Marriage & Family Archives

Top Financial Fights in Marriage & How to Fix Them

Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in marriage. In fact, research consistently shows that financial disagreements are a leading cause of stress and even divorce.

From spending habits to financial control, couples often clash over how money is earned, spent, and managed. So, consider some of the biggest financial fights couples face and how to resolve them.

FIGHT #1: SAVER VS. SPENDER

Some people are natural savers, while others are wired to enjoy spending. Studies suggest that spenders and savers are often drawn to each other, creating built-in financial friction.

How to Fix It: Recognize that the issue isn’t just about money but about differing financial mindsets. Set clear spending limits, agree on major purchases in advance, and create a budget that balances both saving and spending.

FIGHT #2: POWER STRUGGLE

One partner may earn more or take control of financial decisions, leaving the other feeling powerless.

How to Fix It: Regardless of income, both partners should have financial autonomy and responsibility. Consider setting up a system where each person has a designated amount of money they can spend freely. Transparency and shared decision-making help prevent resentment.

FIGHT #3: HELPING FAMILY & FRIENDS

One partner wants to lend or give money to a loved one, but the other disagrees, especially when repayment is uncertain.

How to Fix It: Treat money given to family as a gift, not a loan. If you can’t afford to give it without expecting repayment, it’s better to say no. If money has already been lent, consider letting go of repayment expectations to maintain family harmony.

FIGHT #4: FINANCIAL SECRETS

Hiding purchases, secret credit cards, or undisclosed debts often stem from embarrassment or fear of conflict.

How to Fix It: Honesty is key. The longer financial dishonesty goes on, the worse the consequences. Establish open communication about money and agree on clear financial boundaries to prevent future deception.

IN A NUTSHELL

A solid financial plan helps prevent recurring money arguments. Start by setting shared financial goals and agreeing on a budget that reflects both partners’ priorities.

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Financial harmony isn’t about never disagreeing. With the right approach, you and your spouse can build financial stability together.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 nursing bras $69 & under for mums who want to make breastfeeding a breeze

Hey, mama!

Congrats on your new bundle of joy.

If you’re new to breastfeeding or easing yourself into the routine, you might find it a little challenging.

To make it a little easier for you on your motherhood journey, we’ve rounded up a list of nursing bras $69 and under for you.

JoJo Maman Bébé Black 2-Pack Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bras

Price: $29

First up, we’ve got the comfiest cotton-blend nursing bras, just for you.

As your body journeys through the changes of late pregnancy and postpartum, these soft sleep bras offer support.

The pull-on style and crossover v-neck make for easy nursing access, so you can focus on that bond with your little one.

Best of all, the flexible design accommodates your fluctuating shape across cup sizes—because your body is doing amazing things!

With two bras included, you will have a handy spare for day-to-night nursing.

MAMA 2-Pack Padded Cotton Nursing Bras

Price: $47.90

Or go from nursery to errands and back again in comfort with these 2-pack padded cotton nursing bras.

The soft cotton/elastane blend hugs your curves while adjustable shoulder straps and hook-and-eye closures in the back let you customize the fit, so you can lounge, snuggle, and stay active without being weighed down.

It’s made with a sustainable 68% organic cotton construction—an eco-friendly option minus the harsh pesticides or fertilizers.

Bravado Designs Original Nursing Bra – Sustainable

Price: $49.90

Tired of stiff nursing bras?

This sustainable beauty from Bravado is made with a soft blend of organic cotton and Tencel modal you will love.

The stretchy band and smooth racerback deliver day-to-night ease as your body changes, with drop-away cups for maximum skin-to-skin nursing experience.

For mamas-to-be, it cradles your B-D cups with light-to-moderate support.

Flexifit™ Non-Wired Nursing Bra A-H

Price: $59.90

You will swear this bra moves with you—because it does.

M&S’s Flexifit Non-Wired Nursing Bra sports clever flex technology that stretches and adapts all day, from the first pre-dawn feeding to those midnight cluster sessions.

