Consumer, Home, Money Management

Common-Sense Spending Strategies

By: FaithFi, Rob West & Carolyn Calupca

From hats in the hall closet to bats in the belfry, you can save money with a few common-sense strategies for three of the basics — clothing, utilities, and home maintenance.

Managing your money wisely doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple spending plan can help you keep track of what comes in and what goes out, but what about the necessary things, like clothes, energy, and shelter? If you feel like these expenses are out of control, these ideas will help.

Let’s start with clothing. In this category, the temptation is to buy whenever there’s a sale, to chase after the latest styles or both. When you have kids, and especially teenagers, you have the added problem of sizes changing all the time, not to mention another set of opinions on what’s cool! Well, here’s how to keep your family’s wardrobe looking sharp for less.

First, you don’t have to buy new. Instead, visit local thrift stores where you’ll find deals on current styles as well as wardrobe basics. If you have kids, this is where you’ll save. Teenagers might push back on this, but give them a budget and challenge them to find something they like. They’ll enjoy having a bit of freedom in the matter, and seeing how far their money can go. If you do shop retail, use coupons and loyalty programs to get discounts.

Consider consignment stores, too. You’ll find stylish clothing there and when you’re done with your gently-used items, you can trade them in for cash or a discount. That’s money back in your clothing budget.

Next, try rethinking your closet. What I mean is, instead of filling it with clothes and shoes that you’ll wear only once or twice, think multi-purpose. A good pair of slacks can take you to work or church. A neutral skirt can work for an interview or an evening out. The goal is to have a few high-quality basics that can do double-duty in your wardrobe. Focus your spending on that core wardrobe, and then let your accessories and thrift store add-ons provide color and variety.

Our next category for saving is utilities. The first strategy is to buy energy-efficient appliances. You certainly can’t replace all your existing appliances at once, but when it’s time to put in a new washing machine, choose one that costs less to run. While you’re at it, you may be able to find a deal on a “scratch and dent” appliance.

Another way to save on energy costs is by using LED lighting. When you need to replace a bulb, it’s worth the extra cost upfront to buy LEDs. They’ll pay for themselves over time with longer life and more energy efficiency.

Next, check with your utility company about rebates for installing energy-efficient systems in your home. You might get money back for installing an electric hybrid water heater, for instance, or putting in a smart thermostat. Your power company will have details about rebates on its website.

A simple way to reduce your energy bill is by unplugging appliances, turning off electronics, and adjusting your thermostat, especially when you’re not at home.

Our last money-saving category is home maintenance. If you own a home, you can’t just assume all is well. Like a car, your home needs regular attention, just to keep it functioning smoothly. Ignoring this might not cause a breakdown on the highway, but it can result in very expensive repair or replacement costs. For instance, dirty filters can make your heating and air conditioning system work much harder, which makes it wear out sooner. For plumbing, be aware of possible pipe leaks, or dripping faucets. Avoid overflow problems by having your septic tank pumped out regularly, if you have one.

Heating and air conditioning are one of your home’s most important systems, so don’t ignore that, either. Have your HVAC system checked at least once a year to make sure it’s operating at maximum efficiency when you need it most— in summer and winter.

Second, do an annual check of the caulking around your windows, doors, and light fixtures. Install new weather stripping around doors and windows if necessary.

If your home feels too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter, even after you’ve sealed the air leaks, you may need more insulation. Again, check with your power company about rebates for that.

Related to home maintenance and insulation, when was the last time you checked under your roof? If you have unused attic space, make sure it’s not becoming a home for critters, like squirrels, mice, or bats. It’s not unusual to find rodent nests in attic insulation if the soffits and air vents aren’t sealed properly. If you’ve got wildlife guests in the attic, it may take a professional to get them out and seal the space but don’t put it off. Aside from the sanitation issues, rodents can chew on electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard.

Making a few smart changes to your spending can really save money in the long run. Start taking advantage of them today!

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Money Management, Saving

Saving for Major Purchases

By: FaithFi, Rob West & Jim Henry

One of the simplest ways to stay out of credit card debt is to save for major purchases. By planning ahead and saving for things you know you’re going to need or want in the future, you avoid having to borrow. Taking certain steps can make this a lot easier.

You might be thinking, “Save for things I’ll need in the future? Isn’t that what my emergency fund is for?” Actually, no, it isn’t. Saving for expected, major purchases is sometimes called a “sinking fund,” a term borrowed from the business world.

It’s a pool of money you regularly contribute to so you’ll eventually have the cash you need for an upcoming big-ticket expense, like a vacation, a new car or home repairs.

You’re actually “paying yourself” to delay that purchase because your savings will accrue interest. Compare that to putting the purchase on a credit card with a sky high interest rate, where you’re paying to use someone else’s money for a time. By grasping this concept of delayed gratification, you’ll save yourself a lot of money over your lifetime.

You also won’t be tempted to tap into a retirement account for a major purchase. That is extremely expensive money. You’ll have to pay taxes on anything you withdraw and possibly a penalty. That money is intended for another major purchase, your retirement!

So what’s the best way to save for your big ticket item? First, you need a goal. For example, if you know the house will need a new roof in the not-too-distant future, and it will cost $7,500 or more (which is typical these days), that becomes your goal.

Next, look at your budget to determine how much you can pull each month from other categories to go toward your new roof. Let’s say that’s $500. Divide 7500 by 500 and you get 15. That’s how many months it will take to save up enough cash to replace your roof.

It’s okay to start small. If you can’t put away $500 a month, start with $100. But begin looking for ways you can increase that amount by cutting your expenses. Be flexible. It’s okay to adjust your savings as needed, just keep in mind that you want to reach your goal as soon as possible.

You might think it’s silly, but you can also start a change jar if you still use cash on a fairly regular basis. Empty your pockets or wallet into a one gallon jar or jug and forget about it. When it’s full of mixed change, you’ll have roughly another $400 toward your goal.

For the rest of the cash you’re saving, you’ll want to open a special savings account at an online bank to get the best interest rate. If this special purchase is several years away, you can put some of the money in CDs to earn more interest. You should ladder CDs, so that one is coming due every 6 months or so. As you near the target date for your big purchase, cash out the CDs and put the money back into savings.

Those are some tips to help you save for a major purchase. We hope you find them useful and when you reach your savings goal, let us know. We’d love to hear how you did it.

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Budgeting, Credit Cards, Credit Counseling, Debt, Money Management, Saving

Ask Chuck: Move Back from the Financial Cliff

By: Crown Financial Ministries, Chuck Bentley

Dear Chuck,

Our finances are stretched so thin that I am stressed out all the time. We live on a budget, but my husband and I both need some hope that it will not always be this way.

Living on a Financial Cliff

Dear Living on a Financial Cliff,

There is certainly reason for hope, so hang on!

Let’s put your challenges in a current economic context and then a Biblical context before I offer some practical tips to help you through this painful time.

Economic Context

With the lingering impact of inflation, a new CNBC survey reports that 70% of Americans say they, too, are feeling financial stress, and 58% report they are living paycheck to paycheck. The report pointed to several specific concerns, including a lack of savings and a dependency on debt.

“People are worried that the money they’ve saved won’t last and are worried they’re going to have to lean more on their credit cards and other sources of debt just to get by,” said Bruce McClary, a senior vice president at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

With rapidly increasing costs, higher interest rates, and a sense of economic uncertainty in the air, many are feeling like their finances are balanced on a razor’s edge with no margin for error.

