Giving and Stewardship

Enough

To Discovering Joy Through
Simplicity and Generosity

Pay your tithe and offering first.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Create a budget and track your expenses.
(Proverbs 27:23-24)
Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means).
(Matthew 6:19-33)
Establish an emergency fund.
(1 Timothy 6:9-12)
Pay off your credit cards, use cash/debit cards for purchases,
and use credit wisely.
(Proverbs 22:7)
Practice long-term savings and investing habits.
(Luke 14:28)

From Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton

Set a goal to reduce your consumption, and choose to live below your means. Many people are, in fact, embracing the idea of voluntary simplicity, choosing to take a step down in their lifestyle rather than constantly push upward to “Keep up with the Jones’s.” Simplicity says less is more, and we do not need as much clutter in our lives.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself “Do I really need this?” and “Why do I want this?” Is it a need, a self-esteem issue, or something else? You may find yourself wrestling with your true motive and decide that your reason for purchasing the item is not a good one.
Use something up before buying something new. Take good care of your furniture, appliances, and other things around the house. Buy things that are made to last, and when buying things that have a short lifespan, spend your money wisely.
Ask yourself, “Are there major changes that would allow me to simplify my life?” Some of us are living beyond our means, and the stress is killing us! We have in our minds that we can’t possibly sell the house or the car.

Planning Tools:
Budget Worksheet
Financial Goals