Question:

What are some reasonable financial goals for newlyweds? My husband is already talking about buying a house and a new car. Meanwhile, I’m concerned about paying rent and buying groceries.

Answer: Finances are an important part of the marriage relationship, and working together to establish healthy financial goals and attitudes before the wedding is a wise move. Equally critical, however, is the need to concentrate on getting to know each other and strengthening the bonds of intimacy.

This being the case, we’d encourage you to not get ahead of and overextend yourselves financially. It’s easy for young couples to assume that getting married means diving into the “adult world” as they’ve observed it at home, complete with all the possessions and pleasures of their parents’ current lifestyle. But this is a serious mistake. For one thing, it’s unrealistic. For another, it’s a dangerous diversion from more important priorities.

Here are a few tips that can help you get started on the road to financial security and marital intimacy.

1. Think in terms of “we,” not “me.”  This means abandoning selfish attitudes and sharing all of your resources, whether spiritual, emotional, or material.
2. Live within your means and practice self-discipline. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it.
3. Be intentional about creating a workable financial plan. Give generously, and strategically build your financial resources step by step.
4. Don’t make major financial decisions without talking them over thoroughly.
5. Sit down together at least once a month and create a spending plan. This will enhance your communication and encourage healthy decision making in all aspects of your marriage.

If finances are becoming a bone of contention, we invite you to explore our Resources.

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