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.
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