How to Argue Less About Money

6 ways to find a financial balance you both can live with

By Michele Bender, Parenting

"I Don't Want More Kids But My Husband Does"

Our Mom Squad Expert Laura Berman answers a reader's question, "My husband wants another baby, but I'm happy with the two kids we have. How can we stop fighting?" - Parenting.com

Expert Money-Saving Tips

Money-saving tips from readers and experts that are a cinch to follow and won't cramp your lifestyle - Parenting.com

101 Ways to Bail Out Your Budget

We've put together 101 of our best budget boosters and money-saving ideas to help you cut back on spending. From saving big at the supermarket to answering your kids' tough money questions, we're here to bail you out of financial troubles. - Parenting.com

The Best Coupon Sites for Moms

Check out the steals and deals we found online! - Parenting.com

Ask MP: Staying-at-Home Finances

I think we can afford our regular expenses -- should I stay at home with our kids? - Parenting.com

Ask MP: Husband Is Clueless About Cost

What to do when your husband doesn't understand the cost of things - Parenting.com

Ask MP: How Can We Get Our Holiday Spending Under Control?

My husband and I can't keep our joint checkbook balanced. Now that we're in high-spending season, I'm worried! What can we do? - Parenting.com

Easy Money: Score a Smarter Credit Card

Finding the right card for you - Parenting.com

My husband and I would have the perfect marriage if there were no such thing as money. On most issues, David and I are on the same page, but when it comes to cash we're reading completely different books. I'm a saver who balances my checkbook to the penny; he's a spender who knows only "about" how much cash is in the bank.

Our money issues got worse after we became parents. The night after our now 6-year-old daughter, Lily, was born, it wasn't just the pain of delivering a nine-pound baby that kept me up -- I tossed and turned worrying about the cost of childcare and college. Later on, I'd get mad when David impulsively bought Lily books or DVDs. In turn, he resented that I wouldn't let him spoil her. I'd even get annoyed when he did something nice for me, like hire a sitter so we could go out. Didn't he realize the price tag of such a treat?! It wasn't long before money squabbles became a regular part of our daily routine.

I know now that our struggle to find common financial ground was far from unique -- arguing over money is the number one cause of divorce. But I also know that being stuck in a money-fighting rut doesn't doom you forever. In fact, the path to peace is probably a lot easier than you think. Ready to get started?