How to Move from Financial Stress to Financial Peace

A practical guide to developing a philosophy of money for marriage that applies to ownership, saving, giving, debt, and spending — and does not depend on winning the lottery.

Photo by Fabian Blank

A Major Presenting Problem

Of all the presenting problems that married couples bring with them to the counselor’s office, conflict over finances is near the top of the list.

• Should we buy a new car or purchase used?
• Should we pay cash or finance?
• How much should we give to the church and charity organizations?
• How much money should we save and put toward retirement?
• Is it okay to use a credit card for purchases? If so, how can we avoid the growing debt of interest on an unpaid balance?
• Should we use a bonus to pay down debt, remodel the kitchen, take a vacation, or buy a new set of golf clubs?

The scenarios are endless.

Whether the issue is spending, debt, giving, or saving, if a couple is not singing from the same page with how they approach money, there will be problems. Big problems.