The Diocese of San Diego currently provides a copy of Marriage & Money: Build Your Own Financial Plan, by Bonnie Baron Scully, to every couple preparing to marry in the Catholic Church in San Diego and Imperial Counties in California. We give this to approximately 1,300 couples per year as part of a total marriage preparation program.

We chose to use such a resource rather than a guest speaker because it could better meet the needs of couples with varied financial circumstances. We chose this particular resource because of its comprehensive nature. Not only does it clearly explain the necessary components of a sound financial plan, but also asks the couple to explore their own attitudes and goals. It provides an easy plan for keeping records. The fact that the book is available on CD means that our couples can print and reprint budget planning pages as needed easily.

This affordable resource makes it possible for us to easily store and transport the materials and put a very user friendly resource into the hands of engaged couples. It is especially helpful that the resource includes a Spanish translation because about 25% of our couples are Spanish speaking.

– Peggy Skiano – Director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, Diocese Of San Diego
 

For too many newly married couples financial issues prove to be much more difficult than they anticipated. Marriage & Money is an excellent resource to assist couples in the critical area of financial planning."

— Frank P. Hannigan, Director of Family Ministries, Chicago, IL

"Bonnie Scully writes with inspiration and vigor. Organizing monetary affairs in a simple, easy-to-understand format is a great way to start planning for the future. Combining the knowledge of financial affairs with spiritual insight creates a complete guide that will benefit you for years."

— Reese A. Lasher, Certified Public Accountant

"…..a great presentation to help people get their financial act together!"

— Richard A. Wood, Jr. Attorney

"Healthy, wealthy and wise. That should be you! It’s actually much easier than most people believe. The Scully Files will help get you motivated, organized, and on the road to success."

— Wm. Barton Boyer, Certified Financial Planner™

"The Scully Files serves as an important starting point for our young couples as they prepare to blend their lives together in marriage. They have reported more confidence in decision making, and look forward to a less stressful future after interacting with this workbook as part of their overall marriage preparation. It has been a blessing!"

— Fr. Frank Cancro, Pastor, The Parish of St. Eugene

The financial book we received at our marriage preparation program is an excellent resource for our marriage."

— Beth B. and Stephan P., Atlanta, GA

“We realized how important it is for us to get started talking about finances especially as we get closer to starting our life together. We feel confident that we will be able to save up enough to do everything we truly want.”

— Jenny S. and Adam B., St. Augustine, FL

“The pyramid of investment was most helpful to us and retirement planning. We realized that we need to spend less on credit cards and save up for the things we want in our future.”

— Monica M.and James P., Charlotte, NC

“The way financial planning was explained very simply was really helpful to us. We learned to accept what we each bring to the relationship and, if we have debt, we should work together to find the best way to pay it off quickly.”

— Mr. and Mrs.Taylor L. Kansas City, MO.

“This book has helped us to plan ahead and to understand how we each feel concerning our finances. An excellent overall presentation that has been very helpful as we begin our marriage.”

— Mr. and Mrs. Larry F., Charlotte, NC

“Based on this book, couples realize they need to re-prepare, re-think and re-discuss their financial philosophies.”

— Frank and Wendy M., PreCana Presenters, Chicago, IL