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Wednesday, April 08, 2009

What's Your Score? (And A Giveaway!)


Welcome to all who pop by after reading today's devotion. I love having visitors!

Today on her blog, Lysa TerKeurst is featuring a fun quiz to help you determine if you are a financially focused couple. Head on over to take the quiz, then come back here to determine the results!

How to score your quiz:

Tally up your score and use the guide below to see what category you fall into:

0-2 points: Don't get discouraged. There's nowhere to go from here except up!
3-5 points: You are taking steps towards being a financially focused couple. Keep working together and you will get there.
6-8 points: You are almost 100% financially focused. Keep up the good work and get intentional about those trouble spots.
9-10 points: You are a financially focused couple and could show us all a thing or two! Consider sharing your wisdom with other couples who are struggling in today's uncertain times.

Be sure to check out the blog that my husband and I have started to go with the book. It's a great resource for learning more about managing your money, and working together to do so. Go to www.marybethandcurt.blogspot.com to check it out!

YOU HAVE TWO CHANCES TO WIN A COPY OF LEARNING TO LIVE FINANCIALLY FREE!!
Just leave a comment here and at Lysa's-- we're each giving a copy away! I will announce the winner next Monday!
If you're really brave... you can share your score! Hey, we're all in this together!
Pin It!

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really liked taking the quiz. I know my husband and I still have a long way to go in debt management. It will take years to dig ourselves out but every day we chip away. Open discussion about money is probally the hardest thing we've had to do. We pray daily to resist all those little temptations that seem so minor but add up to alot when the credit card bills come rolling in!

pauline said...

I just wanted to drop by to tell you, your devotional this morning made the tears come! Thank you so much for being REAL--the whole way through. I think the one huge reason I love the P31 devotions so much is that you all seem so for real--women/moms/wives who struggle and aren't afraid to let it all hang out for us to see and learn from.

I have been absent from your blog for awhile and I was pleasantly surprised with your new look! It's great--but the best is your family photo! Thank you again for allowing God to be seen in you!

Amy O./picketfencemom said...

Hi Marybeth,
I took the quiz over at Lysa's blog and left a comment there. According to my score, my husband and I are getting there! Like I said in my comment at Lysa's, I've learned that little things (like making my husband's lunch or drinking water when we eat out) really does make a big difference.
I'd love to be entered in the drawing!
Blessings,
Amy O/picketfencemom

Diane said...

Well, my score is a pathetic 4. But this is something we have been trying to focus and so I know we're moving forward and doing better. I was just getting ready to order a copy myself so now I'll just wait and see if I win it first! And if not it's okay. I know with Amazon I can have it in my hands the next day! Thanks Marybeth!!
Diane
alainasmom@homerco.net

Barely Domestic Mama said...

Hi Marybeth,

I left my comment on Lysa's blog, but I could definitely use another chance to win this book since as a couple we scored a 3. Yep...we can definitely use this book to help us out.

Kim said...

My score was a really sad 3! We need lots of improvement in this area as a couple/family!
I love your new look on your blog,and you have such a beautiful family.
Kim

Cazandra Campos-MacDonald said...

Marybeth, I was truly inspired by your presentation at "A Woman Inspired." It helped me to focus on what scares me the most...finances. My husband and I sat down for a meeting last night and openend in prayer. For us, that is the key. We scored a 6 so we are on our way!

Blessings,
Cazandra
http://oozingeveryday.blogspot.com

Leigh Fant said...

My score was 3 so my husband and I have a way to go to be financially free.
Leigh
fantprestonl@att.net

Sherry T said...

Three is a popular number! I don't fell so alone in my financial struggles now! I would love to win this book and get some ideas for getting on track.

Also, thanks for your honesty in your devotional. I've had days like this, with my husband and my children, and the passage from Romans has come up and encouraged me several times recently.

Blessings,
Sherry

JottinMama said...

I so want that book!

As I mentioned on Lysa's blog - my husband finds out today about cut-backs and layoffs at his company. Anticipating this, we have been discussing finances A LOT. As we battle through this up-in-the-air season of our financial lives - I have been noticing that the more organized we are with our paper work and bills, etc.... the easier it is to stay on top of it all. Your book sounds like it could help out with all that!

Have a wonderful day, Marybeth:)

-Kate :)

Anonymous said...

