What’s the big secret? Financial wisdom has been an extensively explored issue, particularly in recent times. More and more people are becoming interested in personal finances due to the recent financial downhill roller-coaster experienced worldwide. In the current market, it is practical to ask if this is a good time to think about increasing or maintaining your financial status. This article will also discuss feasible investment approaches. OK, let’s unlock the complex coding of our finances.
money makes the world go round
Our first order of business must be to come to some agreement about the importance of money. But aren’t Christians aspiring to be children of God and supposed to shun money. After all, money is the root of evil right? No, WRONG. The scripture says that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. But that’s not the primary rebuttal of the statement. The point is that money is not just important, but integral, especially to Christians or those striving to be Godly. It is significant in one’s spiritual growth. Not many take the time to even think along this line; hence I consider this the first secret of financial wisdom.
secret #1: money matters
To some, this might be the hardest secret to accept. There must be an appreciation for the importance of money. It can be self-defeating to master the important spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and Bible studying, while totally ignoring our finances. After all, this stuff is hard enough as it is, right?
Well guess what, it becomes even harder when we don’t check the books. Financial vows can significantly affect one’s spirituality. At times we tend to forget the commission once delivered to the saints in Matthew 28:19. For the gospel to be delivered effectively, the church must have access to funding. With money, we are in a better position to assist brethren and others who are in need. It also teaches us to fight against sin. At times we might be tempted to disobey God due to the cares of the world; we then grow in faith as we rely on God to help us overcome these challenges.
secret #2: the 3-s principle
This secret refers to three important keys to financial wisdom: Save, Sacrifice, and Simplify.
save
According to Robert T. Kiyosaki, financial wizard and author of the best-selling book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the differentiating factor between those who foster a healthy economic life style and those who don’t is the emphasis placed on saving and investing. The book only restates what is counseled in many of the Proverbs; we must save. Here’s the secret to curtailing payments and actually getting the savings separated from the bills. Pay yourself first. For Christians, the rule is to pay God first and ourselves second. Kiyosaki suggests that this builds self-discipline. We have to be extremely disciplined to practice this secret of saving. But one thing’s for sure: it works. So we must promise to pay God first and then pay ourselves; embrace what may be the healthiest habit of saving.
sacrifice
Compromising will be a must. The funds allocated to savings will slightly reduce our spending power. We will experience what some call “short term pain for long term gain.” At times we will be tempted to buy that new I-Phone, Laptop, or purse, etc. This is especially the case when we have the options of spending money allocated to savings; however, we must remember the goal we have in mind. We are developing financial wisdom for long-term stability. As Christians, we are continually exercising sacrifice for a greater cause (one which is more meaningful to us); thus, our finances are just another area for us to practice this habit.
simplify
This principle calls for self-examination. We will have to look at our lives and see where things can be made less complicated. It may mean deciding whether we really need a car and an SUV. We must ask, “Do I have to have a new knapsack every semester, or does my clothing have to come from a well-known designer who charges a higher price?” These are personal decisions everyone must make. However, we should ask, “What can I do to downsize my expenses?” Remember keep it simple.
secret #3: budgeting made simple
The most critical criteria of a budgetary system is to pin-point where our money is going. There are many formants from which to choose. Hence, I encourage you to research and choose the one with which you are most comfortable. Remember, a budget must give accurate information about expenses versus savings and investments.
secret #4: be informed
We have established the importance of money, especially to Christians. This article by no means deals exhaustively with the issue. It serves as an introduction to stir excitement about continuing the journey of learning. Now, be responsible to gain more education about financial wisdom. Attend seminars, consult books, it will be worth it.
