This section on the family is the first of a three-part series.  The first part, "Money and Marriage," discusses how money impacts the relationship between couples.  The second part, "Teaching Children Financial Responsibility" discusses ideas on teaching children about personal finance.  Finally, the third part, "Saving for Children’s Education and Missions" discusses methods of saving for your children’s missions and education.  Each of these areas is critical if we are to be successful in our challenge to be good parents, spouses, and wise financial stewards. 

We know that the family is the most important unit in time and in eternity  (“Proclamation on the Family,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).  We also have also been counseled that “No success in life can compensate for failure in the home.  (David O. McKay, General Conference, April 1964).  How does money relate in this critically important assignment to be successful in our homes? 

Please note that many of the ideas from this first section are from Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102) and Bernard E. Poduska’s, For Love and Money:  How to Share the Same Checkbook and Still Love Each Other, (Brooks/Cole Publishing, 1993). 

There are three objectives from this section that you should remember.

1.  Understand the key principles of money and marriage

2.  Understand why money may be an issue in relationships

3.  Understand a few recommendations for money and marriage

Deciding now that your family is the most important priority and understanding the key principles of money and marriage and why money may be an issue in marriage are keys to a couple working together toward achieving shared personal and financial goals.