How should the saints fare in times of financial difficulties? Part 2

                                                      By Deacon Martin Pullin

 

We are living in tough economic times, and realize there are many things beyond our control. Saints are subject to inflation, work hour reductions, and lay offs. Sometimes we may not feel much of the pressure, but someone around us may be hurting. In times like this the saints should ask God for wisdom, the wisdom to be proactive, by seeking solutions to economic changes that may impact our lives. As saints we should seek help from the church, friends and others financial resources.

 

We need to make changes when we see certain warning signs, like when our job hours decrease, unable to deposit money into savings, paying the minimum or close to it on credit cards, paying bills late, frequently dipping into savings account, and cutting back on tithes and offering. We need to re-tool our thinking. When times are rough, and we feel like things are closing in on us and we don’t know where to turn, we may go to someone in confidence that is knowledgeable and can help us.

 

Should we go to the Word of God? YES. Should we pray? YES. Should we seek counseling? YES. Good counseling will ease tension, provide support with plans proven to be successful. Let us not wait too long before we seek help. Let us use all the resources that are available to us.

 

A budget will help us put our money to the best use and show us how to live within our means. The best start is knowing how much money is coming in and finding out where our money is going. A budget helps us to prioritize the most important living expenses and in some cases, reduces or eliminates unnecessary spending (see: Money Saving Tips). Also, a good budget has goals and time lines, and gives us discipline that will help us be better stewards of our finances.

 

We need to take advantage of all resources that will help relieve the effects of inflation, offset job loss, and improve money management. We can find out what types of assistance are available through Government and Private Programs: such as, paying utility bills, food giveaways, and mortgage refinancing. We can prepare ourselves for employment by learning good interviewing skills, and how to write resumes. We can extend our skills through education and training. We can increase our opportunities for job employment by signing with Temp Agencies and letting others know that we are seeking additional or permanent employment. Many times employers will hire someone that is recommended by an employee, so let us make our request known. Our church, family and friends are willing to help us, especially when they know we are doing all that we can to help ourselves.

 

                                                           Money Saving Tips

                                               Submitted by: Brother Joe Robinson

 

Here’s a list of things you can do to better run your household finances and save some money

• Buy in bulk. (there is a lot of money to be saved when buying in bulk, just make sure   certain perishable items don’t go to waste or you can end up spending more instead   of saving)

• When cooking make sure food don’t go to waste by using only the necessary.

• Clip coupons

• Buy store brand

• Look out for on sale products and specials. (Do major comparison shop and only   buy when you have found the lowest price possible for that item.)

• Don’t make unnecessary purchases. (Eliminate impulsive purchases by “sleeping   on it.”)

• Take advantage of rebates or shop at stores that offer instant rebates.

• Shop around for the best long distance carrier. (Use phone cards to call   international or long distance.)

• Lower your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees

• Add ceiling fans.

• Cut down your water use, especially hot water. Lower the temperature on the hot   water heater.

• Don’t subscribe to cable channels you never watch.

• Shop around for cheaper medical coverage and auto insurance rates and see if you   can save money by getting higher deductibles.

• Drop gym and health clubs memberships. (Go jogging on the street or park. It’s   free.)

• Drop your magazine and newspaper subscriptions. (Get your news from the internet,   radio or television.)

Read Part 1