MONEY

The medium of customary exchange for goods and services.  Bartering is also a means of exchange which is growing in popularity in recent months, most likely due to the downward trend in today's economy. 

The book of Ecclesiastes chapter 10:19 reads, A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but MONEY answers all things. 

This verse clearly denotes that money is a necessity to everyday life.  Money provides for better health care, housing, education, disease prevention and intervention through health education and research, and overall lifestyle status.

Yet money is one of the most misunderstood or ignored topics facing married couples or couples who are about to marry.   The alarming fact is that at least 50% of marriages that end in divorce is due to finances.   My advise is that couples learn of each others spending practices prior to marriage, and establish acceptable guidelines and boundaries prior to marriage.  It is a good idea to set a budget based upon total household income an needs.  Remember that the budget has to change as needs and spending changes.

Go to the book store link and purchase a copy of the books "Just Before You Say I Do"! to obtain some insight into how to write and live on a budget.  This workbook offers a hands on factual approach to tracking spending.  It can serve as a guide for anyone wanting to get a handle on their finances.

Below are websites that may be able to help you improve your financial health and establish goals for yourself.  No representation is made about the quality of information provided on these websites or their affiliates.

www.abcnews.go.com/Business/MellodyHobson/

www.suzeorman.com

www.DaveRamsey.com

www.DealTaker.com      www.couponsuze.com     (to find discount coupons etc.)

www.Billshrink.com    and  www.Myvalidas.com       (to find tips to save on your cell phone bill)

www.Elance.com    www.Livesalesstaff.com    www.ODesk.com    www.99Designs.com (Work from home Freelance
 jobs).