Saving Money!!!

This post is a little late in coming, but I have been pretty busy the last few days.
I decided since my last post was a intro to budgeting, I would discuss ways to perhaps save money and add to our budgets.

Well it is no great secret that if one reduces spending, one will have more money in their pocket. Pretty obvious huh? But many people (including myself) can be blind to ways to reduce out going money.

Now I’m going to suggest certain items, or services to reduce or avoid. Before anybody gets upset and starts hollering “There is no way I can give that up!”or “that’s a necessity of life!” I promise it can be done.

Just look at one Bible verse:

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." Philippians 4:12-13

Paul was a man who really had his priorities straight. He thought about what God wanted. He focused on what he should do, rather than on what he felt he should have. And furthermore he was grateful for everything he had. He counted his blessings. That is why he said he was content.
I’m a simple man and all, but I figure that if Paul could find contentment and peace and happiness from this so can we!

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

Where to start cutting? Well I guess the first thing that just jumps right out at me is to get rid of anything that not only distracts our focus from God, but down right goes against what God wants or approves of. Not only can you save money, but perhaps your soul as well.

Lose the booze! I’m not saying that there is anything really wrong with a glass of wine here or there, or a beer with your meal. But when a large portion of your “entertainment” or “food” money goes straight into the bartenders hand you got yourself a couple of problems brewing with your brew.

Same for the smokes and anything else that is destructive to your health. Your not only going to save money on the products, but on insurance, healthcare, less sick days at work, cleaning expenses, dentist bills, and probably a lot of other things as well.

Yeah I know this can be real hard to do. Trust me I know. I used to smoke like a chimney on fire! (Almost 5 packs a day UNFILTERED!!!) And I drank like a fish for close to 10 years. But after my first month drink and smoke free I looked at my checking account and thought “I AM RICH!!!”
It wasn’t easy. I tried many times to kick the habit. Finally with the Lords help I succeeded.

Next ,and this one may really tick some folks off, the T.V.

My wife and I save so much money by not having cable or Direct TV or any of that junk. Now we still will watch DVDs and have an occasional movie night at the house. Sure I sometimes miss watching the ball games, but the money saved makes up for this. Best of all we filter the down right filth being pumped into our home through the TV. I don’t have to worry about my son watching inappropriate material. We are raising our children, not Ted Turner and all those other guys trying to simply turn a buck. We are taking away a simple distraction from family time. We are removing temptations and lies being promoted to use over the tube. Now I can't say every single program on TV is bad or wrong. But it seems the bad outweighs the good and shows no sign of getting better. I don’t want to throw good money at people unconcerned with my principles and morals.

Well that’s probably enough for now.

Wishing you well,