Freedom on a budget? Can that really happen? Freedom is supposed to be liberating; while budget indicates restriction! So how is freedom on a budget possible? Real freedom comes with the responsibility of self control.
At the start of 2010, I had a huge amount of credit card debt. Honestly, the mountain seemed impossible to remove. I thought I would have had to "penny pinch", eat ramen noodles and stay in my house all the time. Well, with a little wisdom I was able to travel, buy some new shoes (my favorite thing), and pay off all of my credit card debts and save some money. Using a few biblical principles, I enjoyed life and paid my bills. The bible gives us many details on how to handle our finances; it instructs us to give (See Malachi 3: 10, Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 28:27) save (see Proverbs 21:20,13:11) and spend (Romans 13:7). Here are few suggestions that I personally used to enjoy freedom, while living within a budget.
1. Write a list of your expenses including your tithes and offerings.
2. Ask yourself after you have paid your bills, how much money you can realistically save. (ex. 10% of your net income)
3. Make a list of your debts. Set a realistic timetable to get out of debt.
4. Write down a list fun things you want to experience. Do you enjoy shopping? Do you like to travel?
Okay after seeing your list of bills, debts and goals, you are probably thinking; there is no way to enjoy my life. Remember self-control is the magic word. Leave room in your budget for one weekend a month. Don't attempt to hoard your income by trying to save every extra penny you have earned. Leave room for a splurge. If you do not create a fun weekend, most likely you will only end up bored and frustrated; spending the money on something less purposeful. So go ahead and live a little! Also, name your savings account. Is it for something short-term or long term? Do you desire a new car? Do you wish to travel to a foreign land? Or are you thinking of your retirement? Specific goals create a lasting sense of motivation. You will be more likely to save if you can determine a reason for saving.
Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life, (See John 10:10) He wants us to live balanced lives giving, saving and spending money. So go ahead and create your plan for living a life of freedom on a budget.
Showing posts with label Dollars and Sense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dollars and Sense. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Surviving Unemployment III
5. Stay Positive.
Positivity is contagious. Positivity attracts positive circumstances. Negativity repels that which is good and attracts negative circumstances. No one wants to be around a negative, complaining, pessimistic person without any hope for the future. I know some may call it reality. That is not reality. Reality is what you create. God gave us all the ability to create, change or rearrange our environments. The power is in your mouth. Speak only those things you really want to happen; the good things. Pray often, spend time with God, meditate on His word. Remember Jesus died for you. Therefore, there is no good thing, God would withhold from you, even a job.
Make positive affirmations based on scripture to speak out loud and meditate on daily. For example, "My God supplies my each and every need. There is no lack in my life" (Philippians 4:19). "My God directs my every step, shows me where to go and teaches me how to profit " (Isaiah 48:17).
6. Ask for Wisdom
Above all, ask God for wisdom and direction, daily. Pray to always recognize His voice and ask him to show Himself to you daily. Thank Him for the sufficiency found in each day.
Unemployment was one of the hardest times of my life. But, it was also exciting, I learned a lot. I survived and began to thrive in life. I discovered and used the gifts God placed inside of me. I learned first hand how to trust in Him and hear from Him. Honestly, I think it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. If you are currently unemployed, I encourage you to spend time with God and allow Him to show you His desires for you life.
Positivity is contagious. Positivity attracts positive circumstances. Negativity repels that which is good and attracts negative circumstances. No one wants to be around a negative, complaining, pessimistic person without any hope for the future. I know some may call it reality. That is not reality. Reality is what you create. God gave us all the ability to create, change or rearrange our environments. The power is in your mouth. Speak only those things you really want to happen; the good things. Pray often, spend time with God, meditate on His word. Remember Jesus died for you. Therefore, there is no good thing, God would withhold from you, even a job.
Make positive affirmations based on scripture to speak out loud and meditate on daily. For example, "My God supplies my each and every need. There is no lack in my life" (Philippians 4:19). "My God directs my every step, shows me where to go and teaches me how to profit " (Isaiah 48:17).