Biblical Context

The Bible is full of people who had to face incredible amounts of stress. It is also full of principles and truth that help us to reframe our present circumstances. I am reminded of Romans 8:18–21:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (NIV)

We live in a fallen world—in bondage to decay—because of mankind’s disobedience to God, but a promise of freedom and redemption awaits those who are children of God. Considering our eternal future, our present trials and tribulations are insignificant. Remember to keep your present cares and burdens in the context that this is not our home. We temporarily manage what God provides and seek to be faithful until we have finished our race.

Help in Reducing Your Financial Challenges

Three very practical steps will help you reduce the immediate pain you are in.

First, no matter how much or how little income you have each week or month, be sure that you are spending less than that amount. Think of the old game of limbo, where you have to bend your body to get under a bar without knocking it off. The bar represents your income. Your attempts to get under it represent your control over your spending. That is why a budget is so very helpful. You can adjust your expenses to ensure that you never exceed the height of the bar (your weekly or monthly income).

Second, build an emergency savings fund. You need at least $1,000 set aside to help with unexpected expenses. That is the bare minimum. Set a goal of saving three months of overhead. Emergencies always happen, so this is non-negotiable. In the CNBC survey, most of those who report living paycheck to paycheck say they do not have any money saved. This is like flying through the air on a trapeze bar without a safety net. It is scary! Crown has some free tools to help you get that accomplished. Perhaps you need to adjust your budget. You might benefit from our budgeting resources and a coach.

Finally, make a plan to reduce your debt and break any dependence on credit cards, store accounts, buy-now-pay-later plans, or payday loans. The largest expense in most American budgets today is the interest expense on debt. Just imagine how free you would feel without debt hanging over you each month. We partner with Christian Credit Counselors to help free people from this burden.

Thank you for writing. Please know that we want to help! May God give you His peace and the freedom you so desire.

Christian Credit Counselors is a trusted source of support in assisting people with getting on the road to financial freedom. Reach out to them today; they may be of great benefit to you.

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Budgeting, College Debt, Kids & Money, Money Management, Saving, Student Loans

Ask Chuck: How Do I Financially Prepare My Child for College?

By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries

Dear Chuck,

I’ve tried to prepare my daughter to handle money responsibly while she’s away at college. But, I’m concerned that peer pressure and the stress of classes will throw her off track. Any tips?

Budget-Minded Mom

Dear Budget-Minded,

Congratulations are in order for preparing her for this crucial transition. Far too many students leave home without a clue how to manage money and are vulnerable to making life-altering messes.

While most Americans assume that student loan and consumer debt is the only way to get a college education today, this is simply not true, regardless of income. I have a friend who immigrated here from China. She only had $2,000 to help her daughter when she left for college. When her daughter finished her undergraduate and decided to seek a master’s degree, her mother asked if she needed financial help. Turns out that her daughter had been able to graduate without borrowing money and still had cash in the bank. She explained that she had been saving and investing for years and had $70,000 cash in the bank before entering grad school!

Financial preparedness for college students and young adults is crucial today. Demands come from all directions and unless students understand the value of a dollar, they can blow through spending money and quickly rack up consumer debt and long-term student loan debt before they ever realize the consequences ahead. 

Having raised four sons, we can appreciate your concerns but also want you to know that it is possible for our children to swim against the tide. 

Set Clear Boundaries

Make sure there is a clear understanding of what you will pay for and what your student is required to cover. Typically, students are more careful with the money they have earned, so avoid robbing them of an important lesson by giving them everything. 

For example, if they have a car at college, determine who will pay for gas, insurance, tags, parking, maintenance, and repairs. If they’re going to be responsible for those expenses, then they need to find a part-time job. That’s real life! If you plan to cover the expenses, have clear stipulations and terms (e.g. you’ll only cover those costs as long as they remain in school and maintain a decent grade point average). Every family situation is different, but the goal is to grow financially mature adults.

