Difference between singleness and Marriage
- Thread starter Caleb
- Start date
Kidan
Moderator
positives to being single over married? You know, I can't think of a single one. I'm happier and have more money now that I'm married. Statistically, married men live longer, are less depressed, are healthier, and on an on....
As for financial burden? Define burden. Sure, I spend more in food and other living costs, but over all, I have more money now (and I did even back when I first got married during my college days). Not only, do I not have the financial drain that's called dating, but I tend to focus more on providing for my family, and its needs and that curbs my impulse purchases. Since I'm more cognizant of where and how my money moves, I'm more aware of what the family needs, and actually plan for purchases. Because everything is planned, I have a general expectation of funding flow, which means that not only do I literally have more money, but I feel like it as well.
As for financial burden? Define burden. Sure, I spend more in food and other living costs, but over all, I have more money now (and I did even back when I first got married during my college days). Not only, do I not have the financial drain that's called dating, but I tend to focus more on providing for my family, and its needs and that curbs my impulse purchases. Since I'm more cognizant of where and how my money moves, I'm more aware of what the family needs, and actually plan for purchases. Because everything is planned, I have a general expectation of funding flow, which means that not only do I literally have more money, but I feel like it as well.
MaidMirawyn
New Member
Well, singles potentially have more free time and energy, including time and energy to devote to God. That's the idea behind monks and nuns, after all.
But I love being married.
Financially, a married couple can live in the space one of them was previously occupying, for the most part. So that's a savings. But when you have kids, of course it's more expensive.
Kids: More bodies to clothe, feed, care for, and house. Quite often, fewer people bringing in money, or bringing in less. Childcare is so expensive; factor that in, and it can be cheaper for one person to stay home with the kids or switch to a part-time job. Plus extra insurance costs. It's not really offset by the increased tax benefits, either.
Of course, what's in it for the parents financially isn't the point. I believe parents get far more out of the bargain. After all, you can't put a price on that type of happiness and joy!
But I love being married.
Financially, a married couple can live in the space one of them was previously occupying, for the most part. So that's a savings. But when you have kids, of course it's more expensive.
Kids: More bodies to clothe, feed, care for, and house. Quite often, fewer people bringing in money, or bringing in less. Childcare is so expensive; factor that in, and it can be cheaper for one person to stay home with the kids or switch to a part-time job. Plus extra insurance costs. It's not really offset by the increased tax benefits, either.
Of course, what's in it for the parents financially isn't the point. I believe parents get far more out of the bargain. After all, you can't put a price on that type of happiness and joy!
vibrokatana
New Member
iirc you get a tax reduction if you are listed as married and file the forms together.
Unless you marry a spend-o-holic I dont think the financial burden would be worst.
Unless you marry a spend-o-holic I dont think the financial burden would be worst.
Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them (Psalm 127:3-5a, KJV).
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them (Psalm 127:3-5a, KJV).
Durruck
Pirate!
I'm one of those DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) so money before vs now? I am much more financially secure than I was before I got married, but that's a hard line to figure out. I started my full-time job a month before I got married, so I went from making $12k/yr to $45k/yr. Add in the wife's income, and we do okay.
There are very few people that really get married for "financial reasons." Although the ones that do, seem like they're an "old married couple" anyway. My aunt & uncle are like that.
As previously mentioned, having children significantly changes your position. But I know that I'm envious of those that have a busier schedule because of getting to raise child(ren). Is there a financial reason behind it? Absolutely not. I honestly feel like I miss out on parts of life because I don't have one to love, provide food & shelter for, comfort when they're scared, or get to teach about Jesus and His true love.
There are very few people that really get married for "financial reasons." Although the ones that do, seem like they're an "old married couple" anyway. My aunt & uncle are like that.
As previously mentioned, having children significantly changes your position. But I know that I'm envious of those that have a busier schedule because of getting to raise child(ren). Is there a financial reason behind it? Absolutely not. I honestly feel like I miss out on parts of life because I don't have one to love, provide food & shelter for, comfort when they're scared, or get to teach about Jesus and His true love.
ChickenSoup
Banned
I think there was a passage in some book in the NT about single and married people. Basically I THINK it was that married people are very blessed, etc. etc., but single people can be blessed somewhat, too, and I think he even said something to the extent of "this is how I personally view it" but once again I read that passage a long time ago. I'll try to find it.
yeah C$ it was pauls instructions and he pretty much said that a single person is more able to do the work of the Lord in the long run compared to married people but yeah, he left it up for personal choice
moxie
New Member
Yes, the passage is 1 Corinthians 7. I think what Paul was trying to get at is that single/married folks are going to be able to serve God in different ways, and ultimately the most important thing is to be content (no matter your situation) and seek His will for your life.
All that said, positives of being single? You're free to do things that you usually have a harder time doing once you're married. For example, a friend of mine who has felt the call from God to move to an underdeveloped country and be a missionary there. COULD he do it if he were married? Certainly, if that was God's will for both him and his wife. But since he's a free agent right now, it's much easier for him to pick up and go.
However being married is usually financially easier (as long as both partners are on the same page with spending/saving), and there is the companionship and partnership that is priceless. My hubby and I are also DINKs so I don't know from experience, but I do know that kids are expensive. However, I think that a lot of that is based on stuff the media feeds families (you must have THIS toy! you must eat THIS cereal! you have to have THIS tv/cell phone/video game!).
All that said, positives of being single? You're free to do things that you usually have a harder time doing once you're married. For example, a friend of mine who has felt the call from God to move to an underdeveloped country and be a missionary there. COULD he do it if he were married? Certainly, if that was God's will for both him and his wife. But since he's a free agent right now, it's much easier for him to pick up and go.
However being married is usually financially easier (as long as both partners are on the same page with spending/saving), and there is the companionship and partnership that is priceless. My hubby and I are also DINKs so I don't know from experience, but I do know that kids are expensive. However, I think that a lot of that is based on stuff the media feeds families (you must have THIS toy! you must eat THIS cereal! you have to have THIS tv/cell phone/video game!).
LITSAFALDA
Prayer Angel, Moderator
Smiles we used to be DINKs and sorry I wouldn't trade my little angel for all of the money in the world. (With all of the costs from her birth etc she is already a million dollar baby.) Being either married or single Christians takes a lot of work and effort. Knowing and being blessed by God in either circumstance truly shows His amazing and unending love for us.
Blessings and Hugs, "Angel"
Blessings and Hugs, "Angel"
Corpfox
Active Member
Caleb, are you focusing singles and married couples being Christian only?
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Baron Squirrel
New Member
unless your wife works in the day care that your child goes to... half off FTW!
as single, you can do more things on a whim. if a friend calls and wants to go bowling, or see a movie or whatever, you only have your one schedule to consult.
being married, you can still do things on the spur of the moment, but you also have to consider your spouse, and whether he/she will want to go along, or at least know what you're doing.
since having a child, it requires a lot more planning. do you bring the baby along, or do you find a babysitter? are the grandparents going to be available? should you call a friend to take care of the child? etc.
however...
indeed. seeing your son smile at you simply because he recognizes your face cannot be replaced by anything in this world.
i would not trade being where i am in life right now for anything.
Yes.
Corpfox
Active Member
MaidMirawyn
New Member
Tax issues are far more complicated than that. In the case of an at-home parent married to a breadwinner, they will probably pay less tax than if they were not married.
But married couples where both work a full-time job may pay more, not less, in taxes than if they were unmarried and living together. The more money you make, the bigger the disparity.
Let's just say I don't have to worry about the "more money" issue...