I’ve been doing an awful lot of thinking lately about money. Not about getting a ton more, but about my relationship to it and using it wisely. After graduating college I lived for about 6 years on a pauper’s wages (by American standards), and have slowly crept up into the middle class since that time. As my income rose I let my expenses rise as well, so that even when I was making $15K more than in 1994 I was still in the same financial pickle but with even more debt. I’d always said, “if I ever get a big, fat raise I will pay all this debt off,” so when I was promoted last year I made up my mind that I would use that raise wisely and not waste it, because you never know what the future holds. And I began examining my relationship with money.
Since that time I have put myself on a budget. I have paid off thousands in debt and will be done with that (except mortgage) by February or March. I am saving aggressively. My budget is almost Spartan – down to the penny, so that even $20-30 in extra expenses throws me off-budget and I get guilty about it. For instance, this week I “found” myself with an extra $50 and threw it at the credit card payoff. I was so proud! But then I needed the $50 and ended up taking it out of the emergency fund because I hadn’t thought it through. I want to be done with debt NOW!!! (I have the big savings account at a separate bank that is hard for me to get at, and a smaller one for emergencies and other budgeted/ foreseeable expenses.) I need to learn to allow myself a little wiggle-room.
I’ve been examining my need to hold onto money so tightly. Sure I have goals, and I’m well on my way to them with a definite plan. I will have the school money I need. But, I have also been thinking seriously about tithing this year. I give regularly to various causes, but it’s time for me to tithe a full ten percent (which is what “tithe” means.)
Tithe is a church term about giving ten percent of your income to the church, but it doesn’t have to be a church thing. Folks who are not religious or have different faiths can think about giving to whatever cause they believe in. However, regular disciplined giving in any framework has powerful spiritual effects. Even to start with $5.00 a month, every month to a cause one has committed to, is a major thing. It changes one’s mindset and relationship to the world. From a small but regular commitment, it usually tends to grow as years progress. I found that if I give first and pay bills after that, I don’t miss the money. If I pay bills first and then look at what’s left, I find it harder to afford. But even on a shoestring budget, one can usually give $5.00 a month to something immediately after being paid and not miss it.
But I have been richly blessed. The amount I give has crept up over the years, but not in proportion to my income, and as I walk my spiritual path I find now that I think I need to tithe in the literal sense. I don’t know that it will all go to my church, though the largest chunk will (they publish the detailed budget so I know where they spend it), but some will go to other causes I believe in. Right now my thoughts are with three specific organizations. But I haven’t worked all this out yet. It’s simply what I’m praying through right now. Having a roommate, after March I’ll basically live on about half my income and be able to save the rest between my accounts and my 401(k). And I need to continue saving really aggressively if I am to accomplish my educational goals – when I say I can’t afford something it means it doesn’t fit into my budget and would hurt my goals and plans. At the same time, it’s time for me to increase my giving.
To put my money where my mouth is.
