Cayading: Why is saving important?

Sunday, February 12, 2012

PEOPLE whom this writer encountered are always telling me they’re saving, and then when I ask what their goal is, they tell me it’s to buy a new car, go on a lovely vacation with the kids, or put in a new kitchen wares, furniture, etc.... you name it, they have it. Well, this is “SAVING”… not in my lecture notes or book. If you’re accumulating money to spend – be it on a house, on a new motorcycle or on your children’s, friends’ or relatives’ birthday present – that’s planned spending. You’re planning to spend the money, right? How can that be “saving?”

What I taught to my grade-schooler granddaughter Eanna... “SAVE”. Put inside your piggy bank whatever amount you will save from your daily allowance I have to add 100% to it.” However, when I asked her how is she going to spend the money...She said, “I am not going to spend just see my money grow in the bank”...what a lesson to share!

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Saving is what you do long-term to have money for another chapter of your life. You save for retirement so that come time to hang up your spurs, you’ve got some change in your pocket. You save for your kids’ future education so they don’t get buried in debt to get an education. You save an emergency fund. None of these “savings” are with an eye to getting stuff or having wonderful experiences. They are all done with an eye to providing an income if a time comes when you won’t have an income, or to produce an income.

And these are all summed up in one word. Saving money is about budgeting well, shopping around, and finding great deals . . . but this one word is more powerful than any of those concepts: CONTENTMENT. Learning to be content is not always an easy endeavor. It is a constant battle against our selfish desires. Being happy with what you have takes dedication and constant reminders of the blessings in your life. The road to contentment will be longer for some, shorter for others. Seeking contentment is one of the most worthwhile pursuits you can undertake, so don’t become discouraged if contentment seems out of reach at first. Count your blessings, remember all struggle is temporary, and find peace in the Lord.

Keep it simple by minimizing what you have saves you money. Minimizing what you gather also saves you money. Maximize your ability to be content, and you will save money. There is a certain amount of grace that flows from living a simple lifestyle. Some of the most humble and inspiring people I’ve met have lived frugal, non-indulgent lifestyles. They were satisfied with what they had, and needed no more! The amount of money they saved from living inexpensively was hidden by their simple possessions. But they weren’t put on this planet to impress, for fame or power, they were here to give, to share and live in peace.

Is contentment really the most powerful money-saving tip? Definitely yes! Contentment stops greed at the root. If you want to buy something that isn’t in the budget, sometimes the lack of funds won’t be enough to prevent you from indulging in the purchase. The only thing that can stop you cold is your ability to remain content and satisfied. This is what makes contentment the most powerful money-saving tip. Don’t underestimate it. If you learn to truly be content no matter how little you have, you’ll be happy regardless of what you acquire or don’t acquire in life. Just learn to how to be content in all circumstances. You’ll live a healthier life and save money in the process!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Happy Valentine’s everyone!