With about 40% of all Americans experiencing some form of financial pain, it is easy to forget that the majority of folks are generally good at managing their money. For those who are living within their means, avoiding debt and making ends meet, I have a few tips.
First, save in the good times. In fact, saving for future needs is a principle we can learn from observing nature. “Go to the ant, you slacker!” says Proverbs 6:6-8. “Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.” (HCSB)
To be ready for a crisis – natural disaster, job loss, illness or dangers unknown, consider the advice of Joseph in Genesis 41, who told Pharaoh to save 20 percent in the good years to be ready for the bad years, after the leader of Egypt had a troubling dream about a coming famine. Thirty percent of Americans over 55 have zero money set aside for retirement. Increase your savings as you are able to make provisions for the days when you cannot earn an income.
Next, put first things first. Perhaps the best financial advice in Scripture is to remember what is truly important. Proverbs 23:4-5 advises, “Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.” Jesus himself warned in Luke 15 that running after money alone was a trap, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
