When is the best time to talk to your partner about money?

On the first date: “How should we regulate the pension adjustment, I will earn more after all?” Or only after the wedding?

"Honey, I thought you knew about my gambling debts?"

Daniel Mohr

Editor in the economy of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.

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    There are both variants, if one believes the information in a Yougov survey on behalf of the financial service provider Weltsparen. The stupid thing about money in relationships is that money is usually (too) scarce. If one buys his dream car, the other's dream vacation falls flat for the time being. As always in life, the art of compromise is in demand. And how do you find a compromise? By talking.

    It doesn't always have to work harmoniously.

    Only 40 percent of couples reportedly never argue over money.

    2 percent do it every day.

    That's a bit much.

    It all comes down to the right dose.

    Perhaps every breakfast and dinner shouldn't necessarily be about who paid for the butter and why it had to be the expensive liver sausage.

    30 percent of the couples actually keep a household book in order to be able to bill financially.

    Whom it helps.

    What counts as a couple?

    The big line is more important, it should be right.

    Consensus on essential purchases, joint savings on common goals, these are points that are important for financial harmony and that should be discussed openly and constructively.

    Also about financial freedom that everyone needs for themselves.

    There is a divorce for every three marriages in the registry office.

    Ten percent of the time, money is a reason.

    It can be helpful to take precautions in this case too and, ideally, to put clear rules in writing.

    Marriage contracts are possible.

    Also separation of goods.

    But not just talking and arguing about money, but also indulging in some of the money together, consciously spending it together.

    What if all else fails?

    Then maybe join the pension settlement on the next date.

    Anyone who swallows that is tough in other ways.

    Do you have any questions about money?

    Gladly to our editor Daniel Mohr at fragdenmohr@faz.de