Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter
WHEN A couple marries the issue of money ownership will arise. Often, couples go into marriage with the belief that his money is his money and her money is her money. But many times, this creates controversy.
Well-known author and financial adviser, Larry Burkette, in his book, His, Hers, Ours, says when God said in Genesis 2:24, "They shall become one flesh," he was not just making reference to the physical sense. He further states that in a marriage, "there is no my money and your money or my debts and your debts. There is only our money and our debts". He said that a couple cannot be one if they are constantly separating their lives by separating their finances.
"God will bring a couple closer if, from the very beginning, they establish God's Word as their financial guide, and then follow those principles," he believes.
Senior investment adviser, Delroy Josephs, said that couples should pool their funds so that they have an edge in managing their resources. For example, if the husband has $50,000 in one account and the wife has $50,000 in another, it is wiser for them to bring the accounts together to attract better returns. Pooling will strengthen and stabilise the union.
He said, however, that though couples should pool their money, they should still have a percentage of funds independent of each other. For example, if a relative in need of financial assistance they can help without any animosity or controversy.
HAVE A LITTLE TUCKED AWAY
Flair asked men how they handle their finances at home. Carlton Blacksaid the pre-marital counsellor told them to pool all their money, but he still believes both of them should have a little tucked away and that's how it is now.
"I have five accounts, but I only have one joint account with my wife and that is the bridal registry account we opened before we got married. On the other hand, she has two accounts for herself," he said. However, they pay their bills jointly and take care of their daughter together. "After all the expenses are taken of from our salaries, the remaining cash from my salary belongs to me and the remaining cash from her salary belongs to her."
Marlon James feels a little differently. "The Bible tells us that when a woman and man are joined in holy matrimony they should become one. We cannot psychically become one so it must mean that whatever we own must now become one." He admitted that many marriages fall apart because of financial problems.
"In some cases there is not enough money or one person is a saver thus not contributing towards the running of the home. As such, their marriage ends up in problems." He recommends that if both have a basic understanding and play their part as one, then there would be fewer problems.
How do you handle funds in your marriage? We would like you to share your experiences with Flair readers. Send responses to: The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston or Email: lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.
