October Newsletter Finance Tip

In his April 2004 Conference talk entitled Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin outlines five key steps to financial freedom. This month we’ll look at:

· First, pay your tithing.

· Second, spend less than you earn.

· Third, learn to save.

· Fourth, honor your financial obligations.

· Fifth, teach your children to follow your example.

Spending less than you earn may sound like a no brainer, but in order to do that you have to have a budget. Knowing what comes in and goes out is crucial. Throw in the fact that almost anything can be bought on credit and things get a little tricky. When you buy anything on credit, you are spending money that is not there. Some people think they can keep spending as long as they can make the payments. This is disaster in the making. Taking advantage of “introductory offers” or “no interest until 20xx” may sound like good deals at the time, but you never know what the future holds. Church leaders have pleaded with us to stay out of debt for good reason. Many honest people have found themselves in financial trouble because of unforeseen shortfalls, medical emergencies, and a myriad of other variables. Debt puts us into bondage and can be an unforgiving taskmaster. Whenever possible the wisest move is this: if the money isn’t there, don’t spend it!

September Newsletter Finance Tip

In his April 2004 Conference talk entitled Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin outlines five key steps to financial freedom. This month we’ll look at:

· First, pay your tithing.

· Second, spend less than you earn.

· Third, learn to save.

· Fourth, honor your financial obligations.

· Fifth, teach your children to follow your example.

Tithing can be one of the hardest commandments to obey, but has so many rewards. Besides the skills of organization and self control, the Lord has promised blessings to those who pay their tithing. Most of us know we should pay our tithing, but don’t always stop to think why. In Earl C. Tingey’s April 2002 Conf. talk “The Law of Tithing” he states: In this dispensation, the Lord has established the law of tithing as the law of revenue of His Church. Without it, we could not carry out the eternal purposes of the Lord. It is also a law by which we show our loyalty to the Lord and prove ourselves worthy for privileges, ordinances, and blessings. In D&C 104:14-15 we are reminded that all we have has been given to us from God. When we pay an honest tithe we are giving back a tenth of what we have already been blessed with. When we pay an accurate tithe we are aware of our assets and can plan our finances accordingly. This is undoubtedly an important first step toward financial freedom!

August Newsletter Finance Tip

In his April 2004 Conference talk entitled Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin outlines five key steps to financial freedom. Over the next several months we’ll be taking a look at each of these steps in turn and exploring some helpful information to help us conquer our earthly debts. The five steps are these:

· First, pay your tithing.

· Second, spend less than you earn.

· Third, learn to save.

· Fourth, honor your financial obligations.

· Fifth, teach your children to follow your example.

Each of these steps offers great counsel, but I also love that Elder Wirthlin remembered heavenly debts in his talk because our heavenly debts cannot be forgotten. In his closing remarks he stated,

“We have earthly debts and heavenly debts. Let us be wise in dealing with each of them and ever keep in mind the words of the Savior. The scriptures tell us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The riches of this world are as dust compared to the riches that await the faithful in the mansions of our Heavenly Father. How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust and fade away. How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of eternal life.”

Additional Reading from the Ensign

Looking for inspiration and additional encouragement?

Check out the finance related articles in the February 2011 issue of The Ensign. There are real life experiences from members of the church that are dealing with the same challenges that you might be experiencing.

Learning to Be Content, pg. 62
How We Broke the Chains of Debt, pg. 63
My Tithing Couldn’t Wait, pg. 69
Growing Testimonies – and Mission Funds, pg. 73

'Quotable' from the Quorum of the Twelve . . .

“We control the disposition of our means and resources, but we account to God for this stewardship over earthly things. It is gratifying to witness your generosity as you contribute to fast offerings and humanitarian projects. Over the years, the suffering of millions has been alleviated, and countless others have been enabled to help themselves through the generosity of the Saints. Nevertheless, as we pursue the cause of Zion, each of us should prayerfully consider whether we are doing what we should and all that we should in the Lord’s eyes with respect to the poor and the needy.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Care for the Poor, Ensign, Feb 2011, 71.

Great Lesson on Provident Living

Sunday, August 30th, Bishop and our RS President gave a great 5th Sunday lesson on Provident Living, Self-Reliance and Welfare. It was to help inspire us all to do better as we prepare for the future and to make changes in our lives that will help us be more self-reliant.

The RS President shared a story about Gullible Gulls related by Pres. Marion G. Romney. The article, "The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance" has been re-printed in the March 2009 Ensign and can also be found online. She also encouraged everyone to think of what they can change or do better at and to write it down and do it.

Bishop relayed a lesson his brother learned from a church training meeting that no matter how well you treat your wife, you can always do better. He applied that to welfare and service: No matter how much you give or serve, you can always do better.

These are a few brief recollections I have from this great lesson, but it was tape recorded. If you missed attending this meeting and are interested in listening to the recording, leave a comment and I will get back to you or you can contact the RS President to get the recording.

July Ensign Resources

Check out the great tips in July’s Ensign. There is an article titled “Way Beyond the Help-Wanted Ads” with information about LDS Employment Resource Services and also informational inserts about improving employment and surviving unemployment.