I have seen firsthand how God works in this area when a husband and wife unify. In my household, my husband takes the lead in organizing our finances because one of his spiritual gifts is administration. We share everything about money. It actually started way before we were married! When I was 18 and my husband was 20, he noticed how much I struggled to make my car payment because I didn't understand how to budget. So, he taught me and guided me. Little did I know then that over 25 years later, that foundation would still apply! I actually make more than my husband but that has no bearing. What he makes is for the family and what I make is for the family. Tithing is not an option. I purposefully hand the envelope to my husband to put in the offering plate as a symbol of him as the head of the household, giving God back His money.
Even though I don't always want to, we sit down together weekly and discuss the budget, pay the bills, and figure out the expenses for the week. This is the part I really wanted to share. No matter who is better at paying the bills or organizing it all, no matter which partner makes more, laying it all out and sharing every detail together is key! There are no secrets or hidden agendas that way. Oh, trust me... There are times I would like to stray from that and do my own thing with money! But, God has shown us so much about compromise and communication through this process. We come up with a plan of attack together to get bills payed, save, spend, and give. In my opinion, it enhances the marriage relationship so much because it teaches my husband to love me and me to respect him. For instance, my hubbie has learned to sacrifice by budgeting in some extra money for the kids and I to do special little outings together. He knows how much that means to me and even though I'm sure he would love to use that money for golfing more often, he shares. And I respect his decisions as the leader of the house, even when it's hard. I have wanted new flooring for over 2 years. But my husband has decided to hold off until later. He hasn't forgotten it or blown it off, but has made a clear, decisive plan to wait. It becomes a business partnership! I wouldn't have it any other way.
For those who, for various reasons, cannot envision a partnership in regards to finances, I will be praying! It can be such a difficult place to be. I have seen the lack of trust and separation of dreams and aspirations that can occur when money is not openly discussed.
April, thanks so much for your ministry! God is using you to care about marriage in great ways!
I have seen firsthand how God works in this area when a husband and wife unify. In my household, my husband takes the lead in organizing our finances because one of his spiritual gifts is administration. We share everything about money. It actually started way before we were married! When I was 18 and my husband was 20, he noticed how much I struggled to make my car payment because I didn't understand how to budget. So, he taught me and guided me. Little did I know then that over 25 years later, that foundation would still apply! I actually make more than my husband but that has no bearing. What he makes is for the family and what I make is for the family. Tithing is not an option. I purposefully hand the envelope to my husband to put in the offering plate as a symbol of him as the head of the household, giving God back His money.
Even though I don't always want to, we sit down together weekly and discuss the budget, pay the bills, and figure out the expenses for the week. This is the part I really wanted to share. No matter who is better at paying the bills or organizing it all, no matter which partner makes more, laying it all out and sharing every detail together is key! There are no secrets or hidden agendas that way. Oh, trust me... There are times I would like to stray from that and do my own thing with money! But, God has shown us so much about compromise and communication through this process. We come up with a plan of attack together to get bills payed, save, spend, and give. In my opinion, it enhances the marriage relationship so much because it teaches my husband to love me and me to respect him. For instance, my hubbie has learned to sacrifice by budgeting in some extra money for the kids and I to do special little outings together. He knows how much that means to me and even though I'm sure he would love to use that money for golfing more often, he shares. And I respect his decisions as the leader of the house, even when it's hard. I have wanted new flooring for over 2 years. But my husband has decided to hold off until later. He hasn't forgotten it or blown it off, but has made a clear, decisive plan to wait. It becomes a business partnership! I wouldn't have it any other way.
For those who, for various reasons, cannot envision a partnership in regards to finances, I will be praying! It can be such a difficult place to be. I have seen the lack of trust and separation of dreams and aspirations that can occur when money is not openly discussed.
April, thanks so much for your ministry! God is using you to care about marriage in great ways!