I never win anything, but I really hope I win this book! My husband and I scored in the 6-8 category, but I know we could do so much better! Pick me =)!

Gretchen N.
gretnel@hotmail.com

Becky said...

Hi Marybeth,

Just wanted to say I was very inspired by your webinar with the Woman Inspired conference. My husband and I have a long way to go, but have a renewed hope. Thank you for your encouragement. I would love to read your book!

:)Becky

Cheri said...

Good morning,

This is my first visit to your blog and it won't be my last, you and Lysa both have such wonderful blogs. I know I love to read hers every day and now I can include yours as well.

My score was 5, I wasn't in the 0-2 but I think that we could certainly make good use out of your book. So I am putting my name in the pot.

Cheri

Anonymous said...

Love the NEW look Marybeth and I love your other blog as well. Hoping to read your new book very soon...we have a long way to go to be "financially Free" but we will get there..

Debbie :)

momspunkins@yahoo.com

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

My score says we are on the right track. It's hard when he is out of work and his paychecks only come quarterly anymore. We will definitely check into your book!

In His Graces~Pamela

Tracey said...

We just recently started a budget. It hasn't been easy and we don't always agree but it's better than it was. At least were current in payments now. Working very hard to pay off credit cards and have already cut them all up. I felt a huge relief when that was done and will feel even better once their all paid off.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Jonatha said...

I'd love a copy! What a blessing it would be! My husband and I have been trying to become debt free but don't have a specific plan for doing so.

Anonymous said...

Our score was in the negative numbers! We could use all the help we can get. Thanks.

Jen

Jkodman@sc.rr.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing such a timely book. Been married for 22 years and scored in the 0-2 category. Really discouraging but like you said nowhere to go but up. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Blessings,
Tammy in TX

Deb said...

I would love to win a copy of your book. I have been married almost 25 years and we scored a 4. I guess we have some things to work on. By the way I love reading your blog.

Deb

Triann Benson said...

I scored a four. There were several questions I answered 'sometimnes' and decided those should be 'no's'! I have been married 13 years and it is the ever-present log in both of our eyes. We have very different spending habits, but that doesn't mean that one person is right and the other is wrong. It just means we both have work to do!

Anonymous said...

Our score was 4 and after 26 years of not doing anything, I'm proud to say we have started this year!

Be blessed,
Terri Sue
http://cricketscornertwo.blogspot.com/

1 Happy Campa said...

Hi Marybeth,

I scored a 5 (2 of the questions I gave myself 1/2 a point). This is an area where my husband and I are seeking to do the Lord's will, but we have a long way to go! It is just frustrating and we feel we are constantly taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back! I would love to win a copy of your book! Thank you for being led by the Lord and for seeking Him in all you do!

Blessings,
Marilois

Tina said...

Hey Maybeth,
I scored a 3,yikes! So nice to hear from you the other day. I really appreciated the encouragement!! Thanks for the great give away. God Bless, Tina Martin

Lilly said...

Hi Marybeth,

My score was a 5. Since losing one of our incomes when my son was diagnosed with autism and I needed to stay home with him....THIS BOOK WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL!

Thank you and God Bless.
Lillian

Ann said...

Hi Marybeth,
Thanks so much for writing this book - it's definitely needed. And thank you for offering one up in a draw - what a great giveaway. Please enter me - we could use it! Despite taking Christian money management courses, our score was low. Knowing how to handle it, isn't enough, obviously!
Blessings, Ann

Alison said...

I'm engaged to be married August 1st, and my fiance and I have been trying hard to keep our finances as an open topic of discussion. It has been challenging for me, as I bring a significant amount of debt from student loans into our upcoming marriage. He has zero debt, so I feel like I am dumping this huge burden on him. I am confident that our finances will be fine, but I would really love a copy of your book to help us with the relational side of dealing with finances. Thanks!

Infinite Grace said...

This book is going to be a huge blessing to a lot of people! Thanks MaryBeth!

Unknown said...

I am always looking for new ideas in the area of finances. We can't wait for the day when we are debt free!!!

heartchild said...

I am very interested to look at this book. I took the quiz and we did pretty well but could use some help still.

jen said...

scored a 5

Unknown said...

We're a 7, but there is still a LOT of room for improvement. I've been thinking about picking up your book this week. Thanks!

Stephenie said...

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Communicating about money has brought new lif to my marriage.

Stephenie
carlson2398@roadrunner.com

Lorie said...

I didn't score very high (3) but I want to do better. Even if I don't win a copy...I'm buying your book! :o)

Leanne said...

I can't wait to read your book! My husband and I are almost there! I knew that before taking the quiz (we scored an 8). We have come so far, but there are a few things that we need to work on for sure!

Christy said...

i can't wait to read the book. i've been following you for awhile. this is very exciting! my hubsand and i are scored an 8 but we learned the hard way to get to an 8. at the beginning of our marriage we were forced because of our financial situation to learn. and under God's grace, we learned His way for US and for using His money. we aren't perfect and won't be even close for a long time. We have some huge hurdles to overcome financially but WE are better because we are struggling together and working a plan together. We are utterly dependent upon God as our provider and truly rejoice at His provision for us. Tithing and giving generously are favorite things to do because we can rejoice freely over His provision.

Anonymous said...

I just had to thank you for the devotional today! I was sitting at my computer crying, after an incident with my husband where some very harsh words had been exchanged. I was on the receiving end. But after reading your devotional, I finally realized that his words don't measure his love for me, but instead are of the flesh. It brought me such peace. Thank you for your willingness to share such sensative material.

pww said...

Wow! Quickly read through your comments and it is so sad to hear so many that are not financially free. #1 stress for marriages is MONEY! My husband and I have been married for 19 years and we have not have any debt (except home) for at least 6 years. Currently trying to even get rid of our home debt.

We led a Crown Financial group 2x about 7-9 years ago. Wonderful Biblical financial study. More recently my husband has lead several Financial Peace (Dave Ramsey) groups and this is also a great class. Great time to provide help and support for those in financial distress.

E. Tyler Rowan said...

I'd love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for writing it and offering this. :)

Kim said...

I really need this book. I'm definitely going to buy it if I don't win! I can't wait to read your insights.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Holcombe Family said...

My score was 9 but I'm always looking for more ideas to better our financial situation. The best advice I can give is to quit trying to keep up with the Joneses and never try to again, even when you are financially free! You have to change your lifestyle...think about what's really important! Our hearts and our relationship with the Lord & getting the message of His love out to others is what we're here for.

mommyof2sons said...

I only scored a 3 on the quiz. Guess we have a ways to go. Can't wait to read the book!

Josey Bozzo said...

Hi Marybeth,
Love the new look for your blog! I can so relate to your devotion today. Many times I find myself repeating old habits with my husband and children and I just don't know why I continue to do it. I pray all the time that I would be the Godly wife and mother that he has called me to be and most of all that I would love my husband and children the way they deserve.
Our financial score was a 3. Not too bad, but not too good. We could use a little help. My husband would love to hear from another husband regarding this, it might make changing things easier to hear from someone who has been through it.
Thanks again,
Josey bozzo

Anonymous said...

wow- we need a lot more help that I even thought. I can't wait to read your book...if it's as helpful as your blog - we're in luck!
Thanks
Ang D.

Amanda said...

I also commented on Lysa's blog. I would love to win this book. We feel like failures in this area!

Courtney said...

scored a 7, so I am definitely happy, but know we have a long way to go as I got a zero for the long term savings question!!!

Anonymous said...

Scored a 6 and then took it again with honest answers not my I wish answers, and scored a 2. We could use some help.

Melissa Stover said...

the book sounds great. i scored a 9. not too bad!

Tera said...

I got a 3 on the quiz. Sounds like I need the book!

Tracy Alicia Vinson said...

Hmmmm, I'm surprised I scored a 1.5. My husband and I have separate accounts and that is where our financial strategy begins and ends. I enjoyed the time you shared with us on AWI. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Well, I got a 6 on the quiz, so we are heading in the right direction. :) Though we have some more work to be done! Your book looks great!

Lynn
Fiskecnn@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for writing this book. Its hard to find a book on finances for couples!!
bp_creations@msn.com

Heidi Winter Tracht said...

We scored a 6, but I might have been a bit optimistic in my answers. We don't have too many disagreements about money, but I am interested in exploring the spending/saving differences we bring into our marriage. Very useful topic! Thank for your offering your life to be shared.

Alijoy said...

Good quiz! We scored a 6 and are continuing to look at this topic daily. I look forward to your insight!

Blessings
Alison
alijoy@rogers.com

Bonnie said...

