It’s tough earning money. It’s also tough getting married. If you put them together, it’s tough to earn money while staying married! Perhaps you’ve been wondering how to solve money problems in marriage?
Money Problems in Marriage
One of the most common reasons for divorce and even lots of marriage strains are money problems. You could be in a situation where you don’t earn enough money, or one of you doesn’t know how to budget the money you have earned.
Another problem that may arise is both of you fighting over which priorities should you spend your money on.
Finances are one of the big considerations before getting married. Sadly, a lot of couples jump the gun even before trying to consider that being together and having kids is a big financial responsibility.
However, all these issues can be resolved if you work together as a team while keeping your finances intact.
How to Solve Money Problems in Marriage: Opportunities
Are you looking for an opportunity online to make money? You can try looking into writing jobs, photography jobs, or learning how to do affiliate marketing.
These are great opportunities that won’t let you commit too many changes to your schedule. All you need to do devote a little bit of your time for extra income.
In this post, I will be showing you some actionable advice to help you solve money problems in marriage and improve your relationship with each other.
5 Ways to Solve Money Problems in Marriage
1. Sit down and discuss your budget priorities
The first thing you have to do is to sit down and discuss your budget priorities as a couple. Maybe there are some things you can do without. Perhaps there are other things you need to focus on.
The problem with most couples is that they see money as the end goal, but they don’t see that it is just a tool to attain the quality of life they need.
This is where people fail to budget.
To do this, you need to sit down as a couple and think about the things which are both important to you. Things such as daily expenses, spending for your kids, saving for your retirement, etc. should all be considered. After talking, allocate and agree with the budget you planned.
This will steer the course of direction of where your money goes into.
2. Get rid of unnecessary spending
The next step is, to be honest with yourself and with each other. What is something that both of you need to do without?
You can be honest with yourself and with your partner on what you think of their spending habits. Being honest with yourself is the first step in allocating more money for your true priorities.
Perhaps you notice yourself spending too much money on luxury items. Your spouse may be spending a lot on gadgets. Not being honest with these spending habits can cause money problems in marriage.
Admit both of your weaknesses and be serious about changing these habits.
3. Talk about what you can do to add more income
Both of you can do something to add income or aid the person who is pouring in income for the family. For example, if you are a stay at home mom or wife, you can find online opportunities to help your family. This is what I do now being a military wife. You can do writing jobs, blogging, affiliate marketing, or just about anything that may pique your interest.
If this is not your thing, you might find ways to get a part-time job, where you can find online.
If having a job is not possible due to other constraints, you can do something to lessen the household burden or save more money.
4. Communicate openly about money
Some couples feel like they need to hide their spending habits from their partner.
However, the Bible instructs us to be honest with all our affairs especially when we are a married couple. Unless it’s a surprise or a gift for your significant other, you don’t have to hide your spending habits. Proverbs 12:22 says:
The fact that you’re hiding something means that you are guilty of being caught, and deep in your heart, you know that something is wrong.
5. Remember your vows
Marriage isn’t about leaving when the going gets tough. The right attitude when you get into marriage is getting going when it gets tough!
Remember a part of your vows, where you promised you’ll be there for each other for rich or for poorer?
That’s what marriage is all about. In times of difficulty, you should stick as a team and remember that you can pull it through together.
Money problems in marriage?
Do you feel like you need a more solid, specific guide in helping you solve your money marriage problems? I recommend reading this book by Chuck and Ann Bentley called “Money Problems, Marriage Solutions”. They have been a key inspiration for me to write this blog post, because of the wonderful things they have taught in their book.
Arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce, says Sonya Britt, a professor at Kansas State University. “It’s not children, sex, in-laws, or anything else. It’s money—for both men and women.”
Satan seeks every means possible to destroy marriages, and creating conflict around finances is one of his favorite tactics. But there is more to money problems than not sticking to the budget. Chuck and Ann Bentley reveal the underlying issues of financial and relational discord—and show how it robs couples of joy, intimacy, and marital satisfaction.
Money Problems, Marriage Solutions presents seven keys to peace in marriage and helps couples unite and conquer to resolve financial issues together. Through real-life stories, a solid foundation from Scripture, and practical steps for application, this book gives a plan for getting back on the same team. Here is a clear and lasting way forward for couples struggling with money problems.
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