How important is your financial independence?

youngandreckless

I've only just realised how important.
When my relationship went wrong I was totally out of my depth money wise and have been paying ever since - mostly through my inability to live within my means.
Ironic isn't it that when you become single you need money more than ever to get back out there and meet new people, and this is when your likely to be at your most skint......

Quasar

Happily I have good savings and could, if necessary, live off my savings for 5 years, but of course I do not want to do that and intend to add to my savings, for as long as I have a working life.

Financial independence is important because it frees us from worry and anxiety, and allows us to go about the business of living in a more creative way, instead of fretting about where the money to pay the next bill is coming from.

snuffilin

Hi everyone!

I think this is a really good thread and thought I would share my story.

I think financial independence is crusial even when you are in a relationship.

Speaking from experiense, my OH was unemployed for long periods of time during our first 2 years together and had to rely on me for any money he needed. This put an enormous strain on our relationship. I never made him feel guilty about it as he did everything he could (at one point he worked 19 hour days at 3 different jobs) to improve his situation. But he did feel guilty and insecure and I'm sure in some sense he felt he had no freedom having to ask me for money for every little thing he wanted to buy or do. Now 2 years later he has a job making exactly the same amount as me, we have completely separate finances, savings accounts and credit cards. We never argue about money and even if we are ultimately saving for our future together we are doing it separately and should we deside to split up we would both be ok. We split all monthly rent and household cost in half and have an agreement about how much to save and pay off credit cards each month ( we will be dept free jan 06 !!! ). The money left over we can use how we want, my OH never asks why I needed that 32nd pair of shoes and I don't question the need for yet another PS game about football?!! And we are now happier than ever!!!

Sorry for rambling on ( I'm still new to posting )but hope this might help/inspire someone else.

Snuffi

skintchick

Robert_Sterling wrote:

I am not sure about that !

I am - two salaries, same outgoings pretty much = more disposable cash. Simple

roversbabe

snuffilin wrote:

I think financial independence is crusial even when you are in a relationship.

Snuffi

I echo that - especially if you are in a relationship. Should the worst happen and you are dependent, that will add to your worries.

rb x

youngandreckless

Looks like the moral of the story is that whatever your circumstances, financial independence is important to just about all of us. I think we can all testify that solo or duo life has a way of springing up all sorts of suprises that being in debt is bad news for. I look forward to the day that I can do pretty much whatever I like, knowing that my security is taken care of.

brokenwings

from another angle
i owe - a lot
unil i am financially independent i cant let myself go be with the person i love
why should i make him take on my debts?

so
imho its crucial