When you think about it, shouldn’t saving money be easy? After all, isn’t it just the practice of not doing something? Namely spending? If only it were that simple. The real challenge to saving, of course, is overcoming the temptation to spend money. But there are steps you can take to make it easier. A recent Bankrate.com survey showed that only 40% of Americans had enough cash in their bank accounts to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000. Considering the range of financial calamities that can strike when we least expect it, it’s no wonder so many people go into debt using credit cards to cover money emergencies.<ul><li>The Bible tells us that saving is wise. And while it’s wise to save, we also have to be careful not to put too much trust in our bank accounts because it can never replace our ultimate trust in God as our source and provider. </li><li>There’s good reason to trust God. </li><li>God has His part in our provision and we have ours. </li><li>We’re to save because His Word tells us to.</li><li>Can’t save because the temptation - God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability</li><li>Why then is it so hard for some people to save money?<ul><li>There are people whose income is far lower than their outgo.</li><li>But most people we hear from make enough money to save.</li></ul></li><li>God wants our lives to be in balance.</li><li>Everything you have belongs to God (not just what you put in the offering plate). Steps to be a manager of God's money:<ul><li>	You need a plan.</li><li>Realize you can’t go it alone - (your spouse should be on board)</li><li>Initially, cut spending in some areas</li><li>Be realistic</li><li>Make a resolution that you’ll save something from every paycheck.</li><li>Pray earnestly that God will give you self-control and a contented heart.</li></ul></li></ul>Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:<ul><li>If your mom passed away a few months ago and left you 20 acres and you wish to use it for God's kingdom as well as honor your mom and you also realize you're in a real estate bubble right now, would it be OK to use this to generate income? </li><li>If you've been busy paying off cars, currently have $13,000 in emergency fund and have one more vehicle loan at 17% interest, should you use the emergency fund to pay the car's balance of $7,000 or just keep paying it?</li><li>If you have more retirement accounts than you'd like to keep track of, how should you consolidate?</li><li>If you just got married, both of you are believers and she's used to going out every Sunday after church, how can you convince her to stop fellowshipping to save money?</li><li>retired last year and now know you need about $10,000 of oral surgery and it's difficult to get insurance and have an annuity with $35,000, should you cash it out even though doing so would cost an additional $4,000?</li><li>What is an annuity? How does it work?</li><li>If you have a Roth you max out every year and have a pension plan as well but you had a meeting with a financial advisor who suggested a LIRP because projections indicate you might run out of money too soon, should you consider this?</li></ul>Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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Saving money should be easy... After all, isn’t it just the practice of not spending?  If only it were that simple! The real challenge to saving is overcoming the temptation to spend money.  There are steps you can take to make it easier.

Steps To Saving Money

FaithFi | May 27, 2021

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Where Faith Meets Finance

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