Ways of Enhancing Financial Health in a marriage.

There is a difference between giving each other’s space and grace in marriage, and withholding information that affects your partner. Whatever affects your partner should affect you, and vice versa. Marriage should be “one for all and all for one.” that's God's design. You should live together “as one.” It is troublesome in a marriage to have secrets. In keeping with the vow you made, strive to be as open and upfront with your spouse as it is possible. There should be no room made for secrecy and hiding.

1. Dont set yourself for disaster

Most of couples plan for very expensive wedding which sometimes goes beyond their income thus contributing to financial constraints. Well this should not mean that couples forgo wedding festivities, those with limited budgets should do something smaller or find other ways to make the wedding more affordable and save the big party for anniversaries when they’re in a better financial position.

2. Discuss Your Demons Its advisable that couple fully disclose their financial situation to each other before tying the knot regardless of how uncomfortable it may be. It is important to mention outstanding debts, loans, income sources, investments or other financial assets or obligations.

If you were married before and have responsibility of child support payments or expected to provide financial support to parents or siblings in the future, then it should be addressed as early as possible.

3. Use Cash not Credit Avoid loans whenever you can. There’s a reason so many people are in the lending business, because they make money, and lots of it.

4. Invest together as a couple Couples that invest together, stay together. Being on the same page about your goals for the future is a cornerstone in a solid marriage. However, there are various ways that a couple can work together to ensure that they channel their funds towards a common goal that will better both them and their families. Therefore, saving is a necessity and it should not be an option.

Regardless of how much you or your spouse is earning, saving part of your income, no matter what it is, is the first step towards family financial investment. While you save as a family, you will always have a common pool to fall back to in case something happens with your main source of income and at the same time taking care of the future. Before you start saving as a family, sit down and agree on how much you are going to contribute towards your savings

5. Understand your partner’s money mindset Birds of the same feather flock together So most people think that they will have a perfect partner because they both share some interests. Well, until it comes to personal finances, that is when they realize there is some difference. Mindset is just kind of a behavior or belief that one adopts and get used to but can be managed If and only if there are some basic understandings and conversations that take place between the couple.

6. Give each other some breathing room When doing a budget it’s advisable that couple set aside money for each other for their own personal use. Sometimes talking about each detail of your purchase can feel very restricting especially when you find yourself having to defend a purchase that your partner doesn’t endorse.

7. Call for reinforcements

If fights about money have hijacked your marriage and you’re coming close to separation, consider getting the help of a third party who can help you get back on track, mostly a financial planner.