Food

Food is an area where you can discipline yourself to remain within your budget. Some practical ideas are to bring a lunch and drinks to work, take advantage of free or reduced school lunches for your children, and cook meals from scratch.

You are probably tempted to buy prepared foods, popping them in the microwave after a long workday. Unfortunately, the cost of prepared foods is typically much higher than if you were to buy the ingredients separately and prepare the same meal. You get more for your money when you prepare your own food. If you cook extra portions, you can freeze some for future "quick" meals!

Mike Klumpp shares, "I couldn't go out and buy prepared frozen foods because my grocery budget wouldn't allow it. Right now I'm responsible for eight children, and I still keep a $500 per month grocery budget. If you shop smart and cook from scratch, you'll find it's possible. It's the easy, convenient foods we are accustomed to in our culture that wear away at a grocery budget."

Jesus admonishes you to not worry because He will provide everything you need: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Luke 12:22-25).