Marriage in these difficult economic times can be stressful enough, but when both spouses have credit card debt, it can make things even worse.  Stress can sometimes lead to arguments and problems within a marriage and unmanageable credit card debt can be the leading source of this stress.  When partners begin to blame each other for the financial situation that they may be in, it can’t be good for the marriage.

One approach, instead of wasting time and energy on finger pointing, is to concentrate on solving the problem by getting your credit card debt in order and maybe even trying to pay off the debt entirely, if possible.  At the very least, identify a solution like contacting a reputable credit counseling company to assist you in paying off this debt.  This will probably bring the two of you even closer together.

Couples can have arguments all the time about things like who will do the laundry and even how the kids should be disciplined, so having a disagreement about something like how to handle credit card debt is not uncommon – It’s LIKELY!  One person may want to attack the credit card debt aggressively until it’s paid in full, while the other person might prefer to make minimum payments so they can save up to pay cash for a vacation.  Having unmanageable credit card debt is something that never brings two people closer together - NORMALLY.

Some marriage experts say having financial problems such as credit card debt is the single biggest reason for filing a divorce, while some other experts in the marriage field suggest that financial difficulties might just be a default problem that couples can blame all of their other problems on.
Below are a few ideas on how to do to deal with credit card debt and avoid having it become a relationship problem:

• Share information with your partner.  If you have not merged your finances, your spouse must have an accurate idea of your financial situation – No matter how embarrassing it may be.
• Sit down with your partner and plan your attack.  Create a budget and stick to it.  Make it fair and realistic to the both of you.

• Make sure you stick to the plan.  Keep each other accountable in all financial matters.  Buying a new TV with your credit card when you don’t need it and it’s not in your budget is unacceptable.  Both of you should agree on the purchase and it should be budgeted for.
• Forgive each other.  You’ll probably both slip up occasionally when it comes to paying off your credit card debt.  A healthy marriage will allow both partners periodic mistakes when dealing with money and in other areas.

Now if you’re recently divorced and need help on how to take care of the financial mess that you may have inherited, or want to be proactive and avoid future problems, here are some things you should do:

1. Get your credit report – Get an idea of what type of financial situation you are dealing with.  Educate yourself on what’s being reported about your credit.
2. Protect your good credit – You are responsible for joint accounts.  Even if a divorce judge orders your ex-spouse to pay a certain bill, you’re still legally responsible for making sure it is paid because you signed an Agreement with the creditor to do so.  Close or separate joint accounts.  Keep paying all bills timely.
3. Establish new credit independently – Start small and build slowly.
4. Bankruptcy is your LAST resort – Bankruptcy should be the last option if you are in over your head.
5. Consider mediation to assist you – For communication and commitment issues, consider a Marriage Counselor.  For financial issues, consider a reputable Credit Counseling Company.

Either way, if you are married and have credit card debt or are getting divorced and have credit card debt, making sure your credit stays positive is very important.

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