Financial Compatibility in Marriage

Posted on September 1, 2009 
Filed Under Focus on the Family, Marriage, Spiritual Life

Prompted by an article in the Wall Street Journal about the challenges of being married to a “financial opposite,” I have pondered my own saving and spending habits – and those of my wife. We’re pretty fortunate, as we’re not polar opposites. We both delay spending, value savings and appreciate a good deal. Still, I think one of us is better at what I’d call short-term finances (like day-to-day budgeting) and the other is better at long-term finances (like big-ticket purchases and retirement accounts).

If your marriage is marked by some significant differences in money management, check out the numerous articles at this excellent Focus site with helpful advice about financial communication, solving practical problems like how many family checking accounts you should have, to achieving “financial unity.”

Our friend Dave Ramsey offers more practical tips for individuals and couples who want to have better communication about their finances in this article.

Here’s a forum featuring some Q&A with Mary Hunt, who at one time years ago had debts of more than $100,000. She has some great “been there, done that” advice for couples who need some help with money issues!

Finally, for those interested in the spiritual aspects of money and marriage, check out this page at Crown Financial Ministries.

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