Money does not buy love, but money is a lubricant of love. When there is no money, hugs, and kisses can degenerate into howls and fights. In poor and middle-class homes, most marital conflicts have money as a direct or root cause. When there is not enough to go around, tempers flare easily and patience wears thin. When you live under the shadow of debt collectors, life can be a living hell. You cringe at the ring of the telephone. When you go out in the car, you are never sure whether you will trek back home, as re-possessors can strike when you least expected.
I remember a visit to a friend while on vacation. I was not informed that I am not should not answer the phone or the door. The phone rang and the helpful guest, picked up the phone only to realize it was the debt collection agency call. I was later instructed to check with my host before answering the door. It felt like being a fugitive on the run from creditors. When we become aware of the consequences of our spending actions, we get to think before we spend. Is it really worth it? Why not wait until we can truly afford it? Who are we trying to impress?
The love of money may be the root of all evil, but the lack of money is the root of bitterness. Like it or dislike it, you cannot ignore money. Financial independence and freedom are the springboards to other freedoms. If you do not handle your finances properly, your love nest can turn into a matrimonial shouting festival.
Most of our worries revolve around money. We can do strange things for money. Some husbands abandon their wives and travel to another country to look for money. Spouses are forced to separate geographically because of job situations. Men and women do stuff they would never have imagined because of money. Many compromise their principles under severe financial pressure. The lack of money then becomes the root of compromise. You never know what you can do until you are under severe financial pressure.
Bad debt puts us in a weakened financial position and we negotiate from a position of weakness. A debtor is a slave to the creditor. Without financial independence, you have no real choices when it comes to how you want to live your life. Your life is at the mercy of circumstances. You need to get out of bed debt and get your life back. It is heavy baggage you can do without.
