Responsibility in Spending

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The Big Question
Am I feeling good about my spending behaviour, or am I angry or frustrated with how I am behaving?

BIBLE VERSES

Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, …..
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  • What are the reasons for my spending the way that I do?
  • Are there beliefs that I hold that lead me to irresponsible spending?
  • If God went shopping with me, what would He say?
  • Are my spending habits causing stress for me and my family?
  • Do I and my partner/spouse have similar views on how we should be spending our money, and do we make decisions about big items together?

FINANCIAL HEALTH TIPS

  • Needs are something that we have to have in order to live. Wants are everything else we would like to have, but that we don’t actually need to survive.
  • A budget is a plan for what you are going to do with your money. This plan details your current financial situation, and helps you keep track of and manage your spending. It gives you an estimate of your income and expenses, including debt obligations, for a specific period.


Practical tips on how to stay within your budget:

  • Be realistic with what your actual expenses are: don’t
    set yourself up for failure.
  • Keep track of what you spend daily.
  • Look at your budget weekly to check that you are on
    track.
  • Always include an “Emergency Funds” budget item –
    around 10% of your income.
  • If you spend more on one item, spend less on
    another.
  • Get the family to participate in drawing up and sticking to the budget.
  • Tell your friends that you have a budget, so they don’t tempt you to break it.

Moving Forward
What can I do to establish a budget and keep it going for 6 months, reviewing it every month?

Script: Brian Helsby, Derek Muller, Jennifer Charlton
Presenter: Tshepo Sitole Animation voice-over: Mzamo Moloi
Creative and Production: Indie Village
Producer: Jennifer Charlton

Money Values Church Course

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