Devotionals by Dave and Ann Wilson
Death by Budget
By Karen Turcotte
“You’re not going to believe the deal I found today, Babe!” I bounded in the door.
My exuberance drew a less-than-enthusiastic response from my spouse.
“We talked about this.”
I’d done it again. But wanting my family to be excited because I saved my family money by spending is normal, right?!
Did I just say that?
The popular myth: Managing money is about figuring out what to do and then doing it.
But is it that simple? We usually miss a crucial factor: the heart driving it all. Proverbs cautions us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (4:23 NIV).
One way of pursuing a shared budget is to move past the belief that just knowing the right things about money guarantees we will do the right things with money.
What’s your real “treasure” beneath the big find? What does it do for you inside? What are your heart’s true reasons for overspending, or even saving?
Establishing a budget begins with listening. Come clean with one another and honestly assess where you may need help to cling less tightly.
Turns out my “great find” had a hidden treasure after all: Popping open a life-giving, critical conversation to tackle my fear of death by budget.
The Good Stuff: As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)
Action Points: Separately, make a list of two or three areas where you tend to overspend. If you’re more of a saver, jot down where might you be prone to overreact and clamp down—and why. Talk and start tracking what you spend with the goal of pursuing what can become a shared budget.
Visit the FamilyLife® Website
About Real FamilyLife®
Real FamilyLife® is conversational in nature and provides practical, biblical tools to address the issues affecting your family. You'll receive motivation, encouragement, and help.
About Dave and Ann Wilson
Dave and Ann have been married for more than 40 years and have spent the last 35 teaching and mentoring couples and parents across the country. They have been featured speakers at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® since 1993, and have also hosted their own marriage conferences across the country.
Dave and Ann helped plant Kensington Community Church in Detroit, Michigan where they served together in ministry for more than three decades, wrapping up their time at Kensington in 2020.
The Wilsons are the creative force behind DVD teaching series Rock Your Marriage and The Survival Guide To Parenting, as well as authors of the recently released books Vertical Marriage (Zondervan, 2019) and No Perfect Parents (Zondervan, 2021).
Dave is a graduate of the International School of Theology, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. A Ball State University Hall of Fame Quarterback, Dave served the Detroit Lions as Chaplain for thirty-three years. Ann attended the University of Kentucky. She has been active with Dave in ministry as a speaker, writer, small group leader, and mentor to countless women.
The Wilsons live in the Detroit area. They have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody, three daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren.
Contact Real FamilyLife® with Dave and Ann Wilson
email@familylife.com
http://www.familylife.com/
FamilyLife ®
100 Lake Hart Drive
Orlando FL 32832
1-800-FL-TODAY
(1-800-358-6329)