by Jim Reyes

Couples should work hard to find ways to talk about money. It’s not the most romantic subject, but it is very important to settle our view, opinions, or rules in handling personal or conjugal money.

It is also important that both husband and wife understand that it will never be “my money” or “your money” but “our money.” When you said, “I do”, it meant you must now use “our money” for the rest of your life.

Hindi po madaling pag-usapan ang pera, pero kailangan talaga. Lalo na kung kayo’y bagong kasal pa lamang. Maigi na habang bata pa, nagsasanay tayo na magkasamang pag-usapan at pag-desisyunan ang alinmang isyu, lalo na kung tungkol sa pera.

Let me share with you these financial tips to help you share a blissful financial life with your spouse. Let’s use L-O-V-E to easily remember them:

Listen. Understanding starts with listening. Talk to your spouse often regarding money matters and understand his/her financial culture and ways. The more you listen, the more you get to know important details behind your spouse’s financial decisions for the family.

Observe. Take a close look at how your spouse handles money. What he says about money and how he actually uses money should be consistent. Try to respectfully point out anything that misses a financial commitment. By observing, you will be able to maintain the discipline necessary to stay and commit to your budget or your spending plan together.

Value. Your spouse is your partner-for-life. Honor God’s gift to you by placing your spouse in high regard. It is likely for your spouse to commit financial mistakes. He or she is also as human as you! Your relationship with your spouse is more important than money.

Encourage. Be very generous with your words. Build your spouse to become the best potential spouse he or she can be. See them the way God sees them. Never give up!

Entrust your finances to God and His principles and He will be faithful to provide for your needs. An operating budget—a financial plan—is a sign that you want to employ God’s biblical wisdom in your finances.

Keep in mind that everything you have belongs to the Lord. As a couple, you own nothing in the long-term sense. You are just managers of what God has provided for you. He blessed your lives by bringing the two of you together, so now honor Him in all that you do as you live your lives as one.

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