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Now that Christmas is over, many of us are realizing the damage we did in spending … mainly over spending.
The common thread going around is, “Help! I’m Broke!”
We love the gift-giving process, but in the end, we are left wondering how we will make it through the following year.
This inevitably leads many of us to make financial new year’s resolutions!
The list goes something like this …
1. Make a Budget
2. Stick to a Budget
3. Save, Save, Save!
Whether we have bills to pay or expenses coming up, we could all use a little more in savings – and this time of year reminds us of just how real that is!
Let me encourage you to take a few steps this week or next to eliminate stress and give you a great start to the New Year!
1. Breathe, Relax, & Pray About It
Do you have big expenses coming in the next year? Or maybe even a large debt to start paying off? Relax. We are called in scripture to give our requests to God and He will in turn give us peace. Let that be your mantra for heading into the new year. You won’t be able to do anything on your own – only through the grace and power of our Lord. So rely on Him for your worries, and remember to bring it to Him in prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Write Down Your Goals
Nothing is worse than having a goal in mind and never sticking to it. Make it a habit to write down your goals. It’s better to have one solid goal than many hard to attain goals – so if you must, simply write down one! Have it somewhere that you can easily see it. Post it on the fridge, on a bulletin board at work, write it in your calendar and set an alert. Seeing your goal on a consistent basis will make it more of a reality.
3. Start Small
All big goals can be realized in time if you start small. Maybe you have a goal to be financially independent, or to pay off your home. While these goals sound impossible right now, they are not impossible if you start today. Start small with a simple savings schedule. Before you know it your savings can grow and compound and you will be amazed with the amount that is contributed.
If you practice these 3 steps in the new year you will be on the right track, and before you know it, the stress of the Christmas spending will be behind you!
– Erika from Faithful with Finances
Meet the founders of Faithful with Finances: Tony Amaradio and his wife Carin.