Financial Foundation Builders

To initiate a plan to get of debt you should begin a Debt Hit list which details your debt, interest rates, monthly payments and goals to pay them off. This tool will help you put a plan into motion to get out of debt. First you must make a commitment to NO NEW DEBT! Maybe you switch to a debit card or begin a cash envelope management system. Most peoFple cannot even save for major expenses to come--so it is important to plan ahead for the next 18 months. Use the Big Buy list to begin that process. Always ask these questions before a major purchase:

Is it on our Big Buy List?
Should I discuss this purchase with the rest of my family? (set a dollar amount that requires family approval prior to purchase. We use $50)
Can we afford it?
Can it wait until later? How long can we delay this purchase?
Can we buy it used?
Have I priced it multiple times and places to know what a great price is?
Have I waited 60 days once I get the DESIRE to buy it?
What will I have to give up as result of this purchase?
Will I really get my money's worth out of this?
How will it impact my goals I have set to get out of debt, spouse stay home, kids, etc....
Do we need it NOW?
Is it on sale?
Is it a want or need?
Have I prayed about it?
Is this impact my giving priorities/commitments?

I use the D.E.B.T. test before I charge it:
D = Is it a Desire or Need
E = What is the Eternal value
B = Is it Budgeted?
T = Is the Timing right?

The best way to move towards having money available for Big Ticket Items or Future expenses is to set-up the dreaded BUDGET. Time to go to war on your DEBT and be a combatant!

"The materialism of our culture is the dominant issue, and the church has not combated materialism, with its own set of values,"

- Wes Willmer