Posted on July 19 2012
Prior to getting married, couples often are required to go through marriage counseling. Many things are discussed including religion, role expectations, children and parenting, interpersonal communication, and finances. If these issues are not discussed in advance, they may cause problems later. Finances are an area that must be agreed upon completely, and Christian financial counseling can help engaged couples, newlyweds, and married couples get on the same page. Here are some of the areas that need to be discussed and taken into consideration:
Merging Finances ? This is an area of particular interest to newlyweds and recently engaged couples. This is the point in the relationship where you need to decide if you should have a joint bank account or keep your finances separate. By speaking with a counselor, you and your significant other can figure out what is the best option for you at the current time. You can always change your mind down the road, for example keeping separate accounts but merging once mortgages and children come into play.
Spending ? This brings us to the next topic, spending. You want to be sure that as a couple, you decide how to budget your expenses and spend your money. For example, a wife may like to spend her extra money on clothing whereas a husband likes to spend his extra money on fishing gear and tickets to his favorite sports games. Neither is wrong. You can?t ridicule or make comments about the other ?wasting? money. That is only going to create problems. Respect and understand the other person?s choices, and budget together.
Debt ? This is an area of finance that causes the blame game to happen with finances. Prior to a marriage, you will need to disclose your debit. You may come to realize that your future spouse has a substantial amount of debt, but you need to understand that that is now ?our? debt. As a couple, you will work together to pay off the remainder of it. If you treat it as ?your? debt, not ?our? debt, you will only begin to create problems.
Investing ? When planning your future together, you want to be sure to invest for the future you see at the end of the tunnel. Make the choices to invest your money together. You need to set those goals as a couple. Also, if you plan on taking on a risky investment, be sure that you are both in agreement, and that they are not too risky. Your more ?safe? investments should balance out your risky ones. Talk about your investments goals with a time frame in mind and seek guidance from a financial advisor or counselor if needed.
Emergency Savings ? It is important to prepare for emergencies. Being prepared for the unknown is important. It is recommended to have at least three months worth of living expenses set aside. For example, if it costs $2,000 to sustain your household for a month, you want to have at least $6,000 in your savings.
Keeping Secrets ? This is an absolute ?no-no?. Being dishonest is not going to make for a happy relationship. Many people in marriages have fibbed about the cost of an item they have purchased, but the $20 cost difference of a pair of tennis shoes is much different than a $2,000 amount lost gambling. If you find yourself in a situation like this and it gets out of hand, it is time to seek the help of a professional.
Christian financial counselors at Family Life Credit Services are here to help with things as serious as financial dishonesty to something as simple as teaching the couple how to budget their finances together. Investing for retirement, saving for a house, and putting together college funds for your children are all things that our counselors can help with. If you are interested in learning more visit our site or give us a call at (800) 747-9307. Check out our free resources including a savings plans and budget planners. Don?t let your relationship suffer due to arguments and issues that can be resolved with talking to or visiting a financial counselor.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Source: http://www.familylifecredit.org/christian-financial-counseling-helps-couples-page/
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