Finding Time for Finances

God provides for us in so many ways, such as giving us health, strength, and the ability to work and earn money. The money we earn belongs to God, and He has entrusted us with it. For example, in the Book of Psalms 24:1, it reads, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Also, Haggai 2:8 states, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine saith the LORD of hosts.” According to Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, “the appeal of money is strong and pervasive; and we must not be controlled by it.” Even though money is a resource that plays a vital role in our everyday lives, we must manage it well, and ensure that it is maximized in ways that bring glory and honor to God.

Have you ever wondered at the end of the day where the time went, or after receiving your paycheck, where did the money go? It would seem as both time and money work hand in hand. Yes, they do, and prioritizing time to plan your finances is essential. Having a good grip on your finances helps you make more informed and smart decisions. More importantly, God wants us to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. 

God’s word reminds us that time is valuable in every aspect of our life, and it has a purpose:

To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to search and a time to give up; a time to keep and a time to cast away; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) 

Taking time to create a budget to help you successfully manage your money is a valuable and essential way to track your expenditures and income. There are times when we are faced with unforeseen situations that put our finances in a tailspin, and we are left worrying. However, our heavenly Father does not want us to worry or fear over our future. Too often, the lack of money or financial security finds us doing precisely that, worrying. Nevertheless, there is good news in the word of God: Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

In my line of work, the fiscal team must have weekly meetings to discuss the finances of the organization and meetings every other month with the Board of Directors. Similarly, a weekly review of your finances is necessary to see how you are maintaining your actual spending against what you budgeted. How are you paying your bills? Are you making on-time payments to avoid late payment fees? Here is what you can do to stay on top of your bills.

• Open your bills immediately (e.g., online or regular mail).
• Organize your bills by setting up folders in your email (e.g., Bills to Pay and Bills Paid).
• Put your bills in the same place if not paying online (e.g., envelope, folder, or stick them on your refrigerator).
• Create separate accounts for bills and discretionary funds.
• Select a method of payment (e.g., automatic or direct debit, checks, money order, online bank transfers, or sign up for online bill pay, etc.).
• Reminder Apps or Sites (reminds you when a bill is about to be late and alerts when your bank account gets low).

The mindset to have when discussing finances to avoid fights:

• Do not make general statements (e.g., You spend too much money on electronics! or You are always buying shoes!).
• Consult with a financial advisor together (Do not make major financial decisions alone, keep each other abreast of financial situations that may arise).
•  If you are married, remember, your spouse is not your enemy (do not treat your finances as a war zone). 

Helpful Resources

1. Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, The 33 Laws of Stewardship: Principles for a Life of True Fulfillment, Camarillo, 2003.

2. Emilie Burke, Blog: “Manage Your Time and Master Your Money,” Blogging for Change, Money Management International, Posted: January 15, 2018, www.moneymanagement.org

3. Michael Lewis, “How to Pay your Bills,” WikiHow, January 31, 2020, 

https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Your-Bills

4. David Bach, Start Late, Finish Rich: A No-fail Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom at Any Age. Currency; Reprint edition, January 2, 2006.