Most of us would agree with the biblical advice that we should conserve our resources. ("In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" Prov. 21:20.) It makes sense to spend less than we earn, to save something back, to have some money in reserve.Yet most of us spend more than we earn, extending our debt little by little. While we may agree that saving money is a good idea, we find it hard to do.
The reason it's so hard to save money is the same reason it's so difficult to lose weight. We approach both as if they are a matter of sheer discipline. In fact, both require a change of lifestyle that must be preceded by a change of mind.
In the case of thrift, that means moving from an attitude of consumption to a mindset of contentment.
The wealthiest people in most communities have recognized this. They have money mostly because they don't spend it. As a result, they live rather conservative lifestyles, often far below their actual means.
Yet we are often more drawn to the lavish spenders--those with large homes, expensive cars, and exotic vacations. Often, they are floating on a sea of debt, far outspending their ability to earn.
To gain financial strength, you must spend less money than you are able to spend.
To do that, you must be content with what you already have.
Are you?
What do you think? What helps a person develop the lifestyle of saving money?
