Who Wants to Be Rich?
Well you may not become a billionaire or even a millionaire, but research shows that marriage helps couples and individuals generate more income and wealth than singles, and even cohabitating couples.
According to The Marriage Project researchers out of Rutgers University in New Jersey,
"... People who marry become economically better off. Men become more productive after marriage; they earn between ten and forty percent more than do single men with similar education and job histories. Marital social norms that encourage healthy, productive behavior and wealth accumulation play a role. Some of the greater wealth of married couples results from their more efficient specialization and pooling of resources, and because they save more. Married people also receive more money from family members than the unmarried (including cohabiting couples), probably because families consider marriage more permanent and more binding than a living-together union..."
If married couples have so much potential to be wealthy, why are money issues one of the leading causes of divorce? I have one simple answer. When couples take their focus off of their partner's emotional, physical and spiritual needs to worry about their finances or acquire more material possessions, they loose sight of one of the greatest missions and privileges of life: to love another human being.
Money is a wonderful and powerful tool, but don't let it consume you. Here are seven ways to find balance and keep your marriage happy and healthy.
1. Set financial goals for your family and prioritize them.
2. Develop a spending plan that can help both parties feel fulfilled. A great example of this strategy can be found in Debt-Proof Your Marriage: How to Achieve Financial Harmony by Mary Hunt.
3. Owe no one anything but love. Work towards being debt free.
4. Create a savings plan that includes 3-6 months living expenses. Then focus on investments. It may be tight, but try living off of one income for a time.
5. Try to find ways to be generous and give to charitable organizations regularly. If you belong to a church, tithe.
6. Pay the bills together. I know it may seem hard to find the time at first, but it can be a chance to review current spending.
7. Work towards owning a home (or a new car) only when you're ready. Don't feel the urge to do it because you've had a baby, your friends are doing it, or you're "tired of renting".
I leave you with this final word: Richness is not about having more money or showing off what you have. It's about finding abundance where you are and having courage, grace and savvy to go beyond your current circumstance. Be rich.
Keishia Lee-Louis is the Editor and Publisher of http://www.Married4Good.com (launching November 2005). Her work has appeared on iVillage.com, BibleResourceCenter.com, and in numerous other printed publications.
Currently, she lives with her husband, daughter and son and is writing a book on marriage and relationships which will be published Spring 2006.
If you'd like to see more of her work, visit http://married4good.blogspot.com
 Google News Updated : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:48:34 GMT For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home - U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report - By Amanda Gardner MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries. Keep Kids From Exotic Animals, Docs Say Doctors: No hamsters or exotic pets for young kids Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:06:44 GMT Obama accuses McCain of looking for distractions - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday charged that Sen. John McCain's campaign is launching "Swift boat-style attacks" on him instead of addressing the country's problems. Health Care: Coverage -- But at What Price? Health Care Destruction Publ.Date : Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:30:50 GMT Ask.com Sails into Semantic Search to Differentiate from Google - eWeek
eWeek - By Clint Boulton Ask.com's search engine market share is minimal at best, but the company keeps on plugging away in application development to keep from being extinguished by Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Ask.com Amps Up Search Again Ask.com, now with more answers Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:04:07 GMT Angelina Jolie Debuts New Movie and New Ink - Actress Archives
Actress Archives - Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt recently attended the movie premiere for Jolie’s new film “The Changeling” directed by Clint Eastwood, and the film wasn’t the only thing on display. Video: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at Premiere Angelina Jolie’s New Tattoo Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:09:31 GMT Postseason ace Beckett shelled as Angels win 5-4 - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - BOSTON (AP) - Josh Beckett waited four extra days for a chance to show his postseason brilliance. That shine wore off with his very first pitch. Video: Angels, White Sox Each Force a Game 4 Red Sox's injuries could prove costly vs. Angels Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:11:21 GMT PGA -- 2008 Turning Point Championship Recap - Pro Fantasy Sports
Pro Fantasy Sports - Hello in the second of the “Fall Finish” series, a unknown rookie birdied the 72 nd hole to earn a hefty paycheck and a spot on the PGA tour for the next two years. Johnson earns first win at Turning Stone Rookie posts first victory Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:07:14 GMT Mammals facing extinction threat - BBC News
