#29 ~ "Money, Money, Money, Moneyyyyy....Mooooooneyy!!"

When you're single or used to being independent, you're used to spending your money the way you want and not having to answer to anyone but GOD for how you do so. Furthermore, your budget is based around YOU and YOUR bills. If you have an extra $25, you can decide if you want to get your nails done, eat out for dinner or just put that money into savings. Welp! This was my former life. My mother is a finance GURU so I was accustomed to creating budgets, but boy oh boy....I GOT MARRIED!! Money seemed to run our lives at one point.

I was working at a summer internship, but then the stipend was cut once I received the horrible news from my school that I was not academically eligible to return due to 0.005 points (as mentioned in my previous blog post). Therefore, we were living off of one income- my husband's. Now, don't get me wrong, my husband gets paid a good salary, but our budget was TIGHTER than a parking spot in downtown Chicago. Whew! We had to be disciplined (mainly me) and understand that the things we used to be able to buy at a whim whenever we wanted, we no longer could until we ensured that the budget allowed it. I love getting my hair done and I truly believe manis and pedis are our preview and glimpse into heaven. However, I had to learn SACRIFICE. I had to learn that first and foremost, my husband is the HEAD of our home. Therefore, he leads our home and submits to the Lord in order to make decisions. Although we work as a team, my husband takes the lead in areas where he is strong. In the same way, I take the lead on my strength areas as well i.e. budgeting.

I'm sure you're probably saying..."If you're strong in budgeting, why did you have to learn sacrifice?" The answer is something that my parents and husband will rejoice in hearing...I AM SPOILED! I like getting things when I want them how I want them from where I want them from. YES! Little ol' me...I know you can't believe it (yeah right lol) but it's the truth!

I've learned the importance of not being so dependent on money and realizing that GOD is TRULY Jehovah Jireh! He always provides for us even when times have been tighter than Chicago parking spaces and when we've had arguments about  me spending money on a Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice when I knew I should have saved it. GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!

I'm so overwhelmed at GOD's grace because the beautiful thing is that he orchestrates our lives according to his will....IF we submit our will to his. He's such an amazing father and a beautiful friend.

Over time, the Lord has blessed me with admission into a JD/MBA program in downtown Chicago and blessed me with a full-time job that allows me to do what I love: help people! I am so grateful for what GOD has done because he constantly shows his SOVEREIGNTY!! In the midst of every financial dilemma, we remained faithful to tithing and giving offering. Additionally, we would always take a step back and remember that we didn't need money to be happy. GOD is the source of our joy and is our true provider.

Nuggets to remember:
1) Don't get into long, drawn-out arguments over money. At the core of your marriage is CHRIST and your SPOUSE. He will provide for you! He's a good father!

2) The common acronym (C.R.E.A.M.- Cash Rules Everything Around Me) is a LIE! Don't allow money to run you because if you do, it will RUIN you and your marriage. Money is not everything nor is it the provider of everything! GOD IS!

3) Create a budget and stick to it. Don't be selfish or spoiled to the detriment of your finances. You're a TEAM!

4) Even if you two don't have a dime, learn to laugh, enjoy life and dance through it all!!! You'll remember the rough times and appreciate them in the long run.

God Bless!
~ CW