Some Practical Tips 

Here are a few additional tips you may want to teach the young people in your life:

  • Exercise self-control. Don’t drink, smoke, or binge with money
  • Live like you’re poor in college and you won’t be when you graduate!
  • The earlier you save and invest, the more you’ll have for your future
  • Boundaries now grant freedom later
  • Be careful loaning money
  • Keep healthy snacks on hand and in a backpack
  • Use cash to avoid overspending
  • Avoid debt. Period. Set a goal to graduate without student loans or consumer debt.

What They Need to Know

  • How to use a checking account and debit card – understand bank fees
  • How to make deposits into a savings account – preferably at a different bank to avoid easy withdrawals
  • How to use a credit card wisely – pay it off in full each month
  • How to make a budget and keep track of expenses
  • The importance of good credit and how to establish it
  • The joy of giving and saving with intentionality
  • Student loans will be offered but try to avoid them

Prevent Medical Expenses

  • Cook healthy meals or use a meal plan wisely
  • Sleep, exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs
  • Seek a community of Godly friends
  • Take care of mental health: limit social media, join a church, volunteer

Practical Tips

  • Keep $100 tucked away in your wallet for emergencies only
  • Guard personal information
  • Know how and where to buy/sell used textbooks
  • How to study well, apply for scholarships, and work part-time
  • Know identity in Christ to withstand peer pressure, FOMO, and comparison traps
  • Live at home or with another relative to save dorm/apartment fees
  • Know how to make coffee, cook, and do laundry
  • Get to know the financial aid counselors
  • Work on campus: saves time/gas, and opens doors to deeper relationships with staff

Preparing our youth financially will give them a step ahead of most people. Diligence requires purpose, intentionality, and resolve. It requires renewing the mind and working toward specific goals. May they be filled with the understanding of who they are in Christ and the knowledge that they are stewards of what He gives.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

By discussing your daughter’s financial needs, desires, and habits regularly now, you can help her avoid the mistakes that most make plus prepare her for the next stage of her career without the bondage of debt-driven decisions.

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Budgeting, Finance, Money Management

Ask Chuck: How to Budget for the Dangers of Inflation

By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries

Dear Chuck,

We tried to live on a budget when we first got married but didn’t stick with it. Now that we have children and are feeling the pain of rising gasoline and groceries, etc., we need to get disciplined with money! Can you help us? 

Budgeting for Inflation

Dear Budgeting for Inflation, 

We are all having to navigate the dangerous challenges to our finances caused by inflation. To help you get serious about your budget, I reached out to Steve Brooks at Dedicated Money Management. Steve is a dear friend who served on staff with CRU for 21 years and Crown for 27. He has been a trained budget coach for over 20 years, helping tens of thousands of people manage money from a Biblical perspective. He answered a number of questions that will help you get on the right track. 

Why don’t more people live on a budget?

Steve: I think there are three main reasons why people do not stay on their budgets:

  • They have wrong money beliefs.
  • They have poor money behaviors.
  • They don’t have a simple budgeting tool.

I teach my clients that God is the Owner of all that they possess. They are stewards of His money and possessions. If they do not get this right, they will never become “good and faithful stewards” of God’s money and possessions. If I do not have a spending plan (budget), I am probably spending God’s money the way I want to spend it instead of the way He wants me to spend it.

What is the best way to get the right perspective on budgeting? 

Steve: I ask my budget coaching clients two important questions:

  1. How would you act if I hired you as my money manager/steward?
    • Would you spend my money any way that you wanted to?
      • If you did, I would quickly remove you from your money-managing responsibilities!
    • Or would you ask me how I want you to manage my money?
      • This is the appropriate thing for a money manager/steward to do.
  2. Since God has hired you as His money manager/steward, how should you act?
    • Should you spend God’s money any way that you want to? 
      • If you do, He might remove you from your money managing responsibilities. This is what happened to the shrewd and dishonest steward in Luke 16.
    • Or should you ask God to show you how He wants you to manage His money? 

This is the appropriate thing for a money manager/steward to do.

Do people need special skills to make this work?  

