Everyone who is married knows that money is a big deal within a marriage. Financial problems are frequently the cause of marital strife and even divorce. In “Money & Marriage,” Matt Bell takes engaged or newly married couples through some basic steps to ensure financial stability and also to find a common ground within the marriage when it comes to money. Many topics are discussed, including how to prioritize financial goals, getting out of debt, saving, and buying a house.
Since I have been married for almost 11 years and have been through several classes and read several books on managing finances, I can’t say that I had any great revelations while reading this book. However, this book would have been wonderful to go through when my husband and I were engaged or newly married. It covers the most necessary aspects of finances that should help put couples on the right track to managing their money well, and according to Biblical principles, within their marriage.
In the first few chapters there are some lists of questions for couples to ask of themselves and also each other. I did think that the lists were a little overwhelming. It might be better to take those in smaller chunks. Answering them thoroughly all at once would be really time-consuming.
All-in-all, I feel “Money & Marriage” would be an excellent resource for couples to use during pre-marital counseling or for newlyweds to use as a small group study.
I will give “Money & Marriage” …. 4 BookWorms.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, NavPress, through LitFuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
About Matt: Matt began his career as a radio journalist, with his work featured on National Public Radio, the NBC Radio Network, and several other networks. His reporting earned national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and United Press International.
Today, Matt is a full-time personal finance writer and speaker. He is the author of two books: "Money, Purpose, Joy" (September 2008) and "Money Strategies for Tough Times" (April 2009), both by NavPress. Matt has been quoted in USA TODAY, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, has written for ChristianityToday.com, and has been a guest on WGN-TV and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows.
Matt holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University, where he wrote a thesis about the emergence of America's consumer culture and its influence on people's beliefs and behaviors.
Matt lives with his wife and their three young children in the Chicago area. Visit his website and blog at www.mattaboutmoney.com.
Link to buy the book: click here
About the giveaway:
Matt Bell's (a.k.a Matt About Money) Money & Marriage has just released (NAVPress) and is a great resource for engaged or newly married couples.
Matt says about the book, “I wrote “Money & Marriage” because I believe in marriage. I’m sure it isn’t news to you that money is a very common source of stress between spouses. It’s even a primary factor in many divorces. I wrote this book with no less of a goal than to save many marriages from disaster, and to help all couples use money in a way that strengthens their relationship and increases their joy.”
To celebrate Matt has put together a Nest Egg Giveaway with a prize package worth over $250!
Enter here: http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/103934
One winner will receive:
• A Free 1 Hour Financial Session
• A $100 Visa Cash Card
• A signed copy of Matt’s Money, Purpose, Joy and Money Strategies for Tough Times
To enter just click on the icon above. Then tell your friends. And hurry - the contest ends April 11th. The winner will be announced on Matt's blog on April 13th.
We're taking a couple through premarital counseling, and the finances section is coming up. I may recommend this book!
ReplyDeleteKristal -- they can have my copy of the book if they want it. I can bring it when we come up to visit.
ReplyDeleteSara