Money Matters in Marriage!
Money! Money! Money! Are you already arguing over money with your spouse-to-be? Planning a wedding can be a great time to discuss and make decisions about spending money as a couple.
While you are making your wedding plans, you will each show the kind of spender you are likely to be in the marriage. It will become obvious which one of you is a big spender and which one is a saver. If one of you is great at searching out bargains or frugal methods of purchasing services, the planning phase will show it. Likewise, if one of you throws caution to the wind and racks up huge credit card debt with flowers, reception costs, and a lush honeymoon, this spending habit will probably surface, too.
It is possible that learning each other’s spending habits can lead to many fights, or at least heated discussions! Take this opportunity to work through your money issues. Think about what is important to each of you. One of you may care more about retirement savings, and the other may want yearly vacations. Make a list of the important money issues and share them with each other.
During this process, don’t forget what the Bible teaches us about money. It may be a heated topic that some of us avoid, but the Bible mentions money over and over. Repeatedly, the Bible tells us that we become slaves to debt. We are also reminded of the importance of tithing and contributing to charitable organizations or at least helping out those around us who have less than we have. God gives us all of our blessings. He asks us to use them in responsible ways that glorify Him, not us. We know that God is more likely to trust us with more blessings if we show responsibility with what we already have. There is no room for greed in marriage!
Statistically, half of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Money is a huge factor in the divorce rate. You owe it to yourself and your fiancé’ to try to work on money issues, no matter how difficult it may be. Honesty is key! Don’t lie to your spouse-to-be about your spending habits or your preferences for how you spend your money.
As you choose your honeymoon destination, photography packages, and floral arrangements, think about your budgeting styles. This may be just the right opportunity to discuss the role money will have in your marriage!
