No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Win]
Combining Resources
Do you know of a married couple who seemingly “hide” everything from their “life partner”? Marriage is a far better investment when things like time, money, talents, gifts, hobbies, and everything else is enjoyed together.
God-given marriage can be an awesome experience where two individuals make a decision to come together as “one”. This begs the question, “When does that ever really happen?” Hopefully you have chosen a life together “with” your other half. Continue the journey and discover a sense of fulfillment with the person whom you have decided to go “all in”.
The desired end result within any marriage should include the ability to trust your life partner. You probably agree with me when I tell you that trust has to be “earned”, and usually takes some time. Trust is a critical component to any “successful” marriage.
Time
Spending time together, just you and that other person with whom you have made a life-long commitment. “Doing” things together can help to enrich both of your lives, unless of course neither of you enjoy really spending any time together. Hopefully your marriage is filled with days of incredible enrichment, while creating memories of sheer bliss.
Working together may not be for every couple. Some married partners are able to invest a lifetime of “shared” career or profession (or other “work-like” opportunities). Possibly employment, business, ministry, or volunteer time together. My wife (Edith) and I have been fortunate enough to participate in all of the above.
Living in the “present” is critical for a strong and successful relationship. You should probably invest some time together discussing your thoughts about the “future”. Though we cannot “control” the outcome of everything, taking some time to consider the “possibilities” … that can help with getting both of you on the “same” page.
Money
Earning your income may be from separate sources, yet spending your money really should happen when both of you agree together. If you have not already done so, take some time to talk about what is “most” important to you. Listen to what your dear spouse says about their “needs”.
Every marriage should have both a “savings” plan and a “spending” plan. Hopefully some of your “working” income can be set aside for savings and retirement. You will be a little happier if you have something to carry you through those “golden years” later on. The rest should be “spent” in a way which both you and your other half support.
For paying bills, your best bet will probably be a “joint checking account”. This will be the account where both of you contribute (if possible), and pay all of your expenses together. The husband and wife may have separate savings and retirement accounts, especially if plans are offered at your employment.
Most, if not all, of your net income will happily remain where both of you have visibility and access. Unfortunately, some relationships never really establish a strong level of trust, and end up “hiding” his and her money. Under certain “extreme” circumstances that may become necessary. Though most of us should be able to place our “savings” within reach (where both of us can observe our progress).
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)