04.04.14 The 10th Key for Adding Value to Your Husband's Life

10. Contribute to His Financial Health

‘Financial health’ is a term used to describe the state of a person’s monetary affairs.

My memory goes back to the time when I received my first salary. At the risk of making you frown; I actually got the entire amount and gave it to my boyfriend (now my husband) to manage. Further, I did not hang on his neck quizzing him to report on how each and every shilling had been used. Decades have come and gone but we always plan our finances together, with him in the lead as finance manager-cum-treasurer. I am certain that trusting him with our finances has contributed immensely towards making him feel valued. Let me also add that, fortunately, he is a very excellent steward and goes to great depths in ensuring that the money is spent responsibly and accounted for. A day never goes by without him recording how the money has been used and which coin has gone where.

A value-adding wife seeks a window to contribute to the finances of her home in general and husband in particular.

Most men will feel unworthy if they are unable to support their families financially. Therefore, your contribution towards making sound financial decisions can go a long way in adding value to your husband’s life; given that you can plan and manage your finances as a team, if that is possible. Two heads are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). It shows how you value his progress and prosperity (and of course yours).

Are you able to plan your finances together? Consider deciding on financial goals, budgets, savings and joint investments, including managing the implementation of your financial plans. Agree on which contributions to whom, how much and when. Ensure that you are both on the same page as far as financial literacy is concerned so that you are adequately equipped with the necessary skills to make high quality financial decisions.