Learn To Do Without

Tired of living with financial stress?

Many people live without financial margin. Some have parents helping them out, others are just deep in debt. They drive nice cars, dress fashionably, carry new phones, eat out, and travel, but they’re stressed to the max with bills they cannot pay. My wife, Ann, and I were married in college. Our tiny apartment, in a dangerous part of town, was outfitted with greatly used furniture. Many people can’t imagine it. I sometimes wonder if they even believe we started out this way or if they think we’re just exaggerating like walking 5 miles to school in the snow. The fact is, we were truly content with very little. We studied, worked part-time, and had very few bills to pay. We rejoiced when people paid for our dinner or when invited to events where tickets were provided. We only had some cash, a checking account, and a very small savings account.

Today, many don’t know how to wait for what they want. Some never have had to, while others just refuse to wait. Easy credit makes it difficult to go without unless we’ve learned the secret of being content. When we say “No” to our wants today we can take care of our needs in the future. Making temporary sacrifices for long-term benefits is a practice that can be habit-forming. Baby steps eventually progress to achieving your major goals. Learn to be thankful for what you have right now. Put off wants and they may disappear altogether, or God may provide in some new way. Soon you’ll gain financial margin, and your stress will go down!

If you want help with your finances, check out Crown’s budget coaching program. It can put you on the road to financial freedom. Go to crown.org. Click on the Get Help Now tab. You can start today at crown.org.