Oct. 4, 2008 - Budget time & God's provision
I have tried to put us on a budget in the past but it never seems to stick. So, I decided to do something different this month. I am using the envelope system. This is nothing new that I came up with. I know a few people that do this and it is also in Dave Ramsey's books. I even found a wonderful blog explaining this system. Thank you, SimpleMom. Anyway, I started October 1st with envelopes for groceries, gas and miscellaneous. I averaged out what I think we spend a month for gas & groceries and halved the amount. I just set an amount for the miscellaneous. Note: the gas category is only for my vehicle.
Now, paying with cash is new to me. I never keep much cash on hand because it seems to disappear rather quickly. This will truly be a test for me. So far I have filled my gas tank (half of my allotted amount) and got groceries. Here is where I ran into trouble. I had not been to the grocery store in a couple of weeks so we were low on lots of stuff. After looking at the sales for two of main local chains, I made a list. I went to one store on Thursday where I got the bulk of my groceries. I only had about $50 left after this trip. I start wondering how we are going to last until the next payday which is 12 days away and I still have some items to get at the second store. I go to the second store on Friday and now only have about $5 left. I decide not to worry about it though because I am confident we are well stocked to last 12 days.
Here is where the amazing provision of God comes in. I had dropped off some bookkeeping work at a client's this week and they were having a giveaway of numerous items including gas cards. They told me to register so I did. Friday afternoon, after spending almost all of my grocery funds, I get home to a message saying I had won a $100 gas card! I truly believe this is all His doing! The message was left Friday morning. He provided for us before I even knew we would need it. I now can use the rest of the gas fund money for groceries if needed.
I looked up a couple of verses pertinent to this.
Matthew 6:31-34 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Blessings to all who visit!
