Money becomes a magical screen on which we project our fears, frustration, and dreams. Each of us must search our histories for clues as to why we have the attitudes we do with regards to money.

Money Means Different Things to Different People

It has been said that “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be” Why is it easier to open our hearts to each other but close up our heart when it comes to working together on our finances? Because money problems are seldom about money. One the surface, the issue appears to be financial; however, that is rarely the case. There are deeper issues related to the meaning of money. Here are some examples of those who are dealing with issues other than what they appear to be-money matters.

Carson admitted breaking into a hot sweat the day he and his bride signed up for a joint credit
Card. His anxiety increased. Could he really trust her? Would she put their financial future in jeopardy by her choices?

Julie couldn’t wait to leave home. She wanted to get out where no one would tell her what to do.
She believed the less accountability, the greater the freedom. Now has marriage made her feel restricted?

Rick loved being the centre of attention. His approval rating system demanded that he go into major debt to buy things for his friends
.
Sue used money as a antidepressant, a mood changer, so did Joe, who equated money with status. He had to have the latest clothes, toys, and cars. A new purchase worked miracles for both of them. But the fix was temporary
.

Juan only feels secure when he has a substantial savings account so he constantly criticizes Patricia for her spending habits. She is wise in her expenditures. But he can’t see that because his fear blinds him.

Christy was struggling with a conflict between being dependent and nurtured by her husband, Ken, so she had been happy to let him handle all the finances. Yet, she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with some of his choices. It made Ken uncomfortable to hear Christy question some of his decisions

Lee was happy to make the money decisions because he wanted to control his own destiny.

It made him feel important, and he didn’t want to repeat his parents’ pattern. After retirement his
Parents were totally dependent on him.

There is an incredible vulnerability that comes when we give another person access to our finances. The reality is they can now hurt us very badly by taking or misusing the information we have given
them
Prior to marriage, many of us had to answer only to ourselves. A major shift occurred as we began our married life. We are now accountable to each other. How do you react when someone limits you?