Imagine, you are one of the 6.1% of Americans that have been laid off. You are behind on your mortgage. Your credit cards are maxed out. And now, your spouse has lost their job as well. As dreadful as this sounds, this is reality for many Americans, today. We are living in difficult times, indeed. In fact, many financial experts say, that the economy has not been this bleak in fifty years. As you can imagine, this can definitely, put a strain on marriage. But, is this economic plague to blame for divorce? Is divorce on the rise?

These are difficult questions to answer, because divorce rates actually vary depending on several factors. Such as, age of the couple, number of previous marriages, childless couples or couples with children. The most common divorce rate reported for first marriages in the United States is 50%. However, much of my research said that this rate was debatable. As stated earlier, the divorce rate really depends on what demographic you look at.

Divorce Rates by Demographic:

• Women under 20 years of age - 27.6%
• Men under 20 years of age - 11.7%
• Women 20-24 years of age - 36.6%
• Men 20-24 years of age - 38.8%
• Women 25-29 years of age - 16.4%
• Men 25-29 years of age - 22.3%
• Women 30-34 years of age - 8.5%
• Men 30-34 years of age - 11.6%
• Women 35-39 years of age - 5.1%
• Men 35-39 years of age - 6.5%
• Second Marriages - 67%
• Third Marriages - 74%

While most experts agree that a recession will most likely increase the divorce rate. The facts are, there has not been a drastic rise in divorce since the end of World War II. Historically, recessions only have a minor effect on divorce rates. Financial matters are only one of the many reasons couples divorce. There are many factors that lead to divorce. It is my opinion that it is a combination of these factors that lead to divorce. Usually, financial issues are just the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Top Ten Reasons Couples Divorce:

1. Infidelity
2. Lack of Communication
3. Abandonment
4. Abuse
5. Unresolved Conflict
6. Uncommon Goals
7. Financial Issues
8. Educational Differences
9. Mental Illness
10. Religious Beliefs

Since the 1980's divorce rates have actually been falling. Marriages have as well, though. Many couples today opt to live together rather than become married. Whether you are married or just living together makes no difference to our economic challenges. Couples will still have to work together as they cope with their financial issues.

Obviously, financial issues will put an undue amount of strain on any marriage. It is easy to blame one another during these types of trials. However, it is important to remember that one's spouse is not to blame for the Country's current economic struggles. A couple should work together to identify where they can cut back and then create a budget. Both parties will of course need to stick to the budget. Seek financial advise if necessary.

Do not use the fact that you do not have any money as an excuse for not spending time with one another or sharing in activities together. Take walks in the park together. Look for free events. Learn to do more with less. Odds are, if you are like most Americans, you have been living past your means for awhile anyway.

Remember to communicate and be supportive of one another. Most importantly, realize that this recession is temporary. In time, like everything else it will pass. So relax and take joy in the littler things in life.