8 Important Money Decisions For Every Couple

Every marriage has conflict. And many of those conflicts are related to finances. Russ Crosson, president and CEO of Ronald Blue & Co., shows readers how to avoid the potentially disastrous landmine of financial turmoil. Through these pages, Russ assists readers to think correctly about marriage and about money, rather than default to the way the world sees these areas of life. He covers specific areas of money management where financial conflicts usually occur: Men who work too much Why wives work The problem of debt Making sound investments Giving wisely Understanding insurance To avoid pitfalls, Russ offers a game plan couples can use to achieve harmony in their marriage, no matter what their financial situation.

Praise for CONSCIOUS SPENDING FOR COUPLES "Deborah Knuckey's book should be included in every couple's wedding registry. Conscious Spending for Couples will help newlyweds, couples, and families to understand what is needed to be on top of their financial game plan, and gives easy, creative, and hands-on advice on how to work as a team to achieve financial success. She does an excellent job of showing why money is such a point of contention for many couples, yet provides plenty of anecdotes and solutions to help every couple find their financial bliss." -Don M. Blandin, President, American Savings Education Council (www.ASEC.org), creators of the Choose to Save program (www.ChooseToSave.org) "Deborah Knuckey's book helps couples deal with money in an emotionally intelligent way. She links critical communication skills with good money management in an inspiring, easy-to-read guide." -John Gray, PhD Author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus "Conscious Spending for Couples is a must-read for couples who want to make their money work for them. This book shows readers how to use simple money management concepts to improve their financial well-being. In addition to financial advice, Conscious Spending for Couples addresses the emotional money issues that often keep couples from reaching their financial goals and enjoying their relationship." -Kelvin Boston, host of PBS's Moneywise and author of Smart Money Moves for African Americans "Conscious Spending for Couples is a must-read for those pondering marriage, newlyweds who've already taken the plunge, and old fogies already sitting on the porch in rocking chairs. A powerful underlying message of Deborah Knuckey's book is that respect between two people is necessary to have a functional relationship around money. She leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from why it's important for couples to stay debt-free to how NOT to argue about money." -Juliette Fairley, author of Cash in the City: Affording Manolos, Martinis, and Manicures on a Working Girl's Salary

Middle-class couples are working harder than ever. So why are they finding it more difficult to finance their homes, send their kids to college, and save toward retirement? Couples who are strapped for time and weighed down by costly fixed expenses need more than a personal finance pep talk: They need a plan. In The Big Payoff, CNBC correspondent Sharon Epperson lays out a nuts-and-bolts program that couples of all ages can use to realize their financial dreams. From stretching your budget and investing wisely in your home to protecting your family's money and building wealth over the years, The Big Payoff offers a concise bounty of precious information and practical steps toward financial wellness. Epperson begins by showing couples how to communicate better about money. She helps them realize that the same qualities needed to create a lasting relationship—understanding, compromise, and patience—are vital when it comes to building a secure financial future. Every important decision couples make, whether it's buying a home, having kids, changing jobs, or preparing for retirement, will inevitably involve a discussion about money, and Epperson teaches them how to handle finances with a cool hand while keeping the marriage vibrant and healthy. In addition, she empowers couples to take money matters into their own hands and shows them that by taking control of their finances, they can stop fretting about cash and start focusing on the important things in life. Each of the following chapters is designed to get partners talking and thinking about their financial life together. In eight easy-to-understand steps, Epperson unpacks the various options for saving money; creating emergency, retirement, and college savings plans; investing in a home; choosing the right life and health insurance; and drafting an estate plan. A wife and mother of two herself, Epperson knows a thing or two about the pitfalls of financial planning and doses her advice with plenty of humorous anecdotes, hard-earned experience, and down-to-earth language. Additionally, through helpful worksheets and exercises, The Big Payoff helps readers customize a plan that will work best for them and reap the most payback. It's never too late or too early to start, and now is the best time to start planning. Whether you are newlyweds or fast-approaching retirement, just starting a family or soon to be empty-nesters, this book is for you. After working hard to provide for your family, the reward of discovering your financial strength will be the peace of mind to enjoy your marriage, your family, and the rest of your lives together.

