Let's Pray!

Faith

"Our pastor said we should start praying together, but it feels so awkward. How do we get started?"

Many couples struggle with praying together, especially because it leaves you feeling so vulnerable and transparent. But isn't that exactly how you want to be with each other? So step out of your comfort zone and give it a try.

We suggest you start out simply by saying grace over meals together. Once you get past the anxiety of that, go to the Psalms and read one as a prayer, adding a few sentences of your own. Soon you'll be on your way to talking to God as one. Talking to God through prayer is a three-fold cord that's not easily broken!

Get in Touch With Your Funds—or Lack of Them!

Money

Can you tell me, right now, how much debt, how many assets, and how many bills you have? Often you can’t. Yeah, you’ve got a vague idea of where things stand, but often, it’s only a general feeling.
One way to keep yourself up-to-date is to do a monthly checkup—together as a couple. Set aside an evening and figure out where you are, exactly. Make it pleasant—a nice dessert and coffee, a candle burning, soft music playing—and get down to business.
Lay out all your bills, statements, records and anything else that will tell you what you owe and what you own. Then figure out how you can simplify this by organizing your paperwork, keeping it in one place and consolidating anything you can.
Cancel anything that’s unneeded. Do you have a landline that you rarely use? Do you really need all the bells and whistles on your cable—or do you really need cable at all? Be ruthless!
Last, get everything in order and write down a master list of all you owe, all you own, where it is—everything that affects your budget.
Now you’re monthly checkups will be quick and easy. Update your master list, discuss the changes or challenges, and adjust your master list and files accordingly. Congratulations! You’re in a small group of wise people who know what’s really going on with your money.