Well...I'm in over at Lysa's and I'm in here now, too. Hopefully we win a copy because as I mentioned in Lysa's blog, this is the one place in our marriage my husband & I are just not together. I know that's not so unusual but I'd also like to work toward changing that! Looking forward to reading the book!! (even if I don't win one, I"m getting a copy...eventually!)

Sherri said...

After 20 years of marriage I thought we would have scored higher than a 4! I'd love to get your book to help us focus and grow in this area of our lives. Thanks,
Sherri W.

Jennifer said...

Hi Marybeth! I too would love to win the book. I am getting married next month and bringing a lot of debt with me! Yikes! I want my future husband and I to "learn to live financially free" early in our marriage! = )

Angel77 said...

8 - we have a will but it is not noterized by a lawyer. Also we have insurance on my husband but not on me.
The other 0 is because I don't know our monthly expenses. We discuss on a regular basis where the money will go but as for the monthly stuff, I tend to leave that to Jeff.
I also was uncertain about the Equal Vote question. As head of our household my husband has the final say. He is wonderful to listen to my opinion but he ultimately is the final decision maker. He is a good one at that!
I cannot wait to read the book and gain new insights!

Nicole said...

I would love to have a copy of your book. In recent months we are trying really hard to stick to our budget, and in have recently set up our life insurance plan. I don't remember my score but I think I was between a 3 and 5. Thanks!

Carrie said...

We scored a six. I would love to have some insight on the will thing. We just can't seem to get it on paper;-) Help!

Angie (Blessed as a Mess) said...

Marybeth, I enjoyed hearing you on the audio conference this week. You had a lot of great advice. I would love to have a copy of this book. Finances have been a struggle most of our marriage. My husband and I have two totally different opinions on budgets & getting out of debt, I think sometimes we will never be on the same page and it breaks my heart. I want so much to glorify God with our finances, and we aren't and I feel bad about that. I pray that God will start to work in this situation and in our marriage so that we would honor Him. I think this book would help us tremendously. Thanks for the opportunity.

Angie (Blessed as a Mess) said...

here is my email address: agullett@crescentpark.org

Laurie Ann said...

My score is too embarassing to post! Obviously I need da book! I've heard awesome things about it! And I love the new blog!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the quiz. I'm looking forward to reading your book! We need some help in the budget department.

Blessings,
Heather
hlridge@hotmail.com

Denise Courtright said...

I was surprised to find that we are somewhat focused...more than I thought! I look forward to reading the book!

Terri said...

I scored a 5... but am encouraged because after 13 years of marriage, my husband and I finally are working together in all areas! A year or so ago our score would have been much lower.

I LOVED your talk on the webinar the other day!! We need this book... our debt is close to what yours was, but my husband lost his job 2 years ago and we have fallen so behind. But God is faithful, and we are thankful for His provision. Pruning and growing... good things indeed! Blessings!

Stacey said...

I left a comment on Lysa's blog...this is the 3rd time in three days the word budget has come across my vision.... we made a 5 on the test.... thought it would be a "0." We don't have credit cards; but we are overwhelmed with hospital bills.... very frustrating.

Anonymous said...

Your devotion was exactly what I needed today. God really spoke to my heart through your devotion. Thank you for sharing your life with us through your devotions, blogs, and now this book.

Thank you!
Ang

Anonymous said...

Well Dave and I are at the beach together and we took your quiz and scored a 5! We used to be a lot more financially free..but we realize we need to work on it again! Would love to win your book! :) Robin

csrobinson1@verizon.net

Jenn said...

I heard you speak at AWI. It was great. This is an area my husband and I are good at but it is always good to be encouraged and brush up! Thanks for all your practical tips.

Amy said...

Sore subject in my marriage! I would love to read the book. On the other hand...hubby hates to read...do you have it on audio yet? :)

Anonymous said...

We are working on this right now! By modern standards we don't have that much debt, but anything is more than we want, and we have not been on the same page where money is concerned for most of our marriage. I know it won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to learning more and working through this process together!

Oh Dear said...

I so want this freedom!! We are making progress would love to read this book!
dearingfamilycircus@verizon.net

VaQueenBee said...

My score was a 6 ... maybe a 7 (not sure if hubby can list our payments for each month since I do the bills). This book sounds really good though. I feel like there is something I'm missing with our finances!

Just me~Bobbie Jo said...

Loved the quiz. We scored a 3-5 so not great but not bad either. We know we have "issues" but are working on it!

