In Ephesians 6, we are given instruction through divine illustration how to successfully stand up against the devil. It describes putting on God's complete armor with the belt of truth, breastplate of integrity, shodding our feet with the Gospel of peace, lifting up the shield of faith, taking the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Word of God.
In that same mindset of preparation and application, I want to take you through some tools we've covered previously... tangible steps you have available in your "tool box" to help you save money, reduce unnecessary expenses and pay down your debts, which will assist you in becoming debt-free.
Bring coffee, lunch or drinks with you instead of purchasing from vending machines, convenience stores and restaurants
Groceries: read the sales ads and coupons, buy generic brands and in bulk, shop with a list and stick to it
Check out these shopping apps to save: Checkout 51, iBotta, Coupons.com, Walmart Savings Catcher
Use dining coupons, Groupons and Entertainment books along with signing up on restaurant websites and loyalty clubs
Use an app like GasBuddy to instantly show you the best gas prices nearby
Check out Craiglist and other sites for enormous savings on pre-owned items
Shop for used cars (research for reliable models) instead of buying new or leasing
Track credit card spending in real-time online, before your monthly bill arrives
Reduce premium TV, internet, phone plans
Use your library for entertainment options (movies, books, magazines, CD's)
Set reasonable limits for gifts
Research the savings of raising insurance deductibles for home, auto and medical
Buy end of season items, like Holiday cards & decor, outdoor & lawn items, winter/summer clothing and sports gear
And spiritually there are multitudes of "tools" we can employ to help us with our finances, here are the best ones I suggest for you:
Begin with faithfulness in giving tithes and offerings, including opportunities to bless others, as the Lord promises to meet the needs of those who do so
Stay close in reading and meditating on God's Word. This will help you in overcoming temptation to overspend, being patient and content, and by knowing His voice which will help lead us in making wise choices financially
Work as unto the Lord, it is glory unto Him to do so and it will make you a valuable employee, which in return will bless you
Talk to God in your time with Him about your finances, including any shortcomings with spending and ask Him to provide wisdom
Lean on the Holy Spirit when a sizable purchase decision is before you, He is available 24/7 wherever you are to lead you by His peace, to wait, and be confident in the decision made
There are many options to use the tangible tools first mentioned above, however there is no substitute for the spiritual tools mentioned afterward - especially staying close to reading and meditating on God's Word, because it is The Truth. If this area has been lacking, I encourage you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34)
Lastly, be strengthened to know you are absolutely not alone in pursuing victory in your finances - "For the Lord your God is He Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you" (Deuteronomy 20:4)
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
