MONEY IN A CHRISTIAN WORLD
BY
AUDREY MUNDAWARARA
I
LESSON 1
We have all heard the terms, ‘Money makes the world go round’, ‘Money is the root of all evil’, ‘Time is
money’, ‘More money more problems’ but what does the bible say about money. Does GOD want us to
have money or would he prefer us to be poor and meek?
GOD’S PROMISE OF FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
GOD does not want anyone to suffer or to be in debt and in bondage to creditors. He wants us to have a
life of success. He promises blessings to all those who diligently follow his commandments. Amongst the
many blessings promised to us is that of financial prosperity. He does not want us to just get by, he wants
us not to lack in anything but he promises blessings that will overtake us
DEUTRONOMY 28 verse 1 –14
Verse 5 says: ’Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl’
Verse 8 says: ‘The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set
your hand’
Jesus in direct contrast to the devil wants us to live life in abundance
JOHN 10 vs. 10: ‘I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it in abundance’
So its clear GOD promises to always provide for us, not just for our needs but also for us to become a
blessing to others
GENESIS 12 vs. 2: ‘I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall
be a blessing.’
PSALM 23: ‘The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want’
PSALM 103 vs. 5: ‘Who satisfied your mouth with good things’
ISAIAH 65 vs. 13: ‘Behold my servant shall eat, shall drink and rejoice’
JOEL 2 vs. 26: ‘You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied’
There are so many scriptures that tell us that GOD wants only the best for us but still many Christians are
living in state of poverty, living from paycheque to paycheque, hand to mouth. To put it mildly some
Christians are living a not so blessed life. Did you know that 70% of people believers or non-believers are
just a paycheque away from poverty in the first world? He wants to set us free, free our minds from
worrying about money
Matthew 6 vs. 25 ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will
drink, nor about your body’
You ask why is that so, surely as GOD’s Children we should have more than this. The following are the
reasons why this is so:
1. Lack of Knowledge on how to use the financial resources we have been given by the LORD
HOSEA 4 vs. 6 ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’
LESSON 1
No one has ever taken time to teach us on how to budget, give and save. So as Christians we do not
actually know how to utilise the cash resources at our disposal. The media is flooded with Advertisements
on how we can spend our money and enjoy ourselves but its always focused on the individual. There is
no room to give to others so it’s not only selfish but goes against the word of GOD.
Lack of Planning & Procrastination
You know what is needed, but you spend more time Planning than Acting. Some people are almost like the
seeds in the parable of the Sower that fell on ground with thorns. They hear the word but they are
preoccupied with all the trivial things around them and time just passes them by.
2. Sin and disobedience of GOD’s commandments
The father of sin, the father of all lies the Devil does not want you to prosper and he will do anything to
block you from the blessings promised to us by GOD. His aim is to take way the love of GOD from us and
concentrate all our energies on the pleasures of the flesh.
JOHN 10 vs. 10 ‘The thief does not come except to steal, to kill and to destroy.’
1 Peter 5 vs. 8 Describes him (Lucifer) as the adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking
whom he may devour.
He will tell you, you need everything right now whether you have the money or not, he encourages you to
get into debt and laugh when you are in bondage of creditors because that is exactly what it is, Being in
debt and paying creditors for years is like a prison sentence and if you are unfortunate with no chance of
parole.
It’s easy for him after all he comes as an angel of light, a wolf in sheep’s clothes. If he cannot persuade
you to get into debt he will make you put money first before GOD. Remember GOD wants you to have a life
of success, not excess. The Devil encourages you to want to live a life of excess and he fills it with things
you do not need, wants become the centre of your life and before long money becomes what is closest to
your heart and replaces GOD as the most important force in your life.
He can also encourage spending on excesses like clothes, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. As soon as you
are hooked and you become addicts you are in bondage for the rest of your life or the majority of it. He
will continue to tell you how much you need the money and how you cannot do without it. Christians start
to compromise, a little gambling there, a little distortion of information there; to get that bit more, stealing
and even prostitution, some even kill for money.
HOSEA 4 vs. 10 ‘For they shall eat but not have enough, they shall commit harlotry, but not increase,
because they have ceased obeying the LORD’
Hoarding our cash resources and not releasing any money to the church in tithes and lack of giving
LESSON 1
3. Laziness also causes poverty. Some Christians struggling for money go around casting out
demons everywhere because they are not financially prosperous when they have spent the whole day in
bed. The scriptures commands us, sleep not my son lest you become poor.
The following are steps I think will help us all to be good stewards of the money that GOD has given us.
Everything belongs to him and we have been given dominion over everything
LUKE 10 vs. 19
SIMPLE FINANCIAL STEPS TO TAKE TO FULLY UTILISE OUR MONEY
1. SEEK THE LORD FIRST
Everything belongs to GOD, It is from him we will get everything Seek him in all earnest not for what he
can give you financially but for who he is. Your LORD your God.
Matthew 6 vs. 33 ‘But seek first the Kingdom of GOD and his righteousness, and all these things shall be
added to you’
2. WORK
A. To be able to provide for your families, their needs& wants,
1 Timothy 5 vs. 8 ‘But if anyone does not provide for his son and especially for those of his household, he
has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.’
B. Give to the church
DEUTERONOMY 14 vs. 22 You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by
year
C. To give those less fortunate than yourself
PSALM 41 vs.1-3 ‘Blessed is he who considers the weak and the poor, the LORD will deliver him in time of
evil and trouble…’
D. And to provide for any emergencies and for a financial secure future
PROVERBS 13 vs. 22 ‘A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children’
To do the above we need to go out and find work or gainful employment. Laziness will not bring in any
money. GOD will not bless you while you are sleeping and hope you are going to pay the bills. When you
have the energy and you are still able go out and find a job. Sleep brings only poverty.
2 THESSALONIANS 3 vs. 10 ‘…If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat’
PROVERBS 19 vs. 24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl and will not bring it his mouth again
LESSON 1
PROVERBS 20 vs. 13 Do not sleep, lest you come to poverty, Open your eyes and you will be satisfied with
bread
PROVERBS 21 vs. 25 The desire of the lazy man kills him for his hands refuse to labour.
PROVERBS 28 vs. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have
poverty enough.
As Christians we are more than conquerors, we are meant to be leaders and not followers, lenders and
not borrowers but to conquer we need to go out into the world and claim our crown, no one will bring it to
our doorstep. Most people are waiting for their ship to come in but they have never sent one in the first
place. It’s like a student who expects to get outstanding results in the exam without opening a book, its
not going to happen.
I know sometimes people are not working not because they are lazy but may have lost their good jobs, or
have moved towns and moved to another country and feel they can not lower themselves to do the work
that is available. They would rather wait for a good job to come along. Unfortunately, the stomach is not
that patient. Pride in any area of your life is a very destructive force.
PROVERBS 16 vs. 18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall
Don’t wait to get your dream job while your family starves or bills go unpaid. I am not saying give up on
your dream job but for now yield to what the LORD has set before you. It might be a hard decision but
humility is required as well as obedience before provision comes.
PROVERBS 3 vs. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding, Acknowledge
him in all you do and he will direct your paths.
PROVERBS 3 vs. 9 – 12 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
He will find a way for you, for there is nothing too hard for him but you have to be humble to get it.
PHILLIPIANS 4 vs. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD.
It does not matter what job you do. GOD does not choose which profession to bless more and which to
bless less. You could be doing work that requires use of your mental capabilities or using the work of
your hands it does not matter
DEUTERONOMY 28 vs. 3 Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country.
LESSON 1
2 CHRONICLES vs.7 But you be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.
Do not be fooled by get rich quick projects. Mostly they will cost you money and you may lose more than
you can afford. Most involve you to compromise on your Christian duty and the LORD’S commandments.
Most riches like these do not last. After all crime does not pay
PROVERBS 21 vs. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty but those of everyone who is hasty,
surely to poverty.
EPHESIANS 4 vs. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands
what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
When at work give it your all, Give your best work for a good day’s work. Lazing at work does not lead to
promotion, Lack of promotion means lack of increase. Do your job regardless of what it is as if you are
doing work for the Almighty himself. If your bosses do not see or appreciate your work its okay because
the LORD is always looking and he will not forget your good work
If you are self-employed remember it does not give you the right to abuse the people around you by
charging more than you should to make a huge profit. Making money can lead you to do things you would
not normally do, Sell goods that have already expired to get a profit, buy stolen goods because they are
cheaper and make an even higher profit
1 TIMOTHY 6 vs. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Remember also that being in self-employment does not excuse you from paying taxes. Jesus told us to
give unto to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and unto God that which belongs to God
ROMANS 13 vs. 1 & 2 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from GOD, and that the Authorities that exist are appointed by GOD. Therefore, whoever resists
the authority resists the ordinance of GOD, and those who resists will bring judgement on themselves.
Do not make your life just work, where you can fit nothing else. Before long you forget that your number
one purpose is to worship the LORD. Do not overwork until you become ill because you have not even
take time to rest. Remember your body is a temple and overworking is not healthy.
It has long and far reaching medical problems. Always remember to maintain the right relationship with
money
PROVERBS 23 vs. 4 Do not overwork to be rich, because of your own understanding cease.
After a hard days work you will appreciate your earnings and fully value it and prepare yourself for the
next step.
LESSON 2
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR EARNINGS
PREPARATION OF A BUDGET
It will have the following elements in the following order:
1. Tithing
2. Saving & Giving
3. Payment of expenses (food, rent, utility bills, council tax, fuel)
4. Entertainment expenses
Do a monthly budget if you get paid monthly and a weekly one if you get paid weekly.
