Money and marriage is hard. It’s one of the leading causes of arguments, frustrations and divorce for couples. More individuals are delaying, or forgoing, marriage altogether assuming that other living arrangements will enable them to thrive. But they are badly mistaken. The facts show that the greatest financial benefit is derived among couples committed to being faithful to each other in covenant marriage.
According to Crown Financial Ministries CEO, Chuck Bentley, “Marriage is not the cause of our financial problems; in fact, it is the very best solution to our financial problems.” With his wife, Ann, they declare, “It is time that money no longer be a leading cause for couples to be discouraged, divided or destroyed.”
Before you assume that just simply doesn’t apply to your marriage (“well if you KNEW my husband or wife….”), Chuck and Ann have been where you are. For 21 of the 38 years they have been married, they weren’t on the same page about money. They experienced the fear, stress, pain and frustration that you are likely experiencing as well. And over the last seventeen years, they have been committed to helping and counseling other couples in the same position they found themselves. They decided to write a book in hopes of bringing relational and financial healing to married couples. It’s written from their own experiences – both the failures and the victories.
Money Problems, Marriage Solutions comes at a time when our culture needs it the most. Chuck and Ann outline 7 keys: Peacemaker, Prosperity, Purpose, Philosophy, Personality, Plan, and Process to help you align your hearts and finances.
The key is to not treat the symptoms of the problems – simply cutting up your credit cards, building a budget or trying to save an unrealistic amount of your income may not unite your hearts. Those things can be good, but are useless unless the root issues are addressed. When your heart is joined with your spouse, your unity will create new solutions to old problems. Why? Because you can now work together to align your finances. You stop attacking each other. And instead attack the financial challenges together. Arm-in-arm, side-by-side, each using your unique talents to make a financial plan and enjoy the full benefits of two being better than one – just as God intended.
Their advice is not unrealistic nor unattainable. It’s biblical, practical, and encouraging. It comes from their own experiences and lessons they’ve had to learn in their own lives. They explain how to compliment one another’s strengths and weaknesses, instead of condemning them; how to see money as a hidden opportunity to thrive in marriage; and how to get on the same page in the way you view money. Not only will this book bless your marriage, but your finances as well.
According to Chuck and Ann, “Our desire is to help you flourish financially and, more importantly, to rediscover your love for one another so that you can work together in unity.”