Steve: I want my clients to become “budgeters,” not “accountants.” The difference is that budgeters check the category balance throughout the month before making a purchase to make sure they have enough money set aside for that purchase. 

What tools do you recommend? 

Steve: Choose a budgeting tool that works best for you.

  • Cash envelopes 
  • Paper and pencil 
  • An Excel spreadsheet
  • A computer program (Quicken, QuickBooks, etc.)
  • A budget app that can be accessed on a cell phone to check a category balance before making a purchase. Some examples are You Need a Budget (YNAB) – the one I like best, Mint, Every Dollar, or Calendar Budget.

What about those who say they don’t make enough to budget? 

Steve: If one is unable to live on a budget because income is too low, consider these options: 

  • Look at every spending category in the budget, and ask yourself: Can this category be eliminated or lowered? Is it a necessity?
  • Sell stuff you no longer need or want. Use the income to fund short- or long-term savings goals. For example, if you sell an item for $500, you might consider funding your vacation with this money instead of setting aside that money monthly.
  • As a last resort, you might consider starting a side business or working part-time to earn additional income. I have clients who have become Uber Eats drivers temporarily to fix holes in their budgets.

What are the behaviors needed to budget well?

Steve: This is a great question and an important one to make the budget work well! 

  1. Keep your budgeting tool updated. 
  2. Check it before making a purchase.
  3. Accelerate debt repayments.
  4. Be generous toward God’s work in the world.
  5. Save for future expenses.
  6. Invest part of your income.
  7. Husbands and wives, make financial decisions together.
  8. Refer to the Crown Money Map when making financial decisions.
  9. Seek counsel from the Bible and Godly family and friends.
  10. Be completely honest and trustworthy.
  11. Teach/train others to be faithful stewards (multiplication principle).

What are the beliefs that you want your budget coaching clients to know and believe?

Steve: All of these are Biblical principles that I can summarize: 

  1. God is the Owner, and we are stewards of HIS possessions and money.
  2. Debt is bondage and should be avoided.
  3. We are to be givers (generous) rather than getters (consumers).
  4. We are responsible to teach/train others to be faithful stewards.
  5. We are to seek counsel from God and others when making financial decisions.
  6. We are to save and invest our money to meet needs and to build God’s Kingdom.
  7. We are to work hard for the Lord in our God-given areas of strengths and talents.
  8. We are to be absolutely honest.

Thank you, Steve! 

General Principle to Follow

Since overall inflation is estimated to be between 8–10%, I suggest you reduce all spending by the same amount to ensure you are keeping up. You also need to increase your emergency savings, as you are able, to ensure you can navigate any disruptions to your income should inflation hurt your job or career. 

Hopefully, these ideas will set you on a course to develop your budget, stick with it, and navigate the rapidly changing effects of inflation on your finances. If you want help creating and staying on a budget, reach out to Steve today, or contact Crown to enroll in our Budget Coaching Program.

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Activities, Budgeting, Holiday Tips, Money Management

7 Ways to Ensure a Great Staycation

By: MoneyWise

Inflation and gas prices may have pushed a traditional vacation out of your budget. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy time with family and make some lasting memories.

A staycation is an at-home vacation. Staycations reduce or eliminate common expenses related to vacations—gas, hotel, and food. Staycations have become a popular option for a budget-friendly time away from work.

Are you considering a staycation this year? Here are seven ways to ensure a great time:

1. Set objectives for your staycation.

What do you hope to accomplish during your staycation? Objectives are not equivalent to what you will do. What you will do should be a means to an end. Before considering what you will do during your time away from work, think about more significant outcomes. Do you desire to make some memories with family? Do you desire to rest? Do you desire to grow spiritually or help your children grow spiritually? Setting objectives can provide guidance and purpose to your staycation plans.

