Effective communication is one of the most important keys to a healthy family. Don’t miss an opportunity to have good solid financial communication in your home. This kit is an easy to understand, step by step guide through your families finances. Putting this system into practice can...

1. bring your family closer together,
2. greatly improve your financial situation,
3. and deepen your relationship with the Lord.

The instructions are so easy to follow that even someone without any financial training whatsoever can lead a successful meeting. My wife and I have been using this system for a few years and it has greatly improved our marriage and our effectiveness as stewards.

Use the Family Financial Conference Kit to lead your family in a discussion about finances.

• Description and Instructions
• Worksheets
• Tools

Description and Instructions

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to discuss finances with your family with an open, humble attitude. Some studies show that over 80% of divorces are due to finance-related problems. In the proper setting, a discussion about finances can be a wonderful experience that draws the family closer together. With the wrong attitude, it can easily become an all-out-war. Emotions can run high when discussing money. When you have disagreements, realize that we all come from different backgrounds. We all have had different experiences relating to finances and most of us haven’t been properly trained to handle finances effectively. If you find yourselves arguing over a certain topic, stop and take some time to pray and think about this situation. If you still have difficulty resolving the issue, consider seeking counsel from your pastor or a financial advisor who is properly trained in Biblical finance (depending on the topic).

The questions on the following section should be answered by each spouse and then discussed together.

What is the goal in a family conference? There are three primary purposes…

1. To make sure both spouses have a clear understanding of the family’s financial situation
2. To ensure that the family is making progress toward your goals
3. To bring the family closer together by sharing your hopes, goals, and dreams and then working towards achieving those ambitions.

Before discussing your answers, begin with prayer. Ask the Lord to open your hearts and minds to His plan for your lives. Seek His wisdom and guidance as you grow as stewards of God’s finances. Ask God to help you find the answers to the financial challenges your family is facing.

Consider including your children in the conversation if they are old enough. This could be a great way for them to see first hand that money doesn’t grow on trees. It must be earned and managed properly through careful planning.

Set non-financial goals as well. Since the family is coming together to discuss financial goals, why not turn this into an opportunity to discuss other important matters? You could set relationship goals, family goals, or spiritual goals.

Keep your worksheets for future reference. It can be very gratifying to look back years from now and see that you’ve been making progress toward your goals. It can also serve as a motivator if you look back and see little or no progress. The important thing is to stay accountable to your family’s goals.

May God bless you and your family as you seek His will with the finances He has entrusted to you.

Worksheets

Please download the Family Financial Connection Kit for an electronic, printable copy of the worksheets. (Requires Adobe Acrobat)

Tools

A helpful tool is to keep a roster of all creditors and assets. Many times, only one spouse knows how many assets and liabilities the family has. This report will give you a clearer understanding of your financial picture.

It is also very helpful to track your net worth. This will help you to track your financial progress over the years.