The H Group
BY: HONA AMER BY: HONA AMER
W
hen we get money, our natural inclination is to spend it. The old expression, “your money is burning a hole in your pocket” indicates that once we get the money, we want to spend it on the latest electronics, trends and fashions. However, if you don’t learn how to handle your finances, money will not just burn a hole in your pocket, it might “burn holes” in your relationships with your friends, parents and future spouse. In our culture of here-and-now, it is easy to forget that the way you handle money today is preparing you for tomorrow.
18 ONCOURSE MAGAZINE | oncourse.ag.org
USE YOUR MONEY WISELY. Part of the process of using your money wisely is creating a budget. Before you cringe, a budget is not a straightjacket; it simply tells your money what to do and relieves the stress of the unknown. A budget will help you save, spend and give. It is important to save part of your money; don’t spend everything you make. Spend your money on things you need first. When your necessities are met, you can feel free to give to a mission project at your church or sponsor a child on the other side of the world. Giving is a way to sow into something of eternal significance. Since God has entrusted us with financial resources, regardless of the amount, we have the opportunity to honor God by being good stewards of our finances.
LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. It’s easy to lose track of spending. You can buy a $4 latte, a $20 shirt and a $16 lunch in one afternoon. Spending $40 or $50 in just one day is easy. Then, when you need to buy gas and insurance for your car, all of your money is gone. In those moments, it can seem easy to resort to credit cards or to ask your parents for more money. However, if you live within your income, you are only going to spend, save and give up to the amount of income you have instead of resorting to credit cards to make up the difference. One of the best ways to stay debt-free is to not get into debt in the first place.
AVOID FINANCIAL STRESS. People get stressed when they know they don’t
have enough money to meet their needs or when they are unaware of their financial status. Money is often a struggle for students and their parents. Fights and financial stress stem from not having money or using it unwisely, causing a strain in the student-parent relationship. In order to make more money, you might work more or get a second job. However, there must be a balance between work, school and social time. If not addressed early in life, the lack of responsible handling of your money and work will put additional stress and strain on your future marriage. On the other hand, when you work hard, budget and live within your means, you can prioritize the relationships in your life. This both honors God and blesses you, your family and friends. Ultimately, the decisions you are making today will affect you, your family and the way you handle money in the future. Money or the lack of money does not have to control your life. Learning to be responsible with your finances is part of growing up. Hona Amer is the author of Smart Work U, the owner of The H Group creative marketing company and an adjunct professor at Evangel University and Central Bible College. For more information about Smart Work U, visit SmartWorkU. com.