HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1976-06-24, Page 99A,M
How shall we manage our money?
"On the sheet of paper you have:
just received, list 20 things you
really enjoy doing."
The couples in the room, all of
whom intend to be married in the
very near future, cast quick roman-
tic glances at each other and began
listing activities vigorously and with
no idea of what their next task
would be.
"Now," said the instructor as the
couples finished, "put 'a dollar sign
next to each activity that would cost.
yob $5 or more to do." •
As dollar signs began accumulat-
ing, nervous giggles said more than
words could ever say.
# 0 •
MRS. JANICE KUKAR and
Mrs. Marilyn Rudcinski conducted
the recent four-hour program at
Oakland Mall, Troy, aimed at poten-
tial newlyweds.
According to the couples who at-
tended, the program offered a
wealth of information as they plan
that momentous march to the alter.
Mrs. Kukar is :he Oakland exten-
sion home economist for the Michi-
gan State Cooperative Extension
Service, sponsor of the program.
Mrs. Rudcinski is Macomb's exten-
sion home economist.
BOTH WOMEN found past
programs so effective in reaching
young people that they are going
full speed ahead with plans for fu-
ture sessions..
February's program focused on
money management and communi-
cation within a marriage.
Al Abraham, credit counselor for
Credit Counsel Centers of Michigan,
was a guest speaker.
* . *
HE JMPHASIZED the great im-
pact that money, or the lack of it,
will have on a marriage.
Abraham asked the couples to list
the major expenses (food, housing,
insurance, transportation) that they
would need almost as soon as they
stepped out of the church doors, if
.not sooner.
As the couples looked at the num-
ber of items they would need, just
for survival and second for security,
Abraham said, "We just want you
to get an idea of where you are
going, and what it is going to cost
you."
• * *
WARNING THE couples to use
common sense and forethought in
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all major purchases, Abraham
added that the cost of food can drain
families today.
"When you start out, you're going
to spend $30 a week minimum on
food. People are going to come over
to see your new place and they're
gonna' eat your food and drink all
your Faygo!"
This may sound funny, he said,
but couples have found that the con-
stant flow of visitors in the begin-
ning is quite expensive.
* • .
ABRAHAM POINTED out, that
the price of gas should not be under-
estimated. It can wipe out a wallet
in a month when added to all the
other expenses.
"I'll get a bike," said one young
man.
"Do you know what a hike costs
today," Abraham chuckled back.
"IT'S REALLY important that
you make decisions together on
money," Abraham said. Although
he hesitated to describe the average
couple and the ideal budget, he did
advise members of the audience to
find out what their individual needs
are and budget accordingly. He
added that "conservatism" is the
password in the budget game.
Renters' insurance, according to
Abraham, is very inexpensive and is
something renters should .not be
without, unless, of course, replacing
household appliances or a wardrobe
poses no financial threat.
Abraham advises couples to look
into the differences between a sav-
ings and loan bank and a commer-
cial bank.
AND WHETHER money is tight
or not, if there is a communicE tion
barrier between the partners, they
should tear it down in the very be-
ginning, all the speakers advised.
Mrs. Kukar said roles should be
discussed...
"What I think my role is and what
you think my role is may not be the
same.
"This should he dealt with openly,
settled in the. beginning, instead of
blown up someday when I come
home from work in a bad mood,"
she said.
Mrs. Kukar also advises those
contemplating marriage not to fear
conflict.
-Conflict can he one of the most
stimulating things ip a marriage if
it is used and dealt with," she said.
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