Budgeting

Although money is an important part of life we spend on average just 5 minutes a week reviewing our finances. A bank statement closes the stable door after the horse has bolted and many are too anxious about money even to open the envelope. We need to be in control of our money or money begins to control us.

It is not easy! Advertising tells us what we really want, we see others getting these things and easy credit takes the waiting out of wanting. It is a powerful combination. No wonder Jesus said that mammon can be a master which makes demanding claims on our lives.

The tool that does the job of taking control is a budget. It takes time to get started but our personal budget resources will help create a realistic and an accurate budget. Once a budget is made staying in control of money is not a big job. A recent study suggested that spending just 15 minutes a week planning and reviewing finances could save us literally hundreds, even thousands of pounds as well as reducing our anxiety around money.

Stewardship offers a special workshop: Being Moneywise. This practical and interactive introduction to managing money and budgeting can be run as a half day, full day or over two or three evening sessions.