As the calendar turned and 2025 began, it brings all of us a fresh chance to plan how we can better steward or manage what God has entrusted to us. Of course, there is a lot of uncertainty out there. When isn’t there? Uncertainty in this world is a given. Don’t use uncertainty as an excuse to procrastinate. Begin now!
Here’s some practical money management principles that I’ve seen practiced for over the years:
- Make giving a priority – Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce;” Malachi 3:8 “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.”
- Spend less than you make – Our materialistic culture is pounding us to spend, spend, spend. To be effective, and counter culture, develop a spending plan that helps you manage what’s coming in and what’s going out. If you can’t track it, you can’t manage it. Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
- Avoid the use of debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Enough said!
- Set long term goals personally and financially – have you ever gone on a trip without planning where you’re going? If you do this, any road you take will get you there. However, where is there? A lack of planning when traveling only leads to disaster and wasted efforts. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
- Build liquidity by establishing an emergency fund – Start with $1,000 and after eliminating all your debt but the house, then save 3-6 months of net income for emergencies that do happen. Proverbs 21:20 “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Most people in our culture spend (devour) all that they make and have nothing for a rainy day.
A sure-fire way to get your act together is to take Financial Peace University. Alliance is again hosting FPU starting on January 15, 2025. We will be offering this class for $25 per couple and $15 for individuals, a $179.99 Value! This is the lowest price we’ve ever offered! In addition, any newly married couples (married anytime in 2023 – July 2025) will be given a FPU membership as a free wedding gift from our Alliance FPU team.
Everyone who registers receives a one-year membership to EveryDollar Premium (a powerful tool to track and control your spending.) and a hardcover workbook. One per couple or individual, while supplies last. Set your path for 2025 and beyond by taking FPU. It’s transformational!