There are 5 things things in life that we know are important, but do not treat with much importance. You see, simply knowing is useless until what we know is applied and manifested in our behavior or actions.
Let me give you 2 simple facts:
1. OUR TIME ON EARTH IS LIMITED. The average life expectancy of a person is 78.8 years according to CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
2. WHAT YOU PLANT IN YOUR EARLY YEARS, YOU WILL REAP IN YOUR LATER YEARS.
Some people would see our life as a book, and we’re the authors.
For this time, I want us to picture our life as a garden and we’re the gardeners planting the seeds that we will reap later in our life.
For today, let’s talk about Seed #4: WEALTH. 🙂
“Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.”-Proverbs 21:5
Before we go further, let me first tell you that I am not a wealthy person and no, I am not financial guru either! In fact, like many of you, I am also just starting to learn how to properly manage my finances.
But I wanted to share with you 3 Principles that I have learned thru reading and listening from experts on money matters.
1. Smart Spending Formula.
Are you the person who uses this formula?
INCOME- TITHES (a.k.a. Eternal Investment) and EXPENSES (a.k.a. Present needs)= SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS (a.k.a. Future Investments)
If so, then STOP doing that. This budget formula will not help you grow financially. Instead, I recommend that you to try this other formula.
INCOME- TITHES and SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS = EXPENSES .
Some people do not grow financially because they spend first and then save whatever is left after. Unfortunately in most cases, there would only be just a few amount or nothing left for the Savings!
The bottom line is we should take care of our future first before we spend for the present.
2. Live Simply- Invest on people, not on things.
Another reason why some people do not grow financially is that when their income increases, their expenses also increases!
You don’t need to buy a new clothes every time you get your paycheck. You don’t need to buy the newest gadgets or cellphone when you get your salary increase. You don’t need to get a new car or house when you get your bonus or commission.
Live simply and enjoy the more simple pleasures in life.
Have stroll along the park with loved ones. Movie nights with the kids during weekend at home. And potluck picnics with friends.
We don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy and have a good time. 🙂
When Income increases, it should be the Tithes and Savings or Investments that increase along with it. When your income grow, don’t let your expenses grow with it.
3. Be Generous. Help when needed.
Somebody wise said that generosity is the start of blessings. “Generosity is opening your palm, because when you open your palm then you are ready to receive…”
God blesses a cheerful giver. So let’s all learn to share our blessings! 🙂
Let’s nurture the seed of financial abundance so that we can enjoy more and share to others the blessings in life!
Did you miss the previous Seeds? Read them here.
Great practicals yet again Nina! How we manage our material wealth (blessings from God) is a test of our character. I believe that we are just appointed ‘managers’ of these wealth because everything that we have comes from God. And He expects us to be wise in our managing.
I love your pointers: follow the right formula (spend wisely), live simply (haha, I was trying my best on that these past weeks!), and be generous when needed (I have experiences in the past wherein I’m badly in need of help/generosity, and I know how a little help can mean so much to someone)
Thank you Nina! I’m reminded of good things today ☺️
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You’re right Andrei. We often forget but we’re just but stewards of God’s creations.
I’m glad to know that you’re finding the principles helpful. The first principle is the most difficult for me, but a little more practice and I’m getting there…
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Haha, it’s understandable. Who doesn’t struggle with managing money? Even the ultra-rich struggles with that! You know what I loved with your formula? It involves God (tithing) in the equation. Now, that’s a genuine and profitable investment! 😉
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An investment that I will never regret! 😊
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Surely 🙂
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Great advice here. When I got my first official job in high school and was receiving a steady paycheck each week, I was finding I was spending WAY too much. And the worse part is I’d look back and have no idea where all my money went or what it had been used for. I actually started logging all my spending and earnings. I ended up doing so for over a couple years, logging each and every dollar I spent and gained. It actually really helped me keep track of my spending. I could go back and be like, “Wow, wait a minute I just spent over $70 last month on food I didn’t really need!” It made me a conscious spender and I was surprised to see how much I was able to save by really watching my spending. Plus, it made it much easier to keep track of tithe and make sure I had that amount set aside.
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Hi Allen!
Thank you for reading and for sharing your personal experience on spending. Most people find it really helpful to list and track their expenses. Insee it works for you too! ☺ I’m never really good at listing my expenses (I need to do better on this area) but I do set aside for my tithe like you! 😊
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Very good financial advise. Yes, take out the future before paying on the present! And I’m glad to see some taken out for God in the formula. Many people don’t take out for God…at all! Good post!
Steve
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Thank you Steve! I have experienced God’s providence when I’m short financially. As long as I give my tithes, I always have our needs provided no matter what. Isn’t that amazing? 🙂
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“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of these (daily) things will be provided to you.” (Matt. 6:33)…
Steve
https://lightministryblog.wordpress.com/
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😊❤
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Awesome advice! I love the idea of saving and investing prior to putting money toward expenses.
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Thank you! 😊 Most people usually practice the other way around so it’s more difficult to save…I’m glad that you love the idea. ☺
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I have nominated your blog for the One Lovely Blog Award! Please don’t feel obligated to accept (I would completely understand :)) but if you do, it’s a lot of fun. Please read about it at https://natureinspiredmom.wordpress.com/2017/03/18/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thank you very much! I’m very honored and grateful. I’m glad that you like my blog so much that you think it’s worth the nomination. Thank you! ☺
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You’re welcome…I enjoy reading your posts…very uplifting! Congrats! 🙂
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Hi Nina. I’ve nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. Here’s the link-https://shamimsobhani.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/mystery-blogger-award/
Congrats!
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Thank you very much! I’m deeply honored and humbled. ☺
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Thank you for sharing my post! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Never stop learning and commented:
I definitely agree.
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Thank you for sharing my post. Appreciate it!
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