Finance Roll

Approximately three weeks ago I talked to a lady who did not have money to buy food. She was not a street person, or someone who wasted her life. She was an educated person who worked hard. But through no fault of her own she faced a difficult financial situation. Perhaps you have noticed this is becoming more and more a reality in our present economic situation.

As you would expect financial problems can place great stress on a marriage. When a couple goes through a financial storm there is a tendency to blame one another. When this happens like a hurricane tearing apart a boat a financial storm can destroy your marriage.

But I have good news for you. You can go through a financial storm, and come out on the other side with a stronger marriage. Let me share with you three things you can do to make a stronger marriage during a financial storm. These three steps are not always easy to put into action. But it can be done.

First, make an honest assessment of your finances.

It is so easy to become angry during a financial storm. It is easy to point the gun of anger at your spouse, and pull the trigger. "If you would have searched for a better job then we would not be in this mess. If you would have not used our savings to go on your hunting trip then our situation would be a lot better."

The important thing is not to blame each other, but to make an honest assessment of your financial situation. Look carefully to determine if there are areas in which you have been over spending. If you are over spending in an area then take responsibility for your actions. Don't blame your spouse for the things they cannot control.

Recently a man in my church lost his job. It was not his fault. He was a hard worker, and an excellent manager. It was simply the economy. It would be a terrible thing for him and his wife to start blaming one another. During a financial storm. You and your spouse need to support one another rather than destroy one another.

Second, determine what you can cut back on.

Now this is the mistake most people make. When they find themselves in a financial storm they keep trying to live at the same economic level. They do this by going into debt. They then find themselves in a worst condition. And when this happens they experience a greater level of stress.

The key is to make changes in your budget as quickly as possible. You don't know how long you will be in a financial storm. The sooner you make the changes in your budget the sooner you can preserve your money. I am not saying do away with everything fun in your life. But together as a couple make a strong assessment what you can reduce or take out of your budget.

I have friend who is now going through a financial storm. He loves to read. But when he saw the storm coming he cut back immediately on buying books. He bought one book per month. When the storm got worse he cut back to one book per quarter. He also cut back on his visits to Starbucks.

Third, learn how to raise extra cash.

Now this might surprise you. There may be money in your house. No, I am not talking about taking out a second mortgage. But most people have things they are no longer using in their closet, basement, shed, or barn. You can sell those things and make money.

Where do you sell these things? I am glad you asked. Let me give you a short list.- eBay, yard sells, Greg's list, and flee markets. What you do not sell you can then give away to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. And what you give away you can ask for a receipt and take a tax deduction.

I know a family that has gone through a financial storm. During the summer the whole family works together by staging several yard sells. They make around $200 on a Saturday between 8 am to 2 pm. That may not sound like a lot of money. But when you are struggling to pay your bills, $200 a month can make a big difference.

Conclusion

The most important thing is to draw close to Jesus through personal Bible reading and prayer. And do not neglect listening to the preaching of God's Word on Sunday morning. If you are both growing strong in Christ Jesus then you can help each other stay strong.

But there's something else you can do to help your spouse. You can help each other by talking gently, openly, and honestly with one another about your finances. You can help each other by letting each other know this important fact. No matter how rough the sea may get you will be there for your spouse.

Within time the storm will disappear. The clouds will roll away. Once again the sun will appear. And you will discover that your marriage is stronger rather than weaker. By God's grace and help the storm will not destroy your marriage. It will only made your marriage stronger.