Set financial boundaries

It’s no secret that today, the majority of marriages fail because of financial issues. Other relationships can also be threatened when we fail to repay a personal loan or meet our financial expectations. The following three strategies will go a long way in mitigating these pitfalls: (1) Discuss with your spouse the maximum amount each of you may spend without getting the other’s permission. Any amount above this limit will be considered “major” and will require complete agreement. Every couple defines a “major” purchase differently, depending on their household income, so stick to what has been agreed on. This is important. If you do not agree on a transaction, when the deal goes bad, the tendency is to point fingers. (2) Advise your family that personal loans are against your “house policy.” Should you decide to make an exception to the policy, make sure your spouse is in complete agreement. If you are wise, you will put the terms and the due dates in writing. (3) Don’t enable your child, spouse, or anyone else to remain irresponsible by bailing him or her out or always being their safety net. Just say no. By not saying no, you interrupt one of God’s most effective principles – sowing and reaping the consequences of individual behaviour. Real maturity occurs when this lesson is learned. Love must be tough! If you are an enabler, ask God right now to give you the strength to stop being so. For example, insist on that rent cheque from your still-at-home adult child. This demonstrates character-building love, which is genuine love. If you need to set financial boundaries, do it!