Dale and Susan's Blog
Dale & Susans's Blog
Keeping Up With the Joneses
Money
There’s a big trap out there, especially for newlyweds. It’s often not verbalized, but it’s screams at you through the media and through other people’s lives. It’s the trap of materialism.
Truth is, you don’t have to have it all, especially in the first years of marriage. There’s something very intimate about struggling and sacrificing for a common goal—whether it’s getting out of debt or saving for that new sofa. And there’s something very rewarding about self-control and avoiding the stress of going into debt for things. So what’s the secret? Just say no!
Debt Troubles
Money
He had nearly $25,000 in debt, and he hadn't told his bride-to-be! What's wrong with this picture? A LOT! This kind of deception is a disaster waiting to happen. This man is obviously embarrassed about his irresponsible debt, so much so that he's not being honest with the woman he's going to marry.
Be sure you're completely honest with your future mate, especially about something like money. Money does reflect a lot about who you are, and if you're irresponsible and dishonest, it'll show up now--or later--but it will show up. If you do have debt, discuss how you can get out of it as quickly as possible. You may need to talk with a counselor or financial planner, and that's OK. Just figure it out before you marry.
How to use Countdown for Couples
Other Topics
The easy-to-use format of Countdown for Couples takes a 3-fold approach. First, you look at what you think and believe about a topic. After all, if you don’t know what you think about, say, how you’re going to handle in-law interference or how many children you want and when or what you think about sex, then how can you talk about it with your future mate?After you’ve thought about your own beliefs about a subject, then it’s time to think about your fiancé and how he or she feels about that topic. Then you can talk about it together. But you’re not finished yet.
Before you think you’ve got it all figured out, you should take a look and see what God has to say. After all, He created marriage, and He created you and your fiancé. Knowing what He thinks about the topics you’re discussing. These three ways of looking at the topics that affect marriage, will help you prepare for the adventure in a well-rounded way.
Read more...
Page 7 of 14
