What's Your Money Personality?

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 14:28

Kids, cash, and sex are the top three stressors in a marriage. Yes, they can cause your marital Kevlar to fray faster than a bulletproof vest inside your cruiser’s trunk in a hot summer. Understanding spending motives adds protection to your 2:24 Unit’s relationship.

There are generally four types of languages spoken by our respective money personalities according to Pastor Jimmy Evans;

1. Driver – Money means success, self-esteem, and security.
2. Amiable – Money means love by buying and sharing to show affection.
3. Analytic – Money means strength and keeps away chaos.
4. Expressive – Money means acceptance and respect as the basis for relationships.

Looking at these types of money languages, you can see how vital each one is for understanding the way we not only think of money but how it plays an important role in our lives.

Leah and I both grew up poor, and as a result of our respective experiences, we approach money very differently. I saved money because it meant security. Leah spent it to show others love. Either extreme was not good, so we learned to balance out our strengths.

It’s okay if you both practice a different money language because the variance helps balance the budget. Where the differences are agreed upon is within the context of a written budget.

Avoid debt and fighting by being proactive in discussing money management through a monthly budget. You might even find you have the extra cash to go do something fantastic for each other.

CALL TO ACTION:

You and your spouse are going to gain financial freedom by taking control of your money. Before you move into the season of budgets and new confidence over finances, have a conversation about your money personality.

Talk about what it is, how it began, and what it means to 40 Days to a Better Police Marriage.

Also, discuss ways to blend the differences in your two personalities so that the marriage eliminates one of the big three hot buttons between couples – Money!