Sen$eworthy - #5

by Pauline Blanton

Now that you've started to develop a more analytical approach to where your dollars are going, perhaps you are beginning to feel that there just isn't enough money to go around covering all the areas it's needed. So let's talk about ways to make your dollars go further. It may surprise you that I'll start by revisiting the Biblical mandate of tithes and offerings.

That's right, tithes and offerings can help your dollars go further. How can that be? Remember that in Malachi 3:11 it says, “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,' says the Lord Almighty." Chances are, you are not a farmer, but this still applies. Another translation says that God will "rebuke the devourer for our sake". Rather than your dollars having to be spent for excessive repair and replacement of life's necessities, everyday items will last longer because of the blessing that comes with faithful stewardship. In Psalm 5:12, it says that God surrounds his righteous ones with favor as with a shield. When you are a faithful steward, you can expect God's favor in your life. What does this have to do with causing your money to stretch further? Have you ever needed something and when you went to look for it - found it unexpectedly on sale? This has happened so many times to me that I'm no longer surprised, but always extremely grateful that I have a God who cares about the smallest things in my life.

This is not to say that we bear no responsibility in being frugal with our money. To the contrary, we need to be careful not be wasteful or unwise with what God has provided. There are many ways we can avoid overspending. We'll look at a few below, but keep in mind that there are many more; use these ideas as a starting point, or springboard, to brainstorm how you might be able to get more miles from your dollar!

Housing: Weather strip and caulk windows and doors to lower heating and cooling bills; consider budget payment plans for utilities to smooth out the cash flow and avoid super size bills that eat into other budget categories; assess all services and providers to determine actual needs and whether you are using the lowest cost solution. For example, consider your phone service - do you really need both a home phone and a cell phone? Have you checked out other plans for both the home and cell to determine that you have the features you will use and that best suit your needs and budget? And finally, is your homeowners or renters insurance matched to your needs, or are you excessively insured?

Vehicles: Have your oil /fluids changed regularly to prevent larger problems that could result with lack of maintenance. Consider learning to do this yourself to save even more, or perhaps trade favors with a friend that knows how. Periodically check insurance quotes to make sure you have appropriate coverage at the best price. Note that carrying homeowners and vehicle insurance with the same company usually results in significant discounts. To save unnecessary wear and tear (and gas), take the time to map routes to unfamiliar places. Wait until you need several things before running to the store. Consider car-pooling whenever possible.

Groceries: Clip coupons and watch the sale ads; shop stores that are known for no frills but good quality at low prices. Realize that things like cosmetics and some paper and cleaning products may be much lower priced at non-grocery stores, such as dollar stores and/or drug stores. Plan your meals and limit purchases to your list. Never shop hungry!

You may remember that we said budgeting is 80% behavior and 20% math. This is clearly the behavior part! Stopping to think about where and how you are spending and whether there is a better way may ignite a creativity you didn't realize you had. Ask God to show you how you can do more with less. You may be surprised at the ideas He'll bring your way!

To Do #5: Pray for wisdom and inspiration to help your money stretch further. Go through each category of your budget and consider and/or ask others what can be done to save. Some tactics may have more immediate impact and others may be more preventative in nature. Strive to make this way of thinking an everyday habit for your life. Since this process will tend to free up money for long and short term goals, next we'll look at ways to prudently save and invest.

Click Here to Read the previous financial article by Pauline