Dear Pastor,

Greetings in the name of our soon coming King. Gordon Martinborough, in his book I Love You, looks at how partners manage money peacefully. He stated, "One of the biggest areas of conflict in marriage is the management of money." Properly managed money is a source of happiness, but badly managed money becomes a root of bitterness. It is important, therefore, that partners study, adopt and implement a plan for peaceful and successful money management. Keep up the good work.

D.D., St James

Dear D.D.,

Indeed, some folks even when they are married, have serious arguments over money. As a counsellor I often engage in pre-marital counselling, and it is a topic I discuss with couples. Some men cannot be trusted with money, but neither can some women. Therefore, proper arrangements should be made for savings and all necessary deductions, even before the cheques are given to the individuals.

In the home, either the man or the woman should be responsible for paying all the bills.

If the woman is better in handling money, she should see that all the bills are paid. If the man is better in handling money, he should pay all the bills. A couple should make a budget and review their budget periodically.

Pastor