When you receive your money after working hard for it you want your money to work for you. Misuse of
your money means you waste it and that the last thing you want. Always remember that you need to
respect money to expect money. GOD owns everything and we are simply stewards of his income. How we
utilise the resources at my disposal does not matter on the quantity we have.
LUKE 16 vs. 10 He who is unfaithful in what is least is also faithful in much. He who is unjust in what is
least is unjust in what is much.
To be the best Steward you can be, you need to have a Plan on how you will spend your money.
PROVERBS 24 vs. 3 – 4 Through wisdom a house is built, By understanding it is established, By knowledge
the rooms are filled with precious riches.
This plan is what we call a budget
LESSON 2
WHAT IS A BUDGET?
It is simply a written plan to help you live within your means. It’s not a ploy to make your family life difficult
but to improve on it. It will help you to see where your money comes from and where it’s going. Ignorance
might be bliss but it’s a very expensive bliss. A budget will help communication about expenses in the
home. Once a budget has been put in place there is no danger of surprise bills that just spring from
nowhere.
The aim of the budget is 3 fold:
1. It gives you a structure and basis on how to spend your money. It helps you to take advantage of
opportunities because you know where you are financial all the time. So you are able to give, save, spend
or invest within your own borders.
2. It stops you from spending money you do not have and therefore helps you to avoid getting into
debt.
3. It helps communication in the family. Money is the one issue that causes conflict in the family. It
helps couples and their children to share the finances of the house in a peaceful manner
Budgeting is not only useful when you are in debt. Budgeting is a stewardship tool for everyone. It will
help you to recover from a crisis but can be very useful to further improve your life now and future life.
Remember living on credit is living on borrowed time and income. Credit is not magic money it is a liability
that will eventually need to be settled.
To prepare a budget you need to make a list of all your income and all your expenses. It is important to
prepare an income statement, which is simply your income verses, your expenses (fixed or variable). This
is a very important aspect for a healthy financial home.
PROVERBS 27 vs. 23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds.
LESSON 2
It is best put on paper or on the computer for easy reference:
INCOME STATEMENT: Example
INCOME
Husband salary XX
Wife salary XX
Other (Any extra income you have XX
Plaiting hair, sewing etc)
TOTAL INCOME XXXX
LESS EXPENSES
Group A Expenses
Tithe XX
(10% of gross income)
Saving XX
(Preferred 10% of income)
TOTAL GROUP A EXPENSES (XXX)
Group B Expenses
Mortgage/Rent (25%) XX
Food (5%-10%) XX
Fuel/Bus fare/Train Fare (15%) XX
Utility Bills (5%) XX
(Gas, electricity, water) XX
Council Tax
Children’s pocket money XX
Telephone XX
(Both land line & Mobiles, phone cards) XX
Credit card/Store cards XX
Car payments XX
Loan repayments XX
Child care XX
TOTAL GROUP B EXPENSES (XXX)
Group C Expenses
Entertainment XX
Health &Beauty XX
Holidays XX
Clothing XX
TOTAL GROUP C EXPENSES (XXX)
GAIN/LOSS XXXXX
LESSON 2
N/B: To make a gain every month you will have to live at least 30% below your means. To save money you
will need to have made certain sacrifices and to follow certain money saving tips in every area of your
budget that I will suggest below. Please note they could be many others that I have left out but they will
go a long way to help you save that money.
TIPS ON BUDGETING AND BILLS:
1. Group A Expenses are the most important and they should come out of your income no matter
what. Group B Expenses are the second most important. Non-payment of these will mean your family’s life
will be uncomfortable. They are normally fixed in nature. Group C Expenses are not crucial, they are
important yes but one can live without them
2. Always write financial goals you wish to achieve which you will put time limits to and adhere to
achieve. Constant review is important
3. Don’t track spending after making a budget, Plan your spending before designing a budget. It’s
your spending that determines your budget. It might be important to keep track of spending for 2-4 weeks
to see if you are not diverting from budget.
4. If you see that your expenses are more than your income, this is a sign of an unhealthy financial
situation, you need to address the situation before it goes any deeper. Re-evaluate your habits and
hobbies to see if there are some little ways that you could some money. Look for areas your money is
being spent which are not necessary.
Are you spending money on fast foods? When you can bring lunch from home, The amount you spend on
fast foods is amazingly high, driving to places where you can walk, spending too much time searching for
bargains in clothes stores, having your hair done, parking tickets, over speeding fees, etc
5. It’s important to make your budget as realistic and accurate as you can. If you are accurate and true
to yourself you will always know where you stand. List all the expenses you have incurred even the ones
you consider to be insignificant like parking for a pound or fast food purchase.
6. Always make budgeting a family affair. Husbands include your Wives and Wives include your
Husbands, and Parents include your Children. Explain to them what your goals are and what you wish to
achieve and the sacrifices everyone including them will have to undertake. It will teach children how to
value money from an early age
7. Always pay the bills as they come. Delay in paying by one-month means next month it will be double
to pay. Paying on time for credit cards means you avoid interest and commission charges, For council tax
default is a breach of contract and makes the whole bill immediately payable
LESSON 2
8. Pay your bills according to what is on your budget. Most credit/shop companies will ask you only to
pay a minimum amount. The only problem is that you may be paying a debt over a much longer period of
time. If your bill allows you to pay more than the amount they expect please do follow you budget.
9. Never use credit to pay for Group A & B expenses. You are creating more debt and digging an even
deeper hole than the one you are in.
TITHING
As Christians the scriptures are clear. To be able to be happy and to get all the financial blessings the
LORD Has promised we need to follow his commandments and one of these is the importance of tithing.
The LORD expects us every month to give to the church a tenth of our income.
WE PAY TITHES FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
1. IT IS A COMMANDMENT FROM THE LORD:
MALACHI 3 vs. 10 ‘Bring all the tithes into my storehouse, that they may be food in my house, and try me
now in this’
We need to always remember that true treasure is in heaven and not on earthly things and everything
including all the silver and gold belongs to the GOD anyway. We are simply stewards of GOD’s income.
PSALM 24 vs. 1 & 2 ‘The Earth is the LORD’s and all its fullness’
GOD is only asking for 10% of his income and in return we can keep 90% and on top of this he still
promises us blessings but he does not end there he wants to bless us that we will be lenders and not
borrowers that our blessings will come and overtake us.
DEUTERONOMY 28 vs. 2 ‘And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you
obey the voice of the LORD your GOD’
DEUTERONOMY 14 vs. 22-29 ‘You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces
year by year’
2. IT IS IMPORTANT UNTO THE LORD FOR IT IS HOLY TO HIM:
LEVITICUS 27 vs. 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree is
the LORD’s. Its holy to the LORD
3. IF YOU DO NOT GIVE IT YOU HAVE ROBBED GOD:
MALACHI 3 vs. 8 Will a man rob GOD? Yet you have robbed me
But you say: In what way have we robbed you?
In tithes and offerings
LESSON 2
Remember the consequences of the disobedience of Ananias & Sapphira sold and kept back the
proceeds in ACTS 5. They did not live long enough to tell their story.
Most Christians in someway our lives (me included) have tried or still trying to find ways to understand
the bible commandments to suit our needs. I have misinterpreted the message of tithes all my Christian
life, up until now when I have read what I should have read from the very start the manual itself the Bible.
We are told not to lean on our own understanding
PROVERBS 3 vs. 5
4. NOT PAYING TITHES IS JUST THE FIRST INGREDIENT OF A FINANCIAL CURSE.
We need to pay our tithes as a priority not as an after thought when we have finished paying everything
else. God regards that as disrespectful and dishonouring him. We are not putting him in the position that
is his, as the first and most important in our life.
MALACHI 1 vs. 6 “A son honours his father, and a servant his master, If then I am the father where is my
honour? And if I am a master where is my reverence? Says the LORD of hosts.”
Verse 8: When you offer the blind as a sacrifice. Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame & sick. Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you favourably?
MALACHI 3 vs. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me…
5. THERE IS A BLESSING ATTACHED TO PAYING OUR TITHES
MALACHI 3 vs. 10 “And try me now in this, Says the LORD of hosts If I will not open for you the windows of
heaven. And pour out for you such blessing that they will not be room enough to receive it.”
Verse 11: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes. So that he will not destroy the fruits of your
ground. Nor shall be the vine fail to bear for you in the field…”
Verse12: “And all nations will call you blessed”
LESSON 2
SAVING
Saving is a very important aspect of financial management.
PROVERBS 13 vs. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children
PROVERBS 19 vs. 14 Houses and riches are from Fathers.
We save money for may different reasons:
For Emergency
Emergencies will always come, If not to us individually but to our families, the car might break down, you
can never be sure that tomorrow will be rosy.
PROVERBS 27 vs. 1 Do not boast about tomorrow for you don not know what a day may bring forth.
As Christians we were never promised life without any difficulties but tribulations were going to come to
us in more ways than one. Life is like the humps on the road, they may delay us but they will not stop us
for we know the road will be smooth afterwards. Saving makes the smooth road even smoother. Joseph
was a saver, because he was a future planner.
GENESIS 41 vs. 48 So he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt and
laid up the food in the cities, he laid up in every city of the fields which surrounded them.
6. We also save for our future developments. GOD does not want us to remain in the same position all
our lives. He wants us to grow in every area of our lives that is spiritually and financial there is no
difference. Remember he wants us and promises us to be lenders and not borrowers, the head and not
the tail but if we do not prepare for tomorrow we will never fulfil the promise that GOD has in store for us.
