Have You Made Saving A Top Priority?

Walking In God’s Favor: Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it. Proverbs 21:20 GNT

Learned To Be Proactive, Do What Matters Now

Many of you only dream of saving money.  Here’s a quick  snapshot of America’s finances.  The Wall Street Journal indicates that 70%  of all Americans  live from paycheck to paycheck. The  Oprah Winfrey Show indicated in an online survey that 70% of responders had no savings anywhere.  You almost have to pull a gun on Americans to get them to save.

What we have learned from this pandemic, is get prepared for the next one. In Level II Stewardship you must make preparing for the storms of life a top priority. Have a plan in place so you are not caught off guard.

Remember, King Solomon the wisest man who ever walked this planet said in Proverbs 21:20, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”

The Key Is To Prioritize What Is Important To You

Ardella and I have learned in Financial Peace University (3) key reasons to save money; for emergencies, for purchases and to build wealth. Working in the risk management and academic arena for over 20 years, we label emergencies in 5 categories which we call the 5 storms of life or the 5D’s.

1Disasters – Pandemics, car accidents, weather related perils, any unexpected incidents.

2Disability – Any physical condition that prevents your daily living activities.

3Downsized – Loss of employment, bankruptcy, or divorce.

4Death – The loss of a  person who contributes to your financial well being.

5Deployment- Active & reserve military called to serve 6 or more months away.

Remember, Noah built the Ark before it had ever rained. When disasters strike, the time to prepare is gone. You must be proactive in preparing for the storms of life.

May Your Choices Reflect Your Hopes, Dreams, and Life Purpose

If you want to become a Level III  Steward you must choose to make saving a top priority. Moving from Level II Stewardship to a Level III Stewardship requires dedication, discipline and diligence. Living the life of surplus and overflow takes wisdom.

Many of you have struggled so long in your financial lives you get comfortable with a life of stability.  Now is not the time to rest, keep moving. There is so much God has for you to learn, experience and become. You must choose to make saving a top priority.  The choice is up to you.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord, help us to save.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host for the Better Husband Father Man Podcast  a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is the moderator for the AIIA 2020 Virtual Conference and he is the financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency . Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate  about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.