Editor's Note: Do you need sound, Biblically-based advice on an issue in your marriage or family?  Dr. David Hawkins, director of the Marriage Recovery Center, will address questions from Crosswalk readers in his weekly column. Submit your question to: TheRelationshipDoctor@gmail.com.

We’ve all been hit by the economic crunch. We either have lost our job or know of someone who has. Many of us have overextended ourselves with credit, and are now facing tough consequences. We feel the pinch on our pocketbooks and if we’re not careful, this tension can contaminate an otherwise healthy marriage. It can add an overwhelming burden to a marriage already experiencing difficulties.

These are times when it is critical to have healthy coping skills. It is imperative that you understand the stresses you are experiencing, taking precautions to keep everything in perspective. It is crucial that couples sit down and face issues head on, working as a team to overcome problems.

Consider one email I received recently:

Dear Dr. David: My husband is in danger of losing his job. We’re already stressed out financially and emotionally, and I’m afraid losing his job would put him and us over the edge. We’ve not been wise with our finances, and if he loses his job we’re going to be even angrier and more frustrated with each other. What can we do to make sure our marriage stays intact? What can we do to make sure that we don’t take these pressures out on each other? ~ Financially Frightened

Dear Frightened:

We’re all in the same boat. We’ve all lost money in the stock market, many are uncertain about the future, and many wonder about the security of their jobs. But fortunately, there are answers.

First, remember you and your husband are on the same team. Agree not to fight with each other over these challenges. You need one another now more than ever. Recognize that crises are opportunities to work together to face issues. Difficult times don’t have to divide couples, and in fact can bring them closer together. Crises are opportunities to reevaluate how you’ve been living, facing problems together.

Second, be honest about the nature of the problems and the probable solutions. Every problem, thankfully, has a solution. Face your economic pressures honestly and firmly. Again, together you and your husband can sit down and develop a plan for how you’re going to face these challenging times. Agree on a plan for getting out of debt and a specific plan for the possibility of him losing his job. Develop a concrete financial plan that will carry you through these tough times.