Dear Dr. Buckingham, I read your article about how to hold on when your spouse is financially unstable. I have a question. How do you hold on when your spouse is financially unstable for 10 years? I understand that marriage vows state for better or for worse and the Bible states that love is patient and long suffering, but how long is "long suffering"? We have a … [Read more...]
How Do You Hold on When Your Spouse is Financially Unstable?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I've been married for two years going on three years in September. We met at a church revival. We started dating on April 25, 2012, and got engaged on August 16, 2012. We got married on September 28, 2012. Just giving you a timeline. As I look over my life, I think back to high school. When they ask you, where do you see yourself after high school? I … [Read more...]
Money & Marriage: How to Get on the Same Page Financially
Money. Moola. Cash. Cheddar. Whatever you call it, money is serious business and a hot topic for lots of couples. A 2013 study found that, disagreements about money are one of the leading causes of divorce. The study also found that it takes a couple longer to recover from a fight about finances than any other fight. So how do you safeguard your relationship against money … [Read more...]
Does It Take A Lot of Money to Be Married?
I was recently asked this question by a young adult. Does it take a lot of money to be married is a good question. The person did not ask does it take a lot of money to “get” married, that’s an easy question to answer. No, the question asked was much harder. Does it take a lot of money to be married – that is a tough one because “a lot” of money is very relative, there are also … [Read more...]
Couples: 4 Super Practical Tips to Give Your Monthly Budget a Boost
Getting into shape financially is no different than getting into shape physically. They both require hard work, discipline and a plan. The first step in that plan is to create a budget. Establishing a budget doesn't have to be a chore or drudgery. Instead, it can be a great opportunity to work together with your spouse to create a budget that is effective, creative and meets … [Read more...]
My Husband Lost His Job! 9 Ways That We Are Dealing with A Layoff
My husband learned earlier this year that he would be without a job by the end of the summer. It was definitely a shock for us, but we are taking it in stride. I have noticed that we each play a key role in handling the layoff. In addition to our respectful roles, I see that as partners, we both are doing things to safeguard our marriage through this uncertain (and kinda … [Read more...]