The Devil will convince you are fine where you are in life. If it’s not broken why fix it. Sometimes he goes
further to convince you that living in poverty is okay and its GOD’s desire to show him how much you love
him. Remember though that The Devil is a liar, The Father of all lies, He will say anything to stop you from
multiplying and increasing your potential given so lovingly and carefully by GOD.
We also save for our old age. We need a pension. You do not want to work for 30
Years and have nothing to show for it and live the rest of your life in poverty. Abraham, Jacob and many
others did not suffer when they grew old, they had great wealth, and they had taken care of their future,
so should we.
LESSON 2
TIPS ON SAVING
1. Save 10% of your Income after paying out your Tithes. Treat it with the same importance as paying of
your Tithes. Tithes are always above but saving is very important. Set a fixed amount that is saved
regardless of plans for the month. No matter how tight the month is money should always be saved. List it
down as one of your expenses. At best set up a Standing Order to ensure it always goes to the savings
account.
2. Its never too early to start saving for retirement. Remember we are not getting any younger; A day
gone is a day closer to our retirement. Most people are forced to continue working after 65 years
because they simply have not enough money to live on until they die
3. As mentioned above you save for 3 things
A. Emergency Fund: To save for this take all you’re fixed costs (Group B expenses)
In your budget and multiply by 6 to cover 6 months or 12 to cover a year. In other words if you should lose
your job you do not have to worry about your basic expenses for some time.
B. Saving for Growth and Developments: Write down financial goals and put time limits on them. This
helps you to be committed to the achievement of them. Put reasonable time limits and realistic goals so
that you do not strain yourself. But at the same time do not put yourself in a too comfortable zone
C. Saving for Retirement: Join a pension at work. Mostly companies match what you pay in and the Govt
gives a 22% tax credit. Invest your money in fixed assets like houses and where you can invest in
securities and bonds or simply put your money in high interest saving accounts.
4. When you work and earn overtime in a month for example it’s a financial blessing. The best thing to
see its effect is not to find an excuse to spend more than usual. The best thing to do is to save it or
invest it for future use. When tempted to spend it read your bible instead (Joyce Meyer) and you will save
money and you will know More of GOD
JAMES 4 vs. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
5. Stash your savings in a special account that is there for the purpose of holding your savings. Do
not forget this and pretend to be saving in the account that you use all the time. You do not want to
spend the money that you have worked hard to save.
6. Do not withdraw any money in the savings account unless the reason for its creation has occurred.
In other words if an emergency arises that is the reason you need to withdraw the cash. For normal day to
day items treat that money as if its not there. When putting in place your budget each month do not
include it as part of your income. Remember its out of sight, out of mind is the best policy to adopt.
LESSON 2
TIPS ON SAVING
7. There are many places to save, it all depends on the money you have at your disposals. There are
bonds and securities, but for most people the best place to keep our money is not under the bed but in
the bank. Try saving in the ISA accounts.
ISA (Individual Savings Accounts): The good thing about the ISA accounts is that you are not taxed on your
savings. They are protected and the taxman cannot get to them. You can save up to £7000.00 a year (it
varies with different banks). There are also available on the market for those of us we may find it difficult
to save £7000.00 a year. These are the mini ISA. They work in exactly the same way as the Big ISA accounts
but you save only up to £ 3000.00 a year.
Both are flexible, you are able to withdraw your money at any time in the year without any notice and still
do not lose your tax benefit. The only disadvantage is that once an amount has been withdrawn you are
not able to deposit that amount back into the account.
To illustrate if you have a mini ISA and up until lets say October you have saved
£ 2500.00. An emergency arises and you are forced to withdraw £500.00. So now you only have £2000.00
saved up. When you get money later on and you want to make a deposit. You are only able to deposit
£500.00 to add up to £3000.00 from your original amount before withdrawal.
LUKE 19 vs. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it
with interest?
The bible talks of savings. Besides Joseph, Abraham and Jacob, Job and David to name a few had plenty
of livestock. They saved up. The bible in Deuteronomy 28 refer to savings as ‘storehouses as illustrated
in this verse.
DEUTORONOMY 28 vs. 8 The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses, and in all to
which you set your hand.
INVESTMENTS
The bible encourages investments. Remember the story of the stewards that were given talents to invest
in, Two made it worthwhile using their ability; the other hid the money afraid to try to invest in case you
lose it.
Sometimes, we have been blessed and we have money in the bank. Instead of trying ways to multiply our
inheritance we let it stew in the bank. The devil is clever he puts doubt in your mind that you will lose it all
if you try. That fear of poverty is one that the devil uses to keep you holding on to your money just in case
you lose. Before long the money becomes your idol. Trust in GOD in all you do and he will direct your
paths.
MATTHEW 25 vs. 14-29 Remember its better to have little in your savings account than nothing at all.
LESSON 2
GIVING
Giving is a very important aspect in a Christian life. GOD promises to bless you not just for yourself but
that you may be a blessing to someone else. GOD made that promise to Abraham. He charges that those
who have the financial resources need not hoard the cash but need to plant seeds by giving to those
less fortunate than themselves
1 TIMOTHY 6 vs. 17
Command those who are rich in this present age neither to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches
but in the living GOD, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Verse 18: Let them do good that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.
You might ask what does that got to do with you as far as making money or saving it is concerned. Easy,
give and you shall receive. You do not give to receive but GOD watches and remember every one of your
good works and will reward you double.
HEBREWS 6 vs. 10 For GOD is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love, which you have shown
towards his name, in that you have ministered to the saints and ministers.
LUKE 6 vs. 28 Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and
running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use it will be measured
back to you.
Sometimes you may not have the money to give to other people but with the little you have you can try to
give little. The Church of Macedonia even though were in; great trial of affliction’ …… still managed to’
gave themselves to the LORD, and then to us by the will of GOD.
2 CORINTHIANS 8 vs. 1-5
To say you have given you do not always have to part with money. Remember
ACTS 3 vs. 6 When the lame man asked Peter and John to help him Peter answered and said Silver and
gold I do not have, what I have I give you in the name Of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth.
So where you do not have silver or gold to give, give something with all your heart because you love
GOD. Give your old clothes, shoes, lend an ear, provide a shoulder to cry on, be a friend, Help a person
cross the street, in the bus stand up for someone to sit, Smile even if its just to make someone laugh.
Compliment someone for a good job, tell him or her they look nice. There is plenty you can give which will
cost you nothing in terms of money but that will be priceless to the recipient. Remember you can be one
person in the world but to someone you could be the whole world.
LESSON 2
GIVING
In Leviticus a command is given to leave grain for the poor
LEVITICUS 23 vs. 22
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you do
not reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest, you shall leave them for the poor and for
the stranger.
JAMES 1 vs. 27
Pure and undefiled religion before GOD and the father is this, to visit Orphans and widows in their
trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world
DEUTERONOMY 10 vs. 18 & 19
He administers justice for the Fatherless and the widow and loves the stranger giving him food and
clothing.
LESSON 3
GROUP B EXPENSES
1. RENT/MORTAGAGE
Accommodation is a very crucial expense. It’s an important need. Most people will be paying rent while
saving enough for their home. To save money on rent consider the following:
a. Do you need such a big place? Can you do with a much smaller place. It will save you rent money
and the difference you can put to the purchase of your home.
b. House sharing; If you like the place and the environment of the house you are leaving in consider
house sharing with friends or family in the same situation as you. You can share the rent and all the utility
bills.
c. Be careful not to be cheated of what you are entitled to by your Landlord. Remember the
responsibilities of any damages, or repairs are the responsibility of the Landlord and if you incurred any
expenses because he was not available get your money back.
MORTGAGE
This is the biggest financial decision we will ever make. Because of its nature it is long term and you may
be paying your mortgage for many years to come (25years). There are lawyer’s fees and commission. It’s a
very costly process.
The following points are important to note:
a. When looking for the best policy you need to shop around. The mistake that most do is go straight
to their bank or building society. They simply offer you their own, uncompetitive products. For some
reasons most companies, banks, included offer their best products to new or potential customers than to
old and existence customers
b. You need to read more about mortgage and understand how it works before you make a decision.
Knowledge will help you to understand what a sales man is trying to sell you. Remember the mortgage
lender is in the business to sell mortgages and will sell you anything. Investigate about the interest rates
of the mortgages you are considering or short-listed. Some are fixed and some are variable. It all
depends on the individual, Ask questions and do not sign until you understand.
c. If you have the resources you can get a broker to act on your behalf. They will find you a good deal
but they are not free. They will charge you commission (normally 0.2 %f the mortgage amount). They may
also charge you broker fees (maybe about 1.5% of the mortgage amount) Agree with these charges first
before agreeing to them acting on your behalf. Do a cost benefit analysis before making the decision.
Remember most banks and mortgage lenders offer their products through mortgage brokers.
LESSON 3
GROUP B EXPENSES
MORTGAGE
d. Brokers are simply people auctioning on your behalf to get you the best deal so play off one
against each other to get the best deal. They want to sell but its competitive market and you are the
customer.
e. For a chance to save money try visiting the website Mortgage Genie
f. Before buying a house check to see if there has been any structural change in the house. The
council normally has such information. Remember when you agree the mortgage the repairs and
maintenance becomes your responsibility. Do not buy a house that will cost you an arm & a leg to repair.
