Family Finances

Budget. Oh dear, I need to go wash my mouth out. Often times we consider this to be an evil thing. Budgeting. I have honestly rolled my eyes and dragged my feet whenever I was taught about budgets. But, after a money management class and some personal study, I have learned that budgeting can be a great strength in any situation. I know that I want to be able to contribute to my family in any way I can. I want to be a strength in my relationship as a wife and as a mother, and I want to be as prepared as possible for the future. The only way to stop money from managing our lives is to manage our money. 
Here are some ways how:

• Pay your tithe/offerings - Put the Lord first, and He will help you
• Learn how money works, and take an active role with your expenditures
• Learn self-discipline and self-restraint - This is critical! Know where your money is going and keep track!
• Create a debt elimination calendar - In debt? You can get out. Set up a payment plan, sacrifice your daily bon-bons or coffee or whatever and see what you can save
• USE A BUDGET - Direct your money and it cannot direct you
• Teach others about the importance of working and earning - You are helping others, and by teaching you are learning more.
• Teach kids in a way they understand - Tell the kids why they should save, or why they should wait to get that teddy from the toystore
• Make education a continued process - The more you know, the more you earn
• Work to earn your home - Homeowners get tax deductions, that'll save you a buck! And it is then an asset in your name. Even just working to equity makes a difference
• Have good insurance - Take care of yourself and your family, it's worth the cost
• Understand the influences that direct your finances and investments - Knowledge is power
• Prepare for the future - You never know what is going to happen, but we can be ready to face the future with our finances in order.

Remember that it may be hard now, but if you sacrifice now, you will be happy later.

For more information, go to "One for the Money" by Marvin J Ashton or http://www.daveramsey.com/ or watch some of these videos: