Amazing Catechists

Teaching and learning the faith together

Printable Worksheets on Marital Finances #freebie #4KEYS

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turning-ownership-into-stewardship

This week’s marriage prep/enrichment topic is marital finances. Avoid the trap of “my money” vs. “your money” by realizing that everything we have comes from God who loves us and knows how to meet our needs. Read Chapter 5 of The Four Keys to Everlasting Love: How Your Catholic Marriage Can Bring You Joy for a Lifetime, and join in the discussion with the 4 Keys Online Book Club on Facebook. FOR A PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION OF THE WORKSHEET, CLICK HERE.

Chapter 5

Turning Ownership into Stewardship:
Six Tips for Trouble-Free, God-Centered Finances

Marital finances are a hot-button issue for many couples. But frequently couples are fighting over who’s in control and who gets to make the decisions as much as they’re fighting over the money itself. It helps for them to commit fully to the idea that what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine. It helps even more for them to realize that everything that is theirs has been given to them by a God who loves them.

We are not so much owners as we are stewards, caretakers of God’s blessings. As Manny and Karee say in Chapter Five of The Four Keys, “An attitude of stewardship can set us free. Good stewardship recognizes that everything we have comes from God, even the talents and opportunities that enable us to earn a living. God gives us these things so we can use them for his glory, not just accomplish our own personal goals.”

In Chapter Five, Manny and Karee use Scriptural quotes and stories to detail six tips for trouble-free, God-centered marital finances:

  • Talk to each other
  • Establish joint financial priorities
  • Plan wisely
  • Save for your family’s future
  • Tithe (or donate a fixed percentage of your income)
  • Pay your taxes (yes, really!)

Conversation Starters

You can use the following conversation starters to get a discussion going among yourselves or in a small group. If it helps, think it over on your own time, take it to prayer, and jot down your answers before talking about them.

1. Do you and your spouse have different spending and saving patterns? How different are they?

 

2. Are you comfortable discussing finances with each other, or does it sometimes cause conflict? Which financial issues have the most potential for conflict?

 

3. How important do you think donating to charity is? Which charities do you (or would you like to) support?

 

4. How often do you pray about any financial worries you might have?

Marriage Rx: The Free eBook!

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Marriage Rx 50 Quotes Cover

50 Inspirational Quotes to Make Your Marriage Better Today

We’re so pleased to share a free eBook with subscribers to our newsletter.  In our newsletter, you’ll find encouraging articles, helpful tips, and updates on our book The Four Keys to Everlasting Love: How Your Catholic Marriage Will Bring You Joy for a Lifetime (available for pre-order here!).

Catechists, please take note! Our book does have the imprimatur, or permission to print, from the bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. So it is a trustworthy resource for marriage preparation, marriage renewal, and adult faith formation ministries.

Our free Marriage Rx eBook is meant to touch your heart and show you how God’s everlasting love can improve your married life today and every day. We’ve included quotes from diverse sources like Shakespeare and the Bible, plus excerpts from many Can We Cana? posts, especially the popular series How to Stay Married 10 Years & Then Some. You can click through to the full posts, if you wish — we’ve provided the links right inside the eBook.

Inside you’ll find useful and uplifting guidance on:

  • The ABCs of Communication
  • Work & Money
  • Friends, Family & Forgiveness
  • God & Prayer
  • Saints, Suffering & Sacrifice

Ready to be inspired?

For your free eBook, click here!

May God bless you and your marriages!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Manuel and Karee Santos

Register Now for Online Marriage Enrichment Retreats!!

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Sacred Heart Immaculate Heart

Looking for ways to make your marriage stronger?

Join me this February 3, 4, 10, or 11 in an online marriage enrichment retreat. Spend an hour or two, just in time for Valentine’s Day, to make your marriage stronger! Similar to an interactive webinar, the retreat offers talks illustrated by sacred artwork with a background of Gregorian chant.

If you’ve never attended an online retreat before, don’t worry — the technology is easy. All you need is high-speed Internet and speakers for your computer. You can ask and answer questions simply by typing in a chatbox. But if you wish, you can purchase low-cost earbuds with a computer mike and speak directly with me and the other participants. You’ll receive a link by email to enter the online environment and a friendly tech will help you get used to all the features.

You can participate as an individual or a couple, during the early afternoon or in the evening — whatever works for you. And if you can’t join live, you’ll have access to the recorded session through a link we’ll send you. Watch it just like you’d watch an online video.

We’ll have sessions on two different topics and would love to see you at both. To register for either session, click here. For more info on the great folks producing this retreat, click here and here.

I. Life-giving Unity: Becoming One with Your Spouse and Your Children

The marital relationship is the bedrock of any family. Reignite your appreciation for your spouse, and let your renewed unity strengthen your relationship with your children as well. Learn how to communicate better, pray more together, and grow closer to God together.

Mid-day Session: Monday, Feb. 3, at 12:30-1:30 pm EST
Evening Session: Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7:30-8:30 pm EST

II. Holy Stewards: Making the Most of Your Time and Your Money

We all struggle to find enough time for work, family, and God. We might also sometimes let worries over money and professional advancement affect our marital relationship. Maintaining a good balance is difficult, but not impossible. Explore useful ways to make the most of what you have.

Mid-day Session: Monday, Feb. 10, at 12:30-1:30 pm EST
Evening Session: Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30-8:30 pm EST

Cost: $ 10 for one session, $15 for both.