FOOD & GROCERY
Grocery shopping is one area where we all overspend without actually knowing it. Even when we do its
one area that we find difficult to control as its food for the family. We have no idea to know when we can
cut our spending.
FINANCIAL TIPS
Before going grocery shopping:
1. Make a shopping list. Take a tour of your pantry, your refrigerator, and your cupboards. The aim is
to see what you actually have to avoid buying more of the things you already have. A shopping list will
save you money. It restricts you from buying the things you do not need.
2. With Internet Access in most homes it is easy to know the value of your groceries before you
actually go to the supermarket. Use the Internet to shop around, and compare prices. The TESCO website
offers a section that has price checks where they compare their prices to that of other supermarkets.
3. To save on fuel, try buying online from supermarkets like Tesco or ASDAs. They deliver to your
doorstep.
4. When you go to the supermarket I encourage the use of cash. Leave debit cards at home. Use of
cash means you save on money, you tend to spend less by 30% when using cash than debit cards. With
cash you can only pick groceries that match the cash in your bag. So if you are making groceries of £50.00
you cannot afford to buy anything that is not on your list because you will not have enough for the things
on the list.
5. Use of cash also means you go straight home after grocery shopping. You are not tempted to go
and visit other shops close to the supermarket because you do not have money to spend. Less people
enjoy window-shopping knowing they are not going to buy anything, so less people actually do it.
LESSON 3
GROUP B EXPENSES
FOOD & GROCERY
6. Buy in bulk if you are a large family in wholesale places like Makro or Costco. Be careful of what you
buy, only buy non-perishables as these will last longer and will therefore make you realise the benefit of
bulk buying. On the other hand if you are a small family avoid buying in bulk. Even non-perishables will
eventually become perishables because you will not consume them as fast. When you put the food in the
bin, you would have wasted food and spent twice for the same food.
7. If you are overspending on your grocery to save money you might need to look at your diet. What
are you eating? Do you buy healthy foods or are your cupboards filled with junk food which not only cost
you an arm & a leg to buy but costing your family’s health. Try meatless meals a week, Vegetables cost
less than meat and they are shown to be healthier. Where your family were used to having fizzy drinks or
juice with their meals replace these with water or milk, or for juice buy in bulk.
If Daniel was able to do it and it was good enough for him it surely is good enough for all of us.
DANIEL 1 vs. 12-15 And at the end of 10 days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the
young men who ate the portion of the King’s delicacies.
8. Stop wasting food. Cook enough for your family catering for seconds of course but not for the bin.
If food remains put it in the Fridge for future use to avoid spoiling. Use leftovers for lunch for children
and both parents for lunch at work. You save on school dinners for children who in most cases are not
healthy anyway and on lunches we all buy at the local supermarket or the service station at work.
Even in the bible we see an example of not wasting food. Jesus after his miracle where he fed 5000
people on 5 loaves and 2 fishes ordered his disciples to collect all the leftovers. Jesus could easily have
wasted it and did another miracle but he chose to save.
MATTHEW 14 vs. 20 So they all ate and were filled and they took up 12 baskets full of fragments that
remained.
9. Before you go grocery shopping it is wise to eat something you will buy less junk food on a full
stomach.
You are not tempted to buy junk food on a full stomach. You are not tempted to buy something to eat in
the car before getting home, which in a normal case are chocolate bars or potato crisps.
LESSON 3
GROUP B EXPENSES
FOOD & GROCERY
10. Where you shop is very important. You can save hundreds of pounds a year by shopping at the
lower priced food stores. Convenience stores e.g. one-stop shops, the Co-op charge high prices. They
mark up their goods to make a profit. Watch out for freshness for some of their products, As goods are
slow moving be careful you do not buy food that is very close to expiry date or has already expired.
11. Do not buy what you can prepare at home yourself. Bake a cake than buying it if you can bake.
Prepare stir-fry vegetables than buying the packed ones. Buy fruits from the market; they are cheaper and
stay just as long as the ones in the supermarket. Avoid buying at breakfast bars instead, prepare
breakfast at home. Breakfast cereal is easier and cheaper, all you need extra is milk. Always buy
supermarket brands they are always cheaper and avoid precooked foods.
CHILDREN AND MONEY
Children may be small and not work but they have a significant effect on the budget, spending and saving
of the family. They believe there is a money store that parents go to once in a while to stock up on their
already vast amount of cash resources.
Grocery shopping can be a nightmare with them. You may end buying whatever they have set their eyes
on for some momentary peace. But to buy is to create a long lasting problem. It’s every parent’s
responsibility to teach his or her children the value of money.
Their demands will eventually affect the overall budget in the home, as their demands are endless. If they
do not want toys, they are want new clothes, new CDs, name it they want it.
1. Discipline your kids financially
PROVERBS 13 vs. 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
PROVERBS 19 vs. 18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction
Not teaching them about money is destroying their future.
2. Teach them to save money from an early age and even help them save it. They will not have much
problems paying for college or university fees or even raise money for their first car or first house. If they
start saving lets say £100 a month from the age of 15 years they would have saved £1200 a year and by 25
years the saving is £12000. Of course on their pocket money they cannot save so much per month but you
can always help them to top–up.
LESSON 3
CHILDREN AND MONEY
3. Allocate an allowance for them per week. Do not let kids have free money. Don’t just hand it over to
them when they ask for it, make them earn it. When they are younger give money in exchange for chores,
clearing away toys, cleaning their rooms. As they get older, punish non-performance of duties with
withdrawal of allowance/pocket money. You will be surprised at the results.
4. Encourage your children to give to others. Teach them to save up for others’ birthday presents,
Christmas presents, other kids at school and church and those less fortunate than them and they will
treat money with more respect and will not easily waste it. Remember charity begins at home.
5. The older they get when they want money make an offer of a loan to be Paid back with a bit of
interest for them to prepare for the real world
Please note: Children being children want everything right now and will scream blue murder until they get
it and when they get it they want something else again with the same conviction as before. How you react
to their demands determines how they will react in the future to their own children.
TRANSPORT AND MONEY
FINACIAL TIPS TO SAVE FOR MONEY ON
BUS FARES
1. If you are using the bus on a daily basis to go to work consider the money saving options available
from the bus companies. The weekly ticket, the monthly bus ticket, the return ticket. They all save you
money. If using more than one bus for example in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas buy the explorer
ticket. For just £7.00 you have the option to explore local areas. For any further saving tips ask the bus
driver or the bus offices.
TRAIN FARES
1. Like the bus buy monthly train pass, the Travel card for travels to London, which can be used on
London, buses as well.
FUEL
If you are driving fuel becomes one of the major expenses. Fuel is very expensive. The following are tips
on how you can save money on fuel.
1. To save money you need to buy from service stations that are cheaper. Easier said than done, you
may end up using up fuel while looking for a cheap service station.
You can find the cheapest local service station on the new website petrol prices. Just type in petrol
prices and you will be connected to this website where by inserting your post code finds for you the
cheapest service station local to you.
LESSON 3
FUEL
2. Supermarket service stations are normally cheaper. Big supermarkets like Tesco can afford to
reduce their fuel prices and sometimes offer as part of a promotion. Buy goods worth £50 or more and get
fuel and 5p less.
3. Fill up your fuel tank and drive more efficiently (no sudden braking) will save you fuel.
A. Always fill up the car before the indicator drops to a ¼ tank. I call it the top-up method, top up when
fuel has reached a certain level. Never leave fuel to get to empty as it will take up a lot of fuel as it has to
put some of the fuel to the reserve tank (Yep even cars have a reserve tank to help you reach a service
station after it shows Empty on the Gauge)
B. Keep your tires correctly inflated. Lower tire pressure increases the drag on a car meaning you need
more fuel.
C. When putting full tank, do not overfill or attempt to continue filling up fuel after the nozzle clunks, as
the overflow will pour out wasting fuel.
4. The following are RAC Tips on how to drive more fuel efficiently
a. Drive smoothly in the correct gear
Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine, plus think ahead and slow down
to avoid lots of heavy breaking. This will increase fuel efficiency by up to 30%
b. A Lighter uses less fuel
De-clutter your car as extra weight means fuel use
c. Don’t keep the engine running unnecessarily
Drive off as soon as you start up and switch off the engine as soon as you reach the destination. Air
conditioning uses an incredible amount of fuel so make sure it’s turned off unless you really need it
d. Take your Roof rack off
Take it off when its not used to reduce the drag on the car and don’t unnecessarily open the window
makes driving less efficient.
OTHER WAYS TO SAVE ON FUEL
1. Avoid rough roads wherever possible. Dirt or gravel increase gas usage
2. Car sharing or pooling to and from work, to & from church. If you live in the same area and you are
going to the same church try using one car this week and the other next week alternating that way. You
save fuel.
3. If you are a couple and you have 2 cars use both cars only when going to work if its in different
directions or you work different shifts but if you are going to the same place use one car. You are paying
double for one trip, its pointless.
LESSON 3
OTHER CAR COSTS
1. When you are going into town or to a place that requires you to pay for parking, please take a
pound or £1.50 that they want instead of chancing it and leaving the car without paying because you will
eventually be caught and be forced to pay a £30.00 parking fee. Save £29.00 by doing the right thing.
2. When you are going to a zone that requires for you to pay the congestion charge of £8.00. Pay it
because you will end up with a penalty fee of £100.00
3. If however, you find yourself in such a situation where you have received a ticket pay it within 14
days and pay half of the ticket. Do not wait until the end of the month to pay the whole bill or even worse
not paying on time because a fee you could have paid £50.00 for you will end up paying £150.00 and have
yourself a court date on top.
