__Our culture screams that we “deserve” to get what we want, and when we want it! That’s why most people are poor savers. Because they don’t see the value in practicing self-denial.__

But the Bible encourages us to save: *“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets”* ([Proverbs 21:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21%3A20&version=TLB), TLB).

You may not be in a position to save a lot right now, but begin the habit.

When beginning to save, first focus on saving $1,000 toward one month’s living expenses for emergencies — unexpected, unbudgeted expenses that whack us all. The refrigerator goes on the fritz, the car brakes have worn out, there’s a health crisis in the family. If you have saved for the emergencies, you don’t have to pile up more debt to pay for them.

Joseph saved during *“seven years of great plenty”* (Genesis 41:29) in order to survive during *“seven years of famine”* ([Genesis 41:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41%3A29&version=NKJV)). That’s what saving is all about: not spending today so that you’ll have something to spend in the future.

__The most effective way to save is to make it automatic. When you receive income, the first money you spend should be a gift to the Lord, and the second should go to savings.__

An automatic payroll deduction is a great way to save. Some people save their tax refunds or bonuses. Remember this: if you immediately save, you’ll save more.

The Bible doesn’t teach an amount to save. We recommend saving 10% of your income.

This may not be possible initially. But begin the habit of saving — even if it’s only a dollar a month.

God commends the ant for saving. *“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer”* ([Proverbs 30:24-25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A24-25&version=NIV), NIV).

__We need to think like ants! Even though they are small, they save.__

Compass helps people worldwide to know Christ more intimately in one of the most personal arenas of life, finances.

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Most people are poor savers because they don’t see the value in practicing self-denial and minimizing debt..

SAVING | May 20, 2024

Why Most of Us Are Poor Savers

By: Howard Dayton

Compass helps people worldwide to know Christ more intimately in one of the most personal arenas of life, finances.

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