When God said in Genesis 2:24, “They shall become one flesh,” He was not just talking about the physical sense. God created marriage as the highest, most honored, most intimate of all human relationships. As such, the husband-wife relationship takes precedence over all blood-kin ties.

Spiritual reflection
God almost always puts opposite personality types together in a marriage, not to frustrate them, but to allow the strengths of each spouse to balance the weaknesses of the other.

However, it is not easy to see beyond the differences and begin working toward common goals as a team.

In the New Testament, Jesus draws an interesting parallel between the way people handle money and the way they handle spiritual matters.

In fact, the way people handle money very well could be the best outside reflection of their true inner values. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). God uses money in the lives of any couple to draw them closer together.

In contrast, Satan wants to drive a wedge between a husband and wife. Why? In hopes that the resultant turmoil will drive them away from God.

Ours not mine
In a marriage, there is no “my money” and “your money” or “my debts” and “your debts.” There is only our money and our debts.

A couple cannot be one if they separate their lives by separating their finances.

God will bring a couple closer if, from the very beginning, they establish God's Word as their financial guide and then follow those principles.

A marriage is not a 50/50 relationship, as many people think. It is a 95/5 relationship on both sides.

Each must be willing to yield 95 percent of their rights to their spouses. If they are not willing to do that, it will not work.

No viable marriage can survive a "his or her" relationship for long, because it is totally contrary to God's plan.

Couples should avoid having separate financial anything, including checking accounts, because when they develop a his money/her money philosophy, it usually leads to a him-versus-her mentality.

Unwillingness to join all assets and bank accounts after marriage is perhaps a danger signal that unresolved trust issues could still be lingering or developing in the relationship.

Budgeting
Budgeting can be difficult, if not impossible, when spouses do not agree on basic money management principles. Therefore, they should make all budgeting decisions together.

They also need to agree to hold each other accountable for meeting their financial goals, and devise a plan for regular evaluation of how well they are succeeding.

The couple should come to an agreement on the amount of money that can be spent without first checking with each other. The specific amount will depend on the budget category and the couple's particular circumstances. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Bookkeeping
Practically speaking, only one person should keep the books.

Even though one person primarily handles balancing the checkbook, both should be fully trained and able to do it.

There is nothing wrong with the wife handling the finances in the family if she is the better administrator, but God still holds the husband accountable for the ultimate decisions.

When there is an impasse, the wife must yield to her husband and allow the Lord to work it out. As they work together, encouraging one another, God will show them His favor and grace.

Nevertheless, being responsible as the leader does not mean the husband is a dictator; the couple should discuss and agree on financial management.

Both spouses should be involved in paying the monthly bills. Doing so will keep both fully aware of their financial status.

January 18, 2005

Many people assume they aren't rich because they don't earn enough money. If I only earned a little more, I could save and invest better, they say.

The problem with that theory is they were probably making exactly the same argument before their last several raises. Becoming a millionaire has less to do with how much you make, it's how you treat money in your daily life.

Here are 10 possible reasons you aren't rich:
You care what your car looks like: A car is a means of transportation to get from one place to another, but many people don't view it that way. Instead, they consider it a reflection of themselves and spend money every two years or so to impress others instead of driving the car for its entire useful life and investing the money saved.

You feel entitlement: If you believe you deserve to live a certain lifestyle, have certain things and spend a certain amount before you have earned to live that way, you will have to borrow money. That large chunk of debt will keep you from building wealth.

You lack diversification: There is a reason one of the oldest pieces of financial advice is to not keep all your eggs in a single basket. Having a diversified investment portfolio makes it much less likely that wealth will suddenly disappear.

You started too late: The magic of compound interest works best over long periods of time. If you find you're always saying there will be time to save and invest in a couple more years, you'll wake up one day to find retirement is just around the corner and there is still nothing in your retirement account.

You don't do what you enjoy: While your job doesn't necessarily need to be your dream job, you need to enjoy it. If you choose a job you don't like just for the money, you'll likely spend all that extra cash trying to relieve the stress of doing work you hate.

You don't like to learn: You may have assumed that once you graduated from college, there was no need to study or learn. That attitude might be enough to get you your first job or keep you employed, but it will never make you rich. A willingness to learn to improve your career and finances are essential if you want to eventually become wealthy.

You buy things you don't use: Take a look around your house, in the closets, basement, attic and garage and see if there are a lot of things you haven't used in the past year. If there are, chances are that all those things you purchased were wasted money that could have been used to increase your net worth.

