Conceptualizing Couple Financial Communication and Links to the Couple Relationship: A Literature Review

Couple financial communication (CFC) is important for couples' relational well‐being and for shaping how they navigate their shared relational and financial lives. In this literature review, I bring together research on general financial communication, couple financial conflict, and financial dishonesty among couples to develop a more comprehensive understanding of CFC. This review is guided by a variety of theories, existing measures, and empirical literature to highlight that each of these processes is inherently communicative and situate them within a broader conceptualization of CFC as distinct yet interrelated dimensions of CFC. I also examine the role of CFC in romantic relationship processes and outcomes and discuss existing efforts to promote financial communication among couples. The review offers a preliminary conceptualization of CFC, with the ultimate aim of informing future research and practice related to financial communication and strengthening couple relationships.