So its pay day and the tension begins! These tensions are mainly due to the number of demands to be met by a limited cash resource. Arguments sometimes arise because parents and children are lobbying for slices of the generally inadequate pay-cake. Some other reasons for argument and sometimes heated quarrels are a miser or hoarding attitude by one spouse or irresponsible spending. These selfish acts puts added strain on the already near bursting financial string.
My Dad was the sole breadwinner in our home for quite some time. He had ten children to feed, clothe and educate plus a house to build and a wife to keep. His pay was not too handsome but with proper team work with his wife ,they were able to acquire everything they set their hearts on without tension.
When I left my full time job that was paying lucratively to go full time into ministry, this was one of the most challenging times in my life. I left a senior staff position in an oil company and started a small church with members who could not have afforded to pay me a salary. To top it off I had just gotten married! I must admit it was challenging and scary coming from lots of money to little. What saved me was proper management of the little I had. When I was making a lot of money, I spent carelessly but when I had little, I learned to manage. There was never a day God did not provide for my wife and family. Thank you God!
A home where money is properly managed offers security to all members of the family and affects the marriage positively.
Some wives have a saying “I have to have a little money on the side or private bank account which I will keep secret from my husband”. While you may feel this is good, this can destabilise your marriage.
“I am a strong advocate of “ours”
not mine and yours.”
Here are five financial principles I live by.
1. Tithe Take Manage.
Every $100 dollars that come into my hand 10% goes to God, 10% is saved and 80% I manage to meet the various needs of my family and I. I know tithing is a controversial topic to some, but I trust the word of God and have seen time and time again the blessings of God over my life and those of my family. (Malachi 3:10)
2. Give
God wants us to have a generous heart. The blessings of God rest on my home because I give. I firmly believe in the concept of sowing and reaping. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV
3. Debit worthiness
While many financial institutions desire that you have a good credit rating, know that there is a saying in my country. ” Never hang your hat higher than you can reach it” Seek to become “Debit worthy” rather than credit worthy. Try purchasing items cash if you can. If you know you have financial management issues stay away from credit cards and loans!
4. Investment and wealth generation
Some ways to invest. Buy and Sell. This can start first with selling to your family members and friends and can expand into something greater. Do not spend what you make but re-invest the cash into the product and watch your money grow.
Invest your money into an interest yielding organisation to grow wealth. Do not touch it! The longer it stays the more it grows. One warning. Stay away from get rich quickly schemes.
5. Prepare for old age.
Plan for tomorrow today. Think of the future by putting away something small now. Leave a legacy or an inheritance for your family and extended family. (grandchildren etc). Invest for retirement.
In conclusion, I must emphasise the critical need for commitment and agreement between husband and wife to make these plans work. There is nothing my wife does not know because we share all financial information with each other. Because of this, we prosper together.
May God prosper your marriage.
