Making smart money decisions will change your life. Knowing you have a credit card bill to pay is a weight you carry around in your head. Or knowing that you owe someone money strains that relationship. The Bible is very clear that the “borrower is slave to the lender”. For that reason alone we should strive to live debt free lives and make smart money decisions. I know it sounds impossible but it is possible.
When my husband and I got married I (we now) had credit card debt from college. We also both had student loans. Both of our vehicles are paid off now (mine I paid off while still single but I’m gonna drive it til I just can’t anymore!) and my husbands car was bought without financing and the car guy was shocked that someone would do that and tried to talk him into financing and getting a “better” car. We now (after 2 years of marriage) have paid off all credit card debt and are now working on our student loans! God is honoring our obedience and blessing both of our businesses. Take a step of faith and trust God to provide. Also, make it a priority to tithe. That is one of the smart money decisions that will not only affect your life now but for eternity and generations to come. The tithe is the FIRST %10 of your increase. God gave His best for you…I think that is a small token in return. Especially when it is His to begin with AND He turns around and blesses us more for being obedient! God is good.
5. Break the Yoke of Debt – Start Saving
If you are in debt, the one sure way to break that cycle is to start saving. Too many couples use their debt as an excuse not to save. Make a list of small, doable goals. Start with saving $1000 as an emergency fund and then keep going. Your goals should include having 3-6 months of living expenses set aside. If you have a hard time leaving that saved money alone, talk to your bank about putting restrictions on your savings account not to allow withdrawals. According to the FPA poll, only one in five couples make investment decisions together. Work hard on breaking that trend. Plan together, set goals together and celebrate every accomplished milestone together.
Money does not have to be the cause of relational breakdowns. You may have heard this saying before: Money is a great servant but a bad master. Learning how to master your money will eliminate relational stress. It will create financial breathing room and a solid foundation for your family’s future. So take it one step at a time. Fight for your marriage by making daily smart money decisions.