Satisfaction

     I have written several times about how important it is to avoid the use of credit cards in order to financially save.  What is it about the problems with our spending habits?  I believe a lot of it has to do with being satisfied.  In my own life, I feel energy and excitement when I make a new purchase of some special kind only to turn around a few days later wishing or longing for something else.  I am never satisfied for long.   My excitement over a new car, a new piece of jewelry, a new dress or whatever it is soon disappears.

      This being said, the only satisfaction that endures the test of time is satisfaction in Jesus.  Once we find satisfaction in Jesus and maintain it daily and hourly then our desires for material possessions fade.

S eek Jesus

A ccept Jesus through belief

T hirst after Jesus and His righteousness

I ndulge in prayer with Jesus

S avor time with Jesus and in His Word

F ind time for Jesus

A lter your daily schedule for Jesus

C hoose Jesus first

T rust in Jesus

I mitate the ways of Jesus   

O pen your heart to Jesus

N ourish your soul on Jesus

Financial Independence

     Being financially independent goes a long way in how you feel about yourself and in the way you live.  It is never too early to plan for your future or to teach your children about money.  If I had a child just graduating from college and getting ready to live on their own here are a few suggestions I would make: 

Pray about your financial decisions.

Do not spend more than you earn.

Give God the first 10% of your income.

Give yourself 10% of your income before other expenses. Place it in some type of savings account and allow it to grow.  

Develop a financial plan or goal.    

Credit cards should be paid off every month, if possible 

If you have an unexpected large expense and must use your credit card, do not continue to charge on it until that expense is paid off.

In today’s world, cash is  mostly a word of the past.  In using credit or debit cards monitor those purchases.  Keep a record of what you are spending and will expect to have to pay to clear up those expenses when the monthly bill appears in the mail.

Pay bills timely to avoid needless late fees. 

If your employer offers a matching IRA, contribute at least the amount needed to obtain those matching funds.

If you have a job, value it, even if it is only temporary.  Perform the best work possible.  Be on time and respect your boss.  Remember, this is your livelihood.

Dress for success on the job.  This does not mean to go out and buy clothing beyond your budget.  Do obtain one nice outfit that can easily be mixed and matched to provide an attractive appearance on the job.

Determine what is a necessity versus a desire to stay on budget

 

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.  Malachi 3:10