Is this your strength?

“Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”

Proverbs 13:18

Financial Giants?

While facilitating MD5 groups over the years, I have seen men who are "Financial giants" offering great wisdom, as well as men who acknowledge that the Financial “F” is their weakest area. Excluding the Faith “F,” most men are typically stronger in two “Fs” and weaker in the others. How do you bring them into balance? The answer is simple: discipline and intentionality. We don’t lack financial information; we often lack the execution. Review the resources from your cohort or invite a financially savvy friend to lunch to pick their brain.

Uncomfortable Conversations

I’ve found that many men lack the courage to have hard, uncomfortable financial conversations with their wives. Yet, a couple’s finances often reveal the state of their hearts. Dave Ramsey says most couples consist of one “nerd” (the saver) and one “free spirit” (the spender). My wife used to prefer avoiding these talks with her “nerd” husband. Before I went through MD5 in 2019, we had a major "blow-up" regarding money every six months. Since 2019, those have stopped.

The Solution

The reason? We got on the same page, and God changed my heart. We now discuss short-term and long-term goals, communicate regularly about kids' expenses (who knew sports fees were so high?!), and use a simplified budget tool. Most importantly, I stopped being controlling and started truly listening to her input. These conversations aren't always “fun,” but they are necessary for a healthy marriage.

Transparency is Key

As you noticed during MD5, the “Fs” are interconnected. When you are intentional with friendships, you are sharpened by hearing how other men and their brides manage change. We share a common vocabulary and an unwritten accountability. Recently, a friend and former MD5 participant opened up about his family's finances while we were trail running. That transparency sparked a great conversation. As C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”

Resist the Drift

We are now in the timeframe when New Year’s resolutions often begin to fade. Revisit your life plan. Be intentional with your financial conversations, make necessary adjustments, and re-establish your disciplines. Pray for God to convict you where needed and for the strength to follow through in repentance.

John Gore

MD5 Facilitator