There are three signs that prove that money problems can break your heart

One of the top reasons why couples think of separating is arguing about money. 

Resentment over money issues can linger over a long time and infest a couple's relationship.  The resentment can grow to a point when it becomes unbearable, slowly blowing out the flame of love that they once had.  Once the flame is blown out, the next step is quitting the relationship.

Some call fighting over finances a silent killer of relationship confidence and trust.

Signs to look for in your relationship:

Debt: It is proven that as debt increases, happiness decreases.  Credit card debt can eat away the love the couple has for each other.

Couples that are thrifty and managed their finances well seem to be happy and well balanced in their relationship. 

Spending: Studies have shown that when one partner does not manage money well, the other partner who tries to spend carefully will stress and feel isolated.  He or she will feel unhappy and bring that discontent into the relationship.  Relationships that are strained due to one partner being a spendthrift have lead many to divorce.

Infidelity: Keeping impulsive purchasing a secret can put life goals on hold for the couple who were planning a holiday or buying a new car.  On the other hand, hiding a stash of cash in a secret bank account or in a safe place can also cause distrust and lack of confidence in the relationship.

Solution

1.  Keep one account and give each an agreed allowance for their own spending pleasure.

2.  Keep one debt  - consolidate house, car and credit cards debts.

3.  Keep a stash fund for goals such as buying a new car, going on that unforgettable holiday.

4.  Keep weekly spending to a minimum by making needs lists.

5.  Keep talking to amenities providers (electricity, gas, rates, water) to allow payment of a minimum every forthnight.

10 WAYS TO GET YOUR MONEY ON TRACK:

1. Create a budget

2. Track your spending

3. Pay off your debts

4. Start a savings plan

5. Build your super

6. Take charge of your home loan

7. Protect the important things

8. Invest wisely

9. Consider getting financial advice

10. Get help if you need it

When you are a teenager, you have more freedom than when you were a kid. You are on the road to becoming an adult. The adults around you are beginning to trust you to look after yourself and to make your own way. More and more, you will make decisions for yourself about the things that are important to you.

With this freedom comes responsibility. What happens to your body and how you look after it is only part of the journey. You will encounter many new situations and new ideas: there’s love and sex, how to keep feeling good about yourself, and how to get on with people.

During this stage of your life, you will feel happiest and grow to your full potential if you remain true to yourself and true to your own personal goals and desires.

Don’t forget that there are people around who care for you, like your parents, teachers and school nurses, who’ll be willing to listen and help you along the way. You’ll make it through adolescence one way or another, but you don’t have to do the hard bits alone if you don’t want to.

Where to get help

If you have any sort of problem you want to talk about confidentially with a trained counsellor, call Kids Help Line (24 hours) on 1800 551 800 (free from a land line only).

Visit The Hormone Factory http://www.thehormonefactory.com/index.cfm?flashOK=0  (external site), a great site with lots of answers for 10 to 12 year olds, especially about puberty.

Other good sites for teenagers include Get the factshttps://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/" target="_blank"> http://https://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/  (external site).

Read the section for young people on Avert https://www.avert.org/sex-stis" target="_blank">http://https://www.avert.org/sex-stis (external site). This section is good for sexuality education.

For general health information call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

For information about sexual health and contraception:

phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 for metro callers or 1800 198 205 for country callers

visit the Family Planning Association of Western Australia (FPWA) http://www.fpwa.org.au/(external site).

For help about sexual abuse or assault, phone the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (24 hour emergency line) on 9340 1828 for metro callers or 1800 199 888 for country callers (free from land line only).

Young people who are questioning their sexuality can call the Freedom Centre on 9228 0354.

Acknowledgements

Public Health

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.