4. Do not park in area where you know there is a chance your car will be clamped. You will not only
pay for the removal of the clamp but sometimes even the towing cost and clamping can start from £60.00
to as much as over £300.00. Do the right thing and avoid such unnecessary dips in your savings
5. Always take your car for regular services, If you detect a problem do not ignore it and hope it will go
away.
6. Ignoring it makes it worse and you end up paying a lot of money trying to fix the car. From buying
this part to the next and the transport costs for the alternative mode of transport really add up.
FINANCIAL TIPS ON CAR INSURANCE
Please note that there are a number of variable points that are considered to determine how much
insurance you are going to eventually pay. These are:
a. Location-Where you stay
b. Driving history-any record of accidents?
c. Mileage of the car
d. The make
e. The Model
f. Personal information of the driver-Are you single or married, are you male or female and your age
g. Where the car is parked at night
To get cheaper insurance and to save money on your existing the following are financial tips:
Joke: Get married, married persons are charged less insurance, have children, having children also gets
you charged less on insurance. (But true).
1. Ensure you are considered to be low risk as much as possible. Put an alarm system in the car, don’t
over assume annual mileage, Keep your car off the street when you can and park in a garage or in an
allocated parking space at your house.
LESSON 3
FINANCIAL TIPS ON CAR INSURANCE
2. Choose 3rd party cover and to cover theft and fire. Drivers of old bangers, its best to stick to 3rd party
cover.
4. Before making a decision it is best to shop around. The best way to do is to use search engines like
confused.com, which will find better and cheaper car insurance for you.
5. When you get results back re-quote on their websites, you may be able to get more savings. Buying
insurance online is always cheaper as you are given discounts, as you would have saved the insurance
company on administrative work and processing.
6. When you have found the best quote take it to your existing insurer to see if they can beat the
quote. Car insurance is a competitive business and your insurer is keen to keep you and the chances are,
they will not only match the quote they will aim to beat it.
7. When you have two cars in the household ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Remember two cars
means paying two insurances, Two Road taxes. If one of the cars attract a higher insurance premium the
other one should at least attract a smaller premium or you will end up paying a lot on insurance
UTILITIES AND MONEY
FINANICIAL TIPS ON: GAS & ELECTRICITY& WATER
The above are very important bills and will need to be treated as a priority
1. Cook only when necessary and if usage is high purchase gas cards. Available from the post offices
2. Electricity is more expensive than gas and should be treated with more caution. Switch off all
electrical appliances when not in use. This includes the Television, the radio, the computer, and the lights
in the home. Switch all lights in the morning when you wake up and only switch them in the evening when
it starts getting dark.
3. Switch off heating when no one is at home. When you have central heating it is advisable not to use
portable heaters as well. Central heating should be enough to warm up a house.
4. Avoid doing laundry many times a week and if you can do it once a week. Wash clothes when using
a washing machine at 40 degrees rather than 60 degrees and save a third of electricity.
5. When watching TV switch off the radio and save on electricity. To be honest you cannot listen and
concentrate what is on the radio and watch and follow what is on TV.
6. Have a shower instead of a bath, and save water and electricity.
7. Duel energy companies i.e. those that supply both gas and electricity are the best to use if your
home uses both forms of energy.
LESSON 3
UTILITIES AND MONEY
FINANICIAL TIPS: GAS & ELECTRICITY& WATER
8. Paying by direct debit saves you up to 10% as suppliers are assured you will not default in payment
or pay late and there is always a chance you may overpay. They will benefit for a year before refunding
you back at the end of the year.
9. Please never sign to change your supplier to someone you meet on the street offering to lower
your bill. Firstly before any switch you need to inform your supplier first. They will convince you that they
will handle that part of the transaction but more often they do not, and you may end up paying to both
companies for the same usage in gas, electricity or water.
10. Please note that for each area you live there is an allocated gas or electricity company that supplies to
that area and as such offer their services at a reduced rate. Do not be tempted to change supplier unless
you can prove the other party is much cheaper because you will end up paying more than you anticipated.
It will cheaper initially to attract you but in the long it will be higher as they have to charge you extra to
meet their cost of servicing an area already dominated by another. It is difficult for most gas companies
for example to compete with big firms like British gas, as there are a multinational company, they can
afford to reduce their prices to push them out of the market and if you are a customer of the smaller firm
all the costs they need to increase to compete will be passed to you.
11.When your bill is too high be careful they have not used estimates to calculate your bill. If they have
invite them to come and take a reading or do it yourself and phone in with the exact meter reader.
FINANCIAL TIPS: ON THE PHONE BILL
1. Use mobiles to phone mobiles. Text if you can, it costs less.
2. Use the landline to phone landlines. Most same network calls are free in the evening.
3. If you have several friends or families on mobiles and landlines choose a number of call options
from the networks to include your family and friends calls. They will be discounted.
4. Never use the landline to phone directly to any country abroad. Always use the phone card it’s
cheaper.
5. Make an allocation of phone credit for everyone in the family in case of emergencies while on the
roads. Kids should be taught that once credit is put for the month, it should last a month and they will be
no top-up half way through the month when credit finishes. It will teach them to save.
6. Resist any calls that encourage you to change from one network to another. Switching of supplier
makes no real difference in terms of cost. You may pay less per calls per minute, the tariffs may be lower
but the rental charge will be higher, you end up paying the same or even more. Remember there is always
a catch with people who pester you day in and day out to switch supplier.
LESSON 3
FINANCIAL TIPS: ON THE PHONE BILL
7. There has been a scam going on in the past months when people’s mobile numbers have been
captured and every time you put credit on the phone, its used up before you know it. You may receive
text messages from certain people you do not know asking you to call them back, when you dial the
number (its normally an 0870 number) you end up incurring a huge bill that you may even receive a
statement for (Watchdog). In such a situation please delete the message and do not respond and
sometimes change your number.
8. Please monitor children’s use of the phone. Calling in to request a song on the music channels like
bass can cost you £1.50 a minute on top of your normal charge from your supplier. Texting is a cheaper
option but you end up paying £50 more than you would normally a normal text.
FINANCIAL TIPS ON COUNCIL TAX
Council tax is one of those bills that you feel is too high and would do anything not to pay.
LUKE 20 vs. 22-25 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Vs.25: Render therefore to Caesar the
things that are Caesar4’s and to GOD the things that are GOD’s.
The councils are aware of these sentiments and treat any default in paying council tax very seriously.
1. Always pay as the bills come in or on the day the bill is due.
2. You can reduce your council tax bill by the following:
You can apply for a reduction of council tax if you are on low income. You can get a form from your local
council tax offices
There is a single person discount. If there is one adult living in a house you can apply to have it reduced
down. Again forms can easily be obtained from the local council tax offices.
MONEY AND ENTERTAINMENT
Everyone is entitled to let their hair down once in a while; if we do not we will all live a very stressful life.
Jesus did not preach all the time. He attended a wedding where he did his first miracle, He went to have a
meals.
MATTHEW 11 vs. 19 The son of man came eating and drinking
It is important to note however that entertainment should be done in moderation. Do it every month as
opposed to every day or week. You look forward to it and therefore you will have plenty of fun. The
problem with most of us is that we all like to live a celebrity lifestyle on an ordinary man’s salary. It never
works.
Firstly, it is not good to go overboard or any sort of entertainment, be it eating out or buying clothes and
it can cost you loads of money. If it’s eating out you like keeping it in moderation
LESSON 3
MONEY AND ENTERTAINMENT
PROVERBS 23 vs. 2
If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies for they are deceptive foods.
1. Avoid eating out: This may be your number one saver. Trips to restaurants and fast food joints can
quickly add up to be an expensive bill. Limit it to once a month and pack a lunch at home than spending
money on quick lunches or in the canteen at work. If you are planning to be going around running errands
in the car save money by carrying snacks in the car to avoid stopping at a fast food joint
2.When you go out try to go places that do not cost much, Try a new thing, Bowling, go to the museums,
Visit the beaches or the sea side during summer, Go to movies they are cheaper. Borrow books and
movies from a library or from friends so that you do not have to spend money. If its books you like to read
buy in cancer shops than in bookstores. Join a video store to get movies out. Its cheaper than going to a
movie.
3.When spending a lot on entertainment sit and consider what you do that cost you a load of money. As
much as you have committed to a budget or a spending plan we all are still tempted to live it up and the
far reaching temptation is always on entertainment (eating out, gift buying, clothes, parties) Remember
temptation always returns to the scene of its previous success & flirting with temptation makes defeat
inevitable (Quoted from UCB)
JAMES 1 vs. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
Adopt a Do I really need this approach before you purchase anything that is not in your budget. Be true to
yourself ask truthfully if you really need that item you want to buy or you just really want it. If you see
something that you are convinced you cannot
do without go home and come back tomorrow and see if the feeling of need is there. The chances are it
will be gone.
3. If its clothes or gifts that entice your money consider the following tips:
a. For clothes head for the clearance rack or where the sale item is significantly reduced. It might take
you ages before finding something you like but be patient you will eventually find what you need.
b. Be wary of stores that seem to have permanent sale signs on their windows or that will insist the
sale is just for one day. This could easily be a sale gimmick to get you to spend your hard earned cash.
4. Please note that after every significant holiday (for example Christmas) shops are keen to clear out
all holiday related stock. Stores normally have huge sales to clear out all the items, as they need room to
house the new stock for the new season. Sales will be up to 70% off they are willing to sell at very low
prices with a chance of prices getting even lower as the month goes by.
LESSON 3
MONEY AND ENTERTAINMENT
5. This is a chance to stock up on items you want and all the gifts for birthdays and the following year
‘s Christmas. Create a gift box to keep all your gifts. Where you could have spent £200.00, you might just
need to spend £50.00.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards have almost overnight transformed the way people shop in the first world. Credit cards do
what our grand parents never thought was possible. To be able to buy anything you want by using a
plastic card.
It sounds wonderful but believe me wonderful they are far from if abused. Most people have them, as
they are easy to get, you get offers in the post, in supermarkets, in your banks even the post office has
them now on offer.
Most people agree to get them without actually understanding what they are getting themselves into.
They suit the current trend in spending, Spend-now pay later. They satisfy our need for instant
gratification but what we are doing is spending tomorrow’s prosperity today. It’s so easy to get into debt.
We should understand that credit cards are not magic money; they carry a stamp of a liability that will need
to be eventually settled. They are not free.
If we were patient and saved the money we may be better off. Credit cards are not bad in themselves if
used properly but once you start using them to pay for things that cash should otherwise cater for then
you are digging a very deep hole. The rule if you do not have the money to buy it put, it on credit card if
you are able to clear the balance by the end of the month, if not do not buy.
FINANCIAL TIPS ON: MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
Reserve your credit card for major purchases for example as deposit on your car but not on items like
a CD or even pizza, grocery shopping or clothes because you will be paying for such small items over a
very long period of time.
1. Do not withdraw cash on your credit card. There is a charge that is attached to
This withdrawal and the interest on your withdrawal are very high.
2. If you should get a credit card please shop around to get the best card for you. Do not be tempted
and confused by the many sales man that comes to your door. Do not just choose a card offer that comes
in the post.
3. Compare the interest rates, the APR that is attached to the card, the annual fees for using the card,
the credit limits being offered. Most credit cards have variable interest rates. They vary with the changes
of interest rates in general in the market. As interest rates go up so does the charge on the card.
4. Always read the fine print of the credit card contract you are about to sign. Remember the
application form you are about to sign is a contractual binding agreement. By signing you are deemed to
have read and understood all items
LESSON 3
FINANCIAL TIPS ON: MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
5. in the contract. If there is anything you are not clear about, ask until you get an explanation that
clears it for you. It is best to look silly for a while than to be in debt bondage for a long time.
6. When your credit card bill comes in the post open your statement immediately. Study your
statement to make sure you have spent what they say you have spent. There has been an increase in
identity fraud and card cloning and someone may use your card and you may never know, and you will end
up paying for a bill that you did not benefit.
7. Always pay your bill before the due date they have given you. Failure to do so means interest and
commission charges. They continue to increase your bill, it becomes overwhelming and you feel you are
drowning in the bills. Set up a direct debit just to make sure you do not default for any payment
8. Be careful with your card. Do not divulge your pin number to anyone; always keep it secure,
because anyone can use it to do Internet Shopping. If its you doing the shopping on the internet make
sure it’s a secured site and never respond to e-mails where the bank is asking for your bank details. The
bank never does that. If stolen or lost phone the bank or the credit card provider immediately to report
the incident and have them cancel any payments on the card. If you delay your credit will be finished
within minutes of it being stolen
9. Do not be greedy and hope credit cards will satisfy your greed. If you cannot pay it do not spend it.
10. Remember your credit rating is very important for future purchases. Do not spoil it by
overspending and then failing to pay. If you see yourself failing to pay or finding it difficult to meet the
payments a problem as arisen. Do not ignore it and hope it will go away. Do not get a loan to pay credit
card bills.
This is double trouble. If you see yourself forced to buy food with your credit card, you are living beyond
your means, humble yourself and re-evaluate your lifestyle.
LESSON 4
DEBT AND CHRISTIANS
We have talked endlessly on how you can make money, save and spend it wisely but even after strictly
following to some or all of the above coupled with other ideas. Christians still find themselves in a debt
position. We talked earlier about the works of the devil and our sins that stop us from realising our full
potential. The devil is very clever in his tactics to get us in a poverty position and we are never aware of
his methods until its too late
PROVERBS 5 vs. 5 & 6 Her feet go down to hell, Her ways are unstable, you do not know them
Remember the devil does not care about you. He will try all he can to convince you to spend all your
money, he leads you into traps you were not aware were there in the first place. That is why we need to
include GOD in every aspect of our finances. If we lean on him, and acknowledge him in everything he will
direct our paths (PROVERBS 3 vs. 5). He will protect us and give us advice
And he will surely
PSALM 91 vs. 3 Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence
This snare is the devil chief weapon, debt. Debt will keep us in bondage and the more we struggle the
further away from GOD we go. We begin to blame him for our demise and begin to envy the unbelievers
because they seem to be doing so well compared to us. He comes as an angel of light but he is still the
Prince of darkness.
He will give us and cultivate the mindset that to be true Christians we are meant to be poor. He takes the
verses from the bible itself and quotes ‘Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’
He misinterprets it to convince us we need to be poor. We all know that is not GOD’s intention, He does
not want us to be in debt but to be have enough for our needs and still have enough to give to others as
well. If Christians were meant to be poor and did have any financial resources how would we go out into
the world and spread the gospel as Jesus commanded. (MARK 16). How will we convince unbelievers to
come to church when all we are promised is poverty? The devil’s aim is simply ‘to steal, kill and destroy’
(JOHN 10 vs. 10)
This poverty doctrine is believed by some Christians, please heed
1 TIMONTHY 4 vs. 1 Now the spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving
heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons
Remember we are meant to be more than conquerors, lenders and not borrowers so debt is not a
Christian concept.
DEUTERONOMY 15 vs. 6
For the LORD your GOD will bless you just as he promised you, you shall lend to many nations, but you
shall not borrow, you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.
LESSON 4
DEBT AND CHRISTIANS
11. As Christians we make the mistake of sometimes putting money on a high pedestal that we forget
the true treasure is in heaven and we start to trust in treasures of this world .We know all good things
come from the LORD and he gives us plenty for us to enjoy and give to others and not to worship it.
When anything or anyone becomes too important to us it takes us away from GOD. It becomes our god and
we become completely obsessed with it. This is the beginning of our problems. Remember our LORD GOD
is a jealous GOD. We should love him with all our heart, soul and mind
JEREMIAH 9 vs. 23 & 24 Let not the wise men glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might,
nor let the rich man glory in his riches.
The love of money is the root of all evils. I have always heard this statement and its only now that I realise
its in the bible and how true is it?
I TIMOTHY 6 vs. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The major problem is that once money becomes our central mission we start desiring more of it and we
are not willing to let go of it and its attractions, we are not willing to give it away to those who do not have
because that will mean you will have less. Are we willing literally to gain the whole world at the expense of
our soul’s salvation?
Remember the rich man in MARK 10 vs. 24 - 27 He was unwilling to sell his possessions to follow Jesus
because as the bible says he ‘went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions’ (verse 22)
ECCLESIASTES 5 vs. 10 – 16 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves
abundance, with increase.
Many seek for happiness in money but its short lived if you find it at all or you will be seeking forever, for
true happiness is in Jesus. Remember he is the way the truth and the life
JOHN 14 vs. 6 Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life’ No one comes to the Father except through
me.
Some people think they can buy a place in heaven with their money. They are willing to have it here on
earth than to give it up and go to heaven.
MATTHEW 6 vs. 19 - 20 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth nor rust destroys and
where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth and
rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal
Verse 21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
LESSON 4
DEBT AND CHRISTIANS
Remember as a Christian you are either with GOD or against him. You cannot serve 2 masters at the same
time.
MATTHEW 6 vs. 24 No one can serve 2 masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else
he will be loyal to the one and despise the other, you cannot serve GOD and Mammon.
JAMES 1 vs. 11 So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
GOD wants us to be continual dependent on him. And come every day to receive our daily bread -
MATTHEW 6 vs. 11
12. Another reason why we get into debt is that we want to have want our neighbour has without
actually knowing how our neighbour got to have all those things. We are jealous and envious of what
others have and we are not satisfied with what we have and not willing to wait for GOD to show us a way.
We want everything right now whether we have the money or not. That is the reason for the increase in
popularity of credit cards. We prefer this ‘magic money’, which we can pay back later than to work hard
and save and get the items we want later.
TITUS 3 vs. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and
pleasures, living in malice envy, hateful and hating one another.
PSALM 73 vs. 2 & 3 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was
envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Sometimes we can be jealous of unbelievers who seem to be making it, who drive nice cars or live in
good houses that we are willing to compromise on our faith to get the same.
Instead of trying to give each other good advise we are jealous of what our fellow brothers and sisters in
the faith we have GOD cannot bless you in any area and that includes finance as well. We are commanded
tom part for one another
I TIMOTHY 2 vs. 1 Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks made for all men’
All men and not just those that can help us get more money mind you
GALATIANS 5 vs. 22 & 23 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (peace), kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law
Be patient; do not rush to buy when you have no money, be faithful to be a good steward for GOD’s
possessions, and practice self-control when tempted
LESSON 4
FINANCIAL TIPS: WHEN IN A DEBT SITUATION
As a Christian we should not lose hope. We have misused the resources that we have been given and we
have lost it all. That does not mean GOD loves us any less. He is waiting for us to acknowledge our errors
and to look up to him in this great time of our need. David asked GOD that when his heart is
overwhelmed, (Psalm 61) In other words when things became too hard for him and he cannot handle it
himself to be led to a rock that is higher than him
PSALM 61 vs. 2
From the ends of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is
higher than I.
