Is money the main topic of stress in your household? Do you and your spouse meet eye-to-eye on your family budget and spending? Do you contribute to your family's overspending, or do you "underspend" in order to compensate for the other? Or, have you contemplated divorce in order to gain control of your money and financial planning? "You are not alone!" There is hope, and the solution is simple.

Open communication is the DOORWAY to financial stability.

• Engage your spouse on their opinions and feelings about money in general and then your specific family money situation. Listen intently, and do not interrupt! Even if you feel like defending your position, hold back and really take in what they are experiencing from their perspective. You will be amazed at the response you will get if you give your spouse the freedom to express themselves. Most likely, this opens the door for your position to be heard when you have the opportunity to share. Money situations are sensitive, so be gracious and don't be afraid of emotions.

Respecting the other person for wherever they're at is the JOURNEY to financial stability.

• We are all wired differently and gifted in different ways. You most likely married someone who is opposite from you in many ways, and these are the reasons that you were initially attracted to them. Remind yourself of these qualities that you once admired in your spouse when the temptation to judge them or condemn them for their lack of discipline in spending or their lack of understanding financial things. Keep your mind thinking on the positive things of your spouse and do not nurture the negative!

Making a plan and implementing it together is the JOY to financial stability.

• Discover with your spouse the things that you're passionate about or have dreamed about and share them with each other. For example, you may have always wanted to start a 'safe-house' for abused teens, or your spouse may have always wanted to go to Europe and visit all of the historical castles.
• Cohesively, construct a budget based on your lifelong passions, dreams and goals.
• Be willing to make life-style changes and sacrifices in order to attain your goals. If you've discovered what you're truly passionate about, this will not feel like much of a sacrifice because you will be so motivated and excited to reach your goals.

You can create a joyful, financially stable marriage. Humbly accept your spouse's current position concerning money and take the initiative to listen to them and encourage them to share what they are passionate about in life. Make a financial plan together and diligently pursue it to achieve your goals.