Saving Money

We are stewards of all things given to us by God. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above.

Everything is God's and we just manage what He chooses to give us ~ time, talents, home, children and money.

Since we're talking finances this week, I thought I'd share a few ways we can manage our money wisely.

• Use a Cash Budget

Set up a budget.  Then for the areas you can (groceries, clothing, eating out, etc.) use cash.  This keeps you more accountable than a credit card ~ even if you normally pay it off every month.

We thought that since we always paid ours off and earned 1% cash back that it was a good thing.  But we didn't actually keep track of our spending.  With cash, we have to be more aware and careful and disciplined.  Once the cash is gone, it's gone.

• Stay Home More

I had a coupon for free mascara from JCPenney.  So yesterday before we went to the grocery store, we stopped by the mall. That particular store didn't have the department to get the mascara so it ended up being a wasted trip. But I noticed as I was walking around looking for it, I found all these cute things that I would just love to have. 

The more you're out, the more you will see things you think you need. Things that before you were perfectly content to do without.  My advice: when you go to the store, stick to your list!

I would say the same about sales flyers and internet browsing.  I find when I browse through them, I start wanting things I had no desire for a few minutes earlier.

Also, the more you're out, the more likely you are to spend money grabbing a quick meal at a restaurant which would cost much more than what you have at home to eat.  Not to mention the gas used. 

Okay, I'll move on now.

• Be Thankful

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 

There are so many things we can find that we think we just can't live without.  But when you're trying to be a good steward of your finances, sometimes the best thing you can do is be content with what you have.  Even more, be thankful for what you have.

Be careful of comparing what you have or don't have with what others have.  Covetousness is equal to idolatry.

Victoria Botkin suggests that if we want to compare ourselves with others, instead of comparing ourselves with those that have more, we should think of those who have so much less ~ the orphans in Haiti, the mother of a stillborn baby, the young widow with even younger children to raise alone.

We do have much to be thankful for!  And if we have Jesus, He's all we need anyway!