When couples get married, they vow to be together “for richer, for poorer.” But when money problems enter the picture, both parties forget what they swore when they tied the knot. Financial infidelity breaks marital trust, and if you want to keep the relationship, you’ll need more than marriage counseling to recover. Here’s how you can.

How to Heal a Marriage Following Financial Infidelity

1. Seek Marriage Counseling

Find a safe space to discuss your issues as a couple through marriage counseling. A counselor or therapist will guide you both in getting to the bottom of the infidelity. 

Often, there’s an underlying issue, and the reasons can range from the lack of communication to differences in values about money. Addressing the root cause is essential to prevent financial infidelity from repeating.

2. Be Transparent

Although marital trust has been broken, that doesn’t mean it can’t be rebuilt. Start by being truthful about debts, money, and everything finance related. 

Discuss outstanding loans, expenses, bills, income sources, and other monetary benefits, and be ready to give each other access to accounts and statements. Only complete transparency can stop financial infidelity. 

3. Create a Financial Plan

Once you’ve talked everything out, it’s time to take action. Set financial goals and milestones that you can achieve as a couple. 

Work together to create a feasible budget based on debt, utilities, and collective income, with an aim to spend less than you earn. Ensure you both agree to the plan, but it’s also worthwhile to consult a financial advisor for a second opinion.

4. Do Regular Check-ins

With what happened, you wonder if trust can still be regained. While possible, a couple should balance openness and boundaries. Routinely check with your partner about the budget and their financial responsibilities, but you must also be open to random audits to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Bring back marital trust after financial infidelity through marriage counseling with Feinberg & Associates. Based in Lexington, KY, this local practice offers various mental health services, including family and couples counseling, to help patients recover from their traumas. Call (859) 233-3390 to schedule an appointment or visit their website.