Child Expense Planning

Newsflash: Kids are expensive!

With that bit of knowledge, how should we view the expenses that come with children? 1 Timothy tells us that it is our God-given responsibility to provide for our families. The bottom line is that if you are man enough to father a child, then you must step up and provide for them financially.

Now that does not mean that your child should always get what they want. That is not what the Scripture says. Take some pressure off yourself. Know that if you are doing your best, living in alignment with where God has called you to live, and being a good steward of what He provides, you will walk out this verse daily.

Too many men think that their kids need the absolute best of this or the latest of that, and that is often where we let debt slip in. Godly leaders make good biblical decisions about finances, especially when it comes to their children. They know that while their decisions may not always be the most popular, they are in alignment with God.

Set guidelines for how you want to manage this area of your budget and stick to it. Your kids will learn how to be financial stewards by observing how you manage their expenses, which will put them on the path to financial success.

Question to Consider

1. Have you ever found yourself trying to buy your kid’s love, or was this modeled for you growing up? How did that make you feel?
2. How are you setting the example for your children to be materialistic? How can you shift this behavior?
3. What actions will you commit to today to be the leader God intends you to be?