If fight's about money, it's likely serious
Saturday, July 23, 2005 Updated at 6:24 PM EDT
Canadian Press
Montreal — A new poll suggests that fights about money are hurting Canadian couples.
The Decima Research survey, commissioned by the Investors Group, says that 47 per cent of people polled across Canada consider their disagreements about money in a relationship to be serious. In Quebec, that number drops to 18 per cent.
About 23 per cent of those polled say that their financial disagreements affect other aspects of their relationship.
Couples in British Columbia appear to suffer the most from money issues, with 31 per cent saying it affects their relationship.
The study suggests that spending is at the heart of most arguments. Only 9 per cent of respondents cited debt as the instigator, as opposed to 31 per cent who pointed the finger at spending-related issues.
The study also suggests that Canadian couples are doing things differently than their parents did a generation ago when it comes to financial decisions. Decisions are now rarely made by only one person in a couple, while Canadians in general are less reluctant to invest.
The change is most noticeable in Alberta, where 31 per cent polled said only one of their parents made the financial decisions. Now a mere 2 per cent claim that to be the case in their relationships.
Experts say that a clear financial plan, accepted by both partners, can help reduce the number of money-related conflicts in a relationship.
Results of the study are considered accurate within 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
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