Why I Burned Our Budget To Save Our Marriage
Tracy Latona |
Today, I want to share a deeply personal story with you—one that taught me an unexpected lesson about marriage and money.
There was a moment when I realized the structured, step-by-step budget I’d created (my plan to get us out of debt, build savings, and secure our retirement) had to go.
I’d poured everything into this roadmap, convinced it was the answer to all our financial goals. But the stress it created in my marriage was undeniable.
You see, I’m what you’d call a “money nerd.” I love budgets, I love a plan, and I love knowing the next twelve steps. My husband, on the other hand, has a very different perspective on money.
To him, saving and spending meant something entirely different, and my need to follow the plan precisely was, unintentionally, crushing his spirit.
The tension grew until we reached a breaking point. We almost got divorced…again!
That’s when a trusted mentor asked me a question I’ll never forget: “Is getting your way with the finances worth sacrificing your marriage?”
That question shifted everything. I realized my need for control was rooted in fear and scarcity, so I made a commitment to let go of my grip on “the plan.”
I began to listen to my husband’s perspective, which I’d overlooked, and in doing so, I found a new way to approach money—one rooted in trust, flexibility, and connection.
Little by little, I let go of control and followed his lead, such as increasing the fun money and adding more to the restaurant line item.
For the first time, I allowed myself to believe that spending wouldn’t ruin us, that we could reach our goals and enjoy the life we were building.
And you know what? We even started hitting our financial goal of paying off debt and building the emergency fund faster, with extra room for the things that brought us joy.
That was the power of moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, and it changed everything. Not just in our finances, but in our marriage.
Now, I bring this approach to my clients, helping them to:
- Heal money conflicts in their relationships
- Build a shared vision, even with different “money languages”
- Manage their money confidently together while working toward their dreams
- Find practical ways to handle finances that honor both partners so both feel heard
- Finally reach those money goals that stalled from not working together
Imagine managing money side by side with your spouse, feeling confident, connected, and ready to live generously.
- Where money is no longer a disagreement but a safe conversation
- You feel trust and connection to your spouse because you’re working as a TEAM
- You are able to give with wild generosity to the Kingdom of God without worry if your household will have enough
I’m here to tell you—it’s possible.
My husband and I both feel respected, honored, and heard in our money conversations. We make quick and relatively painless decisions when the unexpected happens, and disagreements last only moments, not days.
I’ve done it, and so have dozens of my clients.
Ready to be next? Click the Button to Book Your Money Strategy Session, and we’ll make a plan to go from where you are to where you want to be in your finances.
And even we choose to not work together, you’ll still have a clear next step to make the progress you’ve been craving.
