GMR 158: Staying on Track in Difficult Seasons

Show NotesStaying on Track in Difficult SeasonsGet honest with yourselfHow committed are you to your financial health?Is your long term financial well being more important to you than you satisfying your immediate gratification?Are you engaged in a blame game? It’s not my fault!Financial health is about personal responsibility.It’s up to you. You are the benefactor or the casualty of your decisions.Determine that no matter what comes your way it is your responsibility and no one else’s to manage your money well.If you find yourself making excuses, “I’m doing my best” realize that you’re only giving yourself the license to continue making bad decisions.3 things to do ahead of time to prepare for life challengesSystematize your money managementUse a zero-based budgetAutomate bills and regular expensesBuild an emergency fund.1-3 months of bare-bones (survival) budget. Grow to 6 months after paying off consumer debt.Build your community / rely on your communityMoney is a big deal and your finances can change very quickly. It’s important to be connected to a support group that will provide financial wisdom in times of crisis. These are non-family members that will tell you the truth, and give you unbiased advice.Friends and familyListen to GMR Podcasts or other financial experts for encouragement and to reinforce the basics.Don’t be afraid to ask for support from your community, but also set a short-time line of when you think you’ll be back on track, make a plan to get back on track.In the midst of loss:Be self-awareTake time to grieveTake the appropriate steps to get healed (physically, emotionally, mentally)Don’t make any big financial decisionsKnow that things will get better. It may not feel like it, but this will pass, just like other seasons have come and gone, so will this one.ResourcesBudgeting tools and other free resources - https://leosabo.com/resourcesDavid’s website - www.stewardshippastors.com