Today, I'm feeling a bit anxious about my finances. My roommate moved out yesterday so I'l be paying more on bills. I've also come to the conclusion that when it comes to benefits, I should give the tithe to my church not to charity. It's the same amount every month so it's easy to calculate. But lately my giving has risen from $400/monthly to $500+. I look at my budget and I get very, very nervous because I'm not sure how I'll pay for everything. Here's the breakdown
Monthly after-tax income:$1820
$400 church tithe
$100 charity
$100 savings
$40 missions
$450 rent
$191 student loans
$100 medical expenses
$150 utilities
$70 gas
$100 food
$119 toiletries, clothing, shoes, plane ticket, professional dues, etc.
Yikes. My parents pay for my car insurance and phone bill but I've been thinking I should be financially independent and start paying for that too. But then where is it supposed to come from? I'm also choosing not to save for retirement at this time because I'm praying about whether that's something that pleases God. Anyways, I look at my budget and it doesn't add up.
On the other hand, if the reason why I don't have enough to live on is because I'm being faithful with God's money, why wouldn't He provide for me?
So those are the two poles I vacillate between. For now, I'm going to cut down on utilities as much as possible-- limit a/c, shower at the gym, only flush solid waste. I might take the missions money out of my charity money. I should be ok this month, since I'll have some extra income coming in. Although I did want to put that money into savings.
Here's a look at my savings: $3,100
$2000 for a course I need for my license
$1000 emergency fund
$100 ($1100 more needed) for 2 courses I want to take this fall b/c it makes me happy
Let's move on to blessings.
SO FAR: $7.94
$4 free car wash
$20 DSW coupon
$4 free frozen yogurt
$5 grocery sale
$10 saved on gym
$50 saved on rent
($100 car ins?-not included for now)
($30 phone?-not included for now)
=$93
10%=$9.30
+$7.94
=$17.24
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