Money: Work on it now, benefit later!

My husband was speaking to a group of aspiring youth ministers last week, and amid a discussion of youth group budgeting, brought up the topic of personal finances. They ended up spending well over an hour on the “aside.”

So—is money a pain or a blessing? For most of us, some of both. Since youth ministry isn’t famous for providing high salaries, it can become a huge issue. Our best advice is to get some great advice, the sooner the better! There are some outstanding Christian organizations putting out great materials, seminars, etc. Two excellent choices are (1) Crown Financial (www.crown.org), co-founded by the late Larry Burkett, and (2) Financial Peace University begun by Dave Ramsey (http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/). Both offer tons of resources. One of our favorites is Crown’s Cash Organizer ™ envelope budgeting system, which is only $15.00 and a great way to get started if you’ve never REALLY budgeted before. I say “REALLY” because my husband and I said we had a budget for years, but what we had was a paper with all our monthly bills listed on it and little else in the way of a plan—which ended up getting us into big trouble.

Another great thing to do when you’re starting on this plan is to keep a spending diary. For one month, write down how you spend every penny. If you put a quarter in a gumball machine, write it down. If you write a huge check, write it down. EVERYTHING. Then you can see where your money is really going, and this will help you make a realistic plan and also show you where you can “stop the bleeding.”

There are tons of practical ways to save money and be a much better steward of what God has given you! Quit stopping at Starbucks and make coffee at home. Shop consignment stores, thrift shops, and garage sales. (There are several thrift shops near us that support missions groups, so shopping there serves two good purposes—saving me money and helping someone else!) Look for creative cheap dates and family outings (maybe we’ll post some of those ideas another time!). Trade your car—for one that gets better mileage, has a few more miles on it (but not so many you’re having to pay for repairs constantly), or is otherwise a more thrifty choice for your family. Maybe get by with one car instead of two for a while. Cancel your cable for a while, or cut back to the basic channels. Pack a lunch instead of buying fast food. Swap babysitting with another mom, or ask a “surrogate Grandma” if she’d watch the kids for free. Find someone with older children who is willing to pass “hand-me-downs” to your children, especially church clothes that have barely been worn. Cut some coupons—but only for items you really need!

Yes, my family has done every one of the above at one time or another.
Besides pleasing God by handling your money carefully, you will reduce stress on your family. In addition, if you have a recorded system showing how you have allocated and spent money, then if there is a real need, you can show what you have been doing to the leaders of your church and ask them for their assistance. If you walk in humbly, show them your books and ask them to help you figure out the bind you are in, they will be able to see the effort you have been making and see the areas in which you need help.

This just begins to scratch the surface! Send us your ideas on saving money, cheap dates, and fun free (or nearly free) family outings, and we’ll post them!