Reflections on Marriage: B is for Budgets
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The following is an article by Scott Card that further explains the advice I give in my book, ABC’s for a Happy Marriage: A Collection of Original Poetry and Biblical Scriptures. I like these five principles for handling money for the letter B—Budgets:
Family Finances
For many couples, handling money comes easily; but for others, conflicts over finances can sometimes seem insurmountable. Among many other things, a new marriage is very much like a corporate merger. Two people, possibly with very different habits in handling money, suddenly find themselves trying to combine those different methods with one source of funds and one household to take care of.
Principles of Handling Money
1. Communicate! One spouse should never be unsure of what is going on with the finances. All but the most trivial decisions should be made together, combining the wisdom of both husband and wife.
2. Expect only what is reasonable. Money doesn’t come easily, especially early in marriage. Neither husband nor wife should expect to be able to spend as they did when they were single.
3. Budget! Plan ahead and follow the plan as closely as you can. Record where the money went. Unless you know where you really want the money to go, it won’t go there! But be prepared to adjust the budget to meet emergency and unplanned needs.
4. For most purchases, reject debt! The temptation to buy now and pay later must generally be avoided if a couple hopes to be financially secure. Do not borrow to invest in speculative ventures.
5. Don’t let money be a wedge between you. Remember that your marriage is more important than anything you might own, more important than any problem you might face.
B - BUDGETS
Budgets
are blueprints for
financially stable marriages,
so counsel together
as wise stewards
over everything you
earn and save;
then spend frugally
after discerning between
wants and needs
to avoid debt.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Timothy 6: 10