How should the bills be paid when you are married?

Your environment can define your thoughts and the way you see things, but when a person encounters God their view of life can take a 360-degree turn. I grew up with my grandparents, but my grandfather worked away from home, and he was not home often.  During this time, I noticed my grandmother handled the bills and seem very content.

A few years had passed, and I became a Christian, like every girl I dreamt of getting married. This dream of mine eventually came to pass. Then reality stepped in, and life took a different spin. I became the wife who dealt with the financial commitments. I dealt with bills based on what I observed growing up which was totally unscriptural. Lots of frustration lead me to seek God on how to deal with this situation and he did answer.  

Both my husband and I were Christians and as a Christian married couple we had to take another approach to the welfare and well being of our financial home. This was an honourable act of worship unto God and to each other. It is imperative that all financial needs of the home should be shared as a union and not separately. We didn’t allow it to be a controversial issue within our household. As a Christian, I believe it should be based upon the relationship, a mutual understanding and agreement on both parties, but most importantly on what works for our family.

Some couples pay their bills from a joint account to which both spouses contribute, while others may divide the bill equally. Sometimes there maybe cases where only one partner is the only financial provider in this case a mutually agreed approach should be taken. However, regardless of the scenario every married couple should ensure that they discuss how they wish for bills to be paid in their homes.

 I had an experience while being married for over seventeen (17) years before my husband passed. The bills were being paid by both of us until he became ill, and I became his care giver. This meant no additional funds would be coming into the home because with his illness he was unable to work. This taught me a lot because there were financial matters that we never discussed.  I took on the task of figuring it out on the go. 

 I had to rely on God for our financial needs ahead and during this time I also had to provide for my son who was about to enter University. Nevertheless, God came through every time. My advice to married couples is to ensure that you discuss finances before you tie the knot. Ensure there is a mutual understanding and agreement between you and your spouse on how the bills will be handled in your home.

                  Written by Penelope Carrington 

                                          Barbados