*Photo Credit: Pinterest
I love coffee.
When I say that I love it, I really mean that I’m totally addicted to it. I’d do just about anything for a Venti White Mocha and Peppermint Iced Coffee. Even as I write this. (Especially now that the nearest Starbucks is 35 minutes away from us – serious first world problem…)
It doesn’t help that my husband, Craig is just as addicted – if not more so.
While I was still living at home, mooching off of my parents, there was a big chunk of my minimum wage paycheck that went to Starbucks. Probably more than I’d like to admit.
It was just so good. Not to mention that getting coffee normally meant hanging out with friends, or even getting some studying done. So that justified the ridiculous amount of money I blew on it – right?
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. // Matthew 6:33
The past two months have brought more change than I have experienced in my entire lifetime.
In the past 54 days, I’ve gotten married, left my family’s nest, moved across the country, and taken up the art of keeping and managing a home.
I won’t lie – it’s been more than tempting to want to fret and worry about finances.
But then there’s the voice of God.
He says not to worry, that if I “seek first His kingdom, I’ll have everything I need”.
*Photo Credit: Pinterest
I’ve been challenged more than ever to learn to honor Christ in my finances. My husband and I have been praying through just how we can be faithful with what we have, how we can be good stewards of our money.
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. // Luke 16:10
I want to be faithful with every part of my life – even money – just as Christ has been so faithful already!
So, what are some practical ways that you can start to honor God with your money?
1. Create a budget
How can you possibly be successful with your money if you don’t know what you have and what you need? Figure out what your income is, and make a commitment to keep priorities straight. Decide how much you are going to spend in a particular area, and stick with it. Don’t get stuck in the bind of spending more than what you’re bringing in.
This step is easier than you think. One of my new favorite sites is mint.com, which tracks your actual spending and helps create a budget that works for you.
2. Clip those coupons
I can just see you rolling your eyes at this one. What if I told you that with only about two hours of couponing (that’s researching, looking through ads, printing, and clipping), I saved an upward of $20 bucks the first time I took coupons to the store?
I’ve learned that the key to couponing is to shop the best deals going on, and then find coupons for items already on sale. And just like that, you’re saving money!
A few good places to start, are Coupons.com, RedPlum, and SmartSource. And don’t throw away those annoying ads that fill up your mail box! They will be your best friend in finding the best deals at the stores in your area.
3. Save, save, save!
With the economic situation that many people find themselves in today, saving any extra cash can be tough.
One of the things that my husband and I are training ourselves to think about and plan for are the unexpected costs. What happens when the oil in the car needs changed? How will we pay for a doctor’s visit if one of us gets sick? The list goes on and on. You know this. Life happens, and the greatest thing we can do is to be prepared.
Start with the goal of building up a $1500 emergency savings fund. Then don’t touch it. Continue to add to it as you’re able, and be sure to replenish anything you take out for emergency purposes.
4. Gain support from your community
Getting in shape financially isn’t an easy thing to do. Especially by yourself. Keep an eye out for groups or classes like Financial Peace University being offered in your community or church.
Ask questions. Seek out people that have been there. Learn from their wisdom.
5. Give away 10% of what you make
Giving away a whole 1/10th of the money you’re bringing in sounds absolutely impossible. And scary. And overwhelming. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Rest assured, though, that it is possible. Looking to God and trusting Him isn’t an easy thing. But ultimately, He knows what’s best for us.
When you put your finances in His hands through the act of giving shows that you trust Him, and that you’re ready for Him to take control.
