“The Credit Crunch”, a phrase which is enough to put shivers up and down people’s spines. For many it means loss, the loss of a job, the loss of a car, the loss of a house, the loss of stability, for some the loss of a marriage. It doesn’t have to be that way; you can make your marriage richer even when money is tight!
Keep Communicating!
People deal with difficult situations in a variety of ways but sometimes when “cash flow” is the subject the atmosphere changes and silence reigns. For some couples Money is taboo and couples are afraid to sit down and discuss it. It is vital that you:
- talk
- talk in a “healthy” way
Be affectionate
Dealing with the stress of financial worries can really take its toll in the bedroom. Statistics show that in times of severe recession the population falls, which has more to do with the effects of stress than good family planning. Take time to be affectionate, hold hands, cuddle, even a hand on the shoulder shows your love and support that you both need now more than ever.
Avoid blame
Money is an emotive topic because when difficulties hit our reaction is to find someone to blame. “You spend too much”, “you made a bad decision”, “you don’t earn enough” isn’t healthy communication it is destructive.
Look at the facts
Don’t hide away from your financial position; take a long hard look at the facts together. Count everything, mortgage repayments, bills, credit cards, and incidentals so that you can get a realistic grasp on your financial condition. This is not the time to bury your head in the sand.
Budget
Tightening the belt requires sacrifice on both your parts; it also requires discipline and accountability. Resentment creeps into marriage when one spouse goes on spending the other makes all the sacrifices.
Be Honest
If you don’t know anything about each other’s finances then now is the time to be open and honest. This includes how much you earn and how much you spend. Many married couples live as “Married Singles”. Now is the time to pull together and come out of the credit crunch with a stronger relationship than before.
Come Clean
Debts are something you should face together. I once visited a friend; she showed me some new shoes she had bought. I admired them and asked if her husband liked them too. She told me her husband didn’t even know she had them because she kept them safely hidden in her wardrobe. If you are a “closet” spender it is time to come clean. Work through your problems together.
Offload Your Stress
Pray together “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
by Lainey Hitchman