You don't understand value: You buy things for any number of reasons besides the value that the purchase brings to you. This is not limited to those who feel the need to buy the most expensive items, but can also apply to those who always purchase the cheapest goods. Rarely are either the best value, and it's only when you learn to purchase good value that you have money left over to invest for your future

Your house is too big: When you buy a house that is bigger than you can afford or need, you end up spending extra money on longer debt payments, increased taxes, higher upkeep and more things to fill it. Some people will try to argue that the increased value of the house makes it a good investment, but the truth is that unless you are willing to downgrade your living standards, which most people are not, it will never be a liquid asset or money that you can ever use and enjoy.

You fail to take advantage of opportunities: There has probably been more than one occasion where you heard about someone who has made it big and thought to yourself, "I could have thought of that." There are plenty of opportunities if you have the will and determination to keep your eyes open.


by Jeffrey StrainWednesday,
October 1, 2008 provided by thestreet.com
Copyrighted, TheStreet.Com. All rights reserved

Dave, which bozo should I vote for in this election? Who’s going to fix the economy? Who’s going to give me the most money?

Well, I’m here to remind you that you’re going to fix the economy because your personal economy is up to you. It's not Washington's job to fix what's going on with you. If you are waiting on Washington to change something, you've got a long wait!

You’re going to give yourself money as a result of your hard work and persistence. Waiting for money to be taken from others and given to you is a spirit of envy, and it's wrong.

I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. But I am here to tell you that the government doesn’t have the capacity to fix your problems. Washington is full of bozos, and I am doing my part to send a lot of them home!

This economic mess is a reality, but we can each only control one thing—our reactions. Does this stuff define you? Only if you let it. The weird thing about the economy is that YOU are the economy! I learned this the hard way. I got my real estate license when I was 18 years old. By the time I was 21, interest rates had risen to 17% fixed-rate … and I still sold houses. How? Because I worked hard.

As bad as USA Today meant a recent article to be about what we think of the suffering economy and upcoming election, I think it’s rather encouraging that no one thinks that President Bush or Barack Obama or John McCain can fix the economy!

This may be the beginning of the biggest level of prosperity this nation has ever known if we don’t look to a candidate to fix our lives. How about we say, "I’m going to vote for the candidate who’s going to fix the nation. I’m going to fix my life, so leave me alone and let me do my own thing."

Don't react based on fear or panic. Don’t look to Washington to fix your problems. Why would you do that? At what point did Bill Clinton fix any of your problems? At what point did he cause you to prosper? At what point did George Bush end your career or cause you to prosper? When did Ronald Reagan fix your problems? Guess what? I liked Reagan the most, and while he was in office, I hit rock bottom and filed bankruptcy—but it wasn’t Reagan’s fault. It was mine.

So when you go to the polls in a few days to cast your vote, don’t get caught up in following a political party or candidate without knowing the issues they support. Do your research so you can make educated decisions.


From: Dave Ramsey

I don't know anyone who doesn't like to eat. But how much more do we enjoy free food.

I have found a few restaurants that give you free food just for your email address. You sign-up to receive their email specials and they thank you with a free meal. You can unsubscribe your email at any time, but if you keep it active you'll get discounts and might get free meals on your birthday too.

Here are a few links to the free food:

Ryan's Buffet

Zaxby's Chicken

Captain D's

Famous Dave's BBQ

Baskin Robbins

Arby's

Tony Roma's

Firehouse Subs

Here are four easy ways to save money on your groceries:

1. Don't Go Often
The more you go the more you spend. Try to limit your trips to once a week or longer if possible. Plan ahead!

2. Use Coupons
Use coupons as much as you can. But be careful, companies use coupons to get you to buy things that you normally don’t. There are still places that will double the coupon values.

3. Price Match
This is where we save the most. We get the local sales ads from all the grocers in town and make a list of the best prices. Once we complete our list, we are off to Wal-Mart. They will match all competitors’ ads.

4. Go Without the Children
This idea just gives you more time and patience to find the best deals. When you children are with you, they encourage you to grab and go. Without them you have the time to get what you need and think through your purchases.

More often friends have been asking for advice on finances. Ideas on investments, ways to save while shopping, and even frugal family activities. I'm not sure why I'm the one most asked, but I love to share ideas.

I thought I would share a few ideas from time to time. Especially since I haven't really blogged in a long while.


My tip: Price Points

Price points is a term I learned in retailing, i think. I have a weird memory when it comes to numbers so this is easy for me. But I recommend writing down the items that you use the most. Maybe a top ten or more. The more you keep track of the more you save.

Once you get your list, keep track of the prices. Over several weeks prices always fluctuate in the grocery isle. Once you find the lowest price point then you stock up on the item.

I know this doesn't work with milk, eggs, or produce since they won't keep very long in the pantry. I do get joked about when the word is out that I just bought 25 cans of spaghetti sauce.

This price point method will save you hundreds in a years time.

We use this for meat (we freeze) and any dry good that can be stored.

