Love/Hate Relationship with Money

 




"After ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." Jacob 2:19


What is your attitude toward money?

I have a love-hate relationship with money. I am the first to admit I am not good with money. But yes I have gotten better with my views and respect for money over the past few years.

How can your view of money affect the way you live?

It has been interesting to me to see and learn how much money can affect a marriage.

I have always been afraid to tell my husband no, that there was not enough. I felt like by telling him, no that I had not budgeted good enough, or done my part. He worked hard and by telling him no, I felt that I wasn’t letting him gain anything for his efforts.

My husband has a good job, gets paid well. We have just had a few years that have been filled with lots of medical issues that have taken much of our extra income. 

I have gotten over my fear of telling my husband no. Now we talk about our expenses more. We talk a few days before each paycheck and plan out if there will be any unforeseen expenses, big purchases upcoming, or future expenditures that we need to set money aside for. It is no longer, no, it is let’s see how we can plan for it or if their room in the budgeted amount.

The key has been communication. As we have learned to communicate more, we have become on the same page and have the same vision and plan.

What rules are recommended for prospering?

These are the rules we studied in class this week on prospering. There is so much wisdom in these rules.

Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him:  This really stood out to me. I had the thought. Have I taken my desires to prosper and be financially self-reliant to the Lord? I know he wants to help me. Has he just been waiting for me to seek his help and guidance?

Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing, and fast offerings: We had a great family discussion about this over Thanksgiving. My oldest son gave some great insights about tithing and opened my eyes. It was healing for me to hear that tithing has really been a grounding and faith building part of his life.

Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant: Becoming self-reliant is very important for me. It requires planning and effort. Knowing that my husband and I are communicating better has made the world of difference for me in this area.

Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity: Every aspect of going back to school and getting an education has taught me so many things about money, planning, and helping others. I am grateful for the full rounded education I am getting. I am grateful for the Pathways program, because of this I have been able to go back to school, to learn skills and knowledge to help not only my family but hopefully others. It is such an amazing program that has given me hope for a better future and my ability to see myself and my talents differently.

Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated: This is one that I am learning and believe it is one that will be learned and relearning over the course of my life. 

Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty, or the sick, or those who are held captive: This is one rule that, yes, if you do have more money you have the ability to help financially and physically more with the temporal needs of those struggling. But at the same time, I believe that no matter how rich, or poor we are: we still have the ability to serve and uplift those around us. It does not require money.

This quote was given by Pres. Nelson last week has taught me so much. When we begin to see, really see what we have, we can appreciate where we have come from and who we can help along the way.

“No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription.” Pres. Nelson


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