The Hidden Motives Behind Our Spending

"I've looked over your spending, and I have found the reason for your financial problems. It's your house. You bought a house that's too expensive, and the way to fix your financial situation is to sell your house and find cheaper housing." That was my advice to the very first couple I counseled. I know what you're thinking, and you're right. They didn't want to hear it, and they didn't come back for the next appointment.

While counseling another couple on their finances, a disagreement came up on the amount of money the wife was spending on clothing. They had set an amount to spend on clothing each month, but she was consistently going over budget, sometimes spending three to four times more than budgeted.

The husband was furious. He couldn't understand why his wife was doing this. When I probed a little deeper, I learned that the wife had grown up in a relatively affluent family, and although her parents could have afforded to buy her name brand clothes, they chose not to. This caused her to be unpopular with the other girls in her class, which caused her great pain. She vowed that should she have children, especially girls, she would buy them the best clothes money could buy so they never experience the embarrassment or shame she felt by not fitting in with her peers. 

If you're experiencing negative consequences due to your financial decisions, you're not alone. We all get it wrong sometimes. Press into God and seek him for wisdom, direction, and, more importantly, healing. He's ready to show you a better way. If we can help you on your journey, connect with us and let us help you.