I'll give you an example on how much you can save in a short time:

Frozen boneless chicken breast: Reg: 3lbs/6.97 PP:3lbs/4.99
Saves: $2 a bag We have 3-4 bags a time

Manwich (name brand) reg: $1 PP: .50
We bought 20 cans and saved $10

Spaghetti sauce (name brand) reg: .92 PP: .69
We bought 25 cans and saved 5.75

Canned veggies (off brand) Reg: .50 PP: .39
We by a mixture of 50 cans. Saves $5.50

These are a few examples to see what you can do. I hope this helps. I would love to hear ways that you save or you thoughts on this!

The Truth About Money and Relationships

Myth: My spouse and I shouldn't talk about money because it only leads to fights.

Truth: You can't have a great relationship until you can communicate and agree about money.

Larry Burkett, noted financial author, says, "Money is either the best or the worst area of communication in our marriages." After years as a financial counselor and working with marriage counselors, I know that money and money fights are the #1 cause of divorce, not to mention the thing we fight about the most.

So if you are married and have money fights, you are normal. But if this is a real problem area for you, there is also an opportunity to improve your relationship and maybe even reach agreement with your spouse. I'm not talking about agreement brought on by surrender, but rather by each person getting a vote, understanding the other's view, and finding common ground.

Let's face it - if we can agree on the checkbook, there would be nothing left to fight about except who gets the remote. But there is so much to fight about and so many opportunities to be misunderstood.

Men and Women are Different
When it comes to money, men tend to take more risks and don't save for emergencies. Men use money as a scorecard and can struggle with self-esteem when there are financial problems. Women tend to see money more as a security issue, so they will gravitate toward the rainy-day fund. Because of their need for security, ladies can have a level of fear - my wife, Sharon, calls it terror - when there are financial problems.

Men and women are different in how they view money, and it is largely because they process problems and opportunities from different vantage points. On top of the fact that men and women are different, opposites attract. So what does that mean?

It means that chances are, if you're married, one of you is good at working numbers (the nerd) and the other one isn't good at working numbers (the free spirit). That isn't the real problem. The problem is when the nerd neglects the input of the free spirit or when the free spirit avoids participating in the financial dealings altogether.

Marriage is a Partnership
Marriage is a partnership. The preacher said, "And now you are ONE." Both parties need to be involved in the finances. Separating the finances and splitting the bills is a bad idea. Listen up, nerds. Don't keep the finances all to yourself. Don't use your "power" to abuse the free spirit.

Free spirits, don't just nod your head and say, "Yeah, that looks great, honey." You have a vote in the budget committee meetings, too. Give feedback, criticism and encouragement. Work on the budget together!"

But what if my spouse won't get on board with me?" many of you wonder. It is tough, but with patience and kindness your spouse will eventually see the light (don't beat them over the head with the need for a budget, and please don't subject your spouse to a lecture of "Dave Says").

As you work on your finances together, you will begin to change your family tree. One of your main goals in your marriage should be to pass a legacy down to your children and grandchildren.

There is NO positive side to credit card use. You will spend more if you use credit cards. Even by paying the bills on time, you are not beating the system! But most families don't pay on time. The average family today carries $8,000 in credit card debt according to the American Bankers' Association.

Now let's talk about the rebates. If you were using a credit card at 5%, you would have had to have spent $80,000 to get $4,000 rebates on new cars that lost $6,000 of value when you drove them off the lot. That is not a good deal!

Cash vs. Credit Cards
When you pay cash, you can "feel" the money leaving you. This is not true with credit cards. Flipping a credit card up on a counter registers nothing emotionally. If you use credit cards instead of cash you will spend 12-18% more. This is money you could have saved.

If you "have to" use plastic, I suggest a debit card. I use them for travel and the occasional convenience of ordering something over the Internet or phone. Other than that, I use cash.

Personal finance is 80% behavior. You need to cut out habits that make you spend more. You do not build wealth with credit cards. Use common sense. When you play with a multi-billion dollar industry and you think you're going to win at their game, you are naive. You cannot beat the credit card companies.

Taken from daveramsey.com

The Most Important Principle
by Dave Ramsey

We have become very well known for teaching people how to get out of debt, save money, get on a budget, and even teaching them about insurance and investments. We are very thankful for the response we’ve had to these concepts, but there is another financial concept which is the hinge pin on which the door of successful personal finance swings.

I have only begun to realize the full significance of this concept during the last year or so. When you understand this concept, all the other concepts work. Until you implement it, none of them will work. When you stick this concept deep in your soul, it becomes easy to save money, even have money to invest.

Getting out of debt happens fast once you learn how to apply this concept in your life. Budgeting is made easier and your marriage or relationships regarding money are freed up and made smooth. This concept is the most important financial concept: contentment. That’s right, contentment.

