2-18-08 "The Budge"

Greetings Internet Campus,

This week we are going to look at last weekend's message about simplifying our financial lives. We start off with our greatest asset to get a grip on our finances...the brain.

THE BUDGE - Budget

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 (TM) "Wisdom is better when it's paired with money, Especially if you get both while you're still living. Double protection: wisdom and wealth!"

How smart are you with your resources? I am going to go out on a limb and say most of us could be smarter...we could prioritize better...

How do we get smarter about our finances? There are thousands of books, CDs, seminars,
etc. that tell you where to use what God has given you...but we still fail sometimes. How many of us have more month than money?

It is critical for us to not only develop a budget...but to stick to it. Here's how to make an effective budget:
1) Realize - Understand the need to limit yourself. Realize that if you are going to have money at the end of the month, you are going to have to control the outflow of cash.
2) Prioritize - What gets paid first? Have you ever had to decide between electricity and rent? Water or Trash? Visa or Mastercard? Might I suggest that any budget starts with God's portion...the first 10%. Think you can't afford to do that? You can't afford not to. I can't argue you into tithing...I can tell you that every couple that has done this (that I've talked to) has never regretted it. You've got to figure out what is important to you and then make sure that it is paid first. This sounds simple...but you know that there are going to be many things that want to take that top spot.
3) Organize - Put your bills in order and keep them organized by due date. How many of us throw our bills into a pile and hope that they magically gets paid in order of importance? We've got to get a system in place that helps us make sure that all of our debts are covered by the time that they are due.
4) Utilize - Use all of the resources at your disposal. Learn from those that do this well. Let your closest friends in on the fact that you are committing to a budget....let them hold you accountable. Attend free financial classes (hint...hint...this Tuesday @ 7PM (EST)). Look at today's scripture...wisdom is made better when it is paired with money. Being smarter about the green stuff is critical for our financial future!

Write it Down: In your journal today...answer this question...why do you think most people don't make a budget? If that is you...pray and commit your finances to God...pray that He will help you organize things better.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian