Clothing

"To have nothing in the budget for clothing is unrealistic. I've said many times: 'I've never once counseled a naked person,' so I know they've got a clothing budget whether they admit it or not,'" said Larry Burkett.

Clothing is an expense category you have more control over than others. Two of the best places to purchase clothing are thrift stores and yard sales. Many thrift stores are clean, organized, and selective about the items they sell. You can find brand name, quality clothing of all styles and sizes at these stores. You can also find new items on the racks. Yard sales are a good choice as well. One suggestion is to go to yard sales or thrift stores located in or near affluent areas. The condition and quality of the clothing is usually excellent in those areas.

Being able to shop at thrift stores and yard sales is a blessing. This is something to be thankful for, especially in our culture where clothing and appearance is made much of.

When thinking of God's provision of clothing for you and your family members, be thankful and remember there are other people who are worse off than you financially. In the Bible in the book of Isaiah, God reminds us that He wants us to help others who are less fortunate financially. What can you do to help someone else today?

"What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families" (Isaiah 58:7 Msg).