Money, But No Margin: How to Create a Financial Gap – My MoneyLife with Chuck Bentley | June 6, 2018

Are you struggling to find financial margin? You’re not alone! A growing number of “middle-upper class” Americans report that their annual salaries of a hundred thousand dollars or more are barely enough to get by.

Hi, this is Chuck Bentley with My Money Life from Crown.

The monthly expenses for many families accounts for at least one hundred percent of their budget, leaving them no margin and lots of stress.

Many high income earners have an expensive standard of living. Student loans, car loans, medical debt, and retirement savings added on top of the expenses of raising children means a six-figure salary isn’t going to cut it.

Plus, there’s often a lack of financial planning: no budget, no mentors, no goals. Some have dug such deep holes that it will take years to recover.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income…”

That’s why you have to renew your mind with Truth.

Thanking God for what you have frees you from chasing after what the world says is more, bigger, better, faster, and newer; If you are grateful for what you have, whether a lot or a little, you can focus on allowing Him to spend you however He wants rather than spending your money however you want. That is the key to contentment.

Where can you start?

It starts in your heart. Define what is really important for all eternity, then make a plan to use your time and money to live to fulfill that purpose. Knowing your purpose will allow you to make wise spending choices.

Now, choose to live on less and make some bold changes. Record your spending and set up a budget.

You may need to move, sell some possessions or take on a roommate to help cover the cost of your rent or mortgage. Reduce your utility cost, carpool to work, and negotiate a lower payment for your insurance. Stop eating out. Stop using credit cards. Go to a cash only system. Your income is never as important as how you manage your income.

If you are overwhelmed and need encouragement, prayer or  ideas, go online to crown.org. Or call one of our kind and friendly staff members at 800-722-1976.