We all want to be considered wise and knowledgeable. Are you good stewards of what the Lord provides you? Are you training your children to be good stewards? Are you leaving them a legacy?
Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],
And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Proverbs 24:3-4 AMP
Debt is a harsh master. Are you a victim of our culture’s lies?
More, more more.
Are you trying to fill a hole in your soul with more stuff? Only God can fill you up and teach you to be content. And help you achieve debt freedom.
1. Pay Cash.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s really hard. We have credit cards. We have a debit card. We have ATM fees. We have a budget {that we rarely stick to}. I use an Excel spreadsheet. We have debt. Back to square one. We just need to quit buying stuff. Grow some and quit charging! Cut up those cards or put them in a big bag of water in the freezer. By the time it takes to unfreeze, you’ll have thought better of that purchase. Don’t store your card numbers on websites – like Amazon. Studies show that paying cash makes you really think about those purchases rather than swiping that plastic. Live within your means. It might be shocking at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Are you a slave?
The Bible says you’re a slave if you have debt. Now, I know most of us don’t consider car loans and mortgages debt. Interpret how you will. Set your own goals. Our goals are to not use credit cards or have any unsecured debt. I know some people who forbid debt in their lives in totality. What freedom that must be!
The poor are ruled by the rich,
and those who borrow
are slaves of moneylenders.Proverbs 22:7 CEV
Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.
Roman 13:8 ASV
2. Evaluate where you can save money.
Do you need to add some energy savers to your home? Paying a little upfront to seal door cracks or upgrade windows or add insulation could save you lots in the future. Can your husband bike to work? Can you live with one vehicle? Can you combine errands to only go out once a week to save on gasoline? Keep your cars maintained so they don’t end up costing more when things break. Buy secondhand items. Can you grow a garden to save on groceries? Can you get paid to recycle in your state? Get a water filter and reusable bottles instead of purchasing plastic bottles of water. Can you make your own cleaners? Can you replace paper products with reusable ones?
Set up a healthy menu and plan meals instead of eating out. Cancel those catalog and magazine subscriptions. Unsubscribe to store emails and alerts and texts. If the temptation isn’t there…Subscribe to emails that list free apps and Kindle eBooks. Use your local library instead of purchasing the latest novel. The list is endless and it all depends on your comfort level. I ain’t washin’ out no plastic baggies!
If you’re a homeschooler, there are oodles of options for free and frugal curriculum. {See Resources below.}
Are you one of those pampered people who buys a latte at the coffee shop every week (or every day)? Do you get mani pedis regularly?
Do you go out for happy hour with the gals periodically? You can do all that at home. For so much cheaper. Make life more meaningful. And save money.
The Bible says that God will provide all our needs. Make sure you evaluate your needs vs. your wants. I know. Sometimes I need chocolate too. Don’t starve yourself of treats or you’ll binge. Just be careful.
3. Rethink gift giving.
Simplify. We don’t throw huge birthday parties for our kids. We celebrate at home with a special meal and decorate frugally. For Christmas and birthdays and other gift-giving holidays, we prefer experiential gifts to more stuff. If you have family members who don’t understand or agree, look into group giving exchanges like a charity or memberships to museums. Cards are pretty and thoughtful, but they’re just expensive clutter. Send e-cards instead. Shop thrift stores for decorations. Make your own and invite the kids to help to make it more festive! Teach a spirit of giving to others. You can give services or time instead of things. If you still want to give stuff, check out this and plan accordingly.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Mark 8:36 NIV
4. Educate yourself.
My husband and I come from very different money backgrounds. His parents didn’t discuss money with their kids. When they passed on during our first year of marriage, it was confusing and stressful to work out their affairs. My were always very open with me about money. They are very organized. They have file folders for each account in a strong box with all the info so it’s easy to access in an emergency. My name is on the accounts to make my life easier when they pass so I won’t have to pay unnecessary taxes. They explained the process of banking and loans to me all my life. I attended their professional financial meetings so I could listen and ask questions. I so appreciate that practical education. They helped me buy cars – and a house when I was in my 20s. I know what they’re worth and how they got there. They are conservative, but they live very comfortably in retirement.
Do you know how much you’re worth? Do you have investments? Are you utilizing the best options for saving towards retirement? Do you have enough insurance? What would happen in an emergency? Do you have enough in savings? Do you understand interest rates, CDs, money markets, savings bonds? Do you have parents or loved ones with whom you need to discuss finances? Will you or your siblings be responsible for caring for elderly parents? Are there funds in place for that?
Read the Parable of the Talents.
5. Be proactive.
Have a family notebook or protected file with all your information in case of an emergency.
We have IRAs. We have mutual funds. We have 529s and CDs for our girls. All the kids have life insurance and savings accounts. We educate the kids about money and where it comes from and how banks work. I explain the dangers of credit cards. I want them to know the difference between debit and credit. Elizabeth has a checking account with a debit card. We know we will receive a hefty inheritance from Aaron’s aunt at certain intervals and when my parents reach a certain age and when they pass on.
Consider your financial goals. Do you have extended medical needs that should be addressed? Look into flexible spending or separate savings accounts for that. Check into alternative medicine. Prevention is better than mopping up the mess.
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
for riches do not endure forever…Proverbs 27: 23-24a NIV
Resources
Courtship Topics. I dated. My husband dated. These topics (especially about money!) are great to discuss even years after you’ve married. We weren’t on the same page at all in many areas nor did we even know! If you and your husband aren’t don’t have the same financial goals, it will be almost impossible to get anywhere together.
Crown Ministries. I used to teach a Sunday school class for single moms on finances using these materials. They have some great tools for families.
The Money Couple. Take a money personality quiz to find out what you really think about money use. Discuss with your spouse.
Dave Ramsey. You either love him or hate him. I actually refuse to purchase his materials or pay for his course. I know many who have achieved financial freedom through his teachings. I just think he capitalizes and profits off people’s ignorance and weakness. Judge for yourself.
USAA. They have great teen resources to get your kids started out right in the financial world. Check with your local bank to see if they have something similar. We like our one stop shopping since we move around so frequently with the military.
I have this on my wish list. I really like an article I read where the author mentions setting up separate savings accounts for situations you often don’t plan for – like an auto maintenance account, holidays, vacations. And setting up funds to auto pay yourself to those accounts each month. I think that’s smart.
This book has great ideas on being frugal.
Homeschooling Frugally. Just a few resources for you. Also, buy used!
- Free Homeschool Deals
- Easy Peasy
- Homeschool Buyers Co-op
- Ambleside Online
- An Old-Fashioned Education
- How to Homeschool for Free
- Preschool
More financial posts:
Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.Proverbs 20:18 NIV
Wage war on that debt!
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