Manage Together!

One of the key ingredients in a happy marriage is oneness and transparency, which is an important factor to keep the couple united. When it comes to handling finances, both husband and wife should be guided by the same principles. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they shared the same wallet now that they are one flesh?

It is quite common these days, with both partners working, for each to have his/her own bank account. But, a joint bank account is better since it ensures better management of family finances by fostering communication and trust. It is easier to make payments from a single account with the full knowledge of each other. Sometimes, different accounts lead to spending habits that are unknown to each other, resulting in friction and financial strain. A couple known to me got themselves into an ugly financial mess because almost every transaction was undertaken without each other’s knowledge or consensus, also resulting in serious marital discord.

God desires that we consult each other and not take our own decisions. It is quite likely that one of the partners may be more acquainted with financial matters and hence capable of taking sound financial decisions, but it in no way implies that the less informed partner should stay away or be sidelined in the decision making process. Our spiritual lives should never be compromised in pursuit of building wealth. I Tim 3:16 warns us - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

It doesn’t quite matter how big our income is; all that matters is how well we manage it! It is important to note that managing money is a spiritual trait, and the Scripture talks so much about it. Jesus spoke more on money than on any other subject! Giving to God should always be our priority if we expect Him to bless us more and more.

‘You can tell more about the spiritual lives of a couple by looking at their checkbook than by anything else.’ - Larry Burkett.

Lord, help us to trust each other and make our financial decisions together. Amen