Today on MoneyLife with Chuck Bentley

Many of you have written to say you're having a hard time getting to the end of the month. Many people spend more than they earn and don’t even realize the hole they’re digging for themselves.

I want to talk today to those of you who are feeling financial stress and pressure. I want to give you practical ways to make a positive change.

By doing things God’s way and with His help, any financial situation can turn around. You can stop struggling week-to-week and month-to-month, and start saving. You can begin to prepare for the future and retirement. (For more advice on retirement, don't miss yesterday's MoneyLife program with Ron Blue.)

The motivation behind creating the Crown Money Map was to give people an easy-to-follow plan that always provides direction as to what to do next. First, you must understand why you need to make some changes. Then, you have to set priorities, establish a plan, and follow through with it. No matter how big your financial problems are, you can turn your finances around.

What’s the reason you need to turn your finances around, the reason driving you to make changes? You won’t stick with a new plan unless you understand why you’re doing it. This involves bringing clarity to your life purpose.

You'll need to establish priorities and look at offensive and defensive steps you could take. You may need to focus on how you’re fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Make a plan and find a partner you can meet with regularly for accountability.

• See article WSJ article on tracking daily spending, comparing to take home pay
• Download a free copy of Crown's spending plan (in pdf)
• See Crown's Money Map Financial Software and Crown Mvelopes^®

It is vital that you turn your finances over to God and pray. That’s what differentiates us from the world. You can turn your finances around, because God wants you to be free!

Steps to Making a Budget

In making a budget, there are several steps, each requiring individual effort.
.

• Read More

Need for a Spending Plan

Without a spending plan, it is impossible to know where your money goes each month and whether you will have available funds for the things you need.

• Read More

Budget Busters

Budget busters are areas that can result in financial disaster if not accounted for properly.

• Read More

Finding Financial Freedom

The Lord owns everything and we are merely stewards of what is His. He has clear ideas on how He wants His people to function as His stewards.

• Read More

Other Resources:

• ABCs of Money Package
• Career Direct
• God's Principles for Operating a Business
• Business By the Book
• Crown Mvelopes