More often than not, money is the wedge and not the glue in a marriage. Yet money can be the most effective way to bring a couple together instead of dividing them. A couple who practice communication and gratitude in this area will be able to do so in any other area of their life and marriage.
But how do we communicate?
1) Have a weekly financial date.
“But my schedule is too busy!”
“We hardly have time to talk about our schedules, let alone our finances.”
“We always get distracted by other things.”
These are all fragments of the excuses found when couples are asked to set aside time every week for a financial date. With hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, band, school, work and play there is little time left over to talk. What time is left over we wish to spend discussing everything else.
YET THIS STEP IS IMPERATIVE.
Spend a half-hour each week discussing your finances. Next week we will look at the specifics of a financial date. If we want to live a life of financial freedom, we must make time for non-confrontational conversations.
2) Pray together about your finances.
Few of us take the time to pray together about finances. We worry about what we will eat and drank and wear instead of taking our concerns to the Provider. Money is God’s and he takes an active interest in what we do with it. Don’t forget to spend time in prayer about your finances.
3) Celebrate!
Whether you are working to pay off debt, working to reach a savings or investments goal, celebrate! When you have reached a milestone don’t take your hard work for granted. The celebration does not have to be expensive to be meaningful. We tend to repeat what we celebrate, so enjoy the journey.
The road to financial fitness is not easy and conversations with your spouse can be difficult. Yet, they are imperative in creating unity. Money does not have to be a wedge if you set aside the time to encourage and celebrate your successes and setbacks together.