Simplify Your Life: Keep Your Finances in Order

So the rich man called for his manager and said to him, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Let me examine your books. It’s obvious that you can’t manage my property any longer.’ (Luke 16:2, GW)

In this Simplify Your Life series, we’ve cleaned up and cleared out a lot to make our lives less complicated. However, it wouldn’t be wise to continue this series without discussing personal money management. One thing is certain; we have to account to God for everything including how we manage our money and the other resources He gives to us. It would honor. God and serve us well if we have a good handle on our finances.

We have to know when and how much to tithe, give, save, invest, lend and sometimes borrow. If we don’t set money rules for ourselves we can easily become entangled in spending more that we actually earn and be faced with more debt than we can handle. But we can develop some simple money habits to keep our finances in order.

Simple Life Habits	For Everyday Success
Be thankful for what you have. Appreciate the goodness of God toward you.	A heart of gratitude keeps you from complaining and constantly worrying about whether you have enough.
Give generously and with a cheerful heart.	You will be filled with joy when you see the benefits or blessing others derive from your acts of love.
Save a little every time you earn or receive money.	Consider this as a blessing to yourself for your now and your future.
Don’t run into big purchases or unplanned ones. Wait 24 hours to give it some thought.	This will help you to avoid overspending or making unnecessary purchases that you may later regret.
Borrow as little as possible and pay off your debts steadily.	You will reduce the stress of being a debtor if you embrace this practice.
Keep records of your finances and review monthly.	You will see the progress to your financial goals and make needed changes (spend less or earn more) to achieve them.

Personal money matters could at times be rather complicated especially with the many options available to us. At times, using the services of a financial planner will make it simpler to control.

How do you keep your finances in order?