72 SHARE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SPENDING

“I have to pay all the bills,” protested the wife. “He doesn’t know and doesn’t seem to care about what’s happening. I am so stressed out!”

One partner cannot do all the money management and spending in a marriage. Who should keep the checkbook and pay the bills? While one spouse may do the bookkeeping, both are responsible for knowing all that’s happening financially in a marriage.

It’s hard to keep everything together financially in a marriage. Often, both spouses work just to make ends meet. Both may have stressful jobs that demand much time and energy.

Finances can become a major stress in marriage. But when the responsibility is shared, then both partners can feel that they are “in this together.”

It’s so helpful to sit down together and do the bills. It’s insightful for both partners to go grocery shopping together. And it’s fun to make a purchase together that both are agreed upon. So, are you willing to carry the financial load together? It’s far easier when both mates are fully involved in managing and carrying family financial responsibilities.

Try this: Sit down and do the bills together. Talk about future financial goals and purchases. Be in agreement about finances. Go shopping together. Discuss finances when you are rested and not under great stress.

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Amos 3:3