“Who can find a good wife? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” (Prov. 31:10-11)

A few months ago, I started listening to The Catholic Money Show for some monetary motivation, after which my husband and I jumped back on the horse to ride furiously into the sunset of financial freedom.

Quite frankly, I’m tired of not having financial freedom.

We’re a dual-income family and, in our newlywed days, Andrew and I agreed that I would handle the finances. Though of course he’s privy to the details of our cash flow, it’s my job to make sure the outgo doesn’t exceed the income. I’ve made a habit of combing our budget for error and excess to ensure our complete control over our finances, intentionally placing every nickel and dime prudently where it needs to go. Buying according to sales, making coffee at home, hanging laundry to dry—every little bit helps, and we’re open to new approaches that help us save more and spend less.

Friday night I burst through our front door, beaming from a big grocery trip. I proudly reported to Andrew that, after coupons and discounts, I saved $16, not including the savings from buying only on-sale items. Others might save more on a regular basis, but I was pretty proud of myself because strategic food shopping used to intimidate me.

During my chatty glow, I realized that I waxed so merrily about my savings because I wanted Andrew to know that I was being a good steward of our income. At that moment, I had a revelation so simple, but new to me: As the primary money manager in our family, it is my duty to demonstrate good stewardship of our income, not only for our family’s financial welfare but also to express gratitude to God and my husband.

Expressed gratitude is a game-changer. Our culture is so wrapped up in what belongs to us, what we are due and just getting more in general, that we tend to overlook the generous Giver. It is the Lord Himself who blesses us with the ability to work and progress; the fruits of which are our homes and resources for carrying on. When we receive a gift from anyone else, we treat it well and with pride. We take care of it.

When family providers feel the strain of limited resources, it can cause anxiety and self-doubt about one’s worth. Discouragement is all too common when we’re doing our best, working hard, yet coming up short. On the other hand, good stewardship, through living simply, making smart financial choices and communicating expenses and needs, empowers those working for our daily bread. The plus: I can encourage my husband with honest confidence because he will trust that I treasure him, as well as his work for our kids and me.

I desire to be a good steward of our family’s finances. With our combined parental duties of providing and caring for what God entrusted to us, we feel safe with each other. The whole thing is a team-building effort for husband, wife and the Lord; to let Him know you are grateful and appreciate what He has provided.

Leading into the holidays, this month often means additional spending. Sit together and honestly look at your accounts, create a budget and commit to it as a team—beginning and ending your time with a simple prayer of gratitude to God for entrusting you with His blessings.

Katie Sciba is a national speaker and Catholic Press Award-winning columnist. Katie has been married for 14 years and is blessed with six children.

This article appeared in the November 2023 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.