2. Make a plan.

It’s easy to procrastinate staycation planning. Because you are staying at home, the need to plan doesn’t seem as urgent. However, not planning is a sure way to get frustrated during or after the staycation. Without a plan, routines tend to take over and the time at home starts to feel less like a vacation. A lack of planning also reduces the anticipation of a staycation. When planning, consider your objectives. Make a schedule that best accomplishes those desired outcomes.

3. Take advantage of special events.

Good staycations create a break from the normal, even when staying local. While planning your staycation, look for special events, activities, and concerts taking place during your time away from work. These special events can bring added excitement, fun, and a flair to the familiar during your staycation.

4. Do something you’ve wanted to do for a while.

Have you wanted to see something or do something in your hometown for a while? A staycation is a great time to do activities or see areas you would not normally do or see. If you have been talking about doing something for a while, make sure to include it in your staycation plan.

5. Take a day trip.

Yes, you can get out of town during a staycation. More than likely, there are a few fun day trips you could take. Consider including one or two-day trips during your staycation. Granted, this will increase gas costs. So, budget accordingly.

6. Spend more money on entertainment than food.

For families, food is a big vacation expense. During the staycation, determine to significantly reduce your food costs. Breakfast can typically take place at home. Depending on the day’s plans, bringing a cooler filled with sandwiches, chips, and drinks can create a low-cost lunch. Dinner can take place at home, or you may choose to eat out, depending on your budget. If you do choose to eat dinner at home, consider having foods you would typically eat on vacation—pizza, hamburgers, ice cream, etc.

7. Plan a few splurges.

Craft a staycation budget that allows for a few splurges. Consider splurging on experiences instead of food. Experiences usually create longer-lasting memories than meals at an expensive restaurant.

Enjoy your time away from work in a cost-effective manner. Set your staycation objectives and plan accordingly. Make some amazing memories without making a bunch of debt.

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Budgeting, Finance, Gas, Money Management, Saving

How to Deal with Inflation and Rising Costs

By: MoneyWise

The latest Consumer Price Index was released today, posting an 8.6% annual increase in May. That’s the highest increase the U.S. has seen since 1981. More importantly, it tells us that goods and services are becoming more and more out of reach. Reports have shown that these increases have already slowed discretionary purchases. Basically, that tells me there’s a lot less vacation and leisurely spending going on right now.

Our regular contributor and Compass Australia founding member, Gwenda, touched on saving the other day. And in times like this, I think it bears repeating: “The Bible encourages us to save and is loaded with great practical advice.”

That’s from the last time we heard from Gwenda. And as prices rise, we’re reminded of just how much wisdom God’s Word contains. Not everybody feels the effects, but many of us do. And one thing to weather it is to do exactly what the Bible says. As Gwenda mentioned, there’s a saying: “Save for a rainy day.” A step further, Proverbs 21:20 says that the wise save for the future, but the foolish spend whatever they get.

Sometimes, it can be hard for us to save when we don’t know what we’re saving for. But if the cost of just about everything is going up and it’s affecting you, this is the case in point for why the Bible tells us we must save. Having savings set aside right now would help weather rainy days like this.

If you’re asking how would you save, here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Make it automatic – Gwenda mentioned the automatic savings plan, as well. It’s an amount you decide and set up typically through your bank.
  2. Budget – Another recommendation by Gwenda. But don’t let this word scare you.
  3. Cut Back – I consider this separate from budgeting because the way I see it, just because I budget or plan for something, it doesn’t mean it’s necessary.

An automatic savings plan encourages you to save first, spend second. If you tithe and “pay yourself” first, you’re required to work with what’s left. A much better formula for putting more aside than if you were to spend first, save second. Saving whatever’s left over usually encourages more spending.

“Budget” is just a technical term for telling the money where to go, not the other way around. And when I say cutting back is separate from budgeting, here’s what I mean…

In our budget this month, my husband and I have planned to spend no more than $150 on dining. How much of that has to be spent, though? Well, the answer is $0.

