The age-old question is asked once again.  “How do I communicate about money with my spouse?”  This is asked but often translated as “How can I convince my spouse that I am right about money and they are wrong.” The fact is you will most likely never convince your spouse that the way you look at your finances is right and the way they look at finances is wrong!  However, there is hope to accomplish something for the both of you so that financial harmony can be achieved. Scott and Bethany Palmer have written a book entitled Cents and Sensibility: How Couples Can Agree About Money.  Here are a few steps they suggest to get started:

• It is important to understand your money personality and that of your spouse.  The six personalities are:
  
• Spender
• Saver
• Security Seeker
• Risk Taker
• Flyer, and
• Debtor. 
  
• You can take the money personality profile by clicking this link: Cents & Sensibility Money Personality.
• Remember that no money personality is wrong or right.  The important thing is to understand your likes and dislikes, and the differences between your personalities.   Learn how to respect, appreciate and tolerate the differences, and then start working together.
• Learn how to communicate often during conflict.  Scott and Bethany describe two communication tools:
• The first is called the “pow-wow” which is a regular meeting time when the couple focuses on money issues.
• The other is a “meeting at the fence,” a conflict resolution system that allows couples to handle fights or problems that arise in a way that will not further damage their relationship.

It is important to understand all the issues that affect your relationship and the stress of financial problems.  For a copy of Cents and Sensibility: How Couples Can Agree about Money, visit the Resources Page.

8. Common Investment Mistakes To Avoid       (Return to Top)

Do you ever retire from ministry?

As Christian believers, we know that ministry is a life-long calling.  It may take on different forms at various stages of our lives, so in a sense we never really “retire;” we simply move to another phase of ministry.  That’s why retirement is not only a reward for past service, but a stepping-stone to future ministry.  We are all stewards of our time, talent and finances.  We need to wisely manage the money we’ve acquired in our income-producing years, so when the later years arrive, we will have the finances to carry out whatever the Lord has planned.  We call that “Future-Funded Ministry”™ – financial security for people to continue ministry into their later years – in whatever role to which God calls them.

I don't have enough money to invest:

Many people feel like they are in this situation. However, the most critical decision you will make is not how much you contribute, but that you begin to contribute. We see the importance of contributing something now, rather than waiting with the hope of doing more later on.  Start contributing, even if it is a small amount. Our LifeStage Specialists and our Web resources on budgeting can help you strategically look at your finances so you can not only contribute to your Future-Funded Ministry™ today, but also increase your contributions in the future and experience joy in all of your finances.

9. Financial Products and Services Available      (Return to Top)

10.  Information Request     (Return to Top)

We will be pleased to contact you regarding any additional information you would like.  Please complete the following and we will promptly contact you.

I would like an appointment with a LifeStage Specialist.  I have questions
about (check all that apply):

  Diversifying my assets
  Establishing a savings plan
  A retirement analysis
  Other investments that I currently have
  Life insurance:  New   or    Currently have
  Annuities:  New   or    Currently have
  I would like information on how Envoy Financial can help our Mission-Sending organization
  I would like information on Freedom 10, the plan for ministries of 10 or fewer employees.
  Please send me some additional information on the following:

 

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