How to ease financial stress

Tue, 30 Jul 2024

‘So, if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?’ Luke 16:11

Did you know that God’s willingness to bless you with more money depends on how well you handle what He has already given you? When it comes to money, here are some Bible principles you must live by:

1) Pay God His share first so you won’t feel ashamed of not doing so (see Malachi 3:10).

2) Pray before you buy. Ask yourself, ‘Do I need this or just want it?’

(3) Keep mindful of the amount of expenditures versus your income.

4) Be in agreement with your husband or wife regarding the household budget and your short- and long-term goals. And don’t hide or misconstrue information about your finances.

5) Commit to excellence at work – without overdoing your hours.

6) Pay off all your debts. Your home loan will take longer but aim to make extra repayments to pay it off sooner.

7) Save at least 10 per cent of your gross pay if you are out of debt.

Don’t co-sign a loan for anyone, and don’t lend anyone money you can’t afford to lose.

9) Pay cash for all your ‘desires’ instead of putting them on a credit card.

10) Assign funds in your budget for fun and holidays.

11) Live beneath your means. When you get a pay raise, don’t adapt your lifestyle to consume all of it.

12) Aim to set up an emergency cash supply of at least two months’ living expenses (six months would be better).

13) Be satisfied with what you have. ‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless’ (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV).