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Post by keflavik on Jul 8, 2008 17:31:51 GMT -5
This is a follow up or continuation to the question I posed a while back on how we make ends meet and save money.
Once you have saved the money, what do you do with it? Where does it go? We can't take it with us when we die so, what are your plans for that money? Do you stash it under your mattress? Are you getting out of debt? Maybe making double payments on your car or house? Creating a "nest egg" for retirement? Upgrading you lifestyle? Buying gas?! Pledging to missionaries? Saving for a vacation? What do we do with the money we save?
I ask this because people often say they can't "afford" more children but still own a 15 foot boat. Or, they wear the most expensive clothes and eat out all the time. They have very little invested in retirement funds or college funds. I just don't understand what other people spend their money on other than paying the household bills (electric, phone, water, gas, etc.) Maybe I'm just dumb and live too far under my rock but, to me, God has always and will always meet the needs of His people.
So, again, where does this "extra", "saved" money go?
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Post by pursuer on Jul 8, 2008 18:15:17 GMT -5
When we eventually get to the point of having "extra," then I know it will go between two things: retirement and ministry. Obviously, we would still have money set aside for emergencies, etc. but those would be the two big things to put money towards.
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tbhas6
Senior Member
Posts: 1,146
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Post by tbhas6 on Jul 9, 2008 0:19:03 GMT -5
Keflavik,
Why do you temp me with these kinds of topics when you know this is a passion of mine ? ...
What does one do with saved money? In my imaginary perfect world everyone should do the following in order ...
1. Tithes and offerings (missions, outreach ministries, non-profits, etc.) - one should already be doing this, but I meet many who claim they can't afford to tithe or give offerings. 2. Pay off debt - credit cards, bank loans, auto loans, student loans,etc. 3. Build up an emergency fund containing 6-12 months living expenses (I personally prefer the 12mo. plan). This allows one the same lifestyle in the event of job layoff(s), an unexpected death in the family or just a desire to change jobs. 4. Begin retirement savings. 5. Increase (depending on income maybe even double or triple) mortgage payments. If renting, begin saving for purchase of a home. 6. Begin saving for children's education expenses. 7. Begin saving for a special luxury such as a vacation. OR even better, organize and contribute to a fund that blesses a young widow(er) or single parent with the financial ability to be a stay at home parent. (note: #6 & #7 are interchangeable depending on one's personal beliefs.)
Money. We can't take it with us. However, if we learn to manage it and not allow it to manage us, it will sure make our time and the time of loved ones here more comfortable. I constantly hear Christians comment that they don't need to save and plan because we are living in the end times and the Lord is going to soon rapture them away from all their debt problems.
Realistically, no one but the Father knows the hour or the minute of the rapture. It could occur before we all wake tomorrow, or it could be another 100 or more years. My husband's grandmother's generation was certain it was going to happen at any moment after 1948 when Israel was re-established as a state. The Bible tells Christians to watch and be prepared for the rapture is coming soon (and there are many signs to cause us to expect it soon) . History tells Christians to watch and be prepared for the rapture is coming soon AND prepare for a possible long life while we wait. My husband's Granny did the later and followed the above steps. As a result, she lived a comfortable lifestyle up to the age of 94 with the excited expectation of seeing our Lord arrive in all His glory.
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Post by keflavik on Jul 9, 2008 9:58:59 GMT -5
Because I like to see you rattle on! Hee Hee! :-) Mostly because I like to get people thinking about what they are doing or should be doing or not doing. Some people never get exposed to positive roll models and/or quesitons or topics. And that is what this board is all about, isn't it? To teach and learn?
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tbhas6
Senior Member
Posts: 1,146
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Post by tbhas6 on Jul 9, 2008 11:37:46 GMT -5
Keflavik, I LOVE your sense of humor!!! tb
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