6. Ask for Wisdom
Above all, ask God for wisdom and direction, daily. Pray to always recognize His voice and ask him to show Himself to you daily. Thank Him for the sufficiency found in each day.
Unemployment was one of the hardest times of my life. But, it was also exciting, I learned a lot. I survived and began to thrive in life. I discovered and used the gifts God placed inside of me. I learned first hand how to trust in Him and hear from Him. Honestly, I think it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. If you are currently unemployed, I encourage you to spend time with God and allow Him to show you His desires for you life.
Surviving Unemployment II
I hope that my first two points have encouraged you during your time of financial uncertainty. Let’s continue with the next two…
3. Barter is Smarter
Often times we pray for a job, more money, etc. but we forget the methods that were used by the merchants of old. They bartered! Bartering is the exchange of goods or services for another good or service. This is how I kept my hair from looking a mess, during my "unemployment vacation". In exchange for providing my tutoring services to my hairstylist's son, she maintained my hair on a weekly basis. This worked out very well; it eliminated an expense and relieved a major headache. I even baby sat for a good friend who in turn provided me with a few meals. Take a moment and look at those relationships God has placed in your life. Ask Him, how you can begin to implement a bartering system? What expenses can you eliminate?
4. Give Back
Okay you may say, how in the world can I give and I am unemployed? Let's see: T-I-M-E, give of your time and energy, volunteer! There is something about volunteering that allows you to put your own circumstances into perspective. You begin to realize that things aren't that bad. It is fulfilling to see someone cheer up because of a kindness you provided to them. Volunteering may allow you to form certain relationships you never thought were possible. During, my "vacation", I volunteered several days a week with various organizations. It was during this time I identified many areas of ungratefulness in my life. I realized that I was indeed blessed and many would love to trade their lives with mine. Also, I found a great mentor someone I had admired for a long time, something I never thought was possible.
Identify areas of need that you are interested in giving back to, research organizations, and give them a call. Ask God how you can help in those areas. If you can't find an organization, perhaps you should initiate starting one in your area.
3. Barter is Smarter
Often times we pray for a job, more money, etc. but we forget the methods that were used by the merchants of old. They bartered! Bartering is the exchange of goods or services for another good or service. This is how I kept my hair from looking a mess, during my "unemployment vacation". In exchange for providing my tutoring services to my hairstylist's son, she maintained my hair on a weekly basis. This worked out very well; it eliminated an expense and relieved a major headache. I even baby sat for a good friend who in turn provided me with a few meals. Take a moment and look at those relationships God has placed in your life. Ask Him, how you can begin to implement a bartering system? What expenses can you eliminate?
4. Give Back
Okay you may say, how in the world can I give and I am unemployed? Let's see: T-I-M-E, give of your time and energy, volunteer! There is something about volunteering that allows you to put your own circumstances into perspective. You begin to realize that things aren't that bad. It is fulfilling to see someone cheer up because of a kindness you provided to them. Volunteering may allow you to form certain relationships you never thought were possible. During, my "vacation", I volunteered several days a week with various organizations. It was during this time I identified many areas of ungratefulness in my life. I realized that I was indeed blessed and many would love to trade their lives with mine. Also, I found a great mentor someone I had admired for a long time, something I never thought was possible.
Identify areas of need that you are interested in giving back to, research organizations, and give them a call. Ask God how you can help in those areas. If you can't find an organization, perhaps you should initiate starting one in your area.
