If you’ve been wondering how to set financial goals that reflect your values and actually bring you closer together, not further apart, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps and offer Christian money advice for newlyweds and couples who want to start strong, stay united, and build a financial future that honors God and supports their shared vision. Whether you’re navigating your first budget or dreaming about buying a home, this is about more than dollars—it’s about discipleship, stewardship, and unity in your new life together.
“Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” – Amos 3:3
The Table Talk That Changed Everything
Ashley and James sat across from each other, laptops open, budget spreadsheet pulled up, and a half-drunk cup of coffee between them. They weren’t fighting—this time. But something wasn’t clicking. They were working hard, checking the boxes, but still felt out of sync.
Sound familiar?
Financial stress is one of the leading causes of tension in marriages, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Setting financial goals together doesn’t just help you get ahead—it brings unity, clarity, and peace into your home.
Whether you’re newly married or years into building a life together, this guide will walk you through setting shared money goals that reflect your values, honor your faith, and strengthen your relationship.
Step 1: Start With a Values Check-In
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Before you talk about money, talk about meaning.
Ask questions like:
- What does financial success look like for us?
- What do we want our life to feel like?
- How do we want to be remembered—as a couple, as a family?
This step invites God into the process and helps you align your financial plans with your faith and purpose.
💬 Pro Tip: Write down your top 5 shared values—like freedom, generosity, rest, or stewardship—and use these as a filter for all future financial goals.
Step 2: Dream Big (Then Sort the Dreams)
Knowing how to set financial goals that you actually want to follow through on is both art and science. Before you get tactile, let your imagination wander as you think about the future. In other words, before jumping into spreadsheets and budgets, take some time to dream. Yes, dream!
Make it a fun date night. Get cozy, pour a favorite drink, and ask each other:
- What’s something you’d love to do in 5 years if money wasn’t an issue?
- What kind of lifestyle do we want?
- What does “enough” look like for us?
Write it all down—no judgment. Later, you’ll categorize these into short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. But first, give yourself permission to be bold and imaginative.
🙏 Faith Lens: Remember that God gives us desires for a reason. Stewardship includes planning, but it also includes hope. Dreaming honors the gifts He’s given you.
Step 3: Prioritize with Purpose
Once your dreams are out on paper, it’s time to bring structure to the table. Take your list and group each goal into a timeframe:
- Short-term: 0–12 months (e.g., pay off $2,000 credit card, save $1,000 emergency fund)
- Mid-term: 1–5 years (e.g., buy a home, start a business, grow family)
- Long-term: 5+ years (e.g., save for kids’ college, retire early, travel missions)
Then ask: Which ones matter most right now? Which are most realistic? Which ones align with the season God has us in?
📝 Common mistake: Trying to tackle 12 goals at once. Focus on 1–3 priorities at a time. You can revisit and reset each season.
Step 4: Set SMART, Faith-Led Goals
The key to learning how to set financial goals is to make them actionable. A vague goal like “Save more money” is hard to hit. A SMART goal makes it real:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
💡 Example: “Save $4,000 for a car upgrade in the next 10 months by setting aside $400 per month.”
You can also add a “why” to each goal. Like:
- “We want to be a one-car family, so we need one great car that fits our family’s needs.”
Pair your goals with Bible verses or declarations of faith. For example: “God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19).
Step 5: Create a Plan (And a Timeline) For Financial Goals
Now take your top SMART goals and break them into smaller, actionable steps. This could look like:
- Creating a monthly savings target
- Setting up auto-transfers
- Reviewing your budget to make space
- Cutting back on one category to fund another
📅 Visual Tip: Use a shared digital calendar or planner to track milestones. Celebrate when you hit them!
Step 6: Assign Roles Based on Strengths
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
You’re a team—so play to your strengths.
Some common roles:
| Role | Description |
| The Tracker | Handles the monthly budget updates and bill tracking |
| The Visionary | Keeps the big-picture goals and long-term strategy in mind |
| The Researcher | Looks up deals, rates, and comparison shops |
| The Scheduler | Sets monthly check-in dates and manages calendars |
You can switch roles, share them, or rotate every few months. The goal is collaboration, not control.
Step 7: Set a Monthly Money Date
Think of it like a “relationship check-up”—but for your finances.
💡 Your money date could include:
- Reviewing spending
- Checking in on goals
- Adjusting as needed
- Praying together
Keep it short, sweet, and encouraging. (Snacks help.)
Step 8: Learn How to Set Financial Goals While Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t skip dreaming—vision brings unity.
- Don’t set too many goals—focus brings clarity.
- Don’t leave God out—prayer brings peace.
- Don’t compare your journey—contentment brings joy.
🚫 Comparison is the thief of financial peace. You’re not called to run someone else’s race.
Step 9: Keep Each Other Encouraged
You’ll hit setbacks—it’s inevitable. The key is staying connected and encouraging each other along the way.
Ways to stay motivated with Financial Goals:
- Use a visual tracker on the fridge or in your planner
- Celebrate milestones (even small ones!)
- Write a shared vision statement and keep it visible
- Speak life: “I see your effort,” “I’m proud of us,” “God’s got this”
🎉 Celebrate progress, not just perfection.
Reflection Prompts for Your Next Money Date:
- What’s one thing we’re both excited to work toward?
- What values do our current goals reflect?
- Where have we seen God provide in past seasons?
- What feels challenging or vulnerable about setting goals together?
- How can we stay connected and supportive through the process?
Final Encouragement When Learning How to Set Financial Goals
Setting goals as a couple isn’t just about money. It’s about unity, purpose, and peace. It’s about walking together toward a shared vision—with Christ at the center.
Get started with this Couples Money Talk Cheat Sheet and learn how to talk about money and set value-aligned goals without extra stress!
Remember, don’t aim for perfect. Aim for progress, peace, and partnership. God will meet you in every step.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
Need help putting this into practice? Let’s work together and I’ll help you:
- Identify values-based goals
- Create your next-step action plan
- Feel confident, clear, and connected
Together, we’ll build a plan that’s rooted in your faith and aligned with your future.✨ You’re not behind—you’re just getting started.
