Marriage doesn’t require excessive money; it needs proper planning to be sustainable – Counsellor

Marriage doesn’t require excessive money; it needs proper planning to be sustainable – Counsellor

Marriage Counsellor Rev. Benjamin Effah Werehene has asserted that successful marriages do not necessitate extravagant financial resources; rather, they require thoughtful planning to ensure sustainability.

In an interview with GIFTs News, Rev. Effah Werehene emphasized that many individuals view marriage as an endeavor reserved for the affluent, leading to the misconception that one cannot enter into marriage without substantial wealth. He noted that the tendency to compare oneself to the ostentation of other weddings imposes undue pressure on young individuals preparing for marriage.

While acknowledging that financial resources play a significant role both before and after marriage ceremony, he clarified that money is not the sole determinant of a happy and successful union. He advocated for the organization of simpler marriage ceremonies, which would allow couples to save for their future family needs, asserting that extravagant weddings do not contribute positively to marital life.

Elaborating on the financial prerequisites for marriage, Rev. Benjamin Effah Werehene emphasized that an individual contemplating marriage must possess a substantial income sufficient to cover personal expenses while also allowing for savings.

He elucidated that in marriage, it is essential to allocate a daily budget for family sustenance, which should range between Gh¢100 and Gh¢150. He advised that individuals with fixed salaries should endeavor to establish a private business to enhance their financial resources, thereby alleviating the financial pressures associated with marriage.

Rev. Werehene asserted that irrespective of the depth of love shared within a marriage, inadequate financial resources can lead to significant challenges and ultimately result in the dissolution of the union.

He concluded that financial stability plays a significant role in marriage. According to him, if a prospective spouse is unemployed, lacks vocational skills, and is unable to contribute financially to the family, a man should carefully consider whether or not to proceed with the marriage.

He argued that such circumstances may pose challenges to building a stable family. He further advised women aspiring to marry to acquire vocational skills, pursue employment, or engage in income-generating activities to enhance their financial independence. He noted that women who rely entirely on their husbands for their financial needs may face challenges in asserting themselves within the marriage.

He therefore encouraged women to strive for economic empowerment, emphasizing that financial independence can contribute to mutual respect and a stronger marital partnership.

*Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM – Dormaa Ahenkro)*