Session 4: Money and Children in Marriage
Session Overview
This session will introduce basic expectations for entering a shared financial arrangement. This is important, because money is a primary cause of marital discord. Therefore, a couple must agree on basic expectations for their shared financial arrangement. Scripture presents the husband as the source of primary income for a household. A wife may also generate income, though raising children in the home should be her foremost priority when the need arises. Together, the couple must agree to careful financial planning, generous giving, avoidance of frivolous debt, and a contented lifestyle. They should also agree with one another in their perspective on having and raising children in a biblical manner. This session will explore making a budget, what (if any) debt is appropriate, and what changes to make when a child is born.
Biblical Perspective
- What does the Bible teach about the husband’s responsibility to provide for the financial and material needs of his wife and children (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Timothy 5:8)?
- What does the Bible teach about a wife’s contribution towards providing the financial and material needs of the family (Proverbs 31:10-27; Titus 2:5)?
- What perspective should you have as a couple towards spending, wealth, and financial expectations (Proverbs 15:17; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:12)?
- In addition to meeting the needs of your family, what else should you do with the resources God gives you (Proverbs 3:9; Luke 6:38)?
- What should be your approach to spending (Proverbs 21:20)?
- What should be your approach towards debt (Proverbs 22:7)?
- How would you describe your financial habits as a single person? How will you need to change when you marry?
- Do you have any indebtedness going into marriage? What about credit cards?
- Will you merge your finances into a shared account? Why or why not?
- Who will be responsible for managing the financial records?
- Will you have a budget?
- Do you have any concerns or disagreements with your fiancé(e) regarding an aspect of finances?
- What perspective does God intend for a married couple to accept towards having children (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3)?
- What do you believe is the best approach for teaching your children good behavior (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Titus 2:5)? Providing them with education? Meeting their needs at home?
- What will you do in the event of an unexpected pregnancy (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5)?
- Do you have any disagreements with your fiancé(e) about having and raising children?