We have to eat, but we don’t have to do that by going out to restaurants or taking out. This is my point: If you study your budget, chances are you’ll find one or two categories that either can be reduced or don’t need to be there at all.

The Building Your Finances God’s Way financial discipleship study dives even deeper into the concept of saving and much more. I encourage you to sign up for a study right here. Because it’s not just about weathering your storm.

Putting these three things into practice helps us become better financial disciples: One who can live in contentment, knowing no matter what, God provides; who can live life applying finances God’s way, giving cheerfully and with the assurance that it shall be given unto them, pressed down, shaken together, running over (Luke 6:38); and who shows others how to do the same and that there’s a reason why faith and love get us through anything and everything life throws our way.

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Activities, Budgeting, Money Management, Saving

Ask Chuck: Help Me Get Our Spending Under Control

By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries

Dear Chuck,

We have to cut our spending this year, but I really don’t know where to begin. When I bring up the subject, my spouse always has an excuse. If we don’t get things under control, we are going to face eviction from our landlord. 

Cash Crunch

Dear Cash Crunch,

I’m so glad that you wrote to me and are ready to make some big changes. My hope is that if you set a clear direction, your spouse will be inspired to join in the effort. Forced eviction is devastating emotionally; it is expensive and wrecks your credit score. Let’s work hard to avoid it!

Some of the obvious ways to reduce spending include eliminating the big expenses, like a car payment or rental/living costs in excess of 40% of your net spendable income. Look at both of those expenses closely, and determine if you need to make any changes. If not, there are some not-so-obvious ways you can save money each month that really add up over time. Cutting what seems like a necessity may seem impossible, but over time, the sacrifice will prove rewarding. Here are a few examples I want you to consider.

Do You Really Need Amazon Prime?

Membership fees jump for new members on February 18th. Renewals take the hit on March 25th. The annual cost will be $139/year plus taxes or $14.99/month plus taxes. An alternative is to keep a shopping list until you reach a total that qualifies for free shipping from Amazon or other companies. You may have limited shipping options, but this leads to better planning and less impulse purchasing. You can also use Amazon gift cards to limit spending since a credit card is not linked to your account.

Do You Really Need That Streaming Service?

According to The Streamable, in 2021, the average viewer had five or more subscriptions. The top five include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. In May 2021, Bloomberg reported that the average streaming consumer spends $40 per month. That comes to $480 per year! Different streaming prices can be seen here. The average cost of cable TV comes in at $64 but can run from $11 to $127 or more per month.

Do You Really Need Audible or Spotify?

Free audiobooks are available via Overdrive and Hoopla with a library card. Spotify and other small monthly fees that seem insignificant can really add up. Nothing is too small to eliminate to help you avoid eviction!

There’s More

Look at your spending with a critical eye. What could you realistically eliminate? What are your real needs? What do you need to reprioritize? Small daily purchases can add up quickly.

Analyze what is spent on subscription services, fast food, coffee, bottled water, shoes, clothes, gym membership and gear, house plants, manicures, pedicures, tattoos, haircuts and color, lottery tickets, toys for children, etc.

Challenge

Ask your spouse to join you in tracking all spending for the next 30 days. When Ann and I did this years ago, we found that recording each dollar spent made us more aware of our actions. We realized that we had some costly habits. Write down your expenses. Don’t leave anything off your list so that you know where your money is really going.

After 30 days, come together and share what you learn. It may only take a few days before a heightened awareness sets in. Prayerfully discuss what you could sacrifice for six months or a year. I suggest you gently educate your spouse on the long-term benefits. Can you agree to get the help of a mentor or come under the accountability of trusted friends? How about planning a reward when reaching your goal? You can likely cut back on your spending by 25% by just changing some of your habits.

Once you get your spending under control and avoid eviction, there are many other reasons people decide to better manage their money. Reduced spending builds the habit of saving, and with the help of automatic deductions, people learn to live without. The possibilities can include:

  • Building an emergency fund
  • Paying off debt
  • Saving for retirement
  • Giving more generously
  • Having funds for vacations, a move, a business, education, holidays, births, deaths, etc.

