Hello friends. It’s exciting to share as a featured blogger for Sydnee Event Productions. I enjoy delivering resourceful tips to empower women before and during their marriages.
Within the next three series I will discuss finances, faith, and fidelity as marriage armors to help women cover their unions. Nuptials can lead to a beautiful experience for those who appropriately prepare to honor their wedding vows. Similar to all life journeys, the people who do the best at conquering a challenge are those who prepare the best. Marriage is no different. The first of three marriage armors I want to discuss is finances.
Finances are often the leading cause of marital conflict and divorce. Within my therapy practice, couples often voice discontent about how money within their homes is managed. Common trends surrounding this issue are: somebody is spending too much money, someone isn’t mindful of their spending habits, or someone isn’t cleaning up their credit score.
Some have said that money is the root of all evil, and I unfortunately think this is true particularly for married couples. It’s important for spouses to shield their marriages from conflict, danger, and negative spirits. Couples who don’t have clear rules about money end up being ruled by money. Financial strength can make or break a union.
One of the best things a woman can do is make sure her credit and spending habits can produce fertile ground once married. I typically advise women preparing for marriage to follow this checklist:
-Improve their credit score (as applicable)
-Mentally prepare to discuss financial issues and concerns that may arise once married (most people are guarded about their income)
-Identify how many banks accounts you would like to have with your beau (the minimum should be two: joint savings and checking)
-Develop a household budget to address monthly expenses; the figures (money amounts based on income) and details (bills) will be added once married
-Modify household budget every six months (add savings or emergency accounts once an initial budget system is mastered)
-Improve any spending habit that could be excessive (eating out too much, too much shopping, or a pleasure activity that occurs too often (get a massage once a month instead of every week)
A good money management system will lessen marital conflict. Every married person is responsible for being a good money steward. I’ve found that couples with outlined money goals work better as a marital team.
My challenge to you: make one positive financial change to grow your marriage (now or in the future). If you’re currently married, make sure you have mastered at least two areas covered on the above checklist.
Let’s stay in touch. I offer free monthly marriage tips to emails registered through my website (www.femaleautonomy.com). Follow me, Dr. Lil (relationship expert), on my social media platforms:
Facebook: Female Autonomy within Marriage
Instagram: @female_autonomy
xoxo, Dr. Lil, therapist and relationship expert
