by Norma L. Jarrett

“I’m married to a serial entrepreneur.” There, I said it.  I’m no unconventional slouch myself.  In my last year of law school I had the nerve to find my purpose.  I wrote my first novel Sunday Brunch and I never looked back.  My husband and I are both visionaries, which can be dangerous!

An author’s inspiration is never far, so in light of a challenging economy and my husband’s recent start up venture, love and money became a relatable hot topic.  I quickly learned the difference between theory and practical application concerning marriage and finance! Fortunately we weathered the season with lots of prayer, patience and sacrifice; that three fold cord (wife, husband and God) got tied extra tight!

Keenly aware God (the muse) wastes nothing; our season of “Love on a Budget” sparked my creativity.  The “No romance without finance” vs. “My love don’t cost a thing,” juxtapositions prodded my pen.  Somewhere between fact and fiction I was able to solidify a few principles concerning couples and Love on a budget:

• Flexibility is key! Wisdom calls for a plan.  However, those “life interrupted” moments require a little (or lots) of wiggle room. Resiliency is a couple’s best friend!
• Men are strong, but need our support more than we realize.  Whether in a serious relationship or marriage, they look to us for sage advice and a shoulder to lean on. Our words and actions can make or break them.
• If dating, be open.  Look beyond surface.  Outside the suit, car and his current situation (job); check out his character, work ethic and integrity. Who is he without the window dressing? What’s underneath?
• Know what and how much to share with friends and family.  Nothing wrong with a sounding board, but too much “sharing” may cause more harm than good. Just like bread, there’re always two sides to every story!
• Understand a huge part of a man’s self-esteem is tied to his ability to make a living. As wives we need to “handle with care” if our mate faces a season of testing in this area.
• Communicate. Sometimes it means finding the right time and manner but the ability to share feelings, concerns or offer solutions is essential!

 We are always better after a test, if we get the lesson.

During my personal journey, I’ve learned what it means to really trust, be a partner and love unconditionally.  I have a great husband who works extremely hard; cooks like a chef, brings me flowers and isn’t bad to look at.  Our teamwork makes the dreams work. Most importantly I’ve learned our love is not perfect but priceless and what we build together is blessed.

Norma L. Jarrett is the author of Love on a Budget, Sunday Brunch, Sunday Brunch Diaries, Sweet Magnolia and others. Her work has been featured in Essence, Ebony, Upscale, USA Today, Southern Living and other media. Tweet her at @jarrettwrites7 and Visit her at www.normajarrett.net