What to Do When You Feel Stressed About Finances: Finding Peace Through Faith

Financial stress can feel overwhelming. It might keep you awake at night, dominate your thoughts during the day, and leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. As followers of Christ, we are not immune to these challenges, but we have a unique source of hope and guidance: God’s Word.

When you’re feeling stressed about finances, here’s a biblical approach to finding peace and practical solutions.

1. Bring Your Worries to God in Prayer

The first and most important step is to turn to God. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When financial stress begins to weigh you down, take time to pray. Be honest with God about your fears, frustrations, and needs. Trust that He hears you and desires to give you peace, even in uncertain times.

2. Trust in God’s Provision

It’s easy to feel like financial problems are entirely on our shoulders to solve, but the Bible reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. Matthew 6:26-27 says,
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

This doesn’t mean we should ignore our financial responsibilities, but it reminds us to trust that God is faithful and knows our needs.

3. Seek Wisdom and Clarity

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Begin by seeking God’s wisdom. Spend time in His Word and reflect on verses about stewardship and provision. Then, take practical steps to understand your financial situation:

• Write down your income, expenses, and debts.

• Evaluate where you might need to cut back or make changes.

• Set clear financial goals that honor God and reflect His priorities.

4. Be a Faithful Steward

Everything we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us,
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

As stewards of His resources, we are called to manage them wisely. This includes creating a budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and saving for the future. Start with small, consistent actions to bring your finances under control.

5. Practice Generosity, Even in Stress

When money is tight, giving might feel impossible. But the Bible encourages us to trust God with our resources, even in difficult times. Malachi 3:10 says,
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Generosity shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. It’s a reminder that God is in control, and it invites Him to work in miraculous ways.

Finding Peace Amid Financial Stress

Financial stress is real, but so is the peace and provision of our Heavenly Father. By turning to God, seeking wisdom, and taking faithful steps, you can navigate financial challenges with hope and confidence.

God is with you in this journey, and His grace is more than enough to sustain you.

If you’re feeling stuck and need practical tools to manage your finances, check out our free resources and guides to help you budget, save, and give with confidence. Let’s walk this journey together!

5 Ways to Cultivate a Generous Mindset

In a world that often emphasizes accumulation and self-interest, choosing to cultivate a generous mindset can be a transformative act. Generosity is not just about giving money—it's a way of life that can enrich both the giver and the recipient. Whether you’re just starting your journey towards financial freedom or you’re already well on your way, here are five ways to develop a generous mindset that will positively impact your finances and your life.

1. Practice Gratitude: The Foundation of Generosity

Generosity begins with a sense of gratitude. When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, it’s easier to recognize opportunities to give to others. Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance, making you more inclined to share your resources, whether they be time, money, or talents.

One simple way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. Over time, you’ll notice that your perspective shifts, and you’ll find more joy in giving.

2. Start Small: Generosity Begins with Small Acts

Generosity isn’t measured by the size of the gift, but by the intention behind it. You don’t need to make large donations or grand gestures to make a difference. Small acts of kindness, like buying a coffee for a friend or donating to a local charity, can have a significant impact.

Start with what you have. If you can’t give financially, consider donating your time or skills. The important thing is to cultivate the habit of giving regularly, no matter the size.

3. Set Giving Goals: Intentionality in Generosity

Just as you set financial goals for saving or investing, it’s important to set goals for giving. By setting specific, measurable goals, you can make generosity a consistent and intentional part of your life.

Think about the causes you care about and set a giving goal that aligns with your values. Whether it’s a percentage of your income or a specific dollar amount, having a goal helps you stay committed to making generosity a priority.

4. Surround Yourself with Generous People: The Power of a Generous Community

The people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your mindset and behavior. Being part of a community that values generosity can inspire and motivate you to give more.

When you’re surrounded by generous people, you’ll find that generosity becomes contagious, leading to a greater collective impact.

5. Reflect on the Impact of Giving: See the Fruits of Your Generosity

Finally, take time to reflect on how your generosity has impacted others and yourself. Reflecting on the positive outcomes of your giving can reinforce your commitment to living generously and help you see the difference you’re making in the world.

Ask yourself questions like:

• How has giving changed my perspective on money and wealth?

• What impact has my giving had on those I’ve helped?

• How has generosity enriched my life?

By reflecting on these questions, you’ll deepen your understanding of the value of generosity and be more motivated to continue giving.
You can make generosity a core part of your financial journey, it just starts with one step.

Generosity in Your Budget: How to Allocate Funds for Giving

Let me ask you this question: ‘Does your budget include an area for giving?’

As you work towards your plans, hopes, and dreams, personal finance isn’t just about building your own personal wealth but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Prioritizing Generosity in Your Budget

An organized budget is key to managing your finances effectively. Create a dedicated category for giving, making it a central part of your budget. This way, you ensure that each month money is allocated for generosity!

Strategies for Allocating Funds for Giving

• Percentage-Based Giving: Consider a percentage-based approach to your giving. Many choose to give a certain percentage of their income, such as the traditional 10% tithe. This method allows your giving to grow as your income does.

• Giving by Priority: Outside of regular tithing, prioritize your giving based on the causes and organizations that resonate most with you. By directing your resources where they matter most, you ensure your generosity has the greatest positive effect.