Yet it doesn’t compromise on the support new moms need, thanks to its cotton sling and adjustable hook-and-eye band that grows alongside your body.

With its non-wired, non-padded design, this bra is tailored for comfort, softness, and breathability in that nursing stage.

The poly-blend fabric offers just the right amount of silky stretch while providing lift and shaping.

Luxe Nursing Bra (Camel)

Price: $69

New moms deserve the best comfort, and this Luxe Nursing Bra delivers.

Crafted from soft Austrian Micromodal, it’s soft against your skin.

Feminine scalloped trim and a supportive, adjustable band with cushioned hooks give you a pulled-together look.

Discreet one-hand nursing clips provide easy access to breastfeeding sessions.

And that natural camel shade offers a warm, minimalist vibe you will adore.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Save Cash on Your Wedding Gown

Your wedding gown is one of the most iconic and memorable pieces of your big day. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to break the bank to look fabulous.

Consider these smart, budget-friendly ideas to keep your wedding gown expenses in check:

#1: BUY READY-TO-WEAR GOWNS

The cost of a custom-made gown can soar into the thousands, especially when factoring in designer labels. But there’s an easier, more affordable route: ready-to-wear dresses. Bridal shops in Singapore offer beautiful ready-to-wear options that are often much more affordable than bespoke gowns. Some well-known bridal shops in Singapore that offer affordable ready-to-wear options include Love, Bonito Bridal, The Wedding Scoop, and Sing See Soon Bridal.

For instance, I found my dream dress for just S$280 and had it altered to fit perfectly for S$50. Plus, you save time and energy in the process, because there is no need for multiple fittings!

#2: DO YOUR RESEARCH

When it comes to wedding gowns, narrowing down your style preferences ahead of time can save you a lot more than just time. Take the time to research different styles online, and look at real weddings, bridal magazines, and Pinterest boards. Personally, I was initially drawn to A-line and corset gowns.

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Knowing exactly what you want allows you to focus on dresses that fit your style, eliminating the temptation to overspend on something you don’t need. Bridal gown stores often feature off-the-rack styles that are equally gorgeous but without the high price.

#3: CONSIDER REUSING GOWNS

If there’s one wedding trend that’s both sentimental and sustainable, it’s wearing a relative’s or friend’s gown. While it may seem unconventional, passing down a wedding dress has become a beautiful tradition.

Whether it’s your mother’s vintage gown or a friend’s dress with special meaning, wearing a reused gown adds an extra layer of love to your big day. A quick trip to the tailor to update the fit or make minor modifications can make it feel fresh, and you can always add personal touches like a sash or new accessories to make it your own. For instance, I rented my reception gown for a day for only S$24!

#4: SHOP ONLINE FOR SALES

Online shopping offers an array of dresses that often come with a significant discount, especially during sales events. Be sure to check for end-of-season sales or Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions.

Websites like ASOS, Shopee, and Zalora offer a wide variety of affordable bridal gowns with both contemporary and classic styles. Apart from these websites, you may check out The Wedding Bazaar and Shopbop. The best part? Shopping from the comfort of your home!

IN A NUTSHELL

Wedding gowns are undoubtedly a special part of your celebration, but it doesn’t have to come with a price tag that haunts you for years to come. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how amazing you feel on your big day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

6 Money Management Tips for Newlyweds in Singapore

Getting married is a milestone, but managing finances together is a new adventure. From joint expenses to long-term goals, how you handle money can shape your future.

Whether you’re newlyweds or planning bigger dreams, here are six money management tips to help you build a strong financial foundation.

TALK ABOUT MONEY

Open communication is key to a successful marriage, especially about money. Discuss your income, debts, savings, and spending habits to ensure you’re aligned on financial priorities. Regular “money talks” help both partners stay informed and involved.

