It’s natural to be on alert for “red flags” as you navigate the world of dating. From overt trust issues to weird relationships with exes, warning signs can come in many forms, but perhaps one of the most important categories is financial. “Money is one of the biggest sources of conflict in relationships and is one of the most difficult topics to discuss for many,” Rachel Needle , a licensed psychologist and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes , told HuffPost.
“The topic of money brings up a host of deeper issues and thus is not always about just the money.” Indeed, multiple studies have indicated that financial issues are a leading cause of divorce in the US, along with things like infidelity and basic incompatibility. “So, looking for financial red flags early in a dating relationship is important and can possibly save you a lot of angst in the future,” Needle said.
“Not all red flags are reasons not to move forward or to end a relationship, but they are things to communicate about and to consider in your decision making.” Although money red flags can vary from person to person and relationship to relationship, some are more common or concerning. Below, relationship and money experts break down 10 examples.
They’re not willing to talk openly about finances “The biggest flag that comes to mind for me is someone not willing to talk openly about their finances, especially if they’re asked, or feeling like the other person is hiding some.