31 Ways to Live in Peace, Day 21

Live Within Your Means

Only if you've ever struggled financially can you really know how all-consuming a problem it is....it seems to affect all areas of life.  Money is the cause of much stress, heartache, marital problems.  Whether you make a little or a lot, it is ALWAYS a beneficial thing to make a plan for your money.  Having a budget and getting your finances under control will bring you...yes, peace!

The best authority on the subject, for the consumer level in my opinion is Dave Ramsey.  You can google him and the library is filled with his easy-to-read, inspiring, practical books.  Here's a very quick overview from him:

Unfortunately, the word budget has gotten a bum rap – it is basically just a PLAN. When you budget, you're spending on paper, on purpose, before the month begins. But many people view a budget as a straight jacket that keeps them constrained. Freedom and budget just don't seem to go together.

However, when you see that a budget is just spending your money with intention, you'll actually experience more freedom than before. Many people say they've found even more money when they created a realistic budget and stuck with it.

Here are some pointers:

• Give it three to four months to start working. It won't be perfect the first time you do it.
• Spend every dime on paper before the month begins.
• Over-fund your groceries category. Most people underfund that category.
• Husbands (if applicable) need to loosen up and quit using the budget as a whipping tool on their wives.
• If married, spouses need to do the budget together. The preacher said "... and you are ONE."