In Your Interest – by Valerie Rumbough

My spouse and I are having trouble agreeing when it comes to financial issues. Do you have any suggestions?

Valerie Rumbough

You are not alone. A recent survey done by Money magazine found that money issues cause tension in about 84 percent of marriages, with 13 percent actually fighting about it several times a month.

Our society has made us believe that many “needs” are actually “wants.” Thus, it can put a strain on a marriage when both partners “need” something that doesn’t fit into the budget. This brings up another point – yes, that six-letter word we cringe at the sound of: budget.

Many couples do not have one, which can cause pandemonium when one asks the other, “Where did the money go?” and the response is “I don’t know!”

A good way to resolve this is to make a point to discuss financial issues before the next “disagreement” occurs. Decide which of you is better at handling money. Most of the time in a marriage, one spouse is a spender and the other a saver. Let the saver be in charge of the checkbook. Then, come up with a plan that works for you.

There are a number of resources that you can use to help you do this. Crown Financial has several materials that can guide you from preparing a budget to retirement and estate planning. As you plan, be sure to set aside a certain amount each month for those “needs” and determine to stick to it. If the “need” costs more than the monthly allotment, then save until you have enough.

Most of all, commit this to God. He created all things, including money. He placed more than 2,000 verses in the Bible to help us know what to do with it. Doing these things should result in fewer disagreements and a successful plan that will make both of you happy.

Rumbough, CPA, CFP, is vice president of finance with the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. If you would like more information concerning the above article or other matters, 1-800-723-7242.

Editor’s note: In accordance with IRS Circular 230, this article is not to be considered a “covered opinion” or other written tax advice and should not be relied upon for IRS audit, tax dispute, or any other purposes.