Throughout this series we hope to offer practical, biblical help for getting a handle on money, from budgeting and debt to contentment and generosity. Below are some links and resources to help you master your money.
Start here: free tools
Pick one tool and try it for 30 days. Change takes time. Commit for the long haul.
EveryDollar FREE or PREMIUM $79.99/YR
Zero-based budget app: every dollar gets a job. Bill reminders and savings goals. The free version means entering spending by hand; Premium links your bank.
Undebt.it FREE or OPTIONAL $10/YR
Lists all your debts and builds a payoff plan (snowball or avalanche) with a target date.
A 30-day spending log FREE
Write down every purchase for one month, on paper or in a spreadsheet. It’s tedious, but eye opening.
Books
Start with The Treasure Principle if you read only one. It's short enough to read in one sitting.
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
A short, joyful case for giving: you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.
Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
Shows how money becomes an idol and how the gospel loosens its grip.
God and Money by John Cortines & Gregory Baumer
Two Harvard MBAs on contentment and setting a "finish line" for your lifestyle.
Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn
The fuller theology of money, for readers who want depth.
Master Your Money by Ron Blue
Practical planning (spending, saving, debt, giving) from a Christian financial planner.
Podcasts
ROB WEST · DAILY
Call-in show answering real money questions from a biblical point of view.
ART RAINER · WEEKLY
Getting financially healthy so you can live and give generously. Interviews and listener questions.
CHUCK BENTLEY, CROWN FINANCIAL MINISTRIES · DAILY
Short episodes with biblical help and hope on everyday money issues. Easy to fit into your commute.
The Ramsey Show
DAVE RAMSEY AND CO-HOSTS · DAILY
Call-in show focused on getting out of debt with the snowball method.
Websites and ministries
The MoneyLife personal finance study and other Bible-based courses on budgeting and debt.
Kingdom Advisors
Trains financial professionals who hold the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designation, combining financial advice with a biblical worldview.
Generous Giving: Journey of Generosity
A one- or two-day retreat (also online) exploring biblical generosity. They promise: "We will not ask you for money."
Help for military families
If you serve or your spouse does, free, confidential financial counseling is already part of your benefits.
800-342-9647 · 24/7
Free, confidential financial counseling with no limit on sessions; in person, by phone, chat or video. Counselors don't sell products.
Fleet & Family Support Center, Personal Financial Management
1099 HOLCOMB RD, BLDG 272, PORTSMOUTH · 757-953-7801 · MON–FRI 7:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M.
One-on-one counseling and workshops on budgeting, credit, car and home buying, and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
ASK AT YOUR COMMAND OR NEAREST NMCRS OFFICE
Emergency financial help for Sailors, Marines and their families, plus budgeting help.
Ideas to try this week
Small steps, done together, change more than big plans left on paper.
The enough list. At dinner each night, everyone names one thing God gave that day. Philippians 4:11
Track spending for 30 days. Write down every purchase. Look at it together at the end of the month. Proverbs 27:23
List every debt. Balance, minimum payment and rate, all in one place. Tell one trusted person. Proverbs 22:7
Build a small cushion. Set aside a starter emergency fund before attacking debt, so one surprise doesn't undo your progress.
Give first, save second, live on the rest. Set up an automatic gift and an automatic transfer to savings, however small. Matthew 6:21
Have a money date. Couples: one relaxed hour a month to talk about spending, goals and giving. Start with what you're thankful for.
Give, save, spend jars. Kids split any money they receive into three jars. It teaches them how to handle money early.
Write one thank-you note. Gratitude grows when we thank God and others for the blessings they've given/been.