What Sparks Money Arguments?

It’s probably no surprise that couples argue the most about money. But what three money-related issues cause the most conflict?

Living Simply: A Lasting and Fulfilling Way of Life

Did you try to simplify your life this Lent? Do you wonder what it would be like to live simply throughout the year? Here are some ideas for making simplicity a lasting and fulfilling way to live.

Want to Spend Time Together? Try Working on Your Budget.

For most couples, preparing the family budget is a chore. One financial writer suggests another perspective: It’s a good way for husband and wife to spend some quality time alone with each other.

How Materialism Harms a Marriage

A new research study finds that a couple’s attitudes towards money, not always money itself, can stress a marriage. Read how materialism can hurt a marriage and who is most at risk.

Finances

Do financial problems cause divorce? Financial counselors often point to finances as the most common cause of divorce. That’s only partially true. A study by Jason Carroll of Brigham Young University looked at 600 couples from across the nation from various ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. According to Carroll, the study showed that “financial problems [...]

When Unemployment Hits Home: Seven Ways to Help Your Marriage

As the effects of the Great Recession continue, many couples are struggling with unemployment and its consequent stress. But couples are not powerless in the face of job loss. Here are seven positive actions a couple can take.

In Good Times and Bad

Tough times means that couples need to pool their collective energy in order to solve their problems. Fccusing especially on financial woes, the authors say that teamwork is essential so that couples can survive and even learn from their difficulties.

Recession Pushes More Wives Into Workplace

The Great Recession has forced many wives to become the primary breadwinners in their families. How are American families coping with the new financial realities?

How Much Does it Cost to Marry in the Church?

How much does it cost to get married in the Catholic Church?

Actually, nothing. Sacraments are not for sale. It’s appropriate, however, for the bride and groom to share their joy and, in generosity, to contribute to the support of the Church and its ministers.

March 2010: Between “Yes, I Will Marry You” and “I Do” Comes “the Money Talk”

Couples ought to “learn to talk about money early and often,” Jeff Opdyke wrote in a column for Valentine’s Day 2010 in The Wall Street Journal. But it is rare that money is the “real culprit” for a couple, Opdyke suggested. Instead, a “lack of communication” tends to be the issue.

Budgeting for Your Wedding

Costs vary by region, but the average wedding ranges between $20,000 and $25,000. Some couples justify their spending because it’s a “once in a lifetime” event. Others feel pressured by families and friends to stage an elaborate celebration. Expectations may be greater for couples who have been on their own for a while. Presumably, they [...]

Finances

Perhaps you are approaching marriage on a sound financial footing. You’ve finished your education, have been employed for several years, maybe even have some savings or own a house. Perhaps you are set – or so you think. But having enough money for a comfortable lifestyle is not all that finances in marriage is about. [...]

Looking for Long-Term Dividends? Try Marriage

One of the oldest axioms of married life is that two can live more cheaply than one. The facts support the notion that, for a variety of reasons, a married couple can stretch a dollar bill a lot farther than two people living on their own.

Economic Impact

Marriage is a wealth generating institution. It leads to significant economic benefits for married persons.

Making Love On a Budget

The authors share some of their favorite free and inexpensive date ideas.

Yours, Mine, Ours

Surveys identify money as one of the top issues over which couples have conflicts. Therefore, developing a couple-style of managing money is crucial to the health of a marriage. If a couple can’t work through their money issues together, the relationship will face problems of distrust, resentment and insecurity.

How the Financial Downturn Affects Marriage

The economic downturn is putting stress on marriages at every income level. Whether it’s a job eliminated in an automobile plant or stock losses in the retirement portfolio, unwelcome lifestyle changes have become necessary for many people. Major economic worries affect both individual well-being and the couple relationship.

Top 10 Reasons to Communicate

A list of reasons why communication is important.

Afraid a Budget Will Cramp Your Style?

Budgeting falls into the category of things that are good for you but not necessarily emotionally appealing, like flossing your teeth or exercising. The truth of the matter, though, is that everyone budgets. Drawing up a budget is just making your spending more intentional rather than allowing your whims to determine how you will spend your money or your time.

For Every Marriage

Wherever you may be—dating, engaged, newlywed, in a mature marriage, or empty nesters—your relationship can benefit from a little expert advice. It’s too big a puzzle to put together from scratch. Don’t go it alone. We’re here to help make married life easier, more meaningful and enjoyable. We’re here to help make married life easier, [...]

Marriage in the News November 2009

Index of leading marriage indicators released; Marriages in America: Number declines, age rises; Pope Benedict: Address uncertainty regarding foundation of family in marriage; Catholic communicator discusses marriage, divorce and annulments; Should engaged couples talk together about how rich they hope to become?; Synod for Africa: Concluding words on marriage and family.

Marriage in the News October 2009

Five myths about marriage; Strengthening society’s faith in marriage; New Jersey bishops ask Catholics to promote, protect marriage; Recession shifts commuter marriages into high gear; Renewed worldwide focus on reality of forced child marriage; Matrimony is a mystery, but one we know something about.

Marriage in the News July 2009

Immigration reform that reunites wives with husbands, parents with children; Is U.S. divorce rate declining?; Unemployment’s crushing effects on marriages and families; Lessons learned on enduring love in marriage; Key challenges faced by U.S. bishops in defense of marriage; Statistics on tying the knot with someone of another religious affiliation; Family breakdown linked to poverty: Support urged for marriage and family.

Marriage in the News June 2009

The type of support spouses need from each other; Pope focuses on marriage and family in Holy Family’s “home town”; The roof over our heads: Housing crisis impacts couples and families; Another vocation crisis for the Catholic community: marriage; California Supreme Court upholds ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage; What couples can do as couples when the recession strikes home.

Marriage in the News March 2009

Marrying in a recession: Wedding cost control; Marriage preparation: More popular than ever?; On winning and losing in a marital conflict: Year of the Family in Austin; How couples manage disagreements: A few marriage essentials; Why money spent on a shared experience counts: Finding happiness; Lent and the economic crisis: Reflections for families, parents and others.