Spend Less Than You Earn – SAVE
Throughout life unexpected expenses will occur. The “wise” is separated from the “foolish” by proactively preparing for the “unexpected”. Proactive preparation includes the establishment of both “short term” and “long term” saving strategies. Short term savings are used to fund emergency expenses; a minimum of 4-6 times monthly expenses is recommended. Long term savings are used to fund things such as retirement or college education. Desire, discipline, and sacrifice are necessities for establishing these contingency plans. Stewardship principles of savings begin with the sequential order of honoring HIM first with your tithes, paying yourself second, then using the balance to pay lifestyle expenses. Unfortunately, in many households the sequence individuals live by is the exact opposite. As a result, HE is often neglected and individuals are ill prepared for those unexpected events. HE will supply our every need if we trust HIM; but we too play a critical role in the process of life.
Proverbs 21:20 Spend less than you earn. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”
Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores it provisions in the summer and gathers it food at harvest.”
Proverbs 22:3 “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them but the simple keeps going and suffers the consequences.”