Contentment brings peace. Not apathy. Not the deadhead fog of Prozac or Valium. Only contentment brings peace. We live in the most marketed-to society in the history of the world and the very essence of marketing is to disturb your peace. We say things to ourselves like, “I’ll be happy when I get that boat” or "I’ll be happy when I get that china cabinet” or “I’ll be happy when I get that house.”

Or, or, or, or!!! NOT TRUE. Happiness is sold to us as an event or a thing and our finances have suffered. Fun can be bought with money, but happiness cannot. We live among a bunch of people who are deeply in debt and have no money saved because their emotions were tricked.

Just like the drug addict, people have been conned into believing that happiness will come with the next purchase. So, Daddy works hundreds of overtime hours and Mommy works forty-plus hours (or more) a week, all in the name of STUFF.

You probably think I am writing about someone else, but I’m not. I am writing about you. I know because I suffer from the same disease, but I am recovering and so are many of you. The human spirit was not created to attain peace, contentment, or fulfillment by gathering more stuff.

You can get out of debt, save money and get on a budget; but until your intellect forces your emotions and your spirit to accept that STUFF does not equal CONTENTMENT, your finances will always feel stressed.

At our office we counsel every week with folks who are making $25,000 a year as well as folks making $250,000 per year. These people share a common problem, they all suffer from some level of “stuffitis,” the worship of stuff. Change your focus and change your life for the better.

This week Phoebe and I started Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University with a small group at church . We are excited about it, but also nervous to see what all we learn about ourselves. More pressure is on us since we are the ones that worked to get the class offered and I am leading the group.

We are blessed to have what we have, but I believe that we would be even more blessed if we managed what we have better.

I read Dave's book in December. He has a tough plan if followed. We hope to do better than what we currently are.

On average, out of all couples that attend his class save $2700 and pay $5300 in debts during the 13 week class period.

I'll keep posting our progress...

More news to pass on. Sonic is giving away free rootbeer floats. It all happens on June 7th from 8pm - Midnight.

Drive up, press the red button, and order your free float. There's no catch.

Can't beat that.

I'm known for my frugal ways and get asked for advice all the time. I thought I would share a few things I've discovered about shopping online.

PriceGrabber.com
A little over a year ago we were shopping for a camera. We found a Kodak we liked at Wal-Mart. I used Pricegrabber and saved $100 over Wal-Mart's low price. We received free shipping and no taxes.

PriceGrabber is a search tool that will search the web for you and find the best prices. You can also ener your Zip Code and it will include the shipping as well. We will try Pricegrabber for everything just to make sure there's not a better deal.

Half.com & Ebay
I have been using these two sites for years. I started with Half.com in 1998 selling books. You can find good deals and shipping isn't too bad. Ebay bought Half in 2003 and I started using Ebay more. Ebay is a great way to make extra cash. You can get some deals too but you have to be careful when it comes to shipping. Some sellers charge way too much for shipping.

Online Discounts
One things I have learned over the years is that everyone is always having a sale. Before I check out at any online site, I will search for a Discount Code. You can use any search engine, but I always stick with Yahoo and Google. Just last week we saved 10% by searching for a Target Discount Code. These codes are out there for many different places. Give it try.

Buy.com
When it comes to Computers and Electronics, I like Buy.com. They always have deals on software, memory, and accessories. I recommend that you sign up for their Best Deals Alert. They will send you an email once a week with their sales. I take advantage of their great prices and rebates. I buy a lot here and resale on Ebay.

Frugal Living Journal
I recently found this site. They have been sharing great information. You should check it out for great saving and financial ideas. I have added the link to my side bar for future linking.

I hope this will save you a little cash over time. I would love to get your feedback. Let me know if these help you or other saving tips that you have.

You know me, always looking for more ways to save. How about trying some of these! I came across these here.

Funny Ways to Save Money

- Unplug your clocks at night to save on electricity.

- Carry powdered drink mix and add it to water when eating out, to save on buying drinks.

- Eat dog food. (Dry dog food tastes much better than canned)

- Tell everyone you'll be out of town for Christmas, so you can shop the after-Christmas sales for presents.

- Ask your friends to save the labels for you off any new products they buy, so you can put them on your thrift-store purchases when you are buying gifts.

- Run around the house and close the heater vents in all the rooms except your bedroom before going to sleep.

- Encourage mice in the house by leaving crumbs around - so your cat will have a free food supply.

- Learn speed-reading and read books for free while in the aisle at the book store.

- Leave everything in the same place in your house, so you can easily get around at night without turning the lights on.

- Bring back rolls of coins from Canada, to use at the laundromat and in pop machines, saving you 20% or more, depending on the exchange rate.

If you're married, does Dave recommend having separate checking accounts?

No!