Financial Decisions
Something that has been facing our family over the past few weeks and will continue to be a “hot topic” with us is our finances. We’ve made certain decisions that have and will lead to certain other decisions which have certain consequences, and so on. (Being vague… a graduate degree, family vacations over the summer, working part-time, daycare, etc.). For us, when it comes to finances, we always look at the big picture. The big picture shows us where we really are and what we really have… therefore, we know what we can really afford.
If I, as the husband and father, had a compulsive spending habit or made rash and/or imprudent decisions with money, I would be taking away from the welfare of the family. If this happened, I’d be setting the precedent for my wife and children, telling them that overspending, quick-spending, unnecessary spending, etc. is acceptable. “If Daddy does it, it must be okay.” It’s an important role to play in the family, playing the role of the CFO. The way that I stay sane and “with it” on our finances is that I discuss all purchases, decisions, investments, savings and future plans with my wife. She and I make up a great team that balances the budget, spends wisely, never has a deficit and has a sizable surplus. We shop sales, use coupons and use techniques of bargaining to get the best prices possible. My next post will be about how to save money in big and little ways.
I know many people that have big-time struggles with their finances and honestly, I believe it comes down to one of three things. Either, they are 1. Ignorant about Money and don’t understand how it works for/against them or 2. they are lying to themselves about what they can afford or eventually pay off or possibly 3. They have an unhealthy idea of what life is about (vanity usually comes in play here). If you have struggles with money, make today the last day that you make bad choices. You hold the power. Get some financial help from a professional until you are capable of making good decisions on your own again. Make a budget, stick to the budget. Make a plan for the future, make it happen. Take charge of your life, don’t let money rule you.
One belief that I hold very strongly is the belief that “if you give, God will repay you many times over”. The idea of generosity is becoming so foreign to our culture – where most people in society are simply out for themselves. I strongly believe that if people were more generous with their spoils, God would be more generous with them and in the end, they’d have more spoils and overall, a happier, more fulfilling life (because of giving and being blessed, not because they have money or “stuff”). For us, we make serious decisions about who we donate to. In just about every case, it’s to a Catholic-based organization, parish or group. Want some ideas of who to donate to? Check out FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) out of Denver, CO, VirtueMedia out of Arizona, your local parish and/or your local diocese. If you’re feeling really generous and want to help pay for my master’s, I’d be delighted to accept it!
Man up!
