One of my favorite challenges I made for myself years ago, was to determine to pay cash only for the things I needed and wanted. If I don’t have the money to buy it, I don’t purchase it. It’s pretty simple. What I found is that if I really, really want something, I’ll tend to find a way to make it happen. The saying goes “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It seems to be so true in this scenario. Many times, I will hold out on something out of sheer stubbornness. I just don’t want to overpay.
An example of this would be my kids umbrella’s. We like to walk to and from school. It’s great exercise, fresh air, saves gas, and we’re not that far from the school. Well, as you can tell, it’s winter now, and starting to rain and snow and everything else. I thought it might be nice for the kids to have a little children’s umbrella, instead of trying to share mine. Now, when I was in search for my own umbrella, they were $15 in stores and I couldn’t find them any cheaper. I didn’t want to pay over $5. I just couldn’t. It didn’t seem worth more than that to me. I know how easily they break, etc. So, I just waited. I refused to pay the $15. I prayed that God would help provide that need, and commit myself to Him that I want to spend His money to the best of my ability. He promises in the Bible to provide all of His children’s needs, so if it’s a need, He will provide it, and I take rest and comfort in knowing that. I also take the time to let Him work it out. This allows me to see more and more of His provision for our family in a really practical and daily way. So, after a few months of waiting, I came across an umbrella at $5. Of course, I bought two, in case one breaks. 🙂
Applying that same principle to my kids umbrella’s when they wanted one, I didn’t want to pay more than $5, but if you think it’s hard finding any regular umbrella at $5, it’s even harder finding a children’s one at that price. Again, I prayed, again I waited. In no more than a few weeks, Payless Shoe Store was having this sale 40% off anything in the store, even sale priced items. It happened that the umbrellas were already on sale, and then I could add to it the 40% off. I purchased a Disney Princess umbrella for my daughter and a Disney Planes for my son. The total out the door including tax, for each umbrella, came in at $4.96.
So, instead of purchasing one umbrella at $15, I was able to score umbrella’s for me and the kids, all for that $15. That’s like a buy one, get two free deal. Pretty good, eh.
Now, waiting it out, might not work for everything. If it’s a true need, you have to provide, but just rather be in prayer about it, and seeking out the best for your family when you are able. It will be tempting to give in, believe me, but you can do it, and the more you do, the better you get at it. The better you seek out for the things you want for the price you want to pay, and become reserved when money has to leave your hands. Consider each purchase carefully, consistently, and you will save a lot of money.
