Being intentional with our money turns emergencies into inconveniences.
It’s not enough to pull in the reins and spend “only” what we make. Being intentional with our finances means spending less than we make and stashing the rest for the inevitable. It means sacrificing cable, lattes, and home fashions now in order to stay warm and be mobile when things go wrong.
It’s not always fun being so disciplined with our income. Saying no (or not now) to things we want and opportunities that come our way does bring satisfaction, though, when we’re able to pay cash for inconveniences.
-Read the full post over at Amy’s Finer Things
photo by onwheelz2
Katherine Liddle says
So true! Last month we had over $5000 of unexpected home repairs – one thing after another – and I was so thankful for the emergency fund we set up when we bought the house seven years ago. Instead of worrying how we were going to pay for it, we had a good laugh at ourselves because we didn’t know how to get the money out of the account!
Amy @ Finer Things says
@Katherine Liddle, Oh my goodness, how funny! Good for you for being prepared!
Robin Burns says
Ok. I am looking for ways to save money for our vacation. I have looked but had a lot of luck with unique ways. U know, I am sure there is something I am missing. I am putting change in a can, saving cans and turning them in. What else can I do??? Any suggestions?
Amy @ Finer Things says
@Robin Burns, Each financial situation and lifestyle is so unique. Do you use cash for your expenses? You could challenge yourself to a “no spend” month and put the savings in the vacation fund. Simply don’t spend on anything but basic necessities. Really evaluate what you NEED. Eat simple meals at home. Get your family on board to “sacrifice now in order to enjoy your vacation later.”
Stefani says
This is something I have been wanting our family to strive towards, being intentional with our money and using it to glorify God. Any sugestions when you’re spouse isn’t completely on board?
Audrie says
@Stefani,
Hi Stefani,
I was in that situation when my spouse and I first got married. I just held my ground, played my part and led by example. I’ve always kept a strict budget, so he was amazed at the money we saved after a year when I showed him how much it would cost us if I matched him on his bad habits. It took some time for him to get used to, but he’s now full on board with me. Were paying for his business school, cars, and all other expenses completely out of pocket. We’ve never had loans and we’re doing okay!
Amy @ Finer Things says
@Stefani, Fortunately for me, my husband is on board big time. If he wasn’t, I would maybe try to just “control what I can control.” Offer more meals at home, make it fun to stay home for date nights, etc. Possibly set up a “goals” sheet with your husband to track savings for something special? Be sure to reward yourselves for your hard work with an occasional splurge. 😉
Melodie says
“The prudent foreseeth evil and hideth himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3. It’s common sense 101. Putting it to practice is the rub. It’s hard to skip tickling your fancy in favor of responsibility. Really, it takes courage to be different in a social and fashion conscious world. But it helps to bolster your thinking with reminders that the difference is as plain as prudence versus simple mindedness.
Amy @ Finer Things says
@Melodie, “Putting it to practice is the rub.” So, so true!
Bren says
I agree, it’s VERY difficult sometimes to see everyone else go and have fun and just charge it on the credit card. We do not own a credit card and live off what we make. This year alone we had over $6,500 in medical expenses alone and because we sacrifice every month we are able to pay health care cost. We are blessed to say my husband got a new job that offers excellent health benifits at a very low cost that starts Feb. 1st this year, so the days of paying out of cost health care premiums are looking very bright!
It has been hard with medical problems, but we said “no” to so many things in order to be healthy and able to go to the doctor.
Amy says
@Bren, During the years that we have our babies and have more medical expenses, our accountant is always shocked at what we pay. But when we plan for it, it’s not as big a deal.