Why do so many couples fight about money?

What happens when a tightwad marries a big spender?

Disagreement over money and how to spend it is a source of conflict in many close relationships and marriages.

The families we grow up in shape our behavior around money. That can lead to trouble if you start sharing your life with someone who has a very different approach to spending and saving.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a researcher and a financial therapist about why so many couples fight over finances and how to resolve the inevitable disagreements.

Guests:  

• Scott Rick is the author of “Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships,” published earlier this year. He’s an associate professor in the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan where he studies consumer behavior and decision making.

• Lindsey Konchar is a certified financial therapist based in Chaska, with a master’s degree in social work from Minnesota State University Mankato. She offers financial therapy to individuals and couples through her business, Coping with Lindsey.

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 Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.