A study from the University of Washington (http://cbsloc.al/xVFNDD) reveals that spending habits are genetic. The study followed 15,000 sets of twins since the early 1950's and determined that people are either born to spend or save. Although some doctors grant that the type of upbringing plays a role, the study says that genetics is the largest factor in why a person decides to save or spend. Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, author of Financial Infidelity: Making Money Sexy, has long been studying and treating the outgrowth of this phenomena which can manifest itself as Financial Infidelity.
(PRWEB) February 18, 2012
"Any type of infidelity - including financial - stems from a biochemical craving for connection," explains Dr. Bonnie. "This is when people experience painful stress, loss, and/or separation and self-medicate in order to achieve a 'high' that leads to a momentary escape." This can be done with drugs, sex, alcohol - and even money. Just like a propensity toward alcoholism can be passed down from generation to generation, so Dr. Bonnie also believes that financial infidelity has genetic roots as well.
"Financial infidelity happens when people in a relationship aren't honest about their money habits," says Dr. Bonnie, "this can occur on a relatively small scale - like taking extra money out of the ATM; or on a larger scale - like buying a car without consulting the other person." Knowing that spending habits are at least partly genetic, and are set by the time people reach their 40's, means that a propensity toward Financial Infidelity can be hard to overcome.
Money and sex are similar, so financial infidelity and sexual infidelity go hand-in-hand. Dr. Bonnie, whose book Adultery the Forgivable sin deals with the way infidelity manifests itself, knows this is a tough issue to crack, even in a sluggish economy. "For people who are predisposed to spend, it doesn't matter that the economy is bad, or that they might be struggling financially. This type of behavior is typical with addiction - but most over-spenders don't realize they should be treating their financial propensities like an addiction."
When dealing with someone predisposed toward Financial Infidelity, especially in tough economic times, it's crucial for a committed couple to be on the same page financially, advises Dr. Bonnie. For example: Even if in the past one person was responsible for the bills (or all of the financial duties) and the other didn't pay too much attention, now is the time to get both people involved.
A genetic predisposition to spend isn't an excuse for bad habits but rather an explanation for why some people struggle more with this behavior than others. It also provides a wake-up call for the importance of properly dealing with this struggle.
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Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil's best-selling book, Adultery the Forgivable Sin is being re-released under a new distributor and making its appearance available in eBook format and print on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Adultery-Forgivable-Bonnie-Eaker-Weil/dp/1587768151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321019076&sr=8-1). Adultery the Forgivable Sin was also made into a Lifetime Original Movie starring Kate Jackson.
Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, PhD, is also author of the 2010 New York Times Reader’s Choice Award-winning book Make Up Don’t Break Up with accompanying DVD. Dr. Bonnie counsels couples, singles, and step families. She works with those considering breaking up, people who have committed adultery, and couples who want to strengthen their relationships damaged by resentment or unresolved anger, teaching people to “fight” to increase passion, bring back magic and restore the sizzle. Dr. Bonnie teaches Smart Heart Dialogue along with communication and connection tools, and counsel’s families and children.
Named the Best Local Therapist in 2011 by the US Commerce Association and known as “The Adultery Buster” and the “No. 1 Love Expert,” she is the best-selling author of other books like Can We Cure and Forgive Adultery?, How Not to (S)mother Your Man and Keep a Woman Happy, and Financial Infidelity: Making Money Sexy.
Dr. Bonnie was named by Psychology Today and NY Magazine as one of America's Best Therapists and is presently featured and available now on the Discovery Health/Oprah Winfrey Network documentary titled "Unfaithful" and A&E on addictions. Find her on Good Morning America's three-day series on NBC’s The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show five times, and a four day series on Fox TV regarding dating. She appears frequently on ABC, Fox, CBS and NBC News, The View, 20/20, and CNN; and is often featured in USA Today and the New York Times. Visit Dr. Bonnie at http://www.DoctorBonnie.com.
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Dr. Bonnie Weil
Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil
212-685-9236
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