Household financial decision making: Qualitative research with couples

3.4.1 
Decision-making dynamics
Everyday financial decision making tended to be led by the alpha partner, who was responsible 
for monitoring household income and outgoings within the couple. These individuals tended to 
be closer to the household bills than the beta partner. Alpha partners tended to feel confident in 
making decisions about household finances, but were cautious with money. In most cases the
alpha partners tended to be more inclined to save than spend their money.
A similar pattern tended to emerge when these couples made a significant financial decision. It 
was typically the alpha partner who would actively lead the decision-making process by raising the 
subject and then researching options. The couple would then discuss the options together and come 
to a final decision jointly. After a final decision had been reached, it was typically the alpha partner 
who was responsible for putting this final decision into action. In some cases the alpha partner 
reported initiating the research phase even before raising the issue with their partner and involving 
them in the process. 
Beta partners in the Organised Aspirational group mentioned barriers to involving themselves in the 
decision-making process that were similar to those mentioned by beta partners in the Unbalanced 
Responsibility group. They tended to allow their alpha partners to lead the process, reporting a 
disinterest for it, ‘laziness’, or felt that they could ‘take a back seat’ because they knew their partner 
would ensure the issue would be resolved. 

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Decision-making typologies
‘It is usually her [who takes the lead]. I just get the day over with and just sit and watch the TV 
or something like that.’ 
(Simon, 40s, North East)
Similarly to the other groups, the way Organised Aspirational couples approached decision making 
was strongly influenced by family background and upbringing. Couples implied that their parents 
had had a direct impact on their attitudes to managing finances.
‘I guess my job is quite entrepreneurial. I want to work for myself eventually. My dad has got his 
own business and I find it more interesting to save money to have a house and investment, save 
money so I can have a business or another one or something like that afterwards.’
(Steve, 20s, South East)