The year 2020; which many of us call the year of the “vision” has been an extremely difficult year, which has called us to truly have an extraordinary ability to discern and perceive what we are seeing. There have been earthquakes, political debacles, illnesses and the year is not over yet. But you and I serve a God of Power; which changes the day from curse to blessing. Which multiplies and prospers us even in times of escape. But this is not without us doing our part …

That is why I want to share with you 10 steps to get up financially after the crisis. Because God calls us to be good stewards of his blessings. Matthew 25: 14-30

1. Analyze your current financial status. We must ask ourselves some questions:
   • What are my financial commitments or responsibilities? Rent, water, electricity, food, gasoline, medicines, taxes, tithes, etc.
   • What are my debts? Car, loans, credit cards, etc.
   • How much do I owe on each debt and what is the interest?
   • How much is my current income?
     
2. Make a budget. A budget is a monthly plan where you determine your income versus your expenses and plan where you will allocate each resource. There are several ways to do this, be it an agenda, a sheet of paper, an Excel spreadsheet, or an app on your cell phone.
   
3. Eliminate unnecessary expenses from your life. I’m not going to tell you not to drink your Starbucks coffee or that you can’t buy anything and you must live miserable. But if I am going to suggest cutting out those things that are not so important to you; and put all your efforts into what into what truly matters to us.
   
4. Work with cash based on the envelope system. When you prepare your budget, set aside money for each important and necessary area of your life and put it in the envelopes either physical or digital (14 bank accounts).
   
5. Minimize the use of credit cards; and pay them in full at the end of each month. AND DON’T BORROW MORE !!! When you borrow, you have to pay interest on the money you have borrowed. That is why it is important to save money to buy what we want in cash, in cash. The word of God recommends that we do not borrow … “The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22: 7 KJV
   
6. Adopt Dave Ramsey’s 7-Step Baby Method. I recommend reading his book “The Total Money Make Over” https://amzn.to/2ZlJRdM as it is an excellent guide to achieve financial freedom based on what what the Word of God says.
   
   1. I saved $ 500 to $ 1,000 in an emergency fund
   2. Pay off all your debts in the snowball method (at this time so unstable with COVID and other events happening, it is advisable to go to step 3 and then turn back to step 2)
   3. Save the amount of your monthly financial responsibilities for 3 to 6 months
   4. Save 15% in a 401k or a retirement fund.
   5. I saved for your children’s education
   6. Pay off your house (the mortgage)
   7. Live the life you have always dreamed of giving generously to those most in need.
      
7. Look for alternatives to earn extra money. A side hustle, an alternative way to earn money. Do what you can do.
   
8. Find ways to save. Register with different companies that offer loyalty programs to get discounts and rewards. Look for things that others give away or throw away that you can restore. Buy lightly used things to spend less. Buy things in bulk when possible and when they are on sale.
   
9. Don’t copy anyone; live happy with what you have! We cannot play the game of comparison; If so and so has this I want it, if so and so bought the other, I am going to buy it. When we try to copy others, we enter into a dangerous game of jealousy and envy where our purchases are no longer based on my needs but rather on matching what my neighbor has. We are not all financially capable, and setting our sights on the wrong approach can take us away from our priorities and our ultimate goal …
   
10. We must have a clear goal of where we want to go. Each person must have a clear and precise goal of what they want. In my case, I want to pay off all my debts including our house in order to dedicate all our attention and effort to the missionary work; to the orphanage that we have in Uganda Africa and the other countries where God wants to take us. That is why I cannot neglect my priorities. Example, I can not think about buying a new car of the year when the one I have is in perfect condition and I have other priorities … Pay what I have to save! Many times we get carried away by the emotion of the moment

Next week we come with the video of how I prepare my budget and manage my finances!