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Each year we start off the year with good intentions to complete our financial goals. One reason our goals don’t translate into reality is because we take on more than we are able which results in failure. Then our desire to accomplish our financial resolution fades leaving us with another year with our goals unattained. One of the best ways to see results quicker and faster is to make small changes in how you managed your money in 2010. Honestly, making these small and simple changes in how you handle your money will increase our financial wealth without causing you to become stress and overwhelmed in the process.
I have listed a few simple strategies that you and your family can do that are easy and will not cost you nothing except a little disciple and perseverance. By implementing these simple solutions in your life they will add up to big results in 2010.
10 Simple Solutions to Save Money:
Forget about keeping up with the Joneses, if you have not heard the Joneses, Smiths and Johnson are now on a tight budget.
Give yourself an allowance. Money does not grow on trees, using ATM like a bottomless piggy bank. Discipline yourself and off your allowance.
Examine your monthly bills, even when they are paperless. Credit card companies put messages on the bill make sure you did not miss any hidden fees or things you did not sign up for. Ask for over charges to be removed, you don’t need a reason. It might result in a credit.
Call all creditors and ask for a lower interest rate. Remember a credit card is not a solution to your financial problem; it is just a Band-Aid and besides it does not hurt to ask.
Eliminate unnecessary debit or ATM fees by creating a budget and a spending plan that will help you know how much cash you will need. Instead of going to a non-bank ATM go to your bank to withdraw the money you need. This simple step will keep you from excessive non-bank ATM fees.
Adjust your thermostat when you are away from home for long periods of time. My mother used to say, “Don’t heat up the furniture. (I grew up in Minnesota.)
Recycle, you are throwing away money. I just read last week a couple in Washington State is saving and soliciting cans to save up enough money for their wedding.
If you have adult children at home they should be paying rent. Parent convince themselves that they are helping but in reality they are handicapping their children. They are creating a false sense of reality. Make them pay rent that is comparable to what would be charged a stranger. If you do not charge them, they will never move out.
Do not buy designer clothes for babies and young children! This boost your self esteem, not the child. A two-year old is not aware of the latest trends.
Repair what is broken versus going out to buy a new one. It is always tempting to just throw something out when it is broken than to repair it. However you save more money in the long run if you get repair it.
I am here to help you achieve success in the days ahead but will also help you get the most out of stewardship experience in 2010.
It is my desire that you are inspired to be good steward over these three areas of your life: Time, Talent, Treasure. Time, you must learn to manage your time; talent you have skills and gifts and lastly treasure, your finances need to managed appropriately. All of these areas work together, when they are managed properly you will be able to become A BETTER YOU!
Pastor George
