Becoming a Financial Steward 4: The Game-Changer

Hey it’s so great to see you again!  I’m thrilled you’re sticking it out with me.

No matter how your date went last week, you probably left with some pretty valuable insight...maybe some questions, maybe even the realization that you want to change some things.
That is exactly what we are going to do this week!  T

his is the real game changer, the thing that is going to help you put all the pieces together, bring your spending into alignment, patch the holes where your money has been leaking out, and KEEP you on the path to financial freedom.

It’s called a BUDGET!

It’s not complicated, in fact you’ve already done most of the work to start it, and you didn’t even realize it! It’s going to help you simplify your life, bring your values to the surface, & be the catalyst that causes you to achieve freedom.  The freedom to live generously like you’ve always wanted to but never thought you could.  It does have one minor catch,…you have to be all in.
You can’t just be a little on board or do it halfway; you have to decide that if you want to experience radical financial freedom - regardless of how much money you make in a year - you have to go all in. Are you ready?

I promise you will never regret making the commitment, and I also promise that your Father in Heaven, who promises to meet all your needs (Phil 4:19), is going to pour out blessings in your life in the most unexpected ways.  He can’t wait for you to become the best manager of all His stuff!  He’s over the moon right now that you are ready to make a shift that shows Him you can be trusted so he can entrust you with even more.

Here’s the fun part - there are loads of options that are easy and make it fun!  
Here’s all you need to do:

Grab your data sheets from last week.  You see, that wasn’t so hard.

Use your monthly category totals and simply enter them into one of the following easy budget methods below. I’m going to give you 3 to choose from because they are free and each gives you a slightly different option:

     3. Simple Budget Spreadsheet
This is the most customizable type, but always requires manual entry.

Change your spending budget numbers to make sure you are not negative each month. If you are then you will need to make some life changes and we’ll touch on that in the next post.
So, you explore!!  Figure out what you are the most comfortable with and go for it.  If you use a manual entry budget like the free version of EveryDollar or the simple spreadsheet, then you need to do regular tracking of your spending.  My suggestions for regular tracking would be:

• Save your receipts and enter them immediately or at least by the end of the week.  If you are purchasing multiple categories on one receipt, use a pen and circle the transactions on the receipt and label them so you know what’s what and don’t forget.
• Use only your debit card and keep track daily/weekly of each transaction and categorize it.

Step 4: Give yourself a high five!  You just completed a big moment in history.  This is the beginning of your new path.  Don’t worry if it doesn’t go perfectly at first, it can take 3 months to figure out what really works best for you.  If something isn’t working, identify it and do something else.  For example, if you find it too difficult to track your spending using receipts or your bank feed, then you want to try a system that auto connects to your bank account like EveryDollar Plus or Mint (there are many more if you want to pay for them).  For now, pick one and give it a shot.

This week meditate on these verses:

• Proverbs 24:3

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”

• Philippians 4:19

“And my God will supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Great Job!  Well done!  Next time we will talk about the big break up and do some more practical application together.  See you on the next post!

Would you like to talk with someone who can walk alongside you confidentially with your personal finances?  Please know that there is FREE coaching available for you to take advantage of from our Financial Ministry! I look forward to hearing from you.