Day 7 – Money

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.  Proverbs 22:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (Follow the link to read further – it’s great!)

I’ve heard it said that more couples argue about money than anything else. Right now, with the recent Real Estate debacle and the subsequent stock market crash, money – and the misspending of – is heavy on many people’s minds.

Are you a slave to debt? Are you ready to be free? It won’t be easy, but nothing worth while is. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Repent. You have allowed yourself to serve another master besides the Lord Jesus. Ask His forgiveness and his help to disentangle yourself. And stop it. Beginning right now, do not put another penny on credit.
2. Tithe. Trust me here, you can do more with 90%, than with 100% because when we put God’s Kingdom above ours, He will pour out His blessings. Just do it.
3. Look at your bills. See how much you are really paying on the principal of your credit cards – and how much you are throwing away toward interest. Highlight it. Get upset. Show it to hubby. It’s a lion. You are a gazelle. Run from it. Fast!
4. Look at your expenses. What can be cut? Do you need cable? A second (third/fourth?) car? How can you save on your energy bill? Get rid of what you can. Then cut more. A meatloaf, prepared Saturday night and tossed in the oven at 300* will be ready to eat after church. Just saved you $30-$50 a week.
5. List your debts: who, how much each month, what’s the balance, how much interest? How much are you paying each month so some banker’s kid can have a SkiDo? Oh, Gazelle, there’s that lion again. Run!!!!
6. Now the hard part: Make a budget. List your income. List your expenses. It might take you a while to figure out exactly what you are spending on groceries and household items. Keep a small notebook with you and write down every penny you spend – don’t forget trips to Starbucks (aka FourBucks) and the vending machine. After a month or two, check your list and see where you can cut spending.
7. Get an emergency fund set up, $1000 should cover most emergencies. Just have it so when the car breaks down, the refrigerator stops running, someone throws a ball through the window.  .  .  you aren’t tempted to fall off the wagon.
8. Decision time: Some people suggest you start with your smallest bill so you see fast results and stay encouraged. Others suggest you start with the highest interest to save you more money. In the long run, I’m not sure it matters. Whichever route you choose, throw every extra penny toward that debt. Once it’s paid off, move to the next.   
9. In the words of a famously annoying fish, “Just keep swimming.”

I’ve gone a little long today, but each of these steps is vital. For more encouragement and tips check out one or both of these ministries: Crown Financial Ministries or Dave Ramsey. Both of these companies have helped countless numbers of people achieve freedom from the slavery of debt.

If your husband will not come on board with you to achieve financial freedom, take what steps you can and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.

My turn:

I am thankful my husband has come alongside me to work toward our goal of debt elimination. He’s working extra hours and helping around the house so I can work, too. He’s a great fellow soldier.

Prayer:

Jehovah Jirah, you have promised that I always, having all sufficiency, in all things will have an abundance for every good work. Thank you for that promise and I look with expectancy for your provision.