Money Problems In Marriage
Next to infidelity, battling money problems in marriage is one of the chief causes of marital breakups. Financial woes can separate husbands and wives just as readily as adultery; and it takes a real determination to get past bankruptcy, bill collectors and bad debts to stay married. But husbands and wives don't have to abandon ship just because of a lack of cash. There are ways to avoid the pitfalls of financial mayhem, but both spouses have to work at getting out of debt, establishing a budget and sticking to it, exercising restraint in buying, and last but certainly not least, honoring God in giving. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).
Before couples can resolve money problems in marriage, an assessment must be made of the family's fiscal status, including assets and liabilities. Indebtedness doesn't happen overnight, but delaying to pay bills when due, failing to pay off credit cards, or getting cash advances from charge cards can push families to the brink of financial disaster. Before couples declare bankruptcy, taking a good hard look at total indebtedness will give families a good idea of where they stand financially. Couples should pull out every outstanding bill and make a list from the largest amount owed to the smallest. Automobile loans, hospital bills, student loans, and credit card debt will make up the bulk of a family's indebtedness. Pore over the bills closely, making a note of those with the largest finance charges. In order to reduce indebtedness, past due accounts with greater interest rates may be refinanced, especially home mortgages. In a waning economy, lenders are open to creative financing options. Some outstanding debts are negotiable, but others are not. Federally-backed student loans usually cannot be reduced; but many creditors will settle for a certain percentage, from 25- to 50 percent of the original loan to wipe an outstanding account clean.
The next step in getting rid of money problems in marriage is to make a list of assets. Many couples have hidden assets that can be liquidated and turned into cash. Broken gold jewelry, unused gift cards, long forgotten employee savings accounts, may all be turned into cold hard cash that can be applied to outstanding debts. Reputable online companies may offer top dollar to buy broken gold jewelry. Other Internet vendors specialize in paying cash for unredeemed gift cards. Other moneymaking ideas include selling unused clothing, shoes, and accessories on consignment or at a local flea market or yard sale. A second job or a lucrative hobby can add to the plus column. Taking stock of assets and liabilities helps partners tackle money problems in marriage in an orderly manner.
Together, partners should work out a viable plan to contact creditors and collection agencies to negotiate settlements on accounts in arrears. When lenders extend credit, consumers make a solemn oath to repay debts. Unfortunately, many consumers fail to keep their promises; but dodging creditors does not make the debt go away. Interest on unpaid balances will continue to accrue, plus late payment penalties. To resolve money problems in marriage, couples should face creditors directly. Many will appreciate an honest effort to repay loans and charge accounts. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay" (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5).
As partners address money problems in marriage, one aspect of financial management cannot be overlooked: tithing. According to the Word of God, anyone who wants to get out of debt and experience prosperity should be willing to tithe. Giving a tenth of one's income to the work of God opens the door to blessings and financial freedom. Will couples become millionaires overnight? Probably not; but by putting God in the center of the family finances, couples can begin to overcome money problems in marriage. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 3:10-12).
When money problems in marriage begin to disappear, other areas of family life will begin to line up with His perfect will and improve. Partners seeking to overcome financial battles should first take a serious look at assets and liabilities, establish and follow a strict budget, try to liquidate assets, make arrangements to settle accounts, and above all, tithe 10 percent of their income to the work of the Lord. Couples who put God to the test and follow biblically-sound money management practices will soon realize financial freedom and marital renewal.
Before couples can resolve money problems in marriage, an assessment must be made of the family's fiscal status, including assets and liabilities. Indebtedness doesn't happen overnight, but delaying to pay bills when due, failing to pay off credit cards, or getting cash advances from charge cards can push families to the brink of financial disaster. Before couples declare bankruptcy, taking a good hard look at total indebtedness will give families a good idea of where they stand financially. Couples should pull out every outstanding bill and make a list from the largest amount owed to the smallest. Automobile loans, hospital bills, student loans, and credit card debt will make up the bulk of a family's indebtedness. Pore over the bills closely, making a note of those with the largest finance charges. In order to reduce indebtedness, past due accounts with greater interest rates may be refinanced, especially home mortgages. In a waning economy, lenders are open to creative financing options. Some outstanding debts are negotiable, but others are not. Federally-backed student loans usually cannot be reduced; but many creditors will settle for a certain percentage, from 25- to 50 percent of the original loan to wipe an outstanding account clean.
The next step in getting rid of money problems in marriage is to make a list of assets. Many couples have hidden assets that can be liquidated and turned into cash. Broken gold jewelry, unused gift cards, long forgotten employee savings accounts, may all be turned into cold hard cash that can be applied to outstanding debts. Reputable online companies may offer top dollar to buy broken gold jewelry. Other Internet vendors specialize in paying cash for unredeemed gift cards. Other moneymaking ideas include selling unused clothing, shoes, and accessories on consignment or at a local flea market or yard sale. A second job or a lucrative hobby can add to the plus column. Taking stock of assets and liabilities helps partners tackle money problems in marriage in an orderly manner.
Together, partners should work out a viable plan to contact creditors and collection agencies to negotiate settlements on accounts in arrears. When lenders extend credit, consumers make a solemn oath to repay debts. Unfortunately, many consumers fail to keep their promises; but dodging creditors does not make the debt go away. Interest on unpaid balances will continue to accrue, plus late payment penalties. To resolve money problems in marriage, couples should face creditors directly. Many will appreciate an honest effort to repay loans and charge accounts. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay" (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5).
As partners address money problems in marriage, one aspect of financial management cannot be overlooked: tithing. According to the Word of God, anyone who wants to get out of debt and experience prosperity should be willing to tithe. Giving a tenth of one's income to the work of God opens the door to blessings and financial freedom. Will couples become millionaires overnight? Probably not; but by putting God in the center of the family finances, couples can begin to overcome money problems in marriage. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 3:10-12).
When money problems in marriage begin to disappear, other areas of family life will begin to line up with His perfect will and improve. Partners seeking to overcome financial battles should first take a serious look at assets and liabilities, establish and follow a strict budget, try to liquidate assets, make arrangements to settle accounts, and above all, tithe 10 percent of their income to the work of the Lord. Couples who put God to the test and follow biblically-sound money management practices will soon realize financial freedom and marital renewal.
Money Problems In Marriage
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