By Ronnel Rodney (Richland Park Church of Christ) [Malachi 3:8 KJV] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. [1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV] Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. |
On September 21st, Sis Elise Quashie accepted an invitation from the Richland Park Church of Christ ladies class, to present on the topic Budget and Finances. She did not make the journey alone but was accompanied by some of our dear sisters from Kingstown Church of Christ.
Sis. Quashie hoped that at the end of her presentation we would become more like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 and better stewards of the finances God has blessed us with.
The event proved to be an economically empowering one as very important personal budgeting advice was shared. Areas covered in the presentation include: ways to save money in areas such as entertainment, food, household energy, family and personal expenses; why budgeting is important; how to create a budget; traits for budgeting success and; how overspending breaks your budget.
Sis. Quashie imparted general principles for saving such as the need to have a positive attitude when budgeting, stay motivated so as not to start one month and desist the next and to keep realistic saving expectations. The sisters were advised to differentiate between their fixed expenses such as mortgages and their variable expenses such as entertainment. Fixed expenses provide very little opportunity to realized savings so focus should be placed on reducing the variable expenses which can lead to incremental or substantial savings.
Of interest also was the practical example of writing out a monthly budget to assist in tracking all expenses. When done this can provide relevant information on spending habits and practices and help identify areas where overspending is occurring.
The information presented elicited some interesting questions and comments among the group about ways to save money, how to cut spending on luxury goods and the best ways to invest.
Overall the exercise of proper budgeting requires discipline and focus on the aim of being good stewards of all that God has blessed us with. We commend sis. Quashie for a job well done and thank her for sharing.
The fellowship ended on a sweet note as cupcakes and juice were provided as refreshments.
Sis. Quashie hoped that at the end of her presentation we would become more like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 and better stewards of the finances God has blessed us with.
The event proved to be an economically empowering one as very important personal budgeting advice was shared. Areas covered in the presentation include: ways to save money in areas such as entertainment, food, household energy, family and personal expenses; why budgeting is important; how to create a budget; traits for budgeting success and; how overspending breaks your budget.
Sis. Quashie imparted general principles for saving such as the need to have a positive attitude when budgeting, stay motivated so as not to start one month and desist the next and to keep realistic saving expectations. The sisters were advised to differentiate between their fixed expenses such as mortgages and their variable expenses such as entertainment. Fixed expenses provide very little opportunity to realized savings so focus should be placed on reducing the variable expenses which can lead to incremental or substantial savings.
Of interest also was the practical example of writing out a monthly budget to assist in tracking all expenses. When done this can provide relevant information on spending habits and practices and help identify areas where overspending is occurring.
The information presented elicited some interesting questions and comments among the group about ways to save money, how to cut spending on luxury goods and the best ways to invest.
Overall the exercise of proper budgeting requires discipline and focus on the aim of being good stewards of all that God has blessed us with. We commend sis. Quashie for a job well done and thank her for sharing.
The fellowship ended on a sweet note as cupcakes and juice were provided as refreshments.