Financially challenging times come to anyone regardless of social status. I am sure you want to be in charge of your financial situation all the time. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a plan to manage expenses and make the most of the resources available. Budgeting and saving money are also key strategies for navigating difficult financial times. Finally, it is critical to remain hopeful and focus on the future. Our scriptural reference today will be taken from Luke 12:29-31, which reads as follows:
29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.
30 For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.
God always cares about our needs. Let us look at few tips on issue of surviving financially challenging times.
1) Managing expenses
Managing expenses can reduce stress and create financial security. It is also imperative to remember that even small things can make a big difference in the long run. Practicing sound financial habits now can have a lasting impact on one's future.
For instance, opting for a home-cooked meal instead of ordering takeaways several times a week can save hundreds of Emalangeni (money) over the course of a year.
2) Making the most of available resources
Making the most of available resources means using them in a way that is efficient and effective. It involves planning ahead and being mindful of how resources are used, in order to minimize waste and maximize utility.
3) Budgeting and saving money
Ensure that all you do with your finances is budgeted for. Save some money. Prioritize needs over wants. Try to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Build an emergency fund. Invest in yourself. Put some money into a retirement plan. Consider a side hustle. As the famous American psychologist B. F. Skinner once wrote: “A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.”
4) Hopefully focus on the future
This will help you make the best of your future. Take risks and never be afraid of failure, as it is part of growth. Believe in yourself and you will achieve anything you set your mind to. According to Sarah Morgan, “Failure is a part of life. Success teaches you nothing, but failure teaches you resilience. It teaches you to pick yourself up and try again.” But don't forget, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again… or just give up and get ice cream instead!
May I conclude by reminding you that financial challenges come for anyone. They come even to those we consider rich. No one is immune to financial hardship. It is important to remember to plan ahead and have a strategy in place for managing finances. Doing so can help to avoid future financial difficulty. As Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, once said: “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” Visit my website for more resources.
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