Financial Strategies for the

Christian Family

How in the world do we survive in times of economic distress? If you didn't answer that question before the trouble started, you will be doing a lot of back tracking.

Is the spiraling economy a problem or a symptom? It's easy, when things are going well, to spend, spend, spend. "Go ahead and buy it, it'll be covered." "You've got credit!!!!!" Not many financial analyzers back around 2006 were saying, "Don't overdo your equity with a big loan for all you can get." Now it's bail-out time. Managing money can be tricky.

When couples first get married there is a sense that they must have everything that their parents have. The realization must come that the former generation has been working for the last twenty-five years to get what they now have. Why do we think that we should have it all right now? Be methodical, earn it...save it...pay off the credit...save some more- this is a solid plan. There are lots of things we could have, but if we keep in mind what we are saving for, it will help us to save, save, save. Mind your spending lifestyle.

One car might be necessary for now, a little limiting at times, but it must work.
Lunches can be made from home.
Clothes can be saved for the next younger child.
Don't overspend what you earn!

It is not always possible to save as we would like, but over the long haul things get covered. John Wesley said, "Make all you can. Give all you can. Save all you can." Explore ways to make all you can. Work hard to honor God by giving all you can. A regular savings plan will be important through many emergencies. Too bad the bank cannot help us more with a better percentage rate!

Patience is a virtue when it comes to non-necessities. Honoring God is an essential. Honesty in dealings will reward you. Pray that those managing the national and international economies do not ruin it all.