Money Monday: Stick to the plan

Good morning!


It's Money Monday! As mentioned before, a financial wellness is part of your overall spiritual wellness: being a good steward over the resources that God has given to you.


Today, I want to encourage you to stick to the plan. What plan? Your plan! Your plan is the financial plan, budget or goals that you began the year with. You know, that thing that you said you would do with your money: save it, pay off debt, save for a down payment on a home, start a college fund or better manage it. Whatever it is that you said you would do with it, make sure you stick to it.


In just a few short days, the 2nd quarter of the year will start. Around this time (or maybe even a little before), the tenacity we had when we started the year, usually starts to die down because life has happened. I know that we will face challenges that often interrupt our plans but I'm not talking about those things that tend to get us off track. I'm talking about that other thing: self.  We often get in the way of our own goals because of the secret desires of our heart. Remember that temptation starts within. Sure, those pretty goals we set early on look good on paper but what do you do when you begin receiving coupons in the mail (or e-mail) to your favorite store or your favorite store is having a sale? Do you blow your budget and think, "oh, I'll get back on track next month?" Oftentimes, "next month" never comes because we do not take control over our finances.


Remember that the same habits that got you into your present financial situation will keep you in your current situation if you do not change your mindset. It's great to have a budget or any kind of financial plan but you have to stick to it. If you do not, your finances will look the same whether you make $30,000/yr or $100,000/yr. You must learn to manage what you have: Don't allow your desire for temporary satisfaction to get in the way of your financial freedom! You really can do this!


(James 1:14 NLT But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.)


***I'm pretty excited to see many of my friends and family take charge of their finances. When you get to a place where you are in control of your finances, you begin to have peace and order in other areas of your life as well. Don't get discouraged about things beyond your control but instead make sure you are taking care of that which you can control. It is difficult to break bad financial habits but the reward far outweighs the discomfort you will experience in the beginning by choosing to change your lifestyle. As you continue this journey of wellness, I invite you to order my new book, "Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord's Presence." Check it out here: www.encouraging-works.com. ***


Peace and blessings to you throughout the week!