Surviving Unemployment I
During these tough economic times, many find themselves unemployed or underemployed. I can relate. In 2007, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my well paying, but unfulfilling job to begin contracting in various fields. No one told me that we were heading towards a global economic recession. Also with my intellect and analytical mind, I figured I had enough savings to sustain me, and with my "outstanding educational background" any company would be "lucky to have LaToya M. Williams" well, I was wrong. Things happen! Cars need new tires, contracts go bad, companies implement hiring freezes and sometimes a careless driver may decide to hit you and total your car. As you can tell things were way beyond my control. But guess what, I survived! I survived unemployment without: unemployment insurance, with a car note, rent, and a number of other bills that were paid on time. Not only did I survive, but I began to thrive in life. I am stronger, wiser and more aware of the woman God created me to be. How did you do it? Wasn't it a scary time for you? You may ask. Well, yes of course, but I did not allow fear to rule my life. I did both spiritual and practical things to prevent myself from going under. Here is my advice to you.
1. Trust God.
This sounds so cliché and I know you are probably rolling your eyes at turbo speed. However, it is very important. Recognize that God was, is and always will be your one and only source. God is your source, everything else is a resource. Webster defines source as a point of origin, one that initiates.1 Resource is defined as a source of supply or support.2 Everything on the earth, including you, was created by God. The Word promises that God will supply all of your needs. (See Philippians 4:19). God has unlimited resources he never runs out of anything. Your old job was just a resource not your only source of income.
2. Assess your KSA's.
The good thing during unemployment is that you have time and lots of it. This is the opportunity to assess your KSA's (knowledge, skills and abilities). You even may discover talents you never knew you had. During my 20 months with out a steady paycheck, I tutored children, provided consulting services for nonprofits and community organizations and had various speaking engagements. I was even paid by someone to organize their outfits simply because they admired the way I dressed. Wow!! I never considered myself a fashion stylist.
Get a notebook, pen and write down those things you know that you do well. Can you bake desserts? Can you sew clothing? Do you have certain gifts in administration? There are limitless ways to make money. Use your imagination. There is no end to the possibilities. Who knows, you may just discover the next big thing.
Next week I'll share with you what else I did to survive unemployment.
1 source. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved January 11, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source
2 resource. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved January 11, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resource
1. Trust God.
This sounds so cliché and I know you are probably rolling your eyes at turbo speed. However, it is very important. Recognize that God was, is and always will be your one and only source. God is your source, everything else is a resource. Webster defines source as a point of origin, one that initiates.1 Resource is defined as a source of supply or support.2 Everything on the earth, including you, was created by God. The Word promises that God will supply all of your needs. (See Philippians 4:19). God has unlimited resources he never runs out of anything. Your old job was just a resource not your only source of income.
2. Assess your KSA's.
The good thing during unemployment is that you have time and lots of it. This is the opportunity to assess your KSA's (knowledge, skills and abilities). You even may discover talents you never knew you had. During my 20 months with out a steady paycheck, I tutored children, provided consulting services for nonprofits and community organizations and had various speaking engagements. I was even paid by someone to organize their outfits simply because they admired the way I dressed. Wow!! I never considered myself a fashion stylist.
Get a notebook, pen and write down those things you know that you do well. Can you bake desserts? Can you sew clothing? Do you have certain gifts in administration? There are limitless ways to make money. Use your imagination. There is no end to the possibilities. Who knows, you may just discover the next big thing.
Next week I'll share with you what else I did to survive unemployment.
1 source. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved January 11, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source
2 resource. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved January 11, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resource
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
New Year, Old Debt?
Need a plan to eliminate debt?
1. Make a list of all outstanding debts from the least to the greatest.
2. Begin by paying off the least debt first. Once that debt is cancelled, you can use the money that had been allocated for that debt and add more with it to pay off the next largest debt. For example: a $100 debt is cancelled. The next debt owed is $350. Use the $100, previously allocated for your least debt, add more to it and begin paying off that $350 debt.
3. Work the plan, diligently.
4. Expect setbacks, when they occur, recover quickly and continue working the plan.
5. Don't give up!
6. The ultimate debt eliminator strategy: Cancel someone else's debt on their behalf. It is whatever you do for others that will be done for you! (read Luke 6:38)
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