CREATE A JOINT BUDGET

A joint budget helps manage shared expenses and save for future goals. List monthly expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries, then divide them based on your income. Tools like Intuit Mint or DBS NAV Planner can help you track spending and stay on budget.

ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY FUND

Life can be unpredictable, so having an emergency fund is essential. Experts recommend saving 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. An emergency fund provides financial security during job loss, medical emergencies, or unexpected costs.

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START SAVING FOR THE FUTURE

The earlier you start saving, the better. Whether it’s for a home, children’s education, or retirement, setting aside money for the future ensures your dreams become a reality. Consider CPF contributions or joint savings accounts for long-term security.

MAINTAIN SOME INDEPENDENCE

While joint finances are important, separate accounts allow each partner to enjoy personal spending without guilt. Keep a joint account for shared expenses but maintain individual accounts for personal or “fun” funds.

INVEST TOGETHER

Investing is a great way to grow wealth as a couple. Research low-risk investment options like ETFs or unit trusts, and consult a financial advisor to create a strategy that aligns with both your goals.

IN A NUTSHELL

Managing money as a couple requires trust and teamwork. Use the strategies above to stay on top of your finances. Stay transparent, keep some independence, and enjoy the journey together.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 ,2, & 3

How to Combine Finances with Your Partner After Marriage

Congratulations on tying the knot! Now comes the real test: managing money as a TEAM. Whether you’re saving for a BTO, cutting tax bills, or just splitting date-night expenses, combining finances is key.

On that note, here are ways to make it seamless and drama-free.

DECODE EACH OTHER’S MONEY HABITS

First things first, how does your partner handle money? Maybe you’re a spreadsheet whiz, but they’ve been winging it with an “I’ll deal with it later” mindset. No judgment here!

Before you start pointing out their questionable spending habits, take a moment. What are they actually good at? Perhaps they’re great at saving or scoring insane deals. The goal isn’t to replace your system or theirs but to create one that works for both of you.

TALK ABOUT YOUR MONEY VALUES

Don’t just focus on what to spend or save, talk about why instead. What matters to both of you? Is it traveling, securing a comfortable retirement, or splurging on coffee from that atas café every weekend?

For instance, I’m all about giving back as a secretary of a non-profit foundation (yes, I know it sounds like a Hallmark card, but it’s true). When my partner found out, he was like, “Wait, we’re giving how much away?” Once we had a proper chat about our values and got on the same page, planning became much easier.

HAVE NO SECRETS AND SURPRISES

Transparency is everything. Lay it all out there: your income, debts, investments, and even that sneaky monthly subscription to a gaming app.

Have debt? Earning less than you’d like? That’s okay. What matters is honesty. The last thing you want is for your partner to find out about a hidden credit card bill. Marriage is about supporting each other, not sweeping stuff under the rug.

SET UP A JOINT ACCOUNT

Sharing finances doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with your combined income and work your way down through expenses. Keep it realistic, and remember that your money should work for you, not stress you out.

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Think of it as a team project (but less annoying than group work in Uni). For example, in our household, we split the bills and stash some cash in a joint savings account. Having that structure has been a game-changer for hitting our goals, like saving for a big trip or investing in that dream flat.

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE TOGETHER

Now that the basics are sorted, it’s time to think long-term. Review your health, life, and home insurance policies, and make sure they reflect your new life as a couple. Have elderly parents to support? Factor that in too.

Financial security is about building a future you both want. With open communication and teamwork, you’ll be ready to handle whatever life throws at you, whether it’s unexpected hospital bills or sudden home repairs.

KEEP IT FLEXIBLE

Managing money doesn’t have to feel like boot camp. Make it a regular thing: grab kopi, whip out your budgeting app, and review your goals. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, like sticking to a grocery budget or paying off a small debt.

Ultimately, it’s not about being perfect but about being partners. With a little give-and-take (and maybe some bubble tea or artisan coffee as a reward), you can ace this whole money-managing thing.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Here’s to happily ever after… financially and otherwise!

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