Organizing Spending: Step Two to Fixing Family Financial Problems

Tracking all spending every day for a month is critical for getting on grasp on where your money is going.  [See previous article.]  This information will eventually lead to making the best spending decisions in order to maximize your monthly surplus, reduce or eliminate debt, and begin saving for your future.  Since financial problems are a leading cause of marital conflict, these steps will also lead to a happier and healthier marriage.

Methods of Dealing with Conflict

Any time two or more people live or work in close proximity of each other there will be disagreements and conflict. Your marriage is no exception. This is an inevitable fact of life because human beings are imperfect. Furthermore, we are all imperfect in different ways. We all have beliefs, ideas, feelings, expectations and ideals that will be different from – and sometimes at odds with – those of others. These differences, however, are not the problem. It is the manner in which we perceive and deal with differences that creates problems.

Do Christians Divorce at the Same Rate as Others?

You may have heard that about half of all American marriages today end in divorce.  You may have also heard that Christians divorce at the same rate as secular couples.  Are these statistics accurate?  Are Christians really just as susceptible to divorce as the rest of the population?

Tracking Spending: Step One to Fixing Family Financial Problems

Although few will admit it most people who do not follow a budget have a poor grasp on their spending habits.  They have very little insight into the reality of their spending patterns and, therefore, needlessly waste a lot of money.  Even people who are reasonably responsible with their purchases are often surprised to discover areas in which they are overspending when they take a closer look.

Facebook Infidelity

Most people who first begin to use Facebook or other social networks find it fun and exciting to reconnect with people from their past. Long-lost friends and acquaintances such as former classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and others are amazingly easy to find literally just a few clicks away. Indeed, the popularity of Facebook is a tribute to the ease with which these types of social connections can be made – and the inexplicable satisfaction that they can bring.

First Steps to Fixing Family Financial Problems

Financial struggles are a common source of marital problems. When not addressed such problems can lead to continual conflict and even divorce. Couples must break the silence and decide to confront their financial struggles together.  [See previous article.]

Once this important decision has been made the goal for every couple should be to establish a family budget and follow it consistently in order to improve their financial situation.  For some reason the word "budget" is a turn off to many.  They envision having the freedom to spend their money the way they like being revoked.  Nothing could be further from the truth!

Love Demystified

Have you ever tried to answer the question "what is love?"  The concept itself is not necessarily easy to describe and define.  For many, one of the most puzzling and, at times, frustrating aspects of relationships is attempting to make sense of the labyrinthine experience that we call "love".

Keeping Your Marriage Strong in a Weak Economy

It is certainly no secret that money problems are among the top challenges that married couples face when it comes to developing and sustaining a healthy relationship. In tough economic times the potential for marital conflict over financial issues can be greater than usual. Even among those fortunate enough to remain employed throughout periods of economic crisis, many have experienced financial difficulties due to reduced hours, lower pay, cuts in benefits, removal of bonuses or incentives, climbing insurance rates, increased expenses in other areas, and a variety of other issues. Times are tough!

Learning to be Content in Your Marriage

Marital contentment is a virtue that is far too rare.  [See previous article.]  Certainly it is much easier to indulge in self pity and regret than it is to develop mental and emotional satisfaction in one's relationship.  When considering this topic the common question that arises is "how can I become content in my marriage?"

Contentment in Marriage

Usually when we consider the topic of contentment, we think of money and materialism.  However, the concept extends to many other areas of life, including marriage.  While most Bible references on contentment deal with the topic of wealth and possessions the same principles certainly apply to our attitude about life circumstances in general (i.e. Mat. 6:24-33, Phil. 4:11-13, 1 Tim. 6:5-11, Heb. 13:5-6).  Marriage is among the most important areas in which we must reflect this principle.

Protecting Your Marriage in the Age of Social Media

Facebook and similar online networks can be harmless and fun when utilized appropriately.  But, social network participation can be potentially problematic for marriages. [See related article.] Couples should be proactive about protecting themselves and their marriages from possible social network pitfalls.  Here are some practical tips to consider...

Does Social Networking Cause Marriage Problems?

Does social networking cause marriage problems?  The answer may depend on who you ask.  It is undeniable that potential exists for inappropriate interpersonal behavior on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and others.  But is social networking the cause/root of the problem?  Or is it just the latest technology that people have abused in order to misbehave?

The Power of Compound Interest in Marriage

It has often been said that marriage is "hard work".  "It doesn't come easy," some will tell you, "you really have to labor at it!"  While there is certainly some veracity to such statements, this mindset perpetuates off-putting, negative imagery of grueling toil and hardship.  It's no wonder so many marriages fail.  Not many people gladly embrace "hard work".