Several years ago there was a television commercial advertising a particular hamburger food chain where an elderly woman, sandwich in hand, posed the poignant question, “Where’s the beef?” She was unashamedly implying that the competition offered a product with less beef than the other. If you’re like me when I pay for a product and I turn loose my money I want to smile when I do. I certainly want to get my money’s worth. To be sure, the present economic downturn has impacted everyone and that includes many singles. The adage “two can eat as cheaply as one” just isn’t so. When it’s time to pay the bills many people are asking, “Where’s the money.” At the end of the day for the vast majority, there seems to be too many “bills” and not enough “money.” What are some ways that we can not only survive the economic storm but thrive in spite of it?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Don’t forget to put “first things first.”
It’s true the first determines the rest. Make sure your priorities are in order. It is important to give God the first of your day, the first of your week, the first of your month, the first of your year, the first of your paycheck, the first of your bonuses, the first of your time. The first determines the rest. When you tithe your time, your talent and your treasures there will always be a “harvest” at the end of your seed. Everything begins with a seed and there is a seed that changes everything. When you are serious about thriving and not just surviving do not fail to be a giver. Matthew 6:33 is clear when we are instructed to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness….” There is a promise at the end of that challenge and it is that “all these things” (whatever it is we need) will be added to us. It’s a lifetime guarantee.
2. Get out of debt.
All right. I heard what you just said. No, really, if you are in debt you need to decide today you are coming out of it. That requires taking some major steps and making a commitment to it that will not be moved my the whims of immediate gratification. I remember at one time in my life when I felt a little down I would go shopping. Now that’s not all that unusual. A lot of people do the same thing. However, I didn’t just go shopping for a dress or some chocolates. I would go for sound equipment, keyboards, etc. I was an absolute pro at saying, “Charge.” Those kinds of purchases were unsustainable on the income I was making at the time, so debt and more debt became my constant companions. Today I have an allergic reaction to that word. It is one of the most important decisions I have ever made when I made up my mind debt was not my friend and I was severing our ties. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time. Frankly, we didn’t get in debt overnight (well, I guess some people do) and we probably won’t get out overnight. Nonetheless, it is achievable. Go for it.
3. Learn to budget.
Nobody really likes that word but actually it can be liberating. Add up your bills. Compare that to what you make? Make the proper adjustments to live within your means. Two things are important here. One, learn to economize. It won’t kill you even though you think it will. You don’t have to act like a martyr while you’re making the necessary cutbacks. You can actually budget in some “fun” things along the way. Hey, coupons can be cool. Early bird specials at restaurants of your choice are just as good. Take your lunch to work. Eat with some friends at the park during your lunch break. When you shop take a list and don’t impulse buy. Secondly, develop multiple income streams. It’s not only beneficial but it can be fun. If you’re good at art, paint or draw and then sell your work. Start an ebay business. Take that money and apply it to your debt and watch that mountain begin to turn into a molehill.
We’ll stop there for now. This is a start and I hope it will be a help. What are your thoughts about money? What are some of your suggestions for your single friends on getting out of debt and finding the money to do so? Thanks for stopping by “Solo.” Looking forward to hearing from you.
