If you can faithfully do these four things over a long period of time, you will have done your part to put yourself in a good financial position:
- Take on no personal debt (other than a reasonable home mortgage). This includes paying cash for vehicles and paying off any credit cards you use every month.
- Establish and maintain a large (six months income) emergency fund in an online savings account.
- Save 15% of your gross (before any deductions) income into long-term accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, etc.).
- Maintain adequate life insurance and keep your estate plan reviewed and up-to-date.
As you work to steward your personal finances well, remember your ability to work is not only to meet your financial needs and goals, but also so that you are ready, able and willing to help others:
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
“In all things I {Paul} have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
Finally, above all else, remember to put your hope in Jesus not in your financial plan!
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” – Jesus
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