Money matters are some of the most difficult areas for spouses to approach in an open and honest way. They are also some of the leading causes of breakups and divorces. This innovative, life-changing book will forever improve readers’ relationship as a couple by teaching them budgeting and money-management techniques that will last a lifetime. Whether readers have been together for many years, a few years or are just starting out, this book will show them how to permanently resolve all their money issues. Its unique approach does not offer a quick fix, but, rather, an evolutionary process that will teach readers how to make their money life work in a way that fosters a strong, committed, lifelong partnership. Readers will learn how to work together in a financial partnership focused on budget and cash flow. Even as their life as a couple changes and the numbers in their budget fluctuate, readers will be able to effectively employ the methods, strategies and skills they learn in this book for a lifetime. This book identifies the three communication responses couples use that do not work to create a long-term financial partnership, the four cornerstones of a healthy money partnership, the two absolute rules of budgeting, the three negative consequences that result from living without defined couple goals and what your mutual values are. It provides a step-by-step structure for developing a workable budget that both members of the couple are committed to emotionally and intellectually. In addition, readers will find this book readily accessible and easy to read. It presents case studies from the author’s consultation practice, along with examples and step-by-step practical instructions that all readers will be able to use in their day-to-day life as a couple. The case studies will encourage readers and help them see that they are not alone; the concise, easy-to-use information will show them why thousands of couples have benefited--and continue to benefit--from the author’s unique approach to money management for couples.

Over 90 percent of couples experience some level of tension around money. In fact, money issues are the number one stressor in relationships. So many books try to fix the surface problems, such as how to budget and what to prioritize when it comes to finances, but the issues go much deeper than just a simple spreadsheet. How do men and women view money differently? What do most couples fight about? How can they get on the same page? What questions should men/women ask their significant others before marriage? There are emotional and spiritual components to finances that most couples ignore. How can you agree on a budget if you disagree with each other on the basic purpose of money? Thriving in Love and Money is based on original research Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have conducted to get to the heart of these issues. And just as they did with their bestselling books For Women Only and For Men Only, they will use this research to provide the answers and insights you need to break the tension and provide the unity you're looking for. Let this book deepen your understanding of each other, leading to clear communication, peace as a couple, and better financial decision-making. Also available: video curriculum and workbook.

What makes a good leader? Author and CEO of Ron Blue & Co, Russ Crosson knows—and he learned the hard way: “It’s doubtful that anyone can lead effectively until they’ve been humbled or hurt deeply.” The result of Russ’s humbling experience has taught him that leadership success isn’t about the leader at all. It’s about the mission of the organization, church, business, or even family where the leader serves. It’s about who will replace you when you’re gone. If you’re interested in the true bottom line on leadership success, here is a concise but on-target look at what true leadership is like. Russ emphasizes the need for leaders to think about the legacy of their leadership. There are many books that are “leadership how-tos” or “what to do” books. Here is something different: a why- to book that will help you succeed in more important ways than you ever imagined.

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money. Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it. With The 5 Money PersonalitiesTM DVD-Based Study, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all. Features include: 12 sessions of interactive reflection and study Valuable discussion questions for couples and small groups Intended for use with The 5 Money Personalities DVD-Based Study (9781401678166).

"The financial decisions we make in our lives are sometimes not the easiest to discuss but have long-lasting effects. [Opdyke's advice] has opened the door in my relationship to conversations that were a long time coming." -Josh, regular reader of Opdyke's "Love & Money" column, Florida Real answers to real questions about money and relationships: * I have too much debt and my credit isn't very good. How can I fix my financial problems? And how do I break the news to my boyfriend? * How do I teach my kids the value of money, when my parents shower them with expensive gifts? * My wife makes more money than I do, does that give her a greater voice in our financial decisions? Are we still equal? * How much should I give my child in allowance? And will it really help him learn the value of a dollar? * We want to have our first baby, but we don't know if we can afford it yet. How much money do we really need to have in the bank? If you're like most people, you're struggling with questions like these. Whether we like it or not, money makes a big difference in the choices we make and the lives we lead. Unresolved questions about money can put unwanted stress on even the healthiest relationships-between spouses, between parents and children, and even between friends. In Love & Money, columnist Jeff Opdyke offers practical personal finance advice, as well as strategies for dealing with touchy financial topics-so that money doesn't end up costing you something even more valuable.