Manage Your Money

All too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

Mark 4:19

MONEY IS LIKE SEX. We don’t like to talk about it, but we want to have a whole lot of it. One of the most important things we can do to improve our finances—and even our love lives—is to talk about them with our wives. Although many couples talk about money, the conversations typically stay pretty basic: “Do we have enough to pay the bills?” “Is there enough in savings for soccer club?” “Why can’t I buy that new titanium driver?”

When it comes to handling money, it is imperative that we have a plan. How much goes to savings? Who pays the bills? Who decides how money is spent? Experts say couples should decide together about making extra purchases—even small ones. Then each person feels some ownership over the finances.

Though it’s good to talk about money in a marriage, we shouldn’t allow the topic to consume us. Constant conversations can create undue stress. When Jesus told the parable of the sower, He said, “All too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced” (Matthew 13:22). Our main focus in life should be to spread God’s Word, not to increase our wealth.

By keeping an eternal focus and having good communication about money, you’ll be able to control your finances, instead of the other way around.

BOTTOM LINE

Have you talked this week about money? Make a financial plan and stick to it.

Moment of Strength: Proverbs 23:4-5