Financial Planning for Singles: Budgeting
Monday, December 28, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish." Luke 14:28-29 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Some singles, especially those never married who have good jobs and no families or those widowed and left financial comfortable, may have plenty of disposable income. Advertisers often target singles in this group because they are usually willing to spend for their wants as well as their needs. However, other singles find that their monthly expenses always exceed their monthly income. In this second category, we find single parents whose ex-spouse does not provide adequate child support or older widows left without enough financial resources and no job skills. Many divorced single parents find that living on one income (theirs) when they are used to two stretches them to the limit. Today's faltering economy only adds to the challenges.
The principles for handling finances are the same whether a person is married or single. The most important principle is to make a budget and live within that budget. Know how much money comes in every month and plan how it will be spent. Avoid debt, especially credit card debt, even if you must do without an item that you think you need. Learn to live on the money you bring in. Except for buying a house, stay out of debt. Either do not use credit cards or commit to pay off the balance each month.
Consider this ...
Jesus' words in today's scripture stress how important it is to make a financial plan--to count the cost. You may not be planning to build a new home, but the same principle applies for all spending. When you have an eye on something you want to do or buy, sit down first and count the cost. Do you have the money for it, or will the outlay deepen your debt? Figure the cost--and be wise.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I have not been wise in my spending. Help me to be willing and able to count the cost, to plan a budget and live within it. Help me be a good steward of your blessings in my life. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from ... The Single Christian: Living as One in a World of Twos by Dr. Elizabeth Holland. In a world where everyone seems to have a mate, it is difficult to live life as a single person. Whether you have never been married, are divorced or are widowed, this study is for you. In The Single Christian, Dr. Holland examines many of the different facets of singleness, from rejection; bitterness and unforgiveness; loneliness; to dating; single parenting and the positives of being single. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals.
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