than a third
also recognize there is room for improvement.


Living in Financial Harmony
The study found an overwhelming
88% of couples are happy with how they’ve divvied up financial
responsibilities in their relationship and 68% say they communicate well
about their financial situation. Both individuals in the pair weren’t
shy about rating themselves as engaged, responsible and confident when
it comes to managing their money.

 

Couples Reveal the Top 5 Secrets to a
Successful Financial Relationship

1. They make money a priority.
2. Most talk about and agree on financial goals.
3. They set spending limits ($400 on average); any purchases over
this amount need to be discussed.
4. The majority have joint banking accounts.
5. They share the responsibility for retirement planning and
investment decisions.
 

“Conversations about money are critical to successful relationships. We
know couples who talk openly and often about their finances ultimately
feel more confident about reaching their future goals,” says Marcy
Keckler, vice president of financial advice strategy at Ameriprise.
“Money doesn’t have to be a deal breaker for couples. Instead, it
provides them with the opportunity to work as a team to create a strong
financial foundation built on communication, planning and shared
responsibilities.”

The Evolution of Success; Opposites Attract
Couples say
their unified front toward financial decisions didn’t happen overnight.
Instead, the majority (66%) evolved into their current roles over time.
And, when it comes to managing money—most couples (73%) will agree…they
approach financial decisions differently than their significant other or
spouse. For example, many who characterize themselves as spenders have
partners who self-identify as savers. But, no matter their differences,
more than half of couples say they’ve become more financially
responsible and their relationship has improved over time.

Couples Say It’s Complicated
Even though couples connect on
a variety of financial issues, there is no shortage of disagreements.
Many couples admit they could work to improve their communication
skills. Around three in ten confess they argue about money at least once
a month—most often about making a major purchase, and spending habits.
And, the majority of people (68%) acknowledge they are prone to shop
without telling their partner, but say it’s mostly because they don’t
think the purchase is big enough to warrant their attention. Many
couples are also out of sync with each other when it comes to how much
they’ve saved for retirement (23%) and spending limits (54%)—and a small
percentage (5%) confess they are hiding an account from their partner.

Key Strategies to Help Couples Improve
Communication

  • Discuss financial issues prior to marriage or moving in together
  • Come to a mutual understanding of financial roles and responsibilities
  • Make investment decisions and retirement goals a priority in the
    relationship
  • Work with a financial professional on a tailored approach to manage
    your finances

“Talking about money can be tough for couples, but they don’t have to
figure out their finances on their own. Working with a financial advisor
can help them develop a comprehensive plan that fits their needs both
today and tomorrow,” says Marcy Keckler.

For more information about the study, please visit our research page at ameriprise.com/couplesandmoneystudy

About the survey
The Ameriprise study on couples and money
was created by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and conducted online June 14
to July 14, 2016 by Artemis Strategy Group among 1,514 U.S. opposite and
same sex couples (married or living together for at least six months
with shared financial responsibility) between the ages of 25-70 with at
least $25,000 in investable assets.

About Artemis Strategy Group
Artemis Strategy Group (www.Artemissg.com)
is a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand
positioning, thought leadership and policy issues.

About Ameriprise Financial
At Ameriprise Financial, we have
been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more
than 120 years. With extensive asset management, advisory and insurance
capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial
advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of
individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. For more
information, or to find an Ameriprise financial advisor, visit
ameriprise.com.

For further information and detail about the study including
verification of data that may not be published as part of this report,
please contact Ameriprise Financial.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2016 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Jennifer Johnson, 612-671-7188
Media
Relations
Jennifer.3.johnson@ampf.com
Connect
with us on Twitter: @Ameriprise

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