Financial Freedom is Around The Corner

Does your account run dry before your next check? Are you one who thinks; oh payday can’t come soon enough? If you answered yes to all the above then this read is for you.

Believe it or not, the Bible gives clear guidance on how to be debt-free. The Bible even goes as far as saying it is not good for believers to live in debt. -Proverbs 22:7  Once you’ve wrapped your minds around that, let’s review the essential keys to avoid excessive debt.

1. • Tithe – Now, this one shouldn’t surprise you, as this is the main key! Proverbs 3:9-10 states we are to honor the Lord from all your increase.  Giving 10% of your income is a direct expression to show the Lord you value Him! You may be thinking, there is no possible way to give 10% when you are maxed out with bills.  This is where trust & faith activate with full force.  God says you are to honor Him first, and He will make sure you have all you need! I always separate this first before disbursing any other bills.  This is a priority in our home.  I can testify that by practicing this for years our family has never lacked.  The Lord indeed always provides!

The next few steps are in no particular order, Although each will lead you to becoming debt-free.

• • Do not buy on impulse – So what exactly does this mean? When you are shopping or desiring something, let the desire settle.  If you already added it to the cart, let it sit there for a moment.  As time progresses, you may realize, you do not want it.  Do not let the sales fool you.  You are not saving when you buy, even if the bottom of the receipt says; “You saved “X” amount”  The reality is you spent “X” amount. You only save when you do not spend.

• • Call your bills – List out all of your recurring bills with the monthly amount.  Choose a day to call each company & negotiate a better/lower bill.  You’ll be surprised by the hidden services or fees you may have been paying.  Or you may be offered a discount

• • Save – Honestly this should become second nature.  The key to saving has to start in your mind first.  Begin to say to yourself “I am a saver.”  Open a savings account – direct deposit a preferred amount that is comfortable & be sure not to touch it!  Don’t even look at it.  Out of sight, out of mind.  To know you have an account growing can positively affect your mood.  You can do it! Start small if you need to & then add more periodically.  It will eventually become addictive to save.

• • Write the vision – whether it be to buy a house, pay off your vehicle, or travel to a specific destination; visualize yourself accomplishing the vision.  Stay focused on the vision.  If other actions do not align with you reaching the vision, do not spend too much time on it.  Your time is precious.  Of course, prioritizing what matters as well, like Christ & family time.  If buying that Louis bag does not bring you closer to your vision – do not buy it! Keep your eye on the bigger picture!

• • Budget – Has anyone ever asked you, what is your budget & you have no idea?  Let’s change our response to that question.  Budget everything – allocate a specific amount for your groceries, fun time, eating out, & travel.  Even your bills, such as; utilities, housing, vehicle, gas, & phone should all be budgeted.  This can be a huge game-changer.  Now, you’re even talking financially smarter; “That’s not in the budget”

• • Pay more than the minimum – if your credit cards are asking for a $30 minimum, give $40.  You would have taken that extra $10 to buy a meal at Chick-fil-A anyway.  Now, you are paying off your credit cards sooner.

If you’re hurting to pay a specific bill, please know that the blessings of the Lord Jesus make you rich, & add no sorrow with it.  -Proverbs 10:22

So, I want to leave you with this, pray before those big purchases & even the small ones. Consult God, and ask Him if it is in the budget. Let Him control your finances, He is the best accountant I know!

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