From Struggles to Solutions: A Mini Guide to Improving Relationships

Depressed man. For 3/10/2021.

“The greatest challenge in any relationship is not what happens between us and them, but what happens inside of us.”

Dealing with relationship problems can be challenging, but it’s an inevitable part of any relationship. Whether it’s disagreements over money, differences in communication styles, or bigger issues like infidelity, relationships can be tested by a variety of problems. The good news is that with the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.

Let’s take the example of disagreements over money. Money can be a major source of stress in any relationship, but with the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and strengthen your relationship.

Here are some key steps to help you deal with relationship problems:

  1. Identify the root cause of the problem. In the case of disagreements over money, the root cause could be different spending habits, disagreements over financial priorities, or a lack of understanding about each other’s financial goals. Before you can work on resolving this problem, it’s important to understand what’s causing it.
  2. Communicate openly and honestly. Communication is key when it comes to resolving relationship problems. Make sure you both have a safe and open space to talk about the money issues you’re facing. Listen to each other’s perspectives and try to see the situation from their point of view.
  3. Take responsibility for your actions. It’s easy to blame your partner for financial problems, but it’s important to take responsibility for your own actions as well. Be honest with yourself and your partner about what you could have done differently.
  4. Work together to find a solution. Once you’ve both had a chance to express your perspectives, it’s time to work together to find a solution. Brainstorm ideas together and try to find a compromise that works for both of you. This could mean creating a joint budget, setting financial goals together, or finding new ways to save money.
  5. Seek outside help if needed. If you’re struggling to resolve financial problems on your own, it may be helpful to seek outside help. This could mean seeking the help of a financial planner, a budget coach, or a trusted friend or family member.

Remember, disagreements over money are a normal part of any relationship. With patience, understanding, and a commitment to working together, you can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.


Here are some quick financial tips to help with managing your personal finance:

  1. 50/30/20 Rule: This rule states that you should allocate 50% of your income towards necessities, 30% towards personal expenses and wants, and 20% towards savings and debt repayment.

    Necessities = 50% of Income
    Personal expenses and wants = 30% of Income
    Savings and debt repayment = 20% of Income
  2. Debt-to-Income Ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.

    Debt-to-Income Ratio = Total monthly debt payments / Gross monthly income
  3. Savings Rate: Your savings rate is calculated by dividing your total monthly savings by your gross monthly income.

    Savings Rate = Total monthly savings / Gross monthly income
  4. Retirement Savings Formula: The retirement savings formula calculates how much you’ll need to save each month to reach your retirement goals. To use this formula, you’ll need to know your target retirement age, your desired retirement income, and your expected rate of return on your investments. Then, divide your desired retirement income by the expected rate of return to determine the amount you’ll need to save each month to reach your goal.

    Retirement Savings = (Desired retirement income) / (Expected rate of return)
  5. Net Worth Formula: Your net worth is calculated by subtracting your total liabilities from your total assets.

    Net Worth = Total assets - Total liabilities

By using these formulas and tracking your progress, you’ll have a better understanding of your personal finances and be able to make informed decisions about your spending, saving, and debt repayment.


So if you’re facing financial problems in your relationship, don’t give up. Take the time to understand what’s causing the problem, communicate openly and honestly, take responsibility for your actions, work together to find a solution, and seek outside help if needed. With these tools in your toolkit, you can tackle any financial problem and come out stronger on the other side.

“The secret to a long and happy relationship is to never stop learning, growing and falling in love with each other over and over again.”