Money Talk Matters

Posts Tagged ‘Fireproof’

What a fun-filled family day we had yesterday. Once I did my work on the computer early in the AM, I never saw my computer again until this morning. Mind you as tired as I was last night, I somehow (okay let’s face it my mind races), there I was at 3am coming down to my office. I got on the computer and was checking emails.

I had received a message on LinkedIn regarding Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ from a local mortgage lender. I imagine they saw the write-up about the book in the Denver Business Journal. That was pretty cool. Then I began thinking about what would we do later today.. I had some ideas in mind yet I wanted to see first if hubby had some ideas.

Even though I worked a couple of hours really early, at 5am I was heading back to bed. The sleep “spirit” had come back on really strong. Fast forward to 10:30am.. what would we do today. I shared how I had a bag of stuff for one of the places we donate clothes and toys too. We told the twins to go through their toys and see what they no longer wanted. They have always been really good at donating the toys they don’t want anymore. I have found if they choose the toys it is either for them to part with them.

We briefly discussed what we would have breakfast. Of course our children wanted French Toast sticks from Jack in the Box. I already knew that was coming.. hubby has them spoiled like that on the weekend. They know more than likely on Saturday or Sunday, they will get either Jack in the Box or McDonald’s pancakes. Not both days – but one day.

While they were out working on their toys, hubby and I talked about a vacation. Would we take a vacation this year.. mind you we hadn’t taken one in a couple of years. Several months ago, I shared how I wanted the family to take a vacation this year. We briefly discussed taking a vacation, whether to drive or fly, where we would go and length of time.

Once he was ready to go and pick up breakfast, I told him I would work on laundry, writing posts and get my homeschool package ready to go in the mail.

Speaking of mail… what would you do if you received an IRS notificiation in the mail? Would you immediately think doom and gloom? Would you be afraid to open it? How would you handle this. Be sure to stay tuned as Eric and I reveal lessons regarding the IRS…

As far as I know the only other expense that will occur today is hubby will be making the Costco run – estimation of $30.00. Total for today $39.00 plus the $104 from yesterday… $143.00 see and we are getting close to that $150 – do I know my husband or what. Whether you are the money manager or not, it is key to get to know your spouse, their spending habits, their goals for finances as well as the family. It makes money and marriage communication and lifestyle a lot easier.

Money and Marriage Lessons for Today:

1) Be honest with yourselves about your spending habits and your desires. There will be times when you just want something instead of needing it.

2) Do not forsake taking a vacation even if it is a staycation. A time of renewal is always good. Once again this would be a lesson for planned spending.

3) Whether you spend all the money in one day or three days, when you plan your money it is always to your advantage. STICK to your goals and they will be accomplished.

Money and Marriage Encouragement for Today: My husband and I are a team and are working together in order to create the life we LIVE for us and our children. (Notice I didn’t say we want to live — we are ATTAINING it NOW not in the FUTURE!)

The first movie that I want to talk about is Fireproof. Understand this is my opinion as a money and marriage advocate and personal finances educator. Fireproof was a good movie overall. From the money and marriage aspect – clearly they were not on the same page regarding finances in the marriage. He had “his money” and she had “her money”. The husband had drawn those lines in the very beginning of the movie. I would’ve like them to show more detail on why he had drawn those lines. Reason: there are couples that deal with that and don’t understand because they are driven by their emotion.

When you have His Money and Her Money in a marriage, those lines are not drawn without reason. This could help couples understand each other’s motivation for some of the choices that they make.

There came a point in the movie where he did use “His Money” for a need that was important to her. Although she thought someone else did it until she did some background checking. Then she was convicted herself about her own thoughts.

Overall: It is a good movie. That was my take on the money and marriage side.

Recommendation: When you have His Money and Her Money, establish clear reasons upfront the reason it needs to be this way. Otherwise the separation of money can lead to separation in other areas of marriage and open the door for lack of trust in many areas. Know why you are choosing separate funds. All choices have consequences good, bad or indifferent. Do not make any decision lightly.