Today I had an epiphany. I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "Money Isn't Everything." It seems I've heard that message from movies and music and people in general over and over since I was little. As a result, I subconsciously decided that it didn't matter if I had money or not, and that too much preoccupation with it would mean I was selfish and worldly. Saving and planning for the future would take care of itself when it was meant to be.Well, I moved out of my parents house 8 years ago and I've learned some very hard financial lessons since being on my own and married. Some of the best ones:
-Avoid unnecessary debt like the plague
-Save for rainy days (because they ALWAYS come)
-ALWAYS HAVE HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE (doing so could save you THOUSANDS of dollars and years of monthly payments. you may think you'll be one of the lucky ones who never needs it, but you chances are you won't be)
And my personal fav:
-Don't buy a house you can't afford just because of the killer incentives like 0 money down and a 40" plasma TV
Faith without works is dead. Money won't just come your way because you think or hope it will. It takes work and planning and discipline. The way you manage your money greatly affects your family's quality of life and level of stress, your opportunities for education, and your ability to serve others. Sure, money isn't everything, but for our children's sake we should add-- it's still VERY IMPORTANT.
P.S. And that other one, "Money is the root of all evil." Maybe for some. But it's actually a great tool when used properly.
6 comments:
Actually its the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
As you well pointed out money itself isn't evil.
This post is sooooo right on the money Cristi!... (OK, there was a pun intended.) It reminds me that I too, am not alone in the world of 'stress and money'... or is it, the lack of money that is stressful?!!! ;0) Either way... I hear you sister!!
Luv ya
G
great tips - I agree, which is why we will probably stay in this house forever!
True dat!
Great Post. I don't know if you have heard of Dave Ramsey-he is LDS and writes books about finance. I just bought one for Tom and I. We have friends who rave about his advice.
I agree. I used to think that wanting money was bad, but now I see, also, that having money and using for the Lord's purposes is a great blessing to everyone. So I go on in my attempts to master it and myself and use what I have for Him. I am excited to see us all achieve this and how much we can do with pure hearts and resources!
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