It often starts small. A casual comment about a recent online purchase. An innocent question about a credit card bill. Suddenly, the temperature in the room drops, voices get tense, and a minor discussion escalates into a major, emotionally-charged argument. Before you know it, you aren't just talking about a $100 expense; you're arguing about trust, respect, freedom, and security. If this scene feels uncomfortably familiar, you are not alone. Study after study confirms that money is one of the top predictors of conflict and divorce in relationships.