It's in The Details

I watched my kids run through the house Easter morning. They were trying to make sense of the clues their mom left for them. It was fun to watch, but I found it interesting how difficult it was for them to figure out the details.

Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”.

Now that you are married you receive all kinds of special offers in the mail. Most advertising sells the concept that success is measured by the amount of possessions you hold. Sales men and women encourage you to run everything on credit. In order to own, you finance house, cars and other toys. We are all lured in by advertisements featuring low interest rates and the concept of free money. Money can play a big part in the disagreements married couples have with each other. Arguments are often fueled by the stress of trying to keep up with the burden of debt.

Consider the details when you hear of a great opportunity. You are married and have greater buying power as a couple. When you are young the “what-if’s” are the farthest from your mind. Changes in life will happen. It is when these changes occur in life that you become buried in debt and have no way to deal with it. Before you take on loans and credit cards plan for the future. Not only the good times, but also plan for the unexpected. A baby is a gift from God, but can be a crisis if you are not prepared. Increased expenses can rob you of your joy if you have not prepared for future events. Injury or illness can also create additional stress on a relationship.

I would suggest avoiding debt. Rather than buying to the maximum of your income, look at the details. Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst financial situation. With preparation your family will only have to deal with the stress of changes and events and not the additional burden of money problems. Talk to your parents or those you know who are good savers. As a couple set a goal plan that includes short term and long term desires and planning. Include a “what-if” plan if things don’t go the way you hope. Talking about the good and potential bad will help lessen the stress if the unthinkable occurs because you will have a game plan to go back to.


Master Your Money - Complete Set of 6 VHS