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Managing Households And Its Financial Needs

By Editor
27 February 2016   |   3:15 am
Do you know that money issues have caused a lot of havoc to families and marriages? You know, most times we tend to attribute divorce, domestic violence, constant arguments and some other things to other causes but in fact, money plays a pivotal role in most cases. Even when a person is single, the way…

Household

Do you know that money issues have caused a lot of havoc to families and marriages?

You know, most times we tend to attribute divorce, domestic violence, constant arguments and some other things to other causes but in fact, money plays a pivotal role in most cases. Even when a person is single, the way he or she manages their finances is not entirely up to them as there are other relative concerns that may dictate it. Being married increases the pressure, the responsibility to effectively manage money as well as the household at the same time. Married couples have to realize that it’s no longer about them but the overall good and well-being of the family. Let’s see some ways to manage household finances;

1. Make plans
Household needs are many, hence the need to make plans to get them at the right time. Whatever is important or needful is worth making plans for. And knowing that you’re married, it’s not a time for you to isolate yourself and make all the plans, no! You have to speak with your better half and make the plans together. If it is a decision that involves your children, involve them so they feel special and recognized when it comes to the goings-on in the family.

2. Save ahead

After making plans, save up for what you need if you really want to get it. Depending on your financial status, organize how it should be saved and how long that savings should continue. By doing this, you make it official that you’re interested in seeing things work out eventually. As always, saving is difficult especially when you’re married thanks to other bills to pay – foreseen and unforeseen. Good enough reason to opt for a Diamond bank savings account which is ideal for you; or you could, better still, try the fixed deposit account to make the process seamless and rewarding.

3. Prioritize

There are needs in every family, needs including foodstuffs, provisions, clothes, books, furniture, cars, beds, and so on. Each of these are important but surely some are more important than others. For instance, it would be totally unacceptable for a couple to prefer to buy a family car than paying children’s fees, it is unheard of but sadly it is, some people misplace their priorities like this and it could endanger the family. What you have to do is create a scale of preference and allocate your spending money to these. Items such as house rent, school fees, medicals, foodstuffs etc., should be priority on the list. You can then include other things like electricity bills, leisure outings, etc. You know what is more important to your family, go for that and not just anything on the list.

4. Carry your spouse along

In doing all of this, make sure your spouse is kept in the loop else it may cause irreparable damage to your relationship. Good and lasting relationships are built on trust and understanding, the more reason to share your plans with him or her and together you both agree on what’s best for the family. When you begin to beat a solitary path in decisions that has to do with money you stoke a fire that is not likely to quench easily. And don’t go all defensive that you’re making money too or making more money than he is…just to support your argument that would only worsen the case. Sit down and reason together and create the future that both of you will be proud of.

Managing households and its finances is never an easy task but it is a doable one. Asides what money can get you to put in your home, it is another challenge to make good use of what is acquired. That the fridge is stocked with groceries and desserts doesn’t mean all should finish quickly. And that there are clothes to wear doesn’t mean five different set clothing should be worn in a day. As a mother, it is your duty to ensure that all the plans you make are not in vain. Management is key!

Poetry

Your home belongs to you
So does your money
Manage both with wisdom
And enjoy the benefits

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