Monday, May 04, 2009

Monday Money Musings

I recently was the speaker for our MOPS group and the moms group at our church about saving money. They have asked me to make it a regular thing so I decided to make it a regular thing on my blog too. This first post is just a history of how I got started.
Those of you that knew me in my unmarried/no kids life know that this was not a priority for me. In fact I often just said "I hate money". That's because money was controlling me instead of God helping me control money. After I got married we had two house payments, debt from our previous lives, and two kids that we were responsible for 28 out of 30 days a month. Which meant food, clothing, insurance, car, field trips...you know, all that comes with being a family. We also had only one income. Getting out of debt is HUGE for us!
-I had a couple moms recently say things like "soon my old debts will fall of my credit history and I didn't have to pay on it. Just wait blah blah years." James and I could have done that easily, or even walk away from a second home that was eating up our income before selling. That was never an option for us. We hold strongly to the Word of God and the 8th commandment is "DO NOT STEAL". I implore all of you to do the same. Not repaying what you owe is stealing. I know it sounds harsh, but it's true.
Anyway, with only one income I knew God had called me to this life so I called on Him for wisdom. He poured it on me. From others, His Word..many places. First. Get spending under control. I truly believe living in Mayville was necessary to make this happen. I had no options! No place to shop. I learned to cook healthy and inexpensively. Coupons became a major part of my life.
My biggest lesson?? Don't go broke saving money. I had a budget. I had to make it work. Buying things just because they were a good deal would really hurt our budget. We can nickle and dime ourselves into the poor house. God also put a thought in my heart. What is buying in excess, even from garage sales, thrift stores, great clearance teaching our kids? I don't want them to be adults that aren't satisfied with having their needs met. I don't want them to think that in order to find contentment or happiness that they need more "things". This is not to say that I don't buy them things at sales etc. I do however ask myself a couple questions. Do they need this? How much will they really play with this?

So. Each Monday I'll be back with money thoughts from a frugal Mom that wants to make the best out of the money God has blessed her with.

6 comments:

Rachael Neal said...

please, please, PLEASE keep sharing. we are firm believers in what you teach, but hear it so infrequently! we have no debt other than our house, but still do our best to honor God with our spending. i can't wait to glean more from your blog each monday!

Liz K said...

what a fun thing! I am looking forward to what else you have to say!

chris k said...

Hooray. Something to look forward to each Monday. Teach on Ms. Thing! But, by saving, surely you can't mean giving up coke slurpees?

Amanda Irene said...

awesome!

Kara said...

I like this! You are a wise friend.

TraceyLD said...

Great blog idea Pam.

I'm off to so a planned shopping trip today myself. I have my list of needs (new garbage can), light bulb for over stove, ect. and buy the items when they at 15% off today and I get another $5 off a $40 purchase. My coupons are clipped and ready to save 5% off my food today too.

A good question I ask myself is "Do I love it?" This is working well when I'm decluttering the house too.

I'm looking forward to next week's blog.