FACT: Due to what they learn as they are growing up, men and women deal with money differently.

Boys learn about sports and competition – to risk and win, to be rough and daring. Girls are taught that they are fragile, vulnerable and soft. This is not to say that money attitudes are gender specific. Such gender specific traits are now changing and men and women may find their money traits vary from column to column in the chart below. Just remember that gender differences may affect an individual’s attitude about money.

Understanding your relationship with money is an important step in working towards mutual respect when dealing with issues related to money management.

As you work through these quizzes with your partner, remember there is no one answer that fits every couple. As relationships evolve, you will find an arrangement that works for both of you and plays on each other’s strengths. Ideally both partners should know what is going on, even if only one handles the money.

Unfortunately many couples slide into financial arrangements that please neither partner. Resentment builds, fights erupt and tears ensue. Disagreements about petty issues may escalate because of the dissatisfaction partners feel about their ill-fitting or unequal financial roles.

That’s why it is important to get everything on the table at an early stage, rather than waiting until roles have crystallized. Doing so will allow for common ground and a strong foundation when dealing with financial issues.