It's Money Monday, and You Can Help!
(I love that commercial!)
So, I've been reading Radical by David Platt. It's one of those books with a cult following that I wait until the hype has died to read because cult followings annoy me. It's about how Christianity and the American Dream are so combined that you can't separate one from the other. The author is presenting his opinion on what needs to happen to get Christianity Christ focused again. It's an interesting read. I'm not going to write a review, but I'm also not going to say I support it 100%.
The question it brings up for me, or brings up again-I've been struggling with this question for a long time, is where should our standard of living be? How much of our income should we use for our purposes, and how much should we give away? And this isn't something that Dave Ramsey or Crown really have the answer for. They can give you percentiles and guidelines, but those don't really answer the question because those numbers (whether saving, spending, or giving) would just increase as your income does. There is too much variance.
I'm asking for your help. How do you determine where you lifestyle line is? Do you go with a percentage? Is it simply staying in step with the neighbors? Is there a number that once you hit it in savings, you won't work another day? Is it about a little bit more?
I can look at my life and see plenty that could be cut out. Luxuries like cell phones, television, internet, dining, convenience foods, helpers, and vacations. But should I cut them out? How little should I live on? What luxuries should I afford my family?
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know!
So, I've been reading Radical by David Platt. It's one of those books with a cult following that I wait until the hype has died to read because cult followings annoy me. It's about how Christianity and the American Dream are so combined that you can't separate one from the other. The author is presenting his opinion on what needs to happen to get Christianity Christ focused again. It's an interesting read. I'm not going to write a review, but I'm also not going to say I support it 100%.
The question it brings up for me, or brings up again-I've been struggling with this question for a long time, is where should our standard of living be? How much of our income should we use for our purposes, and how much should we give away? And this isn't something that Dave Ramsey or Crown really have the answer for. They can give you percentiles and guidelines, but those don't really answer the question because those numbers (whether saving, spending, or giving) would just increase as your income does. There is too much variance.
I'm asking for your help. How do you determine where you lifestyle line is? Do you go with a percentage? Is it simply staying in step with the neighbors? Is there a number that once you hit it in savings, you won't work another day? Is it about a little bit more?
I can look at my life and see plenty that could be cut out. Luxuries like cell phones, television, internet, dining, convenience foods, helpers, and vacations. But should I cut them out? How little should I live on? What luxuries should I afford my family?
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know!
Comments
As far as how much to spend for our own purposes...maybe if our purposes and heart's desires line up with God's, that will be easily answered. (although, an approved budget spreadsheet from God could prove helpful! LOL)
I think the answer to my ponderings is less about answering the question and more about being intentional with the answer. Or pausing to think about the question in the first place.
Thanks so much for sharing your thought and how the Lord is leading you!