Years ago, a woman confided in my wife that she was tired of her husband limiting her spending. She felt like she was being treated as a child. Ann listened and then asked, “Have you considered the possibility that he loves you so much that he wants to protect you and save for your future together?” The thought had never entered the woman’s mind. It changed her entire perspective and opened the door to healthy dialogue about their finances.

We enter marriage with a philosophy of money. Most often, we marry an opposite. The goal is uniting around God’s principles regarding our finances. Pray about how to lovingly communicate with your spouse. Treat him/her with respect and love so you can make progress. My desire is to see God’s people free and marriages united, strong, and thriving. We must recognize the errors in what the world has taught us about finances and have our minds renewed by God’s truth. Consider this effort to lead the way out of this crisis the best gift you can give your spouse.

If credit card debt is a source of frustration in your marriage, consider contacting Christian Credit Counselors. They specialize in assisting people with getting out of debt and on the road to financial freedom, and they are a trusted source of help.

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Budgeting, Goals, Money Management, Personal Goals

7 Steps to Achieving Your Financial Goals This Year

By Daniel Rodriguez | Dr. Budgets

Another year has come and gone, and last year’s goals are now in the history books. So how did you do? If you want some guidance in achieving your financial goals this year, then read on! Below are 7 steps to achieving your financial goals this year:

1) Be SMART. No, I’m not talking about intelligence. The first step to achieving your goal is to set a strong financial goal that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound). In order for your goal to be strong, you have to really want it (do you have a strong emotional attachment to your goal?). Once you are emotionally invested in your goal, then being SMART with it will strengthen it even further.

2) Know Your WHY. Take some time to determine WHY your goal is so important to you. For example, my wife and I have a goal of moving from our condo to a single-family home in four years because our baby girl (on the way) and future unborn kids are very important to us. We want to raise our kids in a place that is large enough and located in a great school district because family, education, and stability are a top priority. Knowing the WHY behind your goal will help keep you on track when you stumble (and believe me, we all stumble!).

3) Find the Money. Once you have your goal and you know your why, then you need to consistently put money toward your goal. To do so you need to be aware of where you are currently spending your money, and then find savings within your current spending that can be used to fund your goal. One of my favorite tasks as a Dr. Budgets money coach is to find the savings within my client’s current spending that allows them to achieve their financial goals. The key is to keep spending money on what is important to you and cut spending in the areas where you receive very little value from your money.

4) Build A Plan. Now that you have all the facts and figures of your current spending and have determined where the money is going to come from to fund your goal, the next step is to build a spending plan that coincides with your SMART goal. This is also when you may have to adjust the “T” portion of your SMART goal based on your findings from Step 3.

5) Monitor Your Progress. Having a plan is worthless if you don’t follow it. Monitoring your progress and making adjustments along the way is critical to successfully achieving your goal. If you don’t know how you are doing, then you will be flying blind. When I coach my clients, I track their spending and monitor their progress toward their goals, which greatly increases their probability of success.

6) Celebrate! Setting some milestones (or mini financial goals) along the way toward your ultimate goal, then celebrating and rewarding yourself when you hit those milestones, makes your journey much more enjoyable and will help keep you motivated. So think of some experiences or things that you want, then use those as rewards for when you hit your milestones. Also, remember to celebrate when you do achieve your ultimate goal. This is an area where I have had trouble in the past, but I’ve been getting better at rewarding myself, which has made it more fun!

7) Repeat. Repeat Steps 1 – 6 for your next financial goal. I do recommend you limit the number of goals to a maximum of three. Ideally, you want to focus on just one financial goal at a time.

These are my 7 steps to achieving your financial goals this year. I hope you find these steps helpful as you start off the new year. What is your top financial goal this year? What will you do to achieve it? Wishing you a great start to the year!

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