Keywords

conflict, divorce, family finance, marriage

Abstract

This chapter examines research pertaining to the association between financial issues and marriage. The majority of the research reviewed was published after 2008. These studies show that financial issues relate to marriage formation, marital quality, and marital stability (i.e., divorce). Specifically, financial stability is associated with a greater likelihood of marriage. Further, behaviors that financial practitioners would label “sound financial management” are positively associated with marital quality and stability. For example, longitudinal studies found that consumer debt was positively associated with divorce whereas financial assets were negatively associated with divorce. Studies have also found that financial arguments create worse relationship outcomes for couples than other types of disagreements. Because this area of research has been investigated for less than 30 years, this chapter also identifies areas that need further research including gender, diversity, and class issues.

Original Publication Citation

Dew, J. P. (2016). Revisiting financial issues and marriage. In J. J. Xiao (Ed.), Handbook of Consumer Finance Research, 2nd Ed (pp. 281–290). New York, NY: Springer.