Are You A Spender or a Saver?
Did you know that money is one of the main reasons people get divorced? Do you remember dating, going through the honeymoon stage of the relationship, when everything was fun? Then later adjusting to the relationship once you live with the other person and share bills and cleaning responsibilities. Money especially can add stress to the relationship and take away from the romance. There are three different scenarios that can make up couples when it comes to money.
1) Spender + Spender
One particular couple comes to mind. They both love going out to dinner and lavish vacations. They both make a good living and definitely enjoy spending almost every penny to pay for their lifestyle. Normally, one might generalize and think that just because someone makes a good living, he/she has a large savings – this is not true with this couple. Currently, they enjoy life, perhaps more focused on short-term than long-term, but how long can they keep this up? To my knowledge, they do not argue about money as they share the same perspective and spending patterns. On a different scale, a couple making a smaller income cumulatively that spends, spends, spends might have problems paying bills if the money is not properly allocated…. if all is going to the fun and entertainment category instead of necessary, need-based bills (mortgage/rent, electric, water, etc.) I know another couple who bought a dvd player for the car when they couldn’t even meet rent that month. 
2) Spender + Saver
This is when you start to see some controversy. On one end, you have someone saying that we should save the money and on the other end someone is saying to spend it. What would be the ideal situation with a spender and a saver? Perhaps, implementing a budget that allows for some compromise. I actually know a couple who implemented this strategy and became quite successful with it. Spending has allowed them to enjoy life today and saving has allowed them to achieve some of their short-term/long-term goals. This scenario should never be one sided, as in any relationship compromise is key. 
3) Saver + Saver
Do these people even know how to have fun? Or do they know how to have fun without spending money? I’m sure they live within a budget. Perhaps these people will be prepared for the long-term and any rainy-day expenses, but do they know how to let themselves spend money every once in awhile? This couple would probably find promotions to go on vacation and use credit cards for cashback rewards. To read about two personal finance bloggers dating, check out this article. (quite funny).
Do you see yourself in any of these scenarios? If you have additional comments to add on this topic, we encourage our readers to share. We love the reader interaction!
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I’m a saver who married a spender and converted him. The cleaning responsibilities have proven more difficult than finances, so I figure we’re pretty lucky
Katie recently posted..The role of horses during Israeli rush hour traffic: Part 2
I’m glad you two could compromise or be on the same page when it comes to finances.
I am a saver and maintain our budget. My wife is really good at keeping the expenses down.
krantcents recently posted..How I Cut My Expenses?
Sounds like a good team to me.
That’s great KC!
My husband is a saver and I’m a combination! I spend some, but look for the best deals. I suppose I’m more of a saver than most people. It’s my job to make sure we are still having fun!
Maggie@SquarePennies recently posted..Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Streusel
I’m glad you said that Maggie, it’s important to live life and not only save.
Great comment.
I have several friends that are spenders as are their spouses. Ouch… they are always struggling, but usually together. Harder, I would think, would be a spender and saver together where the conflict could be more “blame” oriented.
Doctor Stock recently posted..The Evening Investor Strategy – LULU
Two spenders can be a recipe for financial stress
There are some areas where I’m a spender, some areas where I’m a saver and some areas where I’m not a saver!
Restaurant coupons is something I’ve never used even though I know it will at least cover the tips!
Electronic gadgets on the other hand, I’ll go to great lengths to find the best deal!
MoneyCone recently posted..Bank Of America To Start Charging Debit Card Fees
It’s important to know what your spending and saving habits are to budget according
Electronics tend to be pricey and are worthwhile to look for the best deal. 
I think The Wife and I are a combination of both. I am a converted spender while she is a converted saver…leaving us both somewhere in the middle.
What are you?
Evan recently posted..October 2011 Net Worth Update
The important part is that you guys seem to have met in the middle and balance each other out.
Sounds like a great team to me.
Well, I am both saver and spender. I spend when I am making enough money and I start to save when income goes down. I know it would make more sense to save when you are making more than enough money, but I am working on it, lol.
Satrap recently posted..Mystery Shopper Jobs- 100+ Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies
What works for some people doesn’t work for others. If this budgeting strategy works for you, then that’s what matters.
Thanks for commenting Satrap.