Money and Marriage

A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples

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How does an engaged or newly married couple work as a team when dealing with money?

Description: Newlyweds quickly discover that money is a big deal in their new marriage. Getting on the same financial page is essential because research shows that the more frequently a couple fights about finances, the more likely they are to divorce. Financial expert Matt Bell shows you how to make the most of each other’s financial strengths, teaching you how to work together to build a solid financial future. Through a 10-step action plan, you’ll learn how to prioritize goals, get out of debt, build savings, and much more—all in a way that minimizes stress on your relationship and maximizes unity and balance.

Wish I would I have followed this advice a long time ago!

This is one of those books I wish I would have followed the advice of nine years ago when we first got married. I can’t say that much of the information in it was new to me, but the advice is sound and if we would have followed it years ago we would be in a very different situation financially right now. As with most books I’ve read on the topic of money management, this book instructs couples to develop and stick with a budget, pay down (and stay out of debt), and give money to the church and other ministries. It has some specific suggestions on how to allocate money to cover expenses by percentage and by income level (ie, a certain percentage towards housing and car and insurance), which is very helpful. But the most informative section of the book was when it discussed outside (personal experiences and culture) and inside influences (personality type/temperament) on our finances. The book also includes a lot of worksheets and guides which are intended to be used by the reader to help identify needs, develop a budget, and keep track of spending. I can honestly say I fully intend to implement some of the tools in this book. It was well written, easy to understand and read, and gave solid advice from both a financial and spiritual standpoint. I would highly recommend this to any couple who is engaged or newly married, but I think it is also good for couples to read who struggle in the area of finances. Statistics tell us that the number one reason for divorce (ie, a failed marriage) is disagreements over finances, so for those couples who struggle with this it would be a great resource to begin the conversation towards working some of those issues out. Over all, I’ll give it a 4.5/5 stars. For the record, For the record, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest (though not necessarily favorable) review.
Posted by Thomas Feller on 7/16/2011 8:46:15 AM

Money & Marriage

Money & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples by Matt Bell is an informative, scripturally encouraging guide to making a new marriage work especially when it comes to finances. The basics about financial matters and the conflict it can cause a new marriage is addressed with examples from personal life and the bible is also backed with statistics and information from the world of business. The financial advice is legitimate and sound, providing how-to steps to getting out of debt, building savings and emergency funds, while also reminding the reader to keep all financial matters with Godly perspectives. Throughout the financial advice, the author also makes a point to bring it back to biblical principles especially within the relationship of marriage and glorifying God with their actions, their choices, gifts and talents than just with money. While the book is full of details, describing many of the financial aspects of various bank accounts, types of taxes, investments and describing the technical mumbo-jumbo, it is great to read the focus on how the married couple can glorify God with the self and choices one makes as an individual and married couple. Money & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples is more than just a financial book for couples, but keeping it focused on God provides another aspect in any reader’s life to be wise a bout spending, debt and their own financial circumstances.
Posted by Elle on 6/19/2011 8:56:15 PM

Money & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples

Money & Marriage (subtitled A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples) by Matt Bell is a great tool not just for those planning to become married but also for those already married and finagling their way through all things financial (which is all of us marrieds!) It is never too late to begin a "Cash Flow Plan vs. Budget". The author reminded us that we must look toward financial freedom in a different way than we may have previously viewed money management. He presented this topic from a biblical aspect. Starting in Chapter One, statistics were given and pages upon pages of questions asked the reader to take an inventory of their financial situation. The questions could be overwhelming but for the later chapters, which allowed the reader to easily discover solutions. Easy-to-understand plans with resources to help financial stewardship were presented. Pages 39&40 Mr. Bell shared his personal account of inheriting $60K and how though he squandered the money, he learned a valuable lesson from the experience. The definition of "consume" was sobering. I won't look at money quite the same way after reading about wasteful spending and how we can all do much better with our money. Chapter Four was fascinating as it gave four distinct categories in which people land in regard to spending. I easily discovered I was a 'phleg" but could not quite place my husband in a category. This chapter was interesting as I never realized personality played a part in money management . There were so many helpful downloadable monthly cash flow plans and numerous website helps. I would be confident in contacting the author for future consulting or help if I did not have someone to aid me in that area currently. The "Know Your Stuff" website was amazing! However, the best advice in the entire book was found on page 144. DINKhood has changed my life. Also, the discussion of prenups quite interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the use of Scripture throughout as well as the case studies and personal accounts of the author and his wife. Money & Marriage would be an excellent engagement gift or even a wedding gift. The subject of money is often overlooked and it does not have to be. This is an excellent tool which includes God. It is never too late to get serious about financial stewardship. Certainly implementing the concepts in this book will help married couples get on the same financial page! Check out a sample chapter. Buy it today! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by Christina Donato on 5/13/2011 10:37:33 AM