Judy said...

I like these thouht provoking questions Marybeth - and I's love to win your book!

Judy.

fingerprints said...

You know, as I headed over there, I thought we'd score pretty well. We don't have debt other than our house. We have never had debt in our marriage except for a ~ 6 month period where we paid off a refurbished car. We even went through Larry Burkett's program. But our score??? A 5 :o( . Looks like we need some heart change.

Monique said...

We got a 5 which is better then I expected. I can't wait to read the book. I've been looking forward to it for a long time.

Anonymous said...

Marybeth, I know that my husband and I need to read your book. I know that if its in front of me, I will stare at it for a few days (or weeks) afraid to open it. Afraid to start the journey that I know we need to take. Thanks for having the courage to write this book, to share your family's story. I would love to win a copy of your book.
Blessings.
erinborden@gmail.com

Ellen - SkoMomma said...

Marybeth,

What a powerful devotion -- I thought that you'd been visiting our house recently as I was reading it. I'm currently pregnant with our third child and I've been an emotional wreck to be sure...my husband has taken the brunt of the abuse. I appreciate the way your devotion has opened my eyes...I owe my husband a huge apology.

As for our financial quiz score-- we did pretty darn good. Having tought a couple of sessions of Dave Ramsey's FPU has certainly helped get us on the same page. It's a long battle becoming debt free, but I know when I can scream the words "I'M DEBT FREE", every "sacrifice" will be worth it.

Ellen

Zaankali said...

I need help in this area.
Smiles!

Dawn P said...

We got an 8, but not long ago, we would not have done so well. This is an issue that has plagued us for years, and God has brought us so far, as in so many other areas of our marriage.

Camille said...

I have been telling my husband about this book since hearing you speak on Monday at AWI. I scored an 8, but have a lot to learn. With 5 kids to raise, we just seem to need more income to actually make a dent in our debt. We have done well to cut our grocery, clothing, etc. costs - but 5 pairs of braces = $25,000! Where in the world is that going to fit in our budget!!!

Chris A. said...

we are an 8, but that really doesn't make me feel so great.

Would love the booK!

MotherHenStevens said...

We got a 5. Some of the things, like knowing all the household bills & amounts are thongs that DH would rather not have to deal with b/c he deals with al the bills from the business we own. I can see his point but I can also see where there may be a need for him to know that info.

Rachel

Angela - Life w/ Two Busy Boys said...

Thanks for hosting!

Toni said...

Thanks for allowing God to use you to encourage other women. I am entering to win the book which I am sure will be a blessing to a many!!

Mary Beth said...

Hi Marybeth! A few weeks ago, I was doing a Google search for my own blog and came across yours! I love your blog. We're on the same page, sister!

Regarding books, I've put myself on a self-imposed buying freeze, because this is one area where I can easily spend a lot of money. Your book looks really good...I may have to break down and buy it...but I thought I'd take a chance at the free copy!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the help and inspiration to be more focused with finaces! It's a really tuff one in today's world. This is one area I continually fail in.

I would love a copy of your book!
kimlord@comcast.net

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. Happy Easter!

DeAna said...

I scored a 2. Disappointing, but like you said, it can only go up from here. My husband has been slightly more willing to work with me when it comes to finances since he ran out of work a few months ago (he's a self-employed contractor). I think things are starting to sink in for him, but I could use any and all help I can get. :)

valerie in TX said...

Well, we are part of the "3" crowd too...so disappointing. I feel like such a failure in regards to money because I KNOW all the money "rules", have taken Dave Ramsey's course, I'm even a CPA for goodness sake!! But the problem is that my husband and I both grew up with terrible money role models, and we don't have the discipline to implement the things we know. I've read on some other sites that your book is really easy to put into practice, and I would love a tool to help my family get out of this ditch. Thank you so much, Mary Beth, for your honesty and for being willing to help those of us stuck in the same hard place you were. valerie.post@yahoo.com

Kim said...

I would love to read your book!

Cindy said...

Finances...yuck! Not my favorite word at the moment. The last two years have been financially trying to say the least. We have dealt with unemployment (both my husband and myself) and job changes. My husband just started a new job last week and I just found out I have a job lined up when I graduate from RN school the end of May. So....with all these changes (for the better) there is no better time to make sure we are on the same page financially. I can't wait to pick up your pick and read it!