Everyone Needs a Budget
by: Fred Mundie
A budget is nothing more than a spending plan – you plan to spend your money on paper BEFORE the month begins. This sounds simple, but many are challenged by the process. You will be hard pressed to find true financial freedom without committing to preparing a budget each month before the month begins. The Bible tells us, "But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:40
So what is the proper and orderly way to start? First, you need to divide your purchases and expenses into needs, wants and desires. Needs are the things we need to provide basic provisions for our family, such as food, shelter and clothing. Wants often involve choices within needs– steak or hamburger, for instance. Part of being a good steward is properly distinguishing between a need and a want. Lastly, desires are the more extravagant purchases we sometimes seek, such as vacation homes, luxury vehicles, etc.
Before you decide how to divide your income among the above, you must first give your tithe – 10% of your gross income to your local church. Next, subtract your needs that will provide for you and your family. If there is any money left, you pay off debt before you consider wants or desires.
It will take discipline to create a budget each and every month, but it will get easier over time. You will also need self-control to live by the budget, but the freedom you will experience by following it will be worth all the time and effort exerted.
Focus
FOCUS
by: Fred Mudie
Ever wonder why some of us can’t seem to properly handle money? Do you feel like you are living paycheck to paycheck, and you can’t save a dime, no matter how hard you try? And if by the off chance you do get a little money in savings, all of a sudden the water heater blows up or the car needs tires –"life happens" – so the savings are back in negative territory. Though we could think of many reasons why we never seem to get ahead, perhaps the most common issue is a lack of focus on God and the principles God gave us for the management of money.
God gave us over 2,000 verses in the Bible that deal with money. Jesus talks more about money and issues with money than any other topic–even Heaven and Hell! Since God gave us so much guidance and direction in regards to the money he has entrusted to us for this short amount of time we are on this earth, why do we get it wrong so often?
If we apply God’s principles to managing the money we are given, we can be assured we will have comfort and peace in the use of the money. This is not to say we will not have problems. God does not promise us that we will become wealthy, and he does not promise we will not have to work hard to provide for our family. But if we keep our focus on God in everything we do, including how we handle money, there will be a peace that comes over us that will guide and inspire us. God is on our side; He will give us comfort and peace in all situations and in everything we do.
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