UNEMPLOYED? How You Can Live on Less

Something More Important Than Income

What is more important-your moral character or your income?  Consider two  Bible proverbs. 

"Better is the one of little means who is walking in his integrity than anyone crooked in his ways, although he is rich." -Proverbs 28:6. 

"Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it." -Proverbs 15:17. 

Clearly a person's moral integrity and worth are not diminished by a loss of income. Thus, when Renee's husband lost his job, she said to her children:  "Many fathers have walked out on their families.  But your father is still here for you. You know how much he loves you and has helped you through all your problems. You couldn't have a better father!"  

How To Live On Less

LIVING on less requires careful planning. Jesus emphasized the need for this.  He asked: "Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?"  (Luke 14:28, 29)  Applying that principle, you can "calculate the expense" of living within your means if you create a budget. How does it work?  Try this:  

When you bring home your earnings, designate specific amounts to be put in separate categories to care for present or future expenses.   When your expenses are organized, you can see where your money is going and how much is being spent on non-essentials.  That  in turn, will help you determine where you can cut back.  

To develop a budget that works for you, put into practice the following suggestions. 

Next time: UNEMPLOYED?  How You Can Live on Less - Shop Wisely

From the Awake! magazine