This week on the podcast, we are talking about how to be financially wise in marriage. This topic is super important for married couples. A lot of us grew up in homes where finances were never talked about. We weren't taught how to spend wisely, or how to budget. Many of us grew up in homes that were upside down in all kinds of debt. Then we stand up on a stage in front of friends and family, say some vows and suddenly begin our new life together without the financial tools to navigate. This can put us behind the 8-ball from the very beginning.

Paul tells us Christ-followers to live different than the world. We're called to a different standard. He spells it out plainly in Romans 12:2 (NIV): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

This week on the podcast, our guests are Kurt and Lori Braun. Kurt recently retired from 20+ years at Southland, managing our church's finances and has helped guide us to a very healthy place. In this conversation we'll dive into how to apply the same methods and wisdom to financial health in our marriages.

DISCUSSION:

Opening Questions

Where are you winning this week?
Last week we ended with the question, "What is one practical step you will take this week to love and serve your spouse (or future spouse) better?"

What is the step you took this week and how did that play out?

When you think "Financially wise marriage" what comes to mind?

Discussion Questions

Romans 12:2 says, "do not conform to the pattern of this world." What are some ways that the world manages finances and how does that differ from how we should?

What money habits did you learn growing up? Which ones still help you today and which ones do you need to unlearn?

Scott emphasizes the importance of our first fruits. What makes giving "first" hard for most of us? What would it look like for you personally to put God first financially?

Life is unexpected. Why is it important to have a savings or emergency fund?

We know how important communication is in marriages, but sometimes that doesn't carry over to how we spend our money. How can the lack of communication specifically around money be so dangerous to our marriages?

If you have kids, how are you teaching them about money? If not, how do you hope to model financial wisdom in the future?

Have you tried the 10 10 80 rule Kurt talks about? Was it helpful?

Kurt closes by saying we have to confront the brutal facts and be honest about where you are. What is one conversation, habit, or change you will commit to this week to improve how you and your spouse handle money?

Bottom line:

What's your next steps? Implement the right plan. Develop the right rhythms. Dig out of debt, live within your means, trust God and steward money and set an example by what you're learning and through how you impart financial wisdom to them. This matters. Make it a priority!

Resources:

Crown Financial Ministries has a ton of great resources… crown.org
Dave Ramsey resources: 7 Baby Steps to Financial Freedom, EveryDollar App, Debt Snowball Calculator, and many more are found on Ramseysolutions.com
Southland provides something called Wills & Estates (Financial Planning Ministry). No fee to Southland people. Dates for 2026: April 13th & October 12th.
Book by Randy Alcorn: The Treasure Principle

Wrap Up:

If this podcast has encouraged you—We'd love to hear from you.
If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church
As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend. You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.
Thanks for listening. Get after it! We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.