Finances. It seems that nobody ever has enough. And yet, God has promised to supply our needs. What's wrong? The key is to discern between needs and wants. Most people assume the answer is to increase income. However, I have found that it is much better to reduce expenses. A dollar saved is worth nearly two additional dollars earned due to the impact of the graduated income tax. Here are some ideas we have used in our family over the years. They work.

First, every financial counselor I have ever read has recommended cutting up credit cards. Unless you pay your bills in full every month, you should not have credit cards at all. If you pay your bills in full, but find every month is a strain, getting rid of them will cut down on your spending. Guaranteed.

Second, never buy a depreciable item on time. This is especially true for cars and major appliances. Save in advance to buy these items rather than borrowing and paying for them plus interest. Paying interest means that Kingdom money is simply being handed over to the banks where it will not be used for the Lord. It is a waste. Using this approach may mean doing without for a while. It may mean buying an old clunker and keeping it together by prayer. In the long run this will pay off handsomely.

Third, cut out the little things which are "nice to have" but totally unnecessary: cable T.V., lunch out, dinners at fancy restaurants, hockey tickets, etc. While there is nothing wrong with any of these, and they are to be enjoyed if you can afford them, too many people enjoy them who cannot afford them. It may even mean cutting out piano lessons or ballet for a year. While these are sacrifices, they can make the difference between being able to afford a Christian education or not.

Fourth, buy cheap. Buy food in bulk and use coupons like crazy. Shopping at Costco and buying a side of beef for the freezer will save hundreds off the grocery bill. Hit Value Village for clothing. You save hundreds of dollars.

Fifth, tithe. Giving generously to others is one of the surest ways I know of seeing God's financial blessing in your life. Malachi 3:10 is the only place in Scripture where God invites us to put Him to the test. He promises that if we give 10% He will pour out His blessings on us. I personally believe that this includes giving to a number of things such as your church, Christian missions, friends in need, crisis pregnancy centers, Christian schools, etc. I also believe that 10% is a minimum starting point, and that we should seek to give more if we can.

Oh... The Secret to Wealth? Spend Less Than You Make. I guarantee it will work.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School

Copyright © 1998/99 Airdrie Koinonia Christian School      Last modified: January 19, 1999