Recession-Proof Your Marriage

By Jacqueline J. Overpeck

CBN.com – According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the marriage rate per 1,000 is 7.5 and the divorce rate is 3.6. Sadly, there are many causes why marriages, both secular and Christian, go through turbulent times that lead to a split-up. The Mayo Clinic cites financial problems as being one of the chief reasons why married couples need counseling (see Note 1).

In the United States today many married couples are facing greater financial difficulty than ever before. The housing market has cooled and thousands of families are struggling to keep their homes. Shaky home loans and personal credit lines are packing a one-two punch. A report from MSN Money Central states that the average household carries some $8,000 in credit card debt (see Note 2).

Recent stock market news is causing the most seasoned investors to scratch their heads. Headlines on one day point to indicators of recession. The next day, the Dow ascends to a four hundred point recovery (see Note 3). All of this mayhem, not including the raising price of gasoline, increased inflation and unemployment.

Which leaves me to wonder: How can I recession proof the love in my marriage? To answer that question, let’s consider the meaning of an economic recession.

Overcoming Seasons of Famine God’s Way

A season of famine is a season in your life when you lack the resources to meet all of your present needs. Most of us have been in this situation at least once, if not many times in our lives. While most people look to the Bible for spiritual guidance, they often overlook it as a source of practical counsel in the area of personal money management. In actuality, the Bible says more about money than it does about Heaven. Let's take a look at one of the most important verses in the Old Testament that explains how to overcome a season of famine.

Your financial future is in your response:
In Genesis the 26th chapter, Isaac encountered a season of famine and had a choice as to how he would respond to it. Verses 1,2 and 3 reveal to us the right ways and the wrong ways to respond:

Energy Guide: Heating & Cooling Your Home

Federal Trade Commission - Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you'll ever make in your home. Whether you're buying a new house, renovating an old one or making an emergency purchase because "old faithful" finally conked out, there's a lot riding on the choices you make: Your comfort and safety are at stake, but so is your wallet.

Americans typically spend about 46 cents of every dollar they pay in utility bills for "space conditioning." You can lower those costs by selecting the most energy-efficient equipment that meets your needs and fits your budget.

The EnergyGuide label on home heating and cooling equipment is intended to help you do just that. These labels provide a "snapshot" of the more in-depth energy efficiency and usage information that manufacturers are required to provide with their products -- generally through a fact sheet or industry association directory.

Why should I care about energy efficiency?

The total cost of an appliance has three components -- the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources.

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Home and Family

Recession-Proof Your Marriage

Overcoming Seasons of Famine God’s Way

Energy Guide: Heating & Cooling Your Home