Stewardship Well Done Journey

Step 6 – DEBT

Roadblock #3 – I Can’t Stop Spending!

Habits are hard to break! Mark Twain once said, “Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs one step at a time.” Habits are rarely broken by good intentions and determination alone. We must change our behaviors one (sometimes painful) step at a time. Below are some practical suggestions to help if you are trying to break a spending habit:

• Pray about it – first, foremost, and always
• Find an accountability partner
• Cut up your credit cards
• Only pay with cash / debit card
• Take all shopping apps off your phone
• Don’t store payment information online
• Stop emails/notifications from your favorite stores
• Only shop for items on your list
• Remove temptations from your social media feeds
• Wait 30 days … see if you still want the item
• Figure out how many hours you will need to work to pay for the item … is it worth it?
• Budget for every dollar and keep track!
• Know your weaknesses
• Don’t shop with friends who spend at will

If you are unable to break the spending habit on your own, you also might want to consider a counseling session or two. Therapies that work for other habits also work for spending. There is no shame in seeking help!

God promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” This includes bad spending habits. He wants to help you triumph! We know He is faithful to do His part … will you do yours?