Finances
As happens to most couples around this time of year, Dan and I have had several "discussions" about money; some were fruitful some a little less productive. Need I say more? ;)
I'm no financial genius by a long shot. I'm not a major spender but I'm not a count every penny spender either. I am responsible for doing most of the spending (groceries, errands, returns etc.) and Dan is the balance the check book pay the bills guy. Dan tends towards worrying about every dollar spent and I don't think about it past putting the receipt in my purse. So when there are legitimate circumstances equating a justifiable result of more thought time aimed at money, well you know what kind of soup these ingredients make.
Tonight we will have another discussion about finances after the not so productive one last night. The difference will be while we went at the one last night right at bedtime, tired and cranky, tonight we will be prepared both prayerfully and rested. Already Dan has called and we have reconciled our angst, seeking forgiveness and looking to more partnership approach rather than an adversarial approach. Dan and I both agree that we are both major works in progress but we are in progress and stagnation for us thus far isn't an option.
Anyway, I've done some studying this morning, financially, prayerfully and scripturally. I thought I would share with you what I have found.
First off I found a good website, Bible Money Matters. Here are some scripture references and comments I found. (As with every time a scripture is reference both here and else where, I encourage you to look them up yourself, look ont only at that particular text but the context from which it came. That way you don't get cought up in a verse used out of context when it comes along.)
God provides
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their home in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17
During these uncertain times that we're facing with our economy, it's imprtant to keep things in perspective, and remember where our true hope lies - in Jesus Christ. When we place to much importance on money, possessions and things of this world, we'll often end up disappointed and hrting. When we place our trust in HIm, He will never let us down.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
God's provision is sufficient
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Budgeting
On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2
Setting aside some money and planning for the future are talked about many times in scripture. Planning ahead for things you need to buy, for giving and for other wants is key if you don't want to go in debt. And as I've stated here before debt is shown to be a bad thing in multiple verses throughout the Bible.
So to avoid debt, get started by setting up your home budget, including all of your income and spending categories and keeping on top of it from week to week. Unless you know where the money is going, you'll never be able to save and plan ahead!
Getting advice on finances
The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15
When you are getting financial advice from someone, it's always best to confirm what they are saying, make yourself knowledgeable and make a plan of attack. Consider the actions that you're taking, and you'll be much better off.
Love of Money
Keep your life free from the love of money, be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5
This verse is even more important when we are going through tough economic times as we are today. People are worried about being able to pay rent, wondering if they will have enough money to pay for Christmas presents and trying to make enough just to put food on the table. This verse speaks about being content and making sure your priorities are straight. Be content with what you have whether it be a little or a lot. Remember that it is all God's and He will give you what you need.
My plan is to study on these scriptures and their contexts, pray concerning them and their application in my life as well as continue to seek healthy spending habits. I don't have much to share on that if only because I see myself as not knowledgable enough to share at this point. One thing Dan and I will do when its time for Christmas vacation that we didn't do for Thanksgiving is have a set aside an agreed upon amount of cash and from that we budget what we spend. When its gone, its gone. This is very big for me because I not only just learn by seeing and touching, but I remember that way to. Just knowing an amount in my head is not easy for me so this may take the stress out of it. Plus there is no post holiday credit card bill to ruin the after holiday glow. Also, I will most likely take the money out of the bank when I get to my Christmas destination because I don't think its a good idea to travel with more than the necessary amount of money to travel with. To risky.
Above all else, I will continue to lift these matters up to God. Why, because God desires to take all my burdens on Him and is much better at managing them. I know because He has proven Himself in my life, not just because someone else said so. I have tested these promises and He always comes out trustworthy.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7-6
I'm no financial genius by a long shot. I'm not a major spender but I'm not a count every penny spender either. I am responsible for doing most of the spending (groceries, errands, returns etc.) and Dan is the balance the check book pay the bills guy. Dan tends towards worrying about every dollar spent and I don't think about it past putting the receipt in my purse. So when there are legitimate circumstances equating a justifiable result of more thought time aimed at money, well you know what kind of soup these ingredients make.
Tonight we will have another discussion about finances after the not so productive one last night. The difference will be while we went at the one last night right at bedtime, tired and cranky, tonight we will be prepared both prayerfully and rested. Already Dan has called and we have reconciled our angst, seeking forgiveness and looking to more partnership approach rather than an adversarial approach. Dan and I both agree that we are both major works in progress but we are in progress and stagnation for us thus far isn't an option.
Anyway, I've done some studying this morning, financially, prayerfully and scripturally. I thought I would share with you what I have found.
First off I found a good website, Bible Money Matters. Here are some scripture references and comments I found. (As with every time a scripture is reference both here and else where, I encourage you to look them up yourself, look ont only at that particular text but the context from which it came. That way you don't get cought up in a verse used out of context when it comes along.)
God provides
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their home in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17
During these uncertain times that we're facing with our economy, it's imprtant to keep things in perspective, and remember where our true hope lies - in Jesus Christ. When we place to much importance on money, possessions and things of this world, we'll often end up disappointed and hrting. When we place our trust in HIm, He will never let us down.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
God's provision is sufficient
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Budgeting
On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2
Setting aside some money and planning for the future are talked about many times in scripture. Planning ahead for things you need to buy, for giving and for other wants is key if you don't want to go in debt. And as I've stated here before debt is shown to be a bad thing in multiple verses throughout the Bible.
So to avoid debt, get started by setting up your home budget, including all of your income and spending categories and keeping on top of it from week to week. Unless you know where the money is going, you'll never be able to save and plan ahead!
Getting advice on finances
The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15
When you are getting financial advice from someone, it's always best to confirm what they are saying, make yourself knowledgeable and make a plan of attack. Consider the actions that you're taking, and you'll be much better off.
Love of Money
Keep your life free from the love of money, be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5
This verse is even more important when we are going through tough economic times as we are today. People are worried about being able to pay rent, wondering if they will have enough money to pay for Christmas presents and trying to make enough just to put food on the table. This verse speaks about being content and making sure your priorities are straight. Be content with what you have whether it be a little or a lot. Remember that it is all God's and He will give you what you need.
My plan is to study on these scriptures and their contexts, pray concerning them and their application in my life as well as continue to seek healthy spending habits. I don't have much to share on that if only because I see myself as not knowledgable enough to share at this point. One thing Dan and I will do when its time for Christmas vacation that we didn't do for Thanksgiving is have a set aside an agreed upon amount of cash and from that we budget what we spend. When its gone, its gone. This is very big for me because I not only just learn by seeing and touching, but I remember that way to. Just knowing an amount in my head is not easy for me so this may take the stress out of it. Plus there is no post holiday credit card bill to ruin the after holiday glow. Also, I will most likely take the money out of the bank when I get to my Christmas destination because I don't think its a good idea to travel with more than the necessary amount of money to travel with. To risky.
Above all else, I will continue to lift these matters up to God. Why, because God desires to take all my burdens on Him and is much better at managing them. I know because He has proven Himself in my life, not just because someone else said so. I have tested these promises and He always comes out trustworthy.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7-6
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