Creating a Gospel-Centered Marriage: Finances - Part 4

It is the rare (but wise) couple who begins planning (budgeting) before they begin doing (spending). From the moment he asks, “Will you marry me?” there are more expenses than there are funds available. Most couples have accumulated debt even before they start planning their wedding, honeymoon, and life together.

The result is that most couples have debt to eliminate (chapter four) before they can move toward short-term and long term saving (chapter five). The absence of a financial plan generated a false freedom facilitated by debt. Hence, we tend to associate the elimination of debt more with the loss of freedom. But this perceived freedom was (a) never really ours and is (b) actually a delayed bondage.

In this chapter we will seek to answer the question, “How can we live debt free?” in two ways. First, we will look at the best way to get out of debt. In this section we will talk about the priorities and steps necessary to pay off your debt. Paying off debt is hard and without a plan that is well-structured and that you are confidant in, you are likely to quit.

Second, we will look at ways to live more economically in order to accelerate debt elimination. But the focus of this section will not be mere frugality. The recommendations will focus on family practices that cultivate a healthy marriage / family life. Most of what we did to get into debt did not significantly benefit our marriage. But the things that we do to get out of debt can generate both financial freedom and a lifestyle that enriches your marriage.

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