Take a Look at Your Finances

Audio By Carbonatix

I’m not really known as a “finance guy,” but I actually have a degree in accounting and was the financial director of a hospital before I returned to school to pursue a degree in ministry. I mention that because I want to highlight just how important it is for your family life that you make financially sound decisions. 

I know that we live in a consumerist culture, and I understand that many people feel the pressure to keep up with their neighbors or friends when it comes to the house they live in or the car they drive or the vacations they take. But I want to advise everybody to live within your means. It won’t be as exciting…at first. But when you do, you will notice that your level of stress around finances will begin to fade. 

If you drive a car that’s a bit older, you may have to deal with some odd squeals or squeaks or clunks, and you might have to top off the oil every now and then due to a small leak or an engine that burns oil. But compared to a $1,000 per month car payment that feels like an anchor around your neck, it will genuinely be an improvement. 

I know that phones can be an area of financial recklessness too. I’m not talking about the device itself (although if upgrading phones all of the time is putting a financial strain on you, it would be wise to take a look at that); I’m talking about how they make it so easy to spend more money. Shopping and gambling apps are the first two that come to mind, but I know that microtransactions in games is also a factor for many people. 

I’m not trying to beat anybody up by bringing up the topic of finances, I’m mentioning it because I know it’s an area that can have a truly outsized impact on stress levels, peace of mind, and freedom to explore options. When you’re living beyond your means, stress is high, peace of mind is decreased, and options are much more limited. But when you’re living within your means, financial stress is decreased, peace of mind is more possible, and options are much more available to you. You can consider things like working a bit less so that you can be there for family events, or even switching jobs to find something less stressful. Basically, living within your means leaves more options available to you, because you will be less dependent on the next paycheck being the exact amount you need and getting deposited on the exact day that you need it. 

I fully understand that not everybody dealing with tight finances is in that position because of a spending problem. Things are more expensive these days, and I know that other people’s decisions (a partner spending in secret, or a divorce or breakup with a child’s parent) and situations outside of our control (downsizing, a company closing, or a bad job market) can have huge impacts on our financial health. 

At the end of the day, there is only so much that we have direct control over. But when we start working to clean up the areas that we truly do have the ability to clean up, it can make a big difference. And the impact will be felt in our mental and emotional health, as well as in our family health and stability. I know taking control of finances isn’t fun or exciting, but I truly believe it is worth it!