Hello darling,

Welcome back to the blog! Grab your favourite warm drink (I’m currently sipping on a warm vanilla tea—because who doesn’t need a bit of calm in their life, right?), get comfy, and let’s have a proper talk about something that, while a bit awkward, is so crucial for our relationships: finances. Now, I know, that money talk can be a bit like a maze—tricky, uncomfortable, and full of potential dead ends. Whether it’s because we’ve been taught to keep it private or simply because it feels a bit personal, the whole subject of money tends to get swept under the rug. But here’s the deal—if we keep avoiding these chats, we might be setting ourselves up for bigger problems down the line. And believe me, no one wants that!

So, why are we even talking about this today? Because, as Christians, we’re called to be transparent in all things, including finances. Galatians 6:2 reminds us: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” This verse really got me thinking—if we’re meant to help each other through thick and thin, how are we going to do that if we don’t even know what the other person is struggling with, financially or otherwise? Being transparent about our money doesn’t just build trust—it helps us share each other’s burdens, and that’s what a relationship is all about.

I’m not going to lie, the first conversation about money might feel a bit like pulling teeth (trust me, I’ve been there!), but once you start talking, you might actually feel a weight lift off your shoulders. Let’s break the silence around finances, shall we? Because transparency in relationships isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s foundational for building trust and a strong, peaceful future together. So, get ready, because we’re diving into why these conversations matter, and how they can truly strengthen your relationship.

Transparency Is Key

Alright, let’s have a proper natter, shall we? Now, I get it—there’s this age-old idea that men should bear the financial weight of the household. Back in the day, that might have worked (before we all had mobile phones stuck to our hands like an extra limb, right?). But let’s be real, in modern relationships, even if one person is taking the lead on the finances, there still needs to be transparency. No one can truly plan for the future if they’re kept in the dark about where the finances are at.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with one partner carrying the financial load if they can handle it. If he’s the one managing it all, and things are ticking along, that’s fine. But—and here’s the big thing—transparency is still key. It’s important to have open conversations so that if things start to get a bit tight, everyone’s on the same page. You might find that if finances start to slip, the woman can step in—maybe with a part-time job or a short-term contract to lighten the load for a bit. It’s all about planning together for the future, not just letting things spiral. And let’s be honest, there’s no harm in a bit of flexibility when it comes to supporting each other.

The Bible does give us a gentle nudge here, too. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” And I think this applies to all areas of life—not just the obvious ones, but also finances. If one partner is secretly struggling with money and the other doesn’t know about it, that’s not really “carrying each other’s burdens,” is it? Being open and transparent about finances allows both partners to share the load. And when you can do that, you’re not only strengthening your relationship but building a better future together.

At the end of the day, it’s about being a good steward of what you have—and making sure you’re both in the know, ready to make decisions together. That way, whether you’re celebrating a promotion or having to tighten your budget, you’ll be in it together, and no one’s left feeling blindsided.

Breaking the Silence on Finances: Let’s Talk Money, Darling!

Now, let’s get down to it, money talk. For some of us, growing up, finances were as hush-hush as your mum’s secret stash of Quality Street at Christmas. It was just simpler if one person handled everything—less hassle, fewer questions. But if we take that same “I’ll deal with it myself” mentality into our relationships, well, we might just be asking for a bit of a financial disaster, darling. Keeping money issues secret—especially in a marriage—is a recipe for disaster, and not the fun kind where you end up with a cheeky bottle of Prosecco. No, this kind of disaster can create mistrust quicker than you can say, “What do you mean you’ve spent the savings on a new car?!”

Ephesians 4:25 really hit the nail on the head when it says, “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” And let’s not forget, in a relationship, your partner is basically your closest “neighbour.” So if you’re hiding money struggles from them, how can you ever expect to build a solid foundation of trust? It’s a bit like trying to build a house on quicksand—no matter how pretty the wallpaper is, it’s all going to come crashing down sooner or later.

Think about it: if you’re keeping quiet about a credit card bill that’s starting to look like an unwelcome guest at a dinner party, how can you really expect your partner to be your biggest cheerleader when things get tough? It’s like going on a rollercoaster without telling your partner that you’re terrified of heights—you’re both in for a shock! Financial transparency isn’t just about avoiding arguments (although it’s a great way to dodge those “Why didn’t you tell me about this?” moments). It’s about being in the trenches together, planning for the future, and making sure you’re both on the same page—no surprises, just teamwork.

