So you've married a cheapskate? Here's what to do

You’ve just tied the knot with the love of your life and are planning your first great escape to France together.

- LESLEY-ANNE SCORGIE

Financial compatibility is as important as personal compatibility because financial choices are a reflection of a person's value system, writes Lesley-Anne Scorgie.

When it comes time to pay for the trip online, your honey shrugs their shoulders in an “I can’t really afford this, can you cover me?” fashion.

You’re still in the honeymoon bedazzlement phase of marriage and foot the entire $10,000 expense. Very quietly in the back of your mind though, you’re kicking yourself for not discussing how to pay for this trip prior. You don’t want to ruffle feathers, so you say nothing.

But, when it happens a second time at the Home Depot two months later, costing you a further $4,000, you’re downright irritated.

“We’re married! Aren’t we supposed to split our expenses equally?” you chirp.

“Are we?” your partner replies. “I make way less than you. You need to step up.”

Uh oh. Now what?

Considering money issues are one of the leading causes of separation and divorce in North America, in the vast majority of cases, couples don’t talk about money nearly enough before and after joining households.

Sure, money can’t be the centre of attention in your lives, but downgrading the importance of financial compatibility below that of travel, careers, rings, weddings, houses and babies is dangerous.

Before lashing out at your partner, try to understand each other’s views

Financial compatibility is as important as personal compatibility because financial choices are a reflection of a person’s value system.