Articles
We Can Do It!
The church does many good works that need and deserve our support. Perhaps you’ve been thinking, “I wish I could give more!” If so, would any of the following time-tested strategies possibly help you do just that?
●Eat out less.
●When eating out, order water instead of tea or Coke.
●If a restaurant serves large portions, why not split a meal with your dining companion? You save cash and calories at the same time!
●Never throw away good food. “When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost’” (John 6:12). Jesus approved of leftovers! And it’s good when children learn not to put more on their plate than they can eat. Same for grownups!
●Shop the sales. Use coupons. Hunt the bargains.
●Avoid impulse buying. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”
●Buy clothing at garage sales and resale shops.
●Buying a good used car saves a bundle. A new car depreciates dramatically immediately after purchase.
●Sell unwanted items cluttering up your attic, garage, closets, and drawers.
●How we love our A/C! But could we possibly survive at a slightly higher setting on the thermostat? Fans help!
●Use credit cards responsibly and pay off the balance each month. Making minimum payments means paying a lot more in interest.
These suggestions aren’t original. No doubt you can think of other ways. Be creative! Many thrifty spenders make game of it. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in being debt-free, being able to give more, and teaching your children to do the same.
God loves good stewards and cheerful givers (Matt. 25:19-21; 2 Cor. 9:7). Being frugal makes both possible.