Let’s be honest, no one likes awkward conversations, but if you want your relationship to stand the test of time, talking about money is as essential as remembering your anniversary—without the awkwardness, of course! So next time the topic of finances comes up, instead of dodging it like the last season of your fav show, talk about it together and have a proper plan in place. Trust me, it’ll save you both a lot of stress in the long run.

Learning from Real-Life Scenarios: A Lesson in Trust

I was watching a movie the other day (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of film drama?), and it was about a husband who, unbeknownst to his wife, secretly remortgaged their family home to save his floundering business. He kept it all quiet, thinking he was protecting her. Spoiler alert—when she found out, it wasn’t just the house at risk; their relationship was on the rocks too. The lack of transparency broke their trust. And honestly, that’s the thing about finances. If we bottle it all up, we’re only setting ourselves up for a crash-and-burn situation.

The Bible has wisdom for us here too. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And while this verse is talking about confessing sins, I’d say financial struggles fall into that category. Being honest about your money troubles isn’t just about finances—it’s about healing and moving forward together. You’re both in it, so let’s work it out together, not in separate corners of the ring.

Managing Finances Together

Now, I know, budgeting can sound a bit like something your grandma would recommend, but trust me, it’s a total lifesaver. Imagine you’re building a tower—no, not an actual tower like the one in Tower of London (unless you’re feeling really ambitious), but a financial tower. Luke 14:28-30 says: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” If you’ve got big dreams (like buying a house, or saving for a tropical holiday), the last thing you want is to get halfway there, realise you’ve run out of cash, and then have everyone laughing at you. Proper embarrassing, right?

It’s all about having a plan and keeping an eye on where your money goes. Don’t just think about how much you earn—think about how much you spend (hello, UberEats & Deliveroo). Trust me, this isn’t just good financial sense; it’s the secret to staying sane as a couple.

Check-In Time!

And here’s a thought—how often do we sit down and really think about our financial situation? I mean, how often do we ask ourselves: “Is my financial health on track?” It’s easy to just go with the flow, but if we don’t stop to check where we’re going, we might end up somewhere we really didn’t expect. And that’s where reflection comes in, lovely. We need to ask ourselves every now and then: “Am I doing well spiritually, emotionally, health-wise, and financially?” If not, no worries—it’s not about perfection, it’s about growth. We all have areas where we can improve, and that includes our approach to money.

2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” It’s basically a big “check yourself before you wreck yourself” moment. So, when it comes to finances, why not take a minute to reflect and see if you’re on the right track? It’s all about being proactive—because no one likes being caught off guard when those credit card bills come through the door, right?

 

Money conversations should never be put on the back burner. The more we delay addressing these issues, the more they grow and cause stress. By making financial transparency a priority in our relationships, we not only strengthen our bond but also set ourselves up for a more secure future.

Let’s commit to being open, honest, and proactive with our finances so that we can build a strong foundation for our relationships and our lives. After all, as Proverbs 24:3-4 says:

“By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

A relationship built on trust, wisdom, and mutual support is one that can weather any storm.

Now that we’ve had a good old chinwag about why financial transparency is so important, I hope you’re feeling a bit more at ease with the idea of opening up to your partner about money. Whether it’s budgeting, setting goals, or just being honest about the things that stress you out, trust me—having those conversations is such a game-changer. I mean, who wants to be in a relationship where you’re both walking on eggshells, wondering if the other person is secretly drowning in debt? Not me!

You’ve got this, my darling. Remember, building a solid foundation in your relationship is just like building a house—it takes wisdom, understanding, and a bit of good planning. Proverbs 24:3-4 reminds us that, “By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” So let’s start with the basics—being honest, sharing the load, and trusting God to guide you both.

I hope you’re feeling encouraged to sit down with your partner and have that conversation. Don’t put it off, because the more you avoid it, the more stressful it becomes. And trust me, you’ll both feel so much lighter once you’ve gotten everything out in the open.

Well, I’m off to make another cup of tea (because, honestly, is there such a thing as too much tea?). But before I go, I just want to say: God’s got your back in this. Ask for wisdom, and trust that He’s leading you through it. Let’s build relationships that are full of love, trust, and transparency.

Sending blessings to you!
Scherise. X