How to ease financial stress

Did you know that God’s willingness to bless you with more depends on how well you handle what He has already given you? When it comes to money, here are some Bible principles you must live by:

(1) Pay God His share first so you won’t feel ashamed of not doing so (see Malachi 3:10).

(2) Pray before you buy. Ask yourself, ‘Do I need this or just want it?’

(3) Keep mindful of the amount of expenditure versus your income.

(4) Be in agreement with your husband/wife regarding the household budget and your short- and long-term goals. And don’t hide or give false information about your finances.

(5) Commit to excellence at work—without overdoing your hours.

(6) Pay off all your debts. Aim to make extra repayments to pay any loans off sooner.

(7) Save at least 10% of your pay if you are out of debt.

(8) Don’t co-sign a loan for anyone, and don’t lend anyone money you can’t afford to lose.

(9) Pay cash for all your ‘desires’ instead of putting them on credit.

(10) Assign funds in your budget for fun things.

(11) Live beneath your means. When you get a pay raise, don’t adapt your lifestyle to consume all of it.

(12) Aim to set up an emergency cash supply of at least a months’ living expenses.

(13) Be satisfied with what you have. ‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.’ (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV)