Our life in this world is filled problems.
We face daily challenges and struggles.
And it really doesn't matter where we go,
these troubles and hardships confront us
causing us to have fear and anxiety.
There are even times when problems become so severe
that others feel helpless and miserable.
Well in the face of such problems
It is but natural for people to seek for a solution.
One of the common family problems is regarding money.
Husbands and wives argue about bills;
parents and children fight about expenses.
Primary needs are not being met because of not enough funds.
Actually, the problem regarding money, often times,
is not because of the lack of it,
but is the result of being too extravagant.
That's why we must learn how to properly budget.
What are the instructions to be followed toward wise budgeting?
First and foremost, our Lord Jesus Christ
teaches this as recorded in Matthew 6:33.
Obedience to God's will should be the priority in every family.
God should always be number 1 in our life.
Then everything else shall be added unto us.
Now what else should be considered concerning wise
and proper budgeting?
Number 1:
Husbands and wives must agree on who will hold the money.
It should be clear to the married couple
who should be in charge of managing the household budget.
Number 2:
Know exactly how much your income will be
and do not let your budget exceed
your total income.
Let your budget always be less than your income
so that you can set aside money for emergencies
or for unexpected expenses,
such as, car trouble or sudden illness.
A lot of experts now recommend that everyone
keep six months to one year of income
in an emergency account, in case of job loss.
Don't forget to also set aside for savings.
Again, experts say you have to treat yourself
like a bill.
Set aside money for yourself and for your children.
In fact, the Bible does state in first Corinthians 12:14
the following:
Number 3:
Make a list of all the basic necessities and expenses
such as, food, rent, bills,
leisure, car maintenance, salon, and many others.
Categorize the expenses by weekly, monthly, semi-annually
and annually
so you're aware of what your obligations are
on a weekly, monthly, and so on kind of basis.
Number 4:
Once you've made your list
agree on how to set aside money for basic expenses
in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
Agree on how much to set aside
for each need or expense.
For example: how much do you need to set aside
for food on a weekly basis?
How much do you need to set aside for car maintenance?
Perhaps also on a monthly basis.
Number 5: avoid buying things you really don't need.
Remember that want is different from need.
Not everything we want, we really need.
You may want 50 pairs of shoes, but you don't really need it.
Avoid going on shopping sprees.
Avoid unexpected, or unplanned expenses.
Don't just buy things on the spur of the moment,
especially if it has not been factored in your budget.
According to the Bible, again
And when it comes to wise budgeting
what should we never forget, and what should always
be first on our list, is what is written in
I Corinthians 16:1 & 2:
We should never forget to set aside what is for God.
Remember that all the blessings come from Him.
We're merely setting aside and giving Him a small portion of
what He has, so graciously, blessed us with.
So, as you create, sustain, and manage your budget
The most important thing to do is to ask for God's guidance.
In James 4:2, it teaches us this:
So, no matter what the problem,
no matter how big the challenge,
and even against all odds, just remember to trust in God.
and He will always provide us the solution.