Understanding the role of money in marriage

ONE of the many challenges facing marriages today is the issue of money and how it is dispensed in the home. Unfortunately, this is rarely discussed, even among marriage counsellors.

It is, therefore, a great idea when Phillips Adewale Odelana, the General Director of the Scripture Union Nigeria, decided to discuss this very important topic in marriage.

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The book, while explaining the four money personalities, highlights that marriage and money issues breed a lot of actions and reactions.

The author agrees that the most common usage of money in marriage is that it is used as a tool to accomplish some specific goals such as love, power, happiness, security, control, dependency, independence, freedom and more.

“In this wise, money is a symbol that needs to be decoded. This decoding reaches deep into the human psyche. Usually, when the botton of money is pressed, deeper issues emerge that have long been neglected.

“As a result, money matters are a perfect vehicle for revelation of who we are or who we are dealing with, and for what end we use out money.” (P26).

Here, the author explains that when issues of money surfaces, most people bring out their true colours, and many relate to money much as they relate to a person, and when two individuals form an enduring relationship with each other, money is always a partner too.  This partnership can, however, be used to one’s advantage.

It is, therefore, important to understand one’s partner’s money personality, so as to reduce the possibility of serious conflict.

One does not need to have identical views with one’s partner on money, but understanding the other individual’s money personality will go a long way in adjusting, adapting and accommodating, as well as resolving issues surrounding finances.