This cross-sectional study drew on the theory of planned behavior and family systems theory to examine whether Airmen’s attitudes about financial management practices were related to their financial management behaviors and, in turn, to romantic relationship functioning. 255 Airmen self-reported their attitudes toward financial management practices (e.g., the importance of budgeting, saving), their engagement in healthy financial management behaviors (e.g., paying bills on time), the extent to which they agreed with their partner on spending, and their relationship satisfaction and commitment. Overall, Airmen’s attitudes about financial management practices were linked with their engagement in healthy financial behaviors, which were, in turn, positively related to their romantic relationship.
Summary provided by Military REACH at Auburn University
Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Report:
Created by our partners at Military REACH at Auburn University, TRIP Reports summarize the key findings and implications of this study to provide actionable insights in accessible language for practitioners, policy makers, and families.
Reference:
Peterson, C., O’Neal, C. W. Lucier-Greer, M., & Okamoto, R. (2025). Finances and fights: How military members’ financial attitudes and behaviors are linked to romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, 36(3), 407-419. https://doi.org/10.1891/JFCP-2023-0146