II Chronicles 20 vs. 12 – 15 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great
company that cometh against us; … vs.15 …Be not afraid nor dismayed by this reason of this great
multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
When King Jehoshaphat was surrounded he looked up to GOD, his eyes were set above to him (GOD)
Even though you see no way out remember Jesus’ words in
MARK 10 vs. 27 With men it is impossible, but not with GOD, for with GOD all things are possible.
I know when people know of your situation they may find an excuse to laugh or ridicule you but remember
when you fall and your enemy laughs, you can rise and not give up. You have just lost a battle and not the
war. Wallowing in self pity and not doing anything about the debt situation is the first sign of losing the
war but by acknowledging the problem, confessing your sins and asking GOD to guide you in the first step
is gaining lost ground. Remember the devil cannot defeat us, he has no power, and we have been given
authority over him
LUKE 10 vs. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents, and scorpions, and all the power
of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Debt situation can cause a lot of arguments in the home and give rise to a stressful life, at its worst
divorce. It may have taken a short while to get into that situation but it will not take the same time to get
out of it. So patience is the word. See it as a prison break, Do not concentrate on the digging of the hole
to break free but keep your eyes on the life outside that cage and you will be surprised and how not so
bad it is. Remember when you are in a debt situation there is no need for a blame culture,
You bought this, or you ate this, its gone that’s the past. Concentrate on today and what tomorrow will
promise when you are out of debt. Do not put your mind on the race but on the prize to claim. Remember
we should still be filled with joy even in times of tribulation
LESSON 4
FINANCIAL TIPS: WHEN IN A DEBT SITUATION
ROMANS 5 vs. 3 – 8 We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and
perseverance, character, and character hope, now hope does not
disappoint because the love of GOD has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given
to us
When in debt and you feel you are sinking fast in the debt quick sand think of the moral of the following
story:
A FARMER AND HIS DONKEY
One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to
figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up
anyway, it just was not worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbours to come over and
help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized
what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel
loads later, the Farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at
What he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He
would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the
animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off.
When in debt life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt? The trick is not to lie down and take it but
to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest
wells just by not stopping, never giving up. Shake it off and take a step up.
The 5 simple rules to be happy
1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive each other for the financial mess you have got yourselves
into. Finger pointing will cause more division and a house divided is a house that will not stand. You want
GOD to forgive you for the mess and waste you have got yourself into, learn to forgive others. Remember
the story of the unforgiving servant
2. Free your mind from worries
MATTHEW 6 vs. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you
shall drink, nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than
raiment?
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less
As Richard Eastman said: Don’t tell GOD how big the problem is, tell the problem how big Your GOD is.
LESSON 4
DEBT TRAP
Being in debt feels like you are in a trap, in a cage where the creditor has the key and you are to serve a
life sentence without a chance of parole. That’s is the mentality that the devil wants you to have. If you
find yourself in such a situation you have to be true to yourself and admit that you have a problem that
needs sorting out. You have to take drastic action and you have to take it now.
FINANCIAL TIPS: TO HANDLE DEBT PROBLEMS
1 Take time to make a balance sheet of your possessions and liabilities.
You need to take stock of all your possessions. The aim is to find out how much of what you have is really
owned by you, what can you sell if it comes to that or what can you not sell if a debt lien is attached to it. It
is sad that most Christians do not actually know where they are financially. When the first red bills start
coming in the post they are surprised that they actually spent so much. Some do not actually know what
the balance is in their bank accounts. They can give you only an estimate. That is not a healthy situation
even in a situation where you do not have problems with money.
PROVERBS 27 vs. 23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds
Remember we are stewards of GOD’s possessions and we have a duty to know the state of all we have at
our disposal.
2 Make an income statement
This is simply a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much you spend. You have
to be as honest to yourself as much as possible. List all your expenses even those that seem
insignificant. It is a helpful way to track your spending patterns. You are then able to identify which are of
priority and which you can do without. Prioritise on the ones that are basic.
3 Stop spending and stop buying unless it is a necessary expense
Stop using credit cards; any more borrowings will make your problem worse. Stop using even debit cards.
Debit card payments take a few days before showing on your bank and there is danger you can forget or
fail to keep track of your actual spending and how much is actually in you bank. Start using cash for any
purchases and always chose the option to get a receipt after withdrawal to know how much is in the
account.
4 Do not avoid any calls from your creditors and start opening all letters in particularly red letters.
Its time, to stop running away from your responsibilities. Its time, to face them directly. List all your
creditors and their contact details and contact them as a matter of urgency. Creditors appreciate
someone who calls them to explain their problems than someone who ignores them completely. It gives
them confidence that you are trying and will continue to try to clear the balance outstanding.
LESSON 4
FINANCIAL TIPS: TO HANDLE DEBT PROBLEMS
5 Be as truthful as you can to them.
Explain that you are not able to clear the outstanding balance in full immediately. Work out a payment plan
with them. Do not strain yourself or set yourself an unrealistic monthly payment that you will not be able to
afford. Do it before your debt is passed on to a debt recovery agency. It spoils your credit name and you
may find it difficult to get future credit in the future or to be approved for a mortgage. Besides your name
there are costs attached to them handing over your debt. Interest is added to the debt, and debt recovery
costs are also added on.
GAS & ELECTRIC
When you are failing to pay your gas and electricity there are far reaching problems if the bill remains
unpaid. These are a priority, if not paid supply will be disconnected.
A. Contact your supplier to arrange payment plan.
If you are a tenant and you have moved in the house a few months before check the name on the bill.
Remember by law you are only liable from the day you actually moved in. Part of the bill may not be yours.
B. If the bill is high, check they have not used estimates to calculate the charges. You might reduce your
bill. Phone them and give them the actual readings.
C. In your payment plan arrange to pay by direct debit; It’s cheaper in the Long run as there are
discounts associated with paying in this.
D. In the meantime while trying to pay the bill arrange to have a prepayment meter. You will only pay for
the gas and electricity you actually use. You use a prepayment card and you are able to top up at the local
post office. Be careful, check to see if you are getting the same benefits of discounts as direct
customers. If not you may end up paying more than you need to save.
WATER
An important point to note is that water companies can no longer disconnect your supply because you
have not paid or you have arrears.
If you do not use much water or out the whole day it’s cheaper to ask for a water meter to be fitted in. You
are charged only for water you use.
There are people that maybe considered, to have their arrears cleared. They offer to those with more
than 12 months arrears a chance to make a fresh start by reducing down the arrears balance by a pound
for every pound you pay. Single parent families qualify as people with long term disability, people who
have been unemployed for a long time, and customers in multi debt situation.
LESSON 4
COUNCIL TAX
If you do not pay council tax the council has a long-standing debt recovery plan in place. They will send
you a reminder and if that not paid they will ask the Magistrate to make a liability order, which will state
that you owe money to the council and you have not paid it. If there is no contact by you to the council the
council have the right to have an order to have the amount of the bill deducted from your wages and
salaries by your employer. The Courts can order bailiffs to take your goods away. If they are unable to do
so for any reason or you have not enough goods to make up the council tax due they may have to send
you to prison.
MORTGAGE
If you fail to pay your mortgage contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure of your house.
Continue to make some sort of payment to your lender while they still arrange for a payment plan.
Ignoring their demands letter may mean living with relatives for some time
HP LOANS
CAR / FURNITURE
Remember any thing on HP Loan is not yours. You may have it in your house or drive it but it is not owned
by you. You may not sell an item on HP in order to clear debts. You are only able to sell anything if you
have prior agreement from the supplier, which is a very rare thing to be granted. To sell without this is
regarded as theft.
STORE CARDS
Be aware there is a store card trap that is laid down by the stores we visit every day. Every time you are
about to pay your bill they always offer you to save 10% r 20%on your purchase that day. To make this
incredible, and truly generous offer is to sign an application form for a store card. As most of us are happy
to take something for free for that day we also sign on for months of debt. The APR on these store cards
can be as high as 30%.
The cards are not bad in themselves if used wisely. Use them if you are sure you can pay off the balance
in the next month, before they start charging you interest. The interest chargeable on the unpaid debt
can really mount up and you may be forced to pay twice for the same item of clothing.
Get rid of this’ buy now, pay later ‘mentality and stick to saving and buying when your situation allows you
for cash. If you are in a debt situation do with the clothes you have and only buy when it’s really
necessary. Don’t be tempted to increase debt by going shopping.
LESSON 4
CREDIT CARDS/LOANS
Everybody has a credit file maintained by a credit reference agency. They keep information such as
defaults, loan applications, and rejections, CCJS on this database.
When you find yourself in trouble with credit cards:
1. Stop using them, if you know you are going to be tempted cut them up.
2. Avoid credit cards that offer zero interest on transferred balance for 6 months. This is just a way to
defer problems and give you a bit of breathing space. Remember 6 months is not forever, once its gone
the high interest comes back and you are back to square one.
3. Do not take out any new loans to pay off credit cards or any old loans for that matter.
4. So-called consolidation loans are often offered at very high interest rates. They increase your debts
you can ill afford.
5. There are credit cards aimed at people with credit problems for example Aqua and Vanquis (Daily
Mirror report) that are offered to those that have been rejected by other lenders. Their interest rates can
be as high as 70% on balance transfers. The rate rises when you withdraw cash with your credit card and
they are many hefty hidden fees.
