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Studies Suggest Debt is the Most Harmful Relationship Issue

When considering the most common precursors to divorce, issues such as infidelity, abuse, lack of communicating, and unrealistic expectations often come to mind. However, in a poll conducted by Money.com, there was one marital issue that consistently outranked the previously listed issues: debt.

Although it is well know that disagreements about money can often lead to marital strife, Money's poll pinpoints debt as the financial issue that is most associated with the breakdown of relationships and divorce. In fact, an article authored by Utah State University associate professor Jeffrey Dew seems to confirm this study. In his article, Dew discusses studies that indicate that marital satisfaction and the likelihood of divorce are directly correlated to debt levels and assets. Dew's article reveals that as debt levels increase, and available assets decline, marital satisfaction also declines.

Despite the findings revealed by Money's poll and Dew's article, there is hope for couples experiencing high debt levels and financial distress. Because marital satisfaction tends to track debt levels, as a couple successfully pays down debt, marital satisfaction increases. Thus, the key for couples experiencing marital strife due to debt or other financial concerns, is to work together to set financial goals and work together to achieve them.

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