The Budget Committee Meeting

Communication is key in any relationship, but especially so in a marriage. I think Joel and I do a fairly good job of communicating, thanks in part to months of long distance dating where words were our only source of connecting. In the area of finances though, we haven't talked much. Joel is a fantastic money manager while I just get by, so until recently I let him worry about the details of our finaces. He pays all the bills, is responsible for saving, managing investments, etc. We discuss major purchases, but both just try to make reasonable decisions about smaller purchases.

To support my sister and improve my money-management skills, I joined a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course through our church. Using Ramsey's terms, Joel is the "nerd" who saves and likes to budget; I am the "free spirit" who likes to spend and not bother with details. Just two weeks into the course, it has stretched me to start caring about budgets, expenses, savings/emergency funds, etc. It has opened my eyes to the importance of being a team when it comes to fiances and spurred numerous conversations between Joel and I.

Last night we had our first "budget committee meeting" to determine our budget for the next few months. With the budget worksheet in front of us and pencil in hand, we looked at our income vs. expenses. We erased numbers, scribbled in new ones, circled areas and drew arrows to others when things didn't add up. We argued about priorities, voiced fears, and shared a triumphant high-five when the budget was finally done. It was one of the most difficult conversations we've had in our marriage thus far. But oddly enough, I think it is also one of the most beautiful conversations we've had.