During this period of economic challenges, when all things seems to be downsized.
A time of repositioning of priorities, which if not well managed, can inadvertently overthrow your marriage.
Adequate care should be given to budgeting at home and this should involve complete participation and concentration of both husband and wife, otherwise improper understanding of money matters and misguided budgeting may cause problems.
It is important to have a working plan.
This can be done at a round table between the duo and fine-tune what and what to be set as priorities to accommodate their limited resources.
There are occasions where only the husband deliberately oversees this aspect in the home.
The wife might not immediately react to this but grudge over this and unchecked grudges may lead to over problems and loss of interest in relationships.
Avoid ignorance of how money work, poor planning and indebtedness that can cause chaos at home.
It is always safe to live within the means of your income and hope for a better time than to get indebted to the extent of causing shame for the family.
This time around, passing blames can ensue and that can lead to separation or even divorce.
You and your spouse should understand money and how to handle it.
Money is good; it can strengthen or weaken you, especially if you could not take charge of it together with your spouse.
Take charge of your finance.
Before taking major decision on the use of money on investment or purchase that will grossly affect your income discuss with your wife and you should reach a compromise.
This will prevent unnecessary problems in the home in case of failure.
In a proper perspective, the money owned by either you or your spouse should be jointly own.
Having a singular account.
Even if you both work or trade differently, joint account is preferable.
This is in my own suggestion, as God commands it for abundance and sufficiency.
Read Ps 133:1-3.
Be united.
In purpose and action.
Whatever you do together, you derive more joy and sense of accomplishment.
Planning together enhances the possibility of getting along together.
there will be no suspicion from either side and the children will also learn the act of interdependence on important issues like money handling.
You decide together on the budget: Your commitment to tithes.
How much to be put away for saving or investment.
Your offerings to the less privilege.
What portion of the total income goes for what bill? The children education, the feeding or grocery, minor and major repairs.
What are your expectations for the future increment and how to divert the excess.
Plan for the future.
Don't be a burden to anyone but trust God to be your greatest Source of total, complete supply throughout life.
It has been a standing order in my home that before we ask for anything from anyone, we direct our prayers to God first for provisions in an abundant way.
A major shortcut to fruitfulness is total dependence on God.
He does not fail.
Be faithful to HIM in the area of sowing and reaping and you will discover that miracles of bounty harvest will be your reward.
Make it your goal in life to always tithe your income for God.
He needs your money but NEEDS more of your heart than your money.
When God possesses your heart and you live to love Him, in obedience and honor, there will be nothing that He will not give you for a successful marital home.
All these and more are to be resolved together for a successful family financial stand.