I just Googled “New Year’s Resolutions” and the search returned over 42 million results. I then Googled “Broken New Year’s Resolutions” and the search returned over 76 million results. I am sure there are other reasons for this, but it does say something about the effectiveness of making these promises.
So instead of making resolutions this year, why not take some “first steps” on a path that will lead us in a positive direction. First steps sound so much more realistic and are much easier to accomplish. Here are some simple first steps to get (back) on track to living by God’s Economy.
Set up a budget and stick with it: Don’t worry if you have tried this before and have failed. Almost everyone that is living on a budget today tried at least one time and failed before they were successful. I know Joyce and I did. If you feel you need someone to come along side of you, here is a link to Crown’s website that will put you in touch with a trained volunteer Money Map Coach. In addition to being trained most of these coaches have the gift of encouragement. Either chat on line, or you can access Crown’s database of Money Map coaches to see if there is one in your area that you could set up an appointment and personally meet with. (Luke 14:28-30)
Start an emergency savings fund: Things break, including cars, jobs and our health. We call these broken things emergencies. We need to be prepared for these emergencies. The way we prepare is by building up an emergency fund. Even if you only have $100, put it aside and start to build it up on a regular basis. Set a first goal of $1000 and do whatever you have to do to get to this level. Statistics tell us that over 90% of all family emergencies cost less than $1000. What happens if we don’t have that emergency savings? Out comes the credit cards and we get deeper in the debt hole. Here is an article from Crown that not only reinforces the importance of the emergency savings but offers 12 practical ideas to fund the account. (Proverbs 27:12)
Begin an Accelerated Debt Payoff Strategy: Come up with a plan and start to eliminate debt. Arrange your debts, smallest to largest and start making extra payments on the smallest and work towards the largest. Not only will you feel the exhilaration when you pay off your first debt, but you will quickly build momentum and motivation to keep going. Before you know it you will have all your non-mortgage debts paid off. Statistics indicate that the average family can pay off their credit card debt in 18 months and all non-mortgage debt in 4 years with a solid Accelerated Debt Payoff Strategy. Here is a handy Accelerated Debt Payoff Calculator from Crown that will calculate how quickly you can become debt free. (Proverbs 22:7)
Be a generous giver: If you want adventure in your financial life, start on a Journey of Generosity. In addition to reaping eternal benefits (1 Timothy6:18-19) and assuring greater spiritual usefulness (Luke 16:11-12) our giving brings glory to God (2 Corinthians 9:13). Being created in the image of God, there is no better way to reflect the character of God who gave His son, than by our giving. Here is a link to a website to begin your Journey of Generosity.
At this point you are probably saying; Wait!! I can’t even pay my bills, so how can I build up savings, pay off debts and be a generous giver? Remember these are not those broken New Year’s resolutions, these are first steps. Create the budget and be content and thankful with what God has blessed you with. With a first step of contentment, and a solid commitment of living on a budget, savings, debt reduction and giving will come along as naturally as a piece of pumpkin pie follows a Thanksgiving dinner. Matthew 6:21
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