Money & Marriage: Ways to Manage Finances, and Enjoy it!

God has strong opinions about money & marriage, and He has no qualms about making it clear to His followers exactly the role that money should have in their lives. When you enter into a godly marriage, money becomes an issue that you must manage together, which can sometimes prove difficult. It’s also crucial to get your finances in order before becoming parents, if you plan to have children now or even in the distant future.

Here’s some biblical guidance on managing finances after you get married and a few easy and effective tips you and your spouse can start using right now to budget, earn, and save more money.

Work Hard & Trust God To Provide

First and foremost, trust the Word that says the Lord will provide. Matthew 6:26-27 reminds us that life is more than just physical survival, and urges us to rely on God to meet our needs, saying:

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Simultaneously the Word reminds us of the importance of working hard in Proverbs 10:4, saying:

4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Married couples should strive to create a balance between resting in the Lord’s promises to provide and taking steps to meet their own financial needs. This can be challenging, but with time and effort, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Be Generous With Your Money

Another commandment God gives His followers is to be kind and generous with the money they make, while warning against becoming too caught up in creating wealth for themselves.

In Luke 16:9, Jesus says:

9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Followers should also be careful not to get wrapped up in worldly wealth – the Bible firmly admonishes the worship of money in 1 Timothy 6:10. The passage says:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Finance Tips for Newly Married Couples

Start Saving Now

Not only does the Bible command God's people to be judicious with their money. You can start by setting aside a little bit of money each week, or whenever you get paid. You can set up a dedicated savings account or simply put the money in a jar at home. Start small and increase the amount you save as you get more comfortable. See Proverbs 13:11 for more.

Be Honest About Your Financial Situation

If you do have a financial disagreement, it's important to be honest about your finances. Don't try to hide anything from your spouse, or keep secrets about your spending. This will only make the situation worse. Be open and honest about your situation, so you can work together to resolve the issue. 

Communicate About Finances With Your Spouse

It's important to talk about money regularly with your spouse, even if you don't have any disagreements. This will help you stay on the same page financially, and avoid any surprises down the road. You should discuss your income, expenses, debts, and financial goals on a regular basis.

Start Saving Automatically

Another way to save money as a married couple is to automate your savings. This means having money automatically deposited from your paycheck or checking account into savings accounts or investments. This can help you and your spouse reach your financial goals quicker and will make it less likely that you will spend the money on other things.

Avoid Taking On Debt

Psalm 37:21 warns against accumulating debt, therefore married couples should be careful about taking out mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. If you have the ability to pay cash for an item, do so instead of financing it. Avoid purchasing items you can't afford, particularly if they are not necessities for daily living like food, water, and shelter.

Discover Financial Freedom In Christ At Chicago Church of Christ

Learning how to navigate money in marriage can be challenging. Allow a loving and supportive church family to come alongside and guide you! At Chicago Church of Christ, we have a wide variety of resources for couples to learn godly budgeting, saving, and money management and to help families who are financially struggling. Plan your visit or contact us today.