HopeinLDS

My wife and I have always had different view of money. She owns $1500 dollar purse and $300 pair of sunglasses. This was before we met. On the hand I might of owned $300 dollars worth of stuff. About 2 years my wife gave an XM radio. I quickly got hook on Dave Ramsey. I am not trying to peddle is product but it is rooted in Christian believes and it works. When we were married we didn’t even know what a budget was. We just paid our bills by what paycheck it was and she balanced the checkbook. When we got serious about our money, I found $700 error because she has been rounding up in her checkbook for years. I was lucky to maintain 50 bucks. We realized that 2 checking accounts were dumb and need to be one. I don’t know how your checkbook is but two different checkbooks and can cause financial infidelity; which can be a big deal to many. January of 2011 I wrote our first written budget. For the last 2 years we plan out the monthly budget together. We have to agree on it. I would say make each other sign it even if it has to change, sign the new budget. Things do come up and you do need to ready. I know it is a challenge but you to prepare for the future. We also keep track of all our debt and I project the year. My wife and I don’t stress about money because we have small savings that we just went through because of an accident and surgery for our dog. We are a faith that teaches to prepare this includes financially too. Remember we have been command “to be good Stewarts of our money” and taught to multiply our talents. Here are 5 steps to get you started: Do a written budget. If you don’t have CASH you can’t afford it. (minus cars and house for now) The first check you write is Tithing. Put $1000 in savings for the day that “Murphy Laws” visits. If it is not in the budget you can’t buy it. (This one is hard for me.) IDB

I have spent the last 15+ years of the 28 I have been alive dealing with depression. I have chemical imbalance form of depression and it is effect by seasonal too. I spent the last 10 years being inactive and coming back to church my depression has been mild compared to where I was at 10 years ago. We have to remember are all given trials and we were counseled with God before come to Earth. We knew our battles and struggles we would have. I know that the Lord will not give us any trials we can’t handle. I know that through faith and trust we can find hope. In Jeremiah 17:7 says “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” This has given me hope. I know that we do needs the proper medicines to help if the case applies. I know many members that have gone through something similar. When it is chemical imbalance it is harder to control. Remind him to receive weekly blessing from his companion and to remember the promises the Lord has given in the walls of temple. Things he can by is a UV light to wear. It is a common practice in places like Alaska where it dark from almost 3 months. This is something to think about due to the weather. Writing has always helped me. If you have more questions I can try to help. Nothing is worse than this struggle and feeling alone. IDB