How to Budget Together – Budgeting is something that has been intentionally taught to me as I have grown up. My parents always taught me about saving money and how to allocate certain percentages of income each time money is made. Naturally this has become a value that I hold to. I was surprised to find that Larisa didn’t have the same value taught to her as she was growing up. This sparked conversations where we could discuss our budgeting as a soon-to-be married couple and also helped us decide what is important for our wedding and for the future.
How to Sacrifice – Relating to the wedding, this is probably something that Larisa has learned more about than I have but it has been a very real learning experience. She has been dreaming of this event for practically her whole life but there are some things that just won’t be able to become a reality due to finances. Together (not that I’m the best help with wedding ideas) we have been able to sit down and look through our options, deciding what things are most important and what might need to be turned into a DIY project!
How to Work Together – Initially, it was pretty clear that we had differing expectations of what our wedding would look like. We have had to listen intently to each other and overcome small conflicts in order to make sure we are moving in the right direction for the event and for our relationship in the midst of all the planning. We also have had to capitalize on each of our strengths. For example, I am not gifted with the ability to have an opinion on about 99% of things relating to our wedding. However, I have done really well when Larisa gives me a specific task to accomplish. I feel helpful and she gets to cross something off the list!
I know that planning a wedding is not something that most people are currently in the midst of. However, I have learned that it is the monetary responsibility that has taught us the most. We have been blessed to learn so many things about ourselves and about each other, simply because we were placed in this position. My hope is that I can encourage you to find the value in the places you have been placed in a position of responsibility, even though it’s not always a fun experience. The lessons you learn are definitely worth it in the long run.
Have you been thrown in to a position of responsibility?
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