When we are feeling financially stressed, it’s best to focus on what we are spending verses what we are bringing in.

With the talk of food shortages potentially coming and the increased price of most everything, I thought I would take a little more time today to share what we have learned over the years about finances that have put us in a better financial position and helped us to discern between our wants and needs. We are certainly mindful of what is going on in the world, and trying to be prepared, but we are not scared or anxious, because we know that God will provide, and He has given us wisdom on how to live with less. Anything good or helpful in this post is of the Lord, not us. We never do this perfectly, and can only give God the glory that our hearts have been changed.

I believe it’s possible to live a frugal lifestyle while still enjoying a good quality of life and health. I have had several conversations with people over the years (married couples already both working full-time) that are very stressed financially and are convinced that they just need to “work more” or “make more money.” There are so many potential problems with this ideology. Working more hours is probably just going to add more stress to an already strained situation. We can get so busy working that we neglect the important things. If we aren’t able to take care of the work at home and ensure that we are eating good quality food, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and spending quality time with other people, our health, marriage, finances, relationships with our children and close friends and family, and spiritual life are going to suffer. Also, the busier we get, the less time we have to problem solve and think about where the money is going. I have noticed that my husband and I are doing a much better job of fixing problems or doing projects on our farm with little or no money, and spending a lot less because we actually have time to think through things.

I’m constantly reminding myself that our needs are food, shelter, and clothing. I do believe good quality food is a need, because otherwise we will pay in other areas of our life like our energy, health, and focus. I also believe the Bible is filled with wisdom on how we should grow our food and take care of our animals and that following this wisdom will lead to a better quality of food and health. Clothing can be purchased very cheaply, and if taken care of will last longer. It’s important that our shelters are safe and comfortable, but there are ways to save a lot of money in our homes. I will share more about how we have saved money on these items in the future.

In our modern lifestyle we are bombarded with advertisements and pressure to have the latest fashions, new vehicles, modern homes, the best educations, vacations, vacation homes, and beyond. These can be good things, but they will never bring us true joy and the best education is not a guarantee that work in this area will be found or fulfilling. These things can actually make us slaves to work we may not want to do, especially if we do them with debt. We can’t take our material goods with us when we die, and all those items have a cost. There are probably taxes to pay, repair costs, maintenance expenses, our time in taking care of them, insurance, and the list goes on. Cory and I are finally realizing this and trying to think of ways to do with less. It’s been really fun to be able to have more time to pray and do away with unnecessary items.

As a culture, we have forgotten how being more home-centered can save us money and improve our quality of life. We have so many great opportunities in this modern world, but if we are struggling financially, there are great benefits to saying “no” more frequently to other people and ourselves. I never commit to anything without praying about it for several days (especially big commitments) and I’m not scared to say “no” anymore. I’m very careful with my time and always thinking through things and how to make the least number of trips outside the home. I am very confident in what God has called me to do, and I rarely waiver in this, because of His strength. The Lord has given me rest in what my priorities are Biblically, and this has helped us tremendously to not be financially stressed.

Today it is abnormal for the woman to stay home and take care of the house and children, but I would like to argue that having one person in the home can actually be financially beneficial. I have found that with me being home, I’m able to save more money than I would be able to earn as a Registered Nurse, and that there are many other more important benefits as well. My husband has commented frequently on how much of a blessing that it has been to him, because he can focus on doing a good job in his work, knowing that everything is taken care of at home, and everything is in its place so his life isn’t stressful (I say usually in its place). He’s also witnessed the financial benefits and most importantly the benefits our children have received. He also shared in a post several months ago about the improvements he witnessed in his own health since I started staying home and making most of our food from scratch. I love what I do and no longer have any guilt. That has taken some time, but I have no regrets. There are just so many benefits to having the wife in the home.

If you are feeling financially stressed during these difficult times, I recommend giving it over to the Lord. Ask Him to help you find ways to cut your expenses, while finding time for the important things. I am mindful of the fact that, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Timothy 6: 7-8