Posts

Showing posts with the label Spending Plan

From Avoidance to Action: How to Build a Budget that Works

Image
  I ask a simple question, but the response is often the same: "Do you have a budget?" "A what?" "Do you have a spending plan so you know where your money is going?" "Ummm... no." "How do you keep track of your money?" "We don't." That feeling of dread, of wanting to keep your head in the sand—I can understand it. It feels easier to just worry about money when a bill collector is calling. But they will call, and sometimes they will even take a piece of your income. Working in Human Resources and Payroll, I saw it happen on a regular basis. I would call an employee to let them know a garnishment had come in, and the common response was, "What do you mean? I was never informed about it," or, "Which company is garnishing now?" Not tracking your money and not paying your bills will only lead to more problems. In my own family, there were periods when our income didn't cover our expenses. We didn't b...

Beyond the Budget: Getting on the Same Page for Money Conversations in Marriage

Image
Marriage intertwines lives in countless ways – emotionally, physically, and certainly financially. This past Friday, I had a vivid reminder of just how deeply connected these threads become. It started like many Fridays, with a Bible study at a local coffee shop, but soon my day was delightfully hijacked. My wife, stepping in as a wedding ceremony planner for dear friends, had a full agenda for me. I got to help by setting out the chairs (which I believe is a spiritual gift of mine!), assisting with backdrops, perfecting table settings, and even battling the wind to keep decorations from flying away. Later, I carefully picked up and displayed cupcakes, ensuring they were picture-perfect for the cutting and easily accessible for all hands, big and small. The wedding party walked down the aisle, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, and countless pictures captured their joy. The DJ spun tunes, coaxing brave souls onto the dance floor – though my own epic moves remained safely in my mind! ...