BBC News - By Richard Black At least 25% of the world's mammal species are at risk of extinction, according to the first assessment of their status for a decade. Many, many mammals face extinction One Quarter of World's Mammals Face Extinction Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:37:47 GMT Increase Web Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More Selecting a wedding ring isn't as easy as it looks.... Read More All brides want that one photograph that perfectly captures the... Read More Wedding shower invitations should lay out all of the necessary... Read More If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great... Read More This is something that we've started to send to all... Read More Diamond spending - well, that is up to you. What... Read More Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More Almost there! This is the third lesson of my "Invitation... Read More Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More As a personal and professional development coach, I have listened... Read More This is intended as a guide to help you plan... Read More India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various... Read More Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More Your lovely fiance has chosen her 'maids, and now you're... Read More Planning a second wedding? Prevent favorite guests comparing your second... Read More So many couples are planning to have their wedding at... Read More According to the Encarta Dictionary, love is an intense feeling... Read More Wedding photography is an evolving field that requires artistic talent,... Read More No one said that you had to follow the rule... Read More With the average cost of a wedding around 17,000 you... Read More Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More Computer printed labels are a time-saver, but they make the... Read More When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More
Adsense
websites
Keeping A Marriage Romantic
Wedding Rings - How to Choose a Perfect Ring
How to Save Money on Wedding Photography
A Wedding Shower Invitation Should Be Attractive And Stylish!
Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show
What Can You Do To Make Your Reception a Success?
Diamond Engagement Ring, on Two Months Salary - Maybe Not!
Brad Pitt - Jennifer Aniston Marriage Undermined by Inappropriate Friendship with Angelina Jolie
Invitation Anatomy 101 - Optional Components II - Part 3 of 3
Wedding Rings
Attracting Marital Fulfillment, Its Not To Late To Start Right Now
Your Wedding Countdown
Net Savvy Indian Brides and Grooms
Ten Beliefs That Can Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage
Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody Must Be In the Wedding Party
For Second Weddings Only - Eight Tips
Planning A Backyard Wedding
Love
Current Trends in Wedding Photography
Doing Things Your Own Way
Wedding Insurance ? Peace of Mind for Your Perfect Day?
The Charm of Homemade Wedding Favors
Wedding Invitation Labels and Envelopes
To Choose a Wedding Planner or Not to Choose a Wedding Planner
Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Wedding Videography - When Getting it Right on the 1st Take Counts, Hire a Professional
Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More
Engagement Rings & Celebrities
Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement... Read More
Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day
Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day.... Read More
Your Wedding Countdown
This is intended as a guide to help you plan... Read More
Dealing With Your Spouses Sexual Past
"Couples who've had sex before marriage will inevitably have sexual... Read More
Chocolate Wedding Favors
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
Create Unique Wedding Invitations That Only Look Expensive
Save a substantial amount of money on invitations, without sacrificing... Read More
The Maid of Honor ? Remember, It?s All About the Bride!
The term and role "Maid of Honor" is sometimes confusing,... Read More
Second Marriage Wedding Dress and Etiquette
Just as with your first marriage, your second marriage is... Read More
Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
Planning a wedding is an exciting thing, and can be... Read More
Las Vegas Theme Weddings
"Las Vegas theme weddings are the envy of the world.... Read More
Seven Ways to Survive a Remodel (And Save Your Marriage) Tips from Pisa Design, Inc
Remodels are tough on everyone. The house is out of... Read More
Marriage Proposals ? Why Doing It Right Will Make All the Difference
Proposing marriage to your beloved is a very big step.... Read More
Planning Your Honeymoon -- 6 Tips To Help
The groom traditionally plans the honeymoon. However, most brides prefer... Read More
And the Bride Didnt Wear White
While through history brides have agonized over what to wear... Read More
3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring
You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More
Anniversary Gifts and Perfumes
How many times has your anniversary come around and you... Read More
How to Select a Wedding Photographer
Selecting a wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Not... Read More
Dressing Your Bridesmaids
For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one... Read More
Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody Must Be In the Wedding Party
Your lovely fiance has chosen her 'maids, and now you're... Read More
Ten Beliefs That Can Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage
Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More
Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations
It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have... Read More
The History of the White Wedding Dress
As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult... Read More
Toss a Garter or Two
The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More
Wedding Planning -- Staying Within Your Wedding Budget
Planning and organizing a wedding budget can greatly reduce the... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |