We Can’t Live on Love Alone—Our Financial Situation
The decisions you make during this period of time called ‘engagement’ will set the course for the direction of your marriage. One of the hindrances to a good marriage is large debt and poor money management. Wise couples plan and talk honestly about financial matters. Take time to check out the “Good Questions for Engaged Couples” material. Often couples are not sure what their expenses will be after they are married. This financial planner is not exhaustive; however, it will give you an idea of how to plan and be prepared.
Always remember this principle, “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Heavy indebtedness that adds stress and pressure to the marriage can be avoided if both the bride and groom remember that it is His money and that we are to manage it wisely!
Monthly Income
Gross Monthly Income _______________
Investment Income _______________
Total Monthly Income _______________
Monthly Deductions
Tithe and Offering _______________
Federal Income Tax _______________
State/Local Taxes _______________
Social Security/Medicare _______________
Total Monthly Gross Income _______________
Total Monthly Tithe/ Taxes _______________
Total Remaining Usable Monthly Income _______________
Expenses: Housing Payments
Mortgage/ Rent _______________
Homeowners/ Renters Ins. _______________
Property Taxes _______________
Repairs/Improvements _______________
Utilities: Electric __________ Water/Sewer __________ Gas__________ Telephone _________
Total Housing Expenses _____________
Expenses: Food and Grocery _______________
Expenses: Heath Ins. Medical Exp. _______________
Expenses: Transportation
Car payment ______ Insurance ________ Gas/oil/repairs ________ Misc. tolls/parking _______
Total Transportation_____________
Expenses: Credit card/Loans ___________
Expenses: Entertainment/Recreation / Personal ______________
Savings/ Investments _____________
Total Monthly Usable Income ___________________
Total Monthly Projected Expenses ___________________
Current Status, (Positive or Negative) ___________
Hi, I am Michael Peck. Karen and I have served for thirty-one years as a pastor and wife in several precious churches in the state of New York. 