Healthy Practices Of Ministry CouplesНамуна

Be Like the Ant
by Raul & Heather Palacios, Church by the Glades

We have been married for almost fifteen years and we have been polar opposite with our perception of finances for just as long. Without further ado, here is our “his” and “her” financial two-cents. (pun intended)

I (Heather) like to spend and I think budgets are overrated. I think saving money takes away from livin’ la vida loca! My husband, Raul, on the other hand, is pretty incredible in handling finances. He is a tither, a saver, and generous with what is left over. He is a super steward with the resources God gives our family. Now that we’ve established the inherent tension in our marriage, you may be asking how we handle it. It’s actually quite simple. I do my job and submit to Raul as his wife and Raul does his job and leads our family’s finances. Because Raul has the freedom to do his job and lead our finances, we have been able to tithe, save, spend and give all the years of our marriage. I learned quickly that if I meddled in our family’s finances, we would have nothing to tithe, save, spend or give away.

I (Raul) like to apply Proverbs 6:6-8 to our personal finances and also use these verses to help other couples. First, this text directs us to work hard! Ants don't need anyone to tell them to get started. They just work. They also don't gobble up everything they gather but instead save for the future. Practically speaking I have found the single, most important thing you can do in your finances is to live below your means. This has worked well for Heather and me. A formula I have always maintained is the 10-10-80 rule. Bring at least 10% to my church since it's all God's anyway, save at least 10% just like the ant did and then have a blast with rest! If you follow this principle, you will reduce the financial stress in your life. So let's be as smart as the ant & prepare for the plans God has for us.

1. Would you classify yourself as a saver or spender? When you think about investing, do you feel confident or cautious?

2. What is your greatest financial fear? How do you think that fear impacts and influences how you spend your money?

3. What is the biggest financial adjustment that needs to take place in this marriage?