Great How-to but doesn't answer Why

If 401(k)’s didn’t exist in Jesus’ day, how the heck am I supposed to understand how to use them? Enter Matt Bell and his newly published Money and Marriage, which centralizes common domestic, financial concepts incredibly well. A lot of this stuff needs to be said and Bell does an excellent job arming his readers with questions they must get through to be on the same page in sharing life and finances. There are several diagnostics looking at both your habits, family background, values—even your temperament! But this is not just fluffy Dr. Phil-ing but true getting to know yourself and snuffy-pooh. Bell is good at drawing lines for reasonable and wise spending habits but also allows room for things you can’t put a price on. He objectively identifies bad spending habits without demonizing them and suggests wiser disciplines in their place (the whole Colossians 3 put off/put on thang). I picked up this book intending to debunk it as a single and as an accountant but found that the principles taught are financially solid for anyone—married or not (though sometimes I did feel like I’m eavesdropping on someone else’s pre-marital counseling session). This book may be overwhelming to those who are more free-spirited as there are MANY to-do’s in here. But who says you have to gulp this down all at once? Even Bell says to take a deep breath and breaks in between. There is very little in the way of biblical perspective other than the verse that opens each chapter and specific mentions of tithing. It offers an excellent “How to play this game” but not quite “Why I’m playing the game.” Overall: The next 3 friends to get married are getting this book. However, there will be a note to each couple advising them not to rely on this book as a devotional. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by melnatella on 5/2/2011 2:13:53 PM

Money Matters

Money and Marriage by Matt Bell does and excellent job of covering a broad range of financial topics that will definitely be an important part of EVERY marriage. Although never going to deep into any one topic, this is a must read primer for anyone has not considered what their financial life will look like after the wedding. Every couple is in a different place so some may get more out of this than others. Topics range from getting rid of debt, to buying a house, and saving for retirement. Bell also uses Scripture to enforce key points in each chapter. He speaks from a clear Christian viewpoint holding us as responsible stewards of everything we have been blessed with. Money 'temperaments' are also discussed with quizzes to deduce what your money personality is, and how to best utilize it for good. (Included in the back of the book are recommended spending/housing charts based on one-four person households with budget breakdowns in every category ie: saving,health, food, entertainment, etc.Very useful for those who could benefit from learning some basic guidelines!) This book is definitely a good starting point for any engaged or married couple to better define their financial strengths, weaknesses and goals; as well as how they can bring their personality's together to achieve success in managing their finances with a united front.
Posted by Kim on 4/26/2011 5:44:39 PM

Money and Marriage by Matt Bell

Finances cause more problems in marriage than pretty much everything else. Armed with this concern, Matt Bell has written this book to equip engaged and newly married couples in money management skills with a view to creating more stable and enjoyable marriages. Firstly, I liked the fact that it prioritises God. I'm not sure I agree with some of his conclusions (e.g. giving was set at 10% regardless of income amount), but the fact that God was clearly communicated as King throughout was good, and meant the perspective was useful. Practical tips in the book were great, right down to recommendations for gifts for your spouse depending on how they answer a particular questionnaire. Reading the book in the UK didn't work too well. A lot of the guidance is around specific US legislation so if there were an international version that would be good. It also talked a lot about the general American way of life so practically applying it could be hard to an international reader at times. To be honest, I'm not sure who I'd recommend this book to. It's good and an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure it's phenomenally useful. It's more a money book than a marriage book, and the primary money management message seemed simply to be: 'use a budget', which you can download for free from Matt's website. In summary, if you like the look of this book, you'll like the inside of it too, but I don't think I'm going to be handing copies out to all my friends. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by Sam on 4/12/2011 8:06:47 AM

