Saturday, March 27, 2010

Trouble Sticking to a Budget?

Some people have trouble sticking to a budget. It is important that you not overspend in any of your categories because it will be difficult to make that money up later.

If you struggle with this, Larry Burkett's suggestion is to get an envelope for each expense category on your budget. Then, write the expense name and the amount budgeted on each envelope.

When you get paid, put the budgeted amount in each envelope. That amount is all you have for the month to spend on that expense; therefore, when you go to the supermarket, bring your "Food" envelope and shop carefully. When the envelope is empty, you are done spending in that category until next month. Do not borrow from other envelopes.

Perhaps you are not a planner, but it is a good quality to cultivate. God is pleased with a sensible plan, and He will help you stick to it. In the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 28, God shows Himself to be a careful planner. He revealed to David a detailed plan for David's son, Solomon, to follow to build the temple. Solomon, like you, may have been overwhelmed with the extreme details of the plan, but David reminded him that God would be by Solomon's side every step of the way.

"David continued to address Solomon: 'Take charge! Take heart! Don't be anxious or get discouraged. GOD, my God, is with you in this; he won't walk off and leave you in the lurch. He's at your side until every last detail is completed'" (1 Chronicles 28:20 Msg).

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