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)   ___________