A helpful, passionate, biblical guide

Every once in awhile, I come across a book that surprises me. Such was the case when I read Matt Bell's Money and Marriage; I was pleasantly surprised by the focus, the thoroughness, and the priorities of Bell's book. When Crystal and I went through pre-marital counseling, we used a great book that walked us through many aspects of married life. However, being such a wide-ranging look at marriage, it included only one chapter on finances. Once we were married, we discovered that a lot more help was needed! Money and Marriage is a book I wish we would have read before we were married or soon thereafter, because it walks readers through the newlywed financial process: discerning one another's historical and emotional financial influencers; setting upon a clear, ten-step plan of action toward financial goals; and growing financially one. That last part--becoming one flesh financially--isn't an idea I've encountered in other books, but, after three years of marriage, I know how absolutely crucial it is. When we're married, this incredible one-flesh transformation takes place, and it's a transformation that I think millions of people are not prepared to make financially. Bell's focus addresses this need. I also love how thorough Bell is. This is not a watered-down, cookie-cutter approach to finances, where each paragraph reads like a water-logged Chips Ahoy. Instead, each chapter reads like a session with a highly experience, highly compassionate, highly effective marital finances counselor. With each chapter, Bell provides Scriptural backing, clear explanation, answers to well-anticipated questions, and concrete action steps to take (What to Do and What to Discuss). And finally, I was refreshed by the priorities of Bell's ten-step action plan. Though other books that Crystal and I have read seem to focus on becoming financially free before giving generously, Bell's action-plan starts in this order: planning, working, giving, saving, and avoiding debt. I respect Bell's honesty about the Bible's teaching on giving--that God wants us to give freely and to grow in generosity and to allow giving to remind ourselves of our highest priority ("To love God with all our heart..." Matthew 22:37). Ultimately, Bell's book teaches marrieds how to steward God's money with our spouse--how to manage it instead of allowing it to enslave us through greed or debt or idolatry or marital division or any mixture of these evils. Bell sees money for what it is: a useful tool for living generously, minimizing stress, and maximizing marital unity. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by Dave Stuart Jr. on 4/9/2011 10:12:43 PM

Money and Marriage

Money and Marriage by Matt Bell is a finance resource geared toward engaged or newly married couples. The book discusses financial temperament; offers concrete how-to's for different areas of financial well being and provides insights into how couples can foster oneness in their finances and hopefully their relationships. The content reminded me of Dave Ramsey with some slight variations. Matt includes helpful charts and resources in the book that will be very useful for couples sorting out a budget. Part One of the book was especially good. He covered temperament and family backgrounds and how these have an influence on how we think about money. His discussion on this topic was presented clearly and was interesting. I especially liked chapter four, which discussed how the different personalities (Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic and Melancholy) view and interact with finances. He even provided some bonus gift ideas for each personality. There were several nice touches like this throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book. It might be a good resource for those leading others through premarital counseling. It would also be a great wedding or wedding shower gift. I've been married almost 7 years but it was still a good refresher. It's always challenging to re-evaluate your finances. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by Krista Miller on 3/26/2011 5:49:52 PM

Money and Marriage

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by Krista Miller on 3/26/2011 5:48:23 PM

Managing Money in a Marriage

I have been married for over twenty years and looking back I wish I would have had this book to read early in my marriage. It is a great overview of dealing with the matter of money in a marriage. It includes many questions to discuss with your fiancée or spouse and many matters to consider, including insurance, credit, loans and budgeting. The author has a website, www.MattAboutMoney.com where he includes additional information and forms that would be useful in dealing with money matters. The book was written in a format that was easy to understand and quick to read. Each chapter concludes with a take action section including things to do and things to discuss. I highly recommend this book as we all know that money can be the root of many disagreements and arguments in a marriage especially early on when you are getting to know each other and each other's individual personalities. The book does not need to be read only by newlyweds, as it can be helpful at any time a couple needs to take some action and gain control of their finances and spending. I received a free copy of this book from NavPress Publishing for review. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Posted by Miriam on 3/19/2011 1:43:41 PM

Money and Marriage by Matt Bell

Money and Marriage by Matt Bell is designed to be a practical Christian guide for engaged and newly weds. The book ideally should be read by the couple together. It is divided into three parts. Part one starts out with several pages of money related questions for the couple to discuss along with worksheets to do together. The next chapter helps couples determine their temperament. My husband, daughter and I each took this quiz and it was right on the money. In part two, the author shares his 10 step action plan for financial success. He takes a chapter and describes each step. It’s in this section you will discover the single most powerful tool for managing money. Other topics include: ways to monitor your cash flow, finding out what your credit scores mean and how to improve them, tips for avoiding debt and steps to help if you are already in debt, paying taxes, buying insurance, making decisions about a mortgage, and learning how to choose investments. The last section is more like a pre-marriage counseling session. Mr. Bell stresses the importance of being one as man and wife. Details are discussed such as getting licensed, who to contact before and after you are married (to change names, status and such), drawing up wills, and how to organize your documents. The topic of prenuptial agreements is discussed. While, he doesn’t feel Christians should take this route, there is one scenario where he feels it may be valid. I think this book could serve as a valuable road map for any couple. There is a lot of information and suggestions, even links to web sites with a lot more helps.I don't think this would be as overwhelmng to a young couple as some books on the market. I wish my husband and I would have had something like this before we got married.
Posted by Debbie on 3/12/2011 7:18:48 PM

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