It’s natural to want to go above and beyond for the people we care about. But even the most generous hearts have their limits.

This Redditor paid $5K for his girlfriend and her son’s vacation, hoping they’d have a memorable trip together. However, when she later asked for another $2.5K, he refused, feeling he had already contributed more than enough. She’s been giving him the cold shoulder ever since, so now he’s asking the internet for help.

The man paid $5K for his girlfriend and her son’s vacation, hoping they’d have a memorable trip together

Image credits: anastasya_1995 (not the actual photo)

But when she later asked for another $2.5K, he refused—and now she’s cut off all contact

Image credits: sedrik2007 (not the actual photo)

Image credits: triplebogeyking

Nearly a quarter of all couples break up over finances

Whether we like it or not, money plays a major role in our lives—and by extension, our relationships. So when couples disagree about finances, it can become a serious dealbreaker.

In fact, according to a Wealth of Geeks and Credit.com study, nearly a quarter of all couples break up over financial issues. The numbers climb even higher among those between the ages of 35 and 49, with 30% calling it quits over money, while 28% of those aged 25 to 34 report the same. For younger (18-24) and older (50-64) pairs, it seems to be less of a concern, with 13% and 15% ending their relationships for similar reasons, respectively.

Financial conflicts don’t always lead to breakups, but they can create tension—especially among younger generations. More than 40% of millennials and Gen Z respondents in last year’s Credit Karma survey say they argue about money on a monthly basis. For millennial couples, money is the most common source of arguments, even more than issues related to quality time, chores, or intimacy.

While disagreements about money can be uncomfortable, financial planner Brittany Wolff, founder of Wolff Financial in South Carolina, told Bloomberg they can actually be a positive thing. When couples are upfront about their feelings towards money, it often leads to a healthier, more secure relationship. To make it easier to stay on the same page, she suggests scheduling regular “money dates” where partners can review their financial goals and discuss how to reach them together.

These conversations can cover anything from career plans and debt to savings, credit scores, and attitudes toward spending. The key, however, is approaching them with mutual understanding instead of blame. And even if one partner handles most of the finances, it’s important to keep the other involved so no one feels left in the dark.

Brandon Gregg, a financial advisor at BBK Wealth Management in Indiana, echoed this idea in a conversation with Bloomberg. He recommends both partners take an active role in managing their finances or at least stay informed. “Problems around money are going to happen—it’s a part of life,” he said. “When they do, make sure that lines of communication are open. Taking the steps to understand each other’s values and communicating regularly early on will lessen the issues.”

Image credits: Vera Arsic (not the actual photo)

Most readers felt bad for the author, claiming his girlfriend was taking advantage of him

Some, however, argued he brought it on himself by falling for what they described as a “scam”

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