Sermon by Brandon Clements on April 2, 2023.
As we finish this series, we look at the biblical concept of generosity. After all, it's through Jesus generously giving His life away that we're redeemed and brought into the family of God. Now, as recipients of His generosity, how can we, through our generosity, help bring in God's Kingdom, push back the darkness in our city, and make Columbia look a little more like Heaven?
WEEK 5 HOMEWORK
As an initial step for ongoing accountability, set aside time each month to assess where your money went for the month, tweak your budget as needed, and lock this time in as a monthly event on your calendar.
As you do an ongoing assessment, if you are spending more than you budgeting for in a specific area, what needs to change? For example, if you budget $100 for eating at restaurants and are spending $200, what do you need to stay on budget?
Here are some additional ideas for ongoing accountability and maintenance:
Once a month (or more frequently if needed), use the assessment tool you went through in week 3 to determine where your money went for the month.
If you need help staying on track during the month, consider pulling out cash at the beginning of the month for expenses that are the hardest for you to stay on track with. For example, if your restaurant budget is $100, get that out in cash at the beginning of the month. Once you have spent that money, you have no more money to eat at restaurants for that month.
Another option is to make a note on your phone of your restaurant budget for that month. Decrease the amount each time you eat at a restaurant as a way to track as you go. This method can help you stay on budget for more variable expenses such as eating out, groceries, and gas.
For additional accountability, ask for help from someone you love and trust. If you're spending money on unnecessary Amazon shopping and getting a package at your doorstep daily, ask someone for accountability. Accountability can look like asking a friend if they will check in on you monthly to see if you're spending more than you're planning to in a particular area. This step is significant for your good and the good of the person you're sharing with. Walk in the light with your finances and ask for help if you need it.
Revisit your financial goals that you set in your week two homework as part of your monthly review. Are you making progress toward your goals? Have you accomplished any of them? As you accomplish goals, make adjustments and start new goals as needed.