Being Wise When You Splash Your Cash Sunday 10th May 2009

Talk by Dave Vinall

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Today's passage was from Proverbs 17:16.

Read Luke 16:10-13. What do you think true riches are? What might they be for you? Think about things that money can’t buy. Do you think Jesus is talking about after we die or the here and now? Do you think you already have any true riches? Have a look at Ephesians 3:16.

Read the rest of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. What do you base your identity on? Imagine describing yourself to someone you don’t know over the phone or email. How would you describe yourself and your life? If you wanted to impress the person how might the description change?

In verse 15 Paul says we derive our identity from God (this is what ‘name’ means). What does this mean? How does it work? What does it look like? How might we assess whether we do get our identity from God or not? Read Genesis 1:27 and Romans 8:29 for more ideas.

Do you budget? If you do, why? Do you feel like it gives you greater or less freedom with your finances? How much is it about handling you money wisely and how much is it about being in control? Think about control and how God plays a part in this.

If you don’t budget, why not? Think about what might be the reasons you don’t. What could you do to overcome these reasons?

As an exercise look at your last few months of bank statements. Look at where you are spending your money. Use the Budget Worksheet to help (available to download from takeaway website or from office). Do this with your spouse if you’re married. Are you spending your money how you want? What needs to change? Where can you cut back? Think about what you class as necessary and luxury items. Do you need to rethink these?

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BUDGETING RESOURCES

Download a worsksheet by right-clicking here. This worksheet can be used with bank statements to assess your recent spending or for budgeting to the future.

10 free budgeting spreadsheet templates for Microsoft Excel or Open Office.

Reviews of free budgeting software.

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert Budget Planner.

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We want to run a money management course for the church and the community. If you’d like to be one of our guinea pigs when we run a pilot course please contact the office. Also get in touch if you would like to be involved in organising these.

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