A couple of weeks ago I said I would do a short series on a few of the things we shared at our Radical Marriage Newlyweds class. Part two is about Money. Obviously this is a complex topic because everyone’s financial scenario is so different. But here are a few of the principles we shared.

First, why would talking about money be important? A long time ago, likely somewhere around my 100th time taking a young couple through pre-marital counseling, and through my interactions with counselor friends and colleagues, I realized that a high percentage of marriage issues boil down to two issues: sex and money. And the issues people have with them are similar: the tension of having too much or too little!

Here are a few tips to try to practice in your marriage to keep you out of trouble.
1. Make Jesus a part of your financial life – God talks about money in the Bible often. It is not a sin to have money, if we use it right, but a sin to worship the money. The love of it can be the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). Jesus tells us to be good stewards of our money, which means investing well and making smart choices to get more of it (Matthew 25:14-30). This includes being generous, giving to the poor, and to the local church – regularly, and sacrificially (1 Cor. 8-9). Make sure your giving to the work of Jesus in the world is something you budget for first in your monthly budgeting, as Jesus doesn’t deserve your left over scraps after you’ve paid your Netflix bill.

2. Start Talking About Finances – For example, let your spouse know if you expect him or her to discuss purchases over $100 with you before they make them. Make sure each person has a good understanding of where you stand financially as a couple and the expectations.

3. Write Down Goals – After you have determined your financial status, discuss your long-term financial goals in-depth. For example, if you have debt, when is the goal to get out? What is the plan? Erin and I have to do our best to stick to a budget each month in light of us being a one-income family, driven by the decision that she would be a stay-at-home mom. I am not saying that is everyone’s reality but it is ours so we budget and live accordingly.

4. Build an Emergency Fund – A lost job, an illness, a natural disaster, or a major home repair will happen. Aim to save about 3 months worth of your household expenses in the bank in case the emergency is that you have no income. Building an emergency fund should be a priority because it will bring financial security and protect your relationship in case disaster strikes.

5. Build a Budget – You should live within a budget each month so you don’t go into debt. To do this, you must build the budget. Hint: more should come in than goes out each month. I know it is silly to have to say that, but in this age of everyone comparing themselves and living outside of their means in order to keep up with one another, people spend more than they make each month all the time. Create certain monthly budget categories, such as food, dining out, and entertainment.

6. Track Your Budget – It’s not enough to just make a budget. You need to make sure you stay within your spending allotment and adjust accordingly as your situation, expenses, or income changes. When you’re a young couple without a ton of income try to live with minimal credit card debt. Make sure you’re paying off your credit card payments each month or the interest will eat you alive and in a few years you will be so far behind you won’t be able to wrestle it to the ground.

7. Have Weekly Money Meetings – One thing that has really helped people stay on track is weekly money meetings. These meetings can be just a few minutes long. You pull up the accounts on your computer, take a look, talk through any weekly expenses and then pray about your finances. Giving them to the Lord, asking him if this the way he wants you using the financial resources he gave you. These meetings strengthen the communication in your marriage as well as your level of trust. Setting aside this time helps us to stop worrying about money because you know where you stand.

Hopefully these seven simple and somewhat obvious things can you help you as you plan financially as a couple whatever age and stage you are at in life.

*These are adapted from resources provided by Dave Ramsey, who is a great help in thinking about money from a Christian perspective.