• Monthly Giving Plans: Consider setting up a monthly giving plan. This approach automates your contributions, ensuring that your generosity isn't subject to sporadic or impulsive decisions. Monthly giving keeps your commitment to your generosity budget on track.

Incorporating generosity into your budget is not just about financial management; it's about making a meaningful difference in the world. Start implementing these strategies today and experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from integrating generosity into your budget. Your financial well-being and the lives of those you touch will be all the richer for it.

Creating An Attitude Of Gratitude

In the pursuit of a fully funded life, we often focus on budgeting, saving, debt elimination, and investing. While these are crucial steps, there's another, often underestimated, factor that can significantly impact your financial journey: gratitude. A grateful mindset can transform the way you approach personal finances!

Improved Financial Perspective

Gratitude has the power to shift your perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance! When you take a moment to appreciate the things you have, you become less focused on what you lack. This shift in mindset can lead to better financial decisions.

Consider this: A mindset of abundance helps you see opportunities rather than limitations. It encourages you to make choices that align with your financial goals. When you're not fixated on what you lack, you're less likely to make impulsive or unnecessary purchases. This, in turn, can help you save more and spend wisely.

Mindful Spending and Saving

Gratitude is closely related to mindfulness. When you practice gratitude, you become more aware of the present moment and the positive aspects of your life. This heightened awareness extends to your financial choices.

With gratitude, you are more likely to approach spending and saving with intention. You'll consider whether a purchase truly aligns with your plans, hopes, and dreams. This mindful approach to personal finance helps you allocate your resources wisely and avoid impulsive spending. Over time, these small, mindful choices create strong financial habits, leading to responsible budgeting and better financial outcomes.

Gratitude as a Motivational Tool

Debt elimination and wealth building often require ongoing effort and discipline. This is where gratitude can be a powerful motivational tool. By practicing gratitude, you can stay motivated to pay off debts and save for the future.

Think about the progress you've made on your financial journey, no matter how small. Reflect on the people, experiences, and opportunities that have contributed to your financial growth. When you focus on these positive aspects, it becomes easier to stay committed to your goals.

Cultivating gratitude can change the way you approach your personal finances. It can improve your financial perspective, lead to more responsible financial management, and serve as a powerful motivator for debt elimination and wealth building. In your pursuit of a fully funded life, remember that gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it's a strategic tool that can shape your financial future.

Embrace gratitude, and watch how it transforms your journey toward accomplishing your plans, hopes, and dreams.

How To Live Generously

Did you know that living generously can be a transformative step on your journey to achieving your fully funded life? But what does it mean to live generously, and how can it benefit your personal finance goals?

Benefits of A Generous Life

Living generously isn't just about opening your wallet; it's about opening your heart. When you practice generosity, whether through acts of kindness, charitable donations, or volunteering, you experience a profound sense of satisfaction and happiness. A friend of mine once said, “I give to keep from being selfish.”

Generosity isn't limited to financial contributions. It can also be given through acts of kindness, support, and time dedicated to your community and loved ones. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships is an essential part of a fulfilling life. When you live generously, you strengthen these connections.

Practical Steps to Live Generously

1. Setting a Budget for Giving

Living generously doesn't mean you should give beyond your means. It's about finding a balance that works for you. Start by setting aside a portion of your income specifically for giving. This allows you to be generous without compromising your financial stability.

2. Identifying Causes and Organizations to Support

Consider what matters most to you. Is it education, health, environmental conservation, or local community projects? Identify causes or organizations that align with your values, and focus your generosity on them.

3. Aligning Generosity with Personal Financial Goals

Make generosity an integral part of your financial plan. Align your giving with your financial goals. For example, if your goal is to achieve financial independence, consider how acts of kindness or charitable donations can support that aim.

Start today, and let generosity pave your way to a fully funded life!

Practicing Generosity

We all strive to be generous people. Donating to causes that are important to us, tithing at church, supporting a non-profit. Is your generosity a financial habit or do you need to learn how to practice generosity?

ONE: Be intentional

Add ‘giving’ as a line item in your two most important budgets: your financial budget and your time budget. Generosity falls into two categories giving time and giving dollars. Take the first step and identify that 'giving’ is important to you. Those who plan their time and dollars tend to accomplish far more than those who choose to ‘wing it.’

TWO: Put time on the calendar

If you are planning to "get around to doing it" or "would like to find time to be a part of that" - you will always face challenges in actually doing it. I have a team of people who help me manage my calendar - as you can imagine, it is loaded with writing, zoom and phone conversations, planning meetings with the team, and leadership tasks. But what gets on the calendar is ultimately up to me! If I am not happy with the calendar, that is my fault!

Are you being intentional with the time on your calendar?

THREE: Put dollars in the budget

Giving dollars can be broken down into the budget, just like other expenses. Budget for giving monthly, annually, and for significant events. Here are some examples:

Monthly Giving

• $50 at Christmas at Walmart

• Homeless person on street corner

• Friends or family who had a special opportunity or need

  HACK: Having the dollars pulled out in cash allows you to be "intentionally spontaneously generous"

Annual Giving

• Birthdays, Anniversaries, and other annual special days

• Organizations to support

One-time Gifts

• Weddings, special events