Household financial decision making: Qualitative research with couples

3.2.1 
Decision-making dynamics
The alpha partners in the Unbalanced Responsibility group were generally in control of the 
household finances. It was not uncommon to find partners who enjoyed being in control; others 
assumed a more controlling role out of necessity, to curb some of their partner’s less well-controlled 
financial behaviour or because their input was needed in order for relatively basic financial actions to 
be taken. Overall, the alpha partners felt comfortable managing the household finances.
‘I think that’s what [William] thinks as well, “Don’t worry, Caitlin will deal with it.”’
(Caitlin, 30s, South East)
When couples in this group had to make significant financial decisions, it was typically the alpha 
partner who would raise the issue and be more actively involved in the decision-making process. 
While the final decision tended to be agreed upon jointly, the alpha partner usually had greater 
‘ownership’ of the decision and was often only seeking agreement from their partner to go ahead 
with their initial idea.
Alpha partners tended to come across as more worldly in their outlook. Often this was linked to 
past experiences: family background and upbringing emerged as particularly strong influences on 
financial attitudes and behaviour among couples in this group.
‘I think it’s because my husband came from a background where his father was financially 
stable and I didn’t. I came from a background where we lived day-to-day. My mum brought us 
up. So that is the way I am now. I don’t just make decisions. I am careful to think, “What if that 
happened? What if this happened?” Whereas he is, “No, no, we will go for it. It is going to work” 
and he seems to be more laid back than I am.’
(Charlotte, 30s, North West)
The beta partners in this group were generally relaxed about the household finances but professed 
to not being financially savvy, at least relative to their partners. They typically appeared less realistic 
than the alpha partner about what they could achieve and what they could afford. They tended to 
be spenders rather than savers, engendering a feeling among alpha partners that they should exert 
more control over their partners financially, for the sake of the household finances.
‘[He might] go out for a meal or something. If we had £50 on the table, that would be his 
decision, whereas mine would be, “Let’s pay a bill.”’
(Caitlin, 20s, South East)
Many beta partners in this group dedicated their efforts to following their dreams, and largely 
deferred to their partners on important financial matters. They commonly rejected responsibility, 
either citing ‘laziness’ or a lack of time as reasons for doing so.

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