Money and Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples (Maya Davis) [Paperback]

Matt Bell (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 15, 2011 | Series: Maya Davis

Newlyweds quickly discover that money is a big deal in their new marriage. Getting on the same financial page is essential because research shows that the more frequently a couple fights about finances, the more likely they are to divorce. Financial expert Matt Bell shows you how to make the most of each other’s financial strengths, teaching you how to work together to build a solid financial future. Through a 10-step action plan, you’ll learn how to prioritize goals, get out of debt, build savings, and much more—all in a way that minimizes stress on your relationship and maximizes unity and balance.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Newlywed couples quickly discover that money is a big deal in their new lives together. Conversations about money can all too easily turn into arguments about spending habits, credit card debt, and when to make major purchases. Getting on the same financial page is essential because research has shown that the more frequently a couple fights about finances, the more likely they are to divorce. So how do you as an engaged or newly married couple work as a team when dealing with money?

Financial expert Matt Bell shows you the way. This book will help you make the most of each other’s financial strengths, teaching you how to work together to build a solid financial future. Through a ten-step action plan, you’ll learn how to prioritize goals, get out of debt, build savings, invest wisely, buy a house, and much more—all in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes unity. With this essential guide, you’ll avoid the pitfalls and place yourselves on the path to financial success.

About the Author

MATT BELL is a personal finance expert whose previous books include Money, Purpose, Joy and Money Strategies for Tough Times. He leads workshops throughout the country; has been featured in major media such as USA TODAY, U.S. News & World Report, and WGN-TV; and writes the MattAboutMoney.com blog.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1615215611
• ISBN-13: 978-1615215614
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Matt began his career as a radio journalist, with his work featured on National Public Radio, the NBC Radio Network, and several other networks. His reporting earned national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and United Press International.

Today, Matt is a full-time personal finance writer and speaker. He serves as Associate Editor at Sound Mind Investing, America's best-selling investment newsletter written from a biblical perspective. Matt is the author of three personal finance books published by NavPress: "Money, Purpose, Joy" (September 2008), "Money Strategies for Tough Times" (April 2009), and "Money & Marriage" (March 2011). Matt has been featured in many media outlets, including USA TODAY, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune, WGN-TV and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows.

Matt holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University, where he wrote a thesis about the emergence of America's consumer culture and its influence on people's beliefs and behaviors.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For Couples That Will Help Give A Solid Financial Foundation March 16, 2011

By Peter Anderson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got a copy of this book a week or two ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It covers a topic that far too few delve into - talking about money before, and during marriage. Money troubles are one of the leading causes of divorce, so I think people would be well served by heeding the advice covered in this book.

The book goes in depth talking about money and marriage, discussing all of the things that young couples and those who have been married for years should know, and talk about, when it comes to money. Some of the things you'll find:

- How we come to our views of money: How we've been influenced by family, by culture, by our experiences and how that can skew our thinking about money.
- How our individual personalities can affect how we view, spend and interact with money and our spouse.
- It talks about the importance of having goals, and a financial plan together as a couple.
- It goes over budgeting and creating a cash flow plan, and includes links to the author's website where you can download updated versions of budget spreadsheets.
- The book is meant to be read along with your spouse, and at the end of each chapter there are action points, and several questions to talk about together. I've found it's very helpful for getting the discussion going.
- Discussions of debt, how to avoid it, how to get rid of it, and how to manage your credit.
- Examines other key issues including housing, planning ahead for a rainy day, spending smart and getting organized.

There is a lot more in the book that I can't cover here, but it really is a great book to pickup, especially if you're having money troubles, are soon to be married, or if you're an old married couple and you want a refresher course on budgeting and setting up a cash flow plan.

Money and marriage can be a minefield, but this book will help you to identify and defuse any potential landmines, before it's too late.

p.s. Some here have complained that the book comes from a Christian viewpoint, or that the author quotes scripture in the book. I didn't find that to be a problem as the book isn't preachy, and the verses that were included were common sense bible verses that are applicable to anyone both Christians and non-Christians alike. Also, you would think the fact that the book is categorized in the Christian Living > Stewardship and Personal Finance > Money & Values sections may have been a clue that the author has a Christian viewpoint. In any event, it doesn't detract from the sound financial advice included in the book, and I don't think it should keep anyone from buying.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Advice for Buidling a Solid Foundation March 15, 2011

By Erin Baehr

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

In all the wedding planning festivities, what is often overlooked is financial compatibility. The author does a great job of getting the conversation started between couples joining their finances, with tools for planning and discussion. The book covers the basics of building a solid financial foundation very well, and lays it out in a way that a couple can use as a resource to check the tasks off their list. Going deeper, the author addresses our purpose for money, and the spiritual aspects of our relationship with money. I am a financial planner and purchased several copies to give away not only to newly married couples, but also older couples who are working on re-building that foundation.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Money and Marriage March 16, 2011

By Jennifer H. Johnson

Format:Paperback

I received Money and Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples by Matt Bell from NavPress Publishers Blogger Review Program just the other day and simply gobbled it up! When I requested this particular book, I wasn't expecting to learn any new information from Bell. And while the vast majority of the book was information I already knew, the way in which Bell presented everything- from the financial principles to the biblical foundations behind them- was wonderfully fresh and renewing. There was also some information I about which I was very excited to learn; there were some financial issues about which I've always been just a little bit confused- even after much research- but Bell dispelled common misconceptions and offered clarity on a number of financial matters.

The book would be an excellent gift or any engaged couple or even newly-married couple. While I realize that the typical engaged couple already has a ton of adjustments to make and many things to ponder, finances should not be one which they skip! It may be an awkward and uncomfortable conversation to begin, but it is definitely a necessary one. Bell offers some great diagnostic tools so that you can learn about your spouse's 'money personality', how you can understand one another, and how you can work together to determine the financial state of your union.

I also admire Bell's determination to keep biblical foundations concerning finances at the heart of the book. By turning the focus back to God and less on ourselves, Bell helped the Spirit to bring about a fresh sense of conviction and renewal.

I'm a typical seminary wife and am always trying to come up with more ways to save money and manage our finances better; I quickly found that the same information is repeated over and over through a variety of mediums. Setting financial goals, paying down debt, and saving money can quickly become another chore which I begrudge, but after reading Bell's words, I am encouraged to keep at it! I'll be keeping this book close at hand so I can refer to it when I need a little bit more encouragement and help in financial matters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."