Growing together means we can learn from sharing our successes and failures with one another without fear of shame. This is especially important in relationships. Are you a saver or a spender? Your mate is likely the opposite and there lies the conflict. Early in your relationship be transparent about where you are financially and where you want to go. It speaks volumes about a person when you hear their thoughts and feelings about money. What it means to them and their goals and how they relate to others. What you say about money and your financial life tells more about you then you realize and it reflects the core of who you are. If you want to really get to know someone better find out how they make financial decisions. Their thought process is a deeper look of who they really are. Ask yourself and ask your mate am I a financial adult or a financial child? Do I and does my mate make decisions that are beneficial or harmful? Can I live with who they appear to be without judgement for the long haul or will I tire of their way of being. Think about what their decisions mean to your life as well, if you plan to be in a long term relationship that leads to marriage.
Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is the Pastor of Andrew Chapel, United Methodist Church on the Northern Neck in Montross, VA. Rev. Dr. Taylor promotes best practices for financial literacy and financial empowerment in the church and leads workshops throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the District Finance Committee. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to Dr. David Taylor, who is also the Director of our church-based free clinic. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Rev. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, jogging, weightlifting, swimming, yoga, and interior decorating. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Taylor was born and raised in New York City and recently discovered her ancestral roots in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to David Taylor and they have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is a educator and son is an Active-Duty Senior Seaman in the Navy married with three children. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, writing poetry, crocheting and spending time with her family.