The news is filled with tips to survive the recession, and it’s equally important to recession proof our marriage. After all, money is one of the top reasons for divorce so it’s important for couples to keep their finances—in tact. Here are four tips to recession-proof yourmarriage.
1) Pay God first. Out of every dollar we earn, the government takes up to $.35, depending on your tax rate, but God only requires a dime. For all He does for us, that’s quite a deal, don’t’ you agree? However, I discovered that less than 3% of church members tithe, which is a true testament to our level of faith (or lack thereof). Did you know that there’s a guaranteed blessing when you tithe? God actually said "prove me"—by tithing, you will be so blessed that you don’t even have room for all of the blessings. (Malachi 3:10) So, if you’re part of the 97% of people who don’t tithe, go ahead, test God!
2) Practice full financial disclosure. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for spouses to hide money, or secretly accumulate debt. However, hiding anything—including money—from your spouse will prevent a couple from experiencing complete emotional, physical and spiritual intimacy. Alternately, "putting all your cards on the table" through the good times and the bad sends a message that you are honest, willing to be vulnerable, and have complete trust of your spouse. If you haven’t been totally upfront about your finances and need to clear the slate, confess, ask for forgiveness, and repent.
3) Assign a purpose to your money. Isn’t there more to our earnings than paying bills and going on occasional shopping sprees? Instead of working just to pay bills, consider developing a goal for your money. What is the purpose of the money you earn, and what will money allow you to do? When you get clear on "why" you’re working so hard to earn money, chances are that you will spend, save and invest your money more wisely. Developing mutual goals as a couple will also give you something to work towards together, further strengthening the marital bond.
4) Create your family’s financial policies. "When you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Creating financial rules to live by—and writing them down—will significantly increase the odds of achieving your financial goals. There are at least three types of policies you and your spouse should create together: 1) spending policy, 2) saving policy, and 3) credit policy. They don’t need to be fancy—it could be one sentence. For example, "We place $100/month into the rainy day fund so that we won’t be caught off guard when unexpected expenses arise." Be sure to write them down—after all, you’re more than twice as likely to accomplish a goal if you write it down.
A Prayer for You: "God, please order our steps so we will be good stewards of the time, talents, gifts and possessions you bless us with. Let nothing--including money--separate us from your love or from each other. Amen."
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Real Talk Question of the Week:
What’s the purpose of your money?
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Kristin Harper is author of "Love’s Resurrection: A Spiritual Journey through Marriage, Divorce and Remarrying the Same Man." For more information, visit www.KristinHarper.com
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