We're finishing our Money Management Series.. If you missed the previous entries, then read Part 1: Introduction, Part 2: Budgeting and Tracking, Part 3: Allocation and Payments Schedule, and Part 4: Debt, Part 5: Savings. Be sure to enter the giveaway below for some great resources!
Don't lose sight of the purpose you're taking a journey in money management when if feels as though for every step forward you're also taking two or three steps back. Just do your best. Maintain the purposes for your travel and destinations and just keep going. If he's not with you, then exhibit patience, prayer and grace. In other words, don't fuss and nag! (Easier said than done I admit, but consider it practice). I've learned that it is better to win him over by demonstration than by anything I could say. So, show him how Christmas or taxes were paid in cash without disrupting your living. Allow your lessened stress from being prepared when major expenses arise convey the worthiness of the goals. A lot can be accomplished without a word! This is the basic principle of you exemplify that which you wish others to demonstrate. If they don't see it in you, then they're less likely to do it as well. And if you fuss, nag or just constantly talk with displeasure then he'll certainly have little motivation to join you. Last (but not least!) is to pray for a oneness in this and all matters within your marriage. Notice, I didn't say to pray for him to change or take on your ideas. Just like many other areas of marriage, it's about finding a common ground, not about one conceding to the wishes of the other exclusively. Pray for oneness, patience, grace, a heart for the other person, wisdom, the Lord's guidance etc. Even if you two don't arrive to the same page for a while, you're marriage will benefit by exhibiting these qualities! . Always remember, money is just money and marriage is so much more!
It's my heart and prayer that this series has been helpful to you. For additional reading, I highly recommend Your Money Map: A Proven 7-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom by Howard Dayton* and The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey*. The latter book, though, is one you can win here at Reviving Homemaking. Enter below for a chance to win the book and deluxe envelope system! (Giveaway starts at 12am est on 5/5/12).
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Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)
*Note: Reviving Homemaking is an affiliate of Amazon.com. These links will take you to the site and if the materials are purchased then Reviving Homemaking will receive a small percentage of payment in return. Recommendation of these materials was not influenced in anyway. It is done so based solely on my personal experience with them.
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My husband and I went through a Financial Peace class just after we were married. It was one of the best things we could have done for our marriage as he was unemployed and I was working minimal hours at the time. We haven't totally kept up with managing our money well but have recently tried to get back with it.
ReplyDeleteI just found your site from women living well. Thanks for sharing about this, I'll have to go back and read through your previous posts.
ReplyDeleteI am new to you. I'm here from Women Living Well. I'm heading back to read over the previous posts. I am certain it will be well worth my time. Thanks for the giveaway. Blessings!
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