In the last two posts, we have covered questions to ask each other before getting engaged and common monetary pitfalls couples fall into; so, let us end this week of posts about handling money by talking about the rewards of saving, investing, and living like no one else! ~smile~
“Why am I saving again?” You will probably ask yourself that question repeatedly as you strive to make wise money decisions. Here are a few motivators to keep you on the right track. Visualize the rewards of good money management!
Here are just a few:
- Giving like crazy! Have you ever had the pleasure of giving your waitress a ridiculously large tip? Eric and I did once and now I want to do it constantly. Our budget will not allow us to at this point, but I pray we have that capability in the future. What a blessing to enjoy a good meal, leave an enormous tip, and make someone’s day! I would also love to gift bomb people – that is, leave gifts on their doorstep, ring the bell, and run! I want to be able to pass out toys to underprivileged children. Maybe even hand some hardworking person the keys to his or her dream car! Giving is some of the most fun you will ever have with money!
- Exotic vacations and extensive travel – with friends! Hang on! You may not have the money for that cruise now, but if you make positive financial choices, you may have the ability to take not only yourselves but your entire family on a cruise one day. Keep plugging along. Post pictures of your dream vacations around the house to motivate you. As Dave says, “The best vacations are the ones that do not follow you home.” ~smile~ You can finance a trip now and pay for it over the next several years, or you can save your money and enjoy a completely paid for experience! Think of how cool it would be to take friends and family on their dream vacations!
- Build that dream home and host events for your church or community. Though you do not have to share your home with others, hospitability is a special way to show Christ’s love to others. Opening your home is a way of opening your heart. With wealth comes the ability to give all the more. Money itself is not evil – it is just a tool. Money will reflect the heart of the person who has it. Pursuing wealth is not a correct motivation; however, pursuing God and making Biblical monetary decisions is wise. When God blesses His people with resources, they are expected to use those resources to meet needs and show His love in practical ways – such as using their homes to bless others. If in following God’s principles you acquire wealth, you can use that money (God’s money), to let your light shine all the more brightly (cf. Matthew 5:16).
When you force yourself to forgo something pleasurable to save money, it is hard to keep your eye on the prize. “How is not going on my dream vacation going to benefit me in twenty years?” During those times, it is wise to have a mental picture of your end goal. Visualize the dream home. Consider all the giving you can do when money is available. Even draw a picture of your retired life if that will help you. It may seem like holding off on a vacation is the end of the world; but, if you make wise decisions now, you will probably be able to afford any number of vacations later. It truly is worth the temporary deprivation and effort.
After you and your sweetie enjoy a few in-depth financial conversations, discuss your dreams for the future. Talk about how your current and future-planned money decisions will affect your ability to reach those goals. Let your aspirations motivate you to create a plan, to stay faithful to the plan, and to live like no one else so later you can live like no one else!
What exciting adventures await you and your sweetie when you are financially free?!