Mental Health Awareness Week: Protecting your relationship from the stress of money worries

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we conducted a customer survey to find out how money worries affect wellbeing. The results highlighted how the stress caused by financial problems can have a knock-on effect on other areas of your life.

More than one in four people (28%) who we surveyed said their relationships had suffered due to stress.

We know that money worries can be a major cause of anxiety for people individually, with nearly three-quarters (72%) saying their finances were the source of most of their stress. But money problems can also put pressure on your relationship, sometimes even contributing to financial abuse.

How money worries can affect your relationship

Money worries can cause tension and arguments among couples. Debt, spending habits and who’s contributing what are common causes of disagreements and resentment. And, if left unchecked, the stress caused by financial problems can lead to conflict among couples and, ultimately, the breakdown of a relationship.

If you’re finding money is causing more arguments between you and your partner these days, you’re not alone. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis seems to be ramping up the tension between couples. Back in 2023, just over a fifth of people (23%) said their relationships were suffering due to financial stress. That figure is now edging closer to one in three.

How money problems can lead to financial abuse

Sometimes, the consequences of money worries can be more serious than simple disagreements with your partner. Financial abuse is a type of domestic abuse that involves controlling someone’s spending or access to money.

In extreme instances, a person who is struggling to stay on top of their finances may try to take control of the situation by limiting their partner’s spending. Although your partner may be unaware that their behaviour constitutes abuse, there is never an excuse, and it’s important to seek support.

Find out about the warning signs and what to do if you’re a victim of financial abuse.

How to protect your relationship from the stress of money worries

It’s vital to address the stress caused by money worries before they take a toll on your relationship.

Red flags that may suggest money worries are damaging your mental health and could end up impacting your relationship include:

• mood swings and irritability
• struggling to focus
• disturbed sleep
• an over-reliance on alcohol or drugs
• loss of appetite
• comfort eating
• persistent low mood

If you or your partner notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action.

Here are some suggestions on how to reduce the tension in your relationship and work together to find a solution to your money worries.

Keep talking

Don’t let money worries cause a breakdown in communication. Talk about your financial concerns. You may want to protect your partner but bottling up your emotions is not the way to do this.

Create a budget

The first step to sorting out your finances and protecting your relationship is to create a budget.

Once you know exactly how much money you have coming in and what you’re spending it on, you can identify areas you may be able to make cutbacks and make a plan to get back on track.

Don’t neglect your relationship

Make time for fun, free activities that you enjoy doing together. Activities that reduce stress are a particularly good idea e.g. exercise, meditation or getting out in nature.

Get debt advice

If money worries are impacting your relationship, it may be time to seek outside support. Before coming to us, 80% of the people we helped this year said they felt stressed most of the time. After listening to what we had to say, nearly the same proportion (77%) said they felt like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders, nearly 68% said they felt less anxious and 59% said they’re sleeping better.

We can help with creating that budget, check you’re claiming all the financial support you’re entitled to and talk you through various options for dealing with debt. You may be surprised at just how much help is available. Don’t let money worries damage your relationship.