6. Avoid cash converters, they are several springing everyway. They are there to turn salary cheques
into cash on the spot instead of waiting 3 days to have it cleared. For this favour you are charged close to
4% of the value of the cheque.
7. Some stores are offering household appliances on credit to customers that cannot get them anyway
else on credit. The APR is high and is close to 30%. The daily mirror reports such, a supplier is Bright
house with over 139 stores countrywide. They give an example of a ,washer drier whose cash price is
£491.88 but you add up paying £1090.44. The figures speak for themselves.
8. There are credit card cheques that are on the market. The can be used in exactly the same way as
normal cheques but the interest on the debt is often double that of normal credit spending. There are
handling charges and there is no interest free period. Interest is charged from the moment you receive
the cheque.
9. You may have received like many of us in the post pre-approved loans and you think this is an answer
to your dreams. No it is more of a confirmation of your worst nightmare. Read the small print. If your house
is security be careful you may end up homeless.
LESSON 4
OTHER SAVINGS
1. Avoid ATM’S where you have to pay money to withdraw your money. The cost is normally £1.50 per
withdrawal. Does not help in saving money and even if you have no cash problems its not worth it, You
can buy bread and milk with that £1.50
2. Bankruptcy is an effort for those in severe debt problems but it s a last desperate option. Do it if
there is no way you can pay back the debts. It has far lasting effects. The bankruptcy order stays for at
least 10 years. You will be charged from paying some of your debts. It’s very difficult to obtain credit to
buy a home, even a job after such an order.
3. Always pay the bills with the high interest rates. If however the amount of them is too large. Start with
the smallest bills, they give you encouragement as they get lesser and lesser. The amount you were
paying for those bills after it’s cleared allocate it to other bills. When you no longer owe anything allocate
the monthly payments on the bills to savings.
4. Depending with our situation sometimes it is cheaper to borrow from family and friends but remember
just because you know them does not excuse you from paying. If you borrow anything return it in the
same state as you took it in.
EXODUS 22 vs. 14 And if a man borrows anything from his neighbour, and it becomes injured or die, the
owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good.
Be careful what you sign when someone asks to be a guarantor for any loan or debt. By signing an
agreement you have also made yourself liable for the debt if your friend should fail to make good the debt.
PROVERBS 6 vs. 1 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a
stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth.
Remember the rules of success are the same for everyone. Thing Big and your actions will reflect your
thoughts. Jesus hands were nailed to the cross. His hands are a symbol of wealthy that we use our hands
to get. When he shed blood from his hands he defeated for us the curse of poverty
Summary Of Lesson 2
WHAT TO DO AFTER RECEIVING EARNINGS:
BUDGET AND TIPS 8-10
PREPARATION OF A BUDGET
It will have the following elements in the following order:
5. Tithing
6. Saving & Giving
7. Payment of expenses (food, rent, utility bills, council tax, fuel)
8. Entertainment expenses
Do a monthly budget if you get paid monthly and a weekly one if you get paid weekly.
When you receive your money after working hard for it you want your money to work for you.
Misuse of your Money means you waste it.
Respect Money to Expect Money
God owns everything and we are simply Stewards of his Income
LUKE 16 vs. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is also faithful in what is much. He who is unjust in what is
least is also unjust in what in much.
To be the best Steward you can be, you need to have a Plan on how you will spend your money.
PROVERBS 24 vs. 3 – 4 Through wisdom a house is built, By understanding it is established, By knowledge
the rooms are filled with precious riches.
What is a budget?
The aim of Budget is three fold
Structure and Basis
Stops you spending money you do not have
Improves Communication in the Family
Budgeting is a Stewardship Tool; it helps you to recover from a crisis
Living on Credit is Living on Borrowed Time
Credit is not magic money it is a Liability
To prepare a Budget you need to make a list of all your income and all your expenses
Proverbs 27 vs. 23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds.
Summary Of Lesson 2
Income Statement example:
Tips On: Budgeting & Bills
Group A, Group B & Group C Expenses
Financial Goals
Track Spending Before
Re-evaluate your habits
Fast Foods
Realistic & Accurate Budget
Family Affair (Make budgeting a Family affair)
Pay Bills as they come
Pay Bills as per Budget
Never use a credit card to pay for Group A & B expenses
GROUP A EXPENSES:
TITHING 13 - 14
Tithing
Reasons For Paying Them:
1. It Is A Commandment From The Lord
Malachi 3 vs. 10
Psalm 24 vs. 1 & 2
Deuteronomy 28 vs. 2
Deuteronomy 14 vs. 22-29
2. It Is Important Unto The Lord For It Is Holy To Him
Leviticus 27 vs. 30
3. If You Do Not Give It You Have Robbed God
Malachi 3 vs. 8
Acts 5 Remember Ananias & Sapphira
Proverbs 3 vs. 5
4. Not Paying Tithes Is Just The First Ingredient Of A Financial Curse
Malachi 1 vs. 6
Verse 8
Malachi 3 vs. 9
5. There Is A Blessing Attached To Paying Our Tithes
Malachi 3 vs. 10
Verse 11
Verse 12
Summary Of Lesson 2
SAVING 14 - 16
Saving
Saving is a very important aspect of Financial Management:
Proverbs 13 vs. 22
Proverbs 19 vs. 14
We save Money For Many Different Reasons:
For Emergency (Emergency Fund)
Proverbs 27 vs. 1
Life is Like the Humps on the Road, they may delay us but they will not stop us
Genesis 41 vs. 48 (Joseph was a saver)
For Future Development (Growth & Development)
Lenders & Not Borrowers, The Head and not the Tail
Clique used *If it’s not broken why fix it
For Old Age (Saving For Retirement)
Abraham, Jacob, Joseph did not suffer when they grew Old
Tips On Saving
Save 10% of your Income after paying your Tithes
Tithes are above your saving
Set a Standing Order to ensure you Save
It is Never too Late to save for Retirement
Emergency Fund
Saving For Growth and Development
Saving For Retirement
Read Your Bible when Tempted to Spend (Joyce Meyer)
James 4 vs. 8
Stash your savings in a special account
Do not draw any Money in the savings Account
ISA (Individual Savings Accounts)
Luke 19 vs. 23
Deuteronomy 28 vs. 8
Investments
The Parable of the Stewards
Matthew 25 vs. 14 –29
Summary Of Lesson 2
GIVING 17-18
Giving
God Promises to bless you, not just for your self but so that you be a blessing to someone else. (Abraham).
Giving
1 Timothy 6 vs. 17 & 18
Hebrews 6 vs. 10
Luke 6 vs. 28
2 Corinthians 8 vs. 1 – 5
Acts 3 vs. 6
Leviticus 23 vs. 22
James 1 vs. 27
Deuteronomy 10 vs. 18 & 19
Summary Of Lesson 3
PART OF GROUP B EXPENSES
RENT/MORTGAGE 19 - 20
Accommodation Is a very crucial Expense
A:) Do you need such a big Place?
B:) House Sharing
C:) Responsibility Of the Land Lord
Mortgage
This is the Biggest Financial Decision we will ever make
Important Tips
Shop Around
Read and Understand
Hosea 4 vs. 6
Get a Broker If you have the Resources to act on your behalf
Use the Internet Website Mortgage Genie
Before buying a House check to see if any Structural Damage
GROCERY 20 - 22
Grocery shopping
Food
Grocery Shopping is the one area where we all overspend
Financial Tips
Before going Shopping
Make a Shopping List (Tour the Refrigerator, Pantry & Cupboards)
Internet Access (Check Tesco website)
Try Buying online to save fuel, Save on fuel
Encourage the Use of Cash, Leave Debit cards at Home, you will tend to spend less by at least 30%
USE OF CASH means going straight Home afterwards
Buy In Bulk
Watch your Diet (Junk food vs. Healthy)
Daniel 1 vs. 12 – 15
Stop wasting Food
Matthew 14 vs. 20
Eat Before Going Grocery Shopping ( Less Chance of Temptation to Buy Junk Food)
Watch where you shop
Do not buy what you can prepare at home yourself
Summary Of Lesson 3
CHILDREN & MONEY 22 - 23
CHILDREN & MONEY
Children may be small & not work but have a significant impact on the Budget
Discipline your Children Financially
Proverbs 13 vs. 24
Proverbs 19 vs. 18
Not Teaching them about Money is Destroying Their Future
Teach them to Save Money from an Early Age
Allocate an Allowance to Them / week
Do not let Kids have free Money (Small Chores, Tidy up your Room)
Encourage your Children to Give
The Older Kids make a loan Agreement with them Mirroring Reality
Verses in Lesson 1
• God Promises Financial Prosperity
Deuteronomy 28 vs. 1 – 14 Focussing on Vs. 5 & 8
Genesis 12 vs. 2
Psalm 23
Psalm 103 vs. 5
Isaiah 65 vs. 13
Joel 2 vs. 26
• Lack of Knowledge in how to use the Financial resources we have been given by the Lord to be
custodians of:
No-one taking time to teach on:
How to Budget? How to Give? How to Save?
• Lack of Planning & Procrastination
Parable of the seeds
Sin and disobedience
John 10 vs. 10
1 Peter 5 vs. 8
Impulsivity vs. Patience: need everything Right Now = Bondage to Creditors with No Chance of
Parole
God’s plan is for us to have a Life of Success not Excess
Hosea 4 vs. 10
Hoarding our cash resources not releasing any money to the Lord’s House in Tithes and Offerings
• Laziness causes Poverty
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