Anxious About Money: How to Break the CycleНамуна
Whether it's paying bills, managing debt, or striving for financial security, the weight of financial anxiety can feel overwhelming. But amidst these concerns, there lies an opportunity for growth, resilience, and most importantly, a deeper connection with the Father.
Today, on Day 2 of Anxious About Money: How to Break the Cycle. Since today is the action plan, here are steps to start getting out of debt with the goal of easing your money anxiety:
Assess Your Debt:
Begin by gathering all your debt information, including balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. Take stock of your total debt load to understand the scope of your financial challenge. You can’t fix what you can’t see; and as easy as it is to close your eyes and ignore the situation, that won’t help.
On my website, I offer a free resource called Debt Calculator. This is a great starting point to get a 360º view of where you are so you can plan where you’re headed.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
Next, develop a strategy for paying off your debts. Consider using the debt snowball or debt avalanche method to prioritize which debts to pay off first.
The debt snowball method is a debt reduction strategy where you pay off your debts in order from smallest to largest balance, regardless of interest rate. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you roll the amount you were paying on that debt into the next smallest debt, creating a snowball effect until all debts are paid off.
On the other hand, the debt avalanche method is a debt repayment strategy where you prioritize paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, while making minimum payments on other debts. Once the highest interest debt is paid off, you focus on the next highest interest debt, effectively "avalanching" your payments towards becoming debt-free faster and with less interest paid overall.
No matter the method you choose, make a commitment to allocate a certain portion of your income towards debt repayment each month. Be consistent and the results will come.
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Finally, it’s time to explore opportunities to boost your income. Every extra dollar you earn can accelerate your journey towards debt freedom.
Be encouraged and know that not only are there people who want to help you, there are tons of tools and resources available to help you.
When in doubt or feeling hopeless, remember: God is all-powerful. His plans for you are beyond your conceiving and He has never and will never fail you.
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2
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Heavenly Father,
Grant us the strength and determination to navigate the path to financial freedom. As we strive to become debt-free, guide our steps and bless our efforts. Help us to resist temptation and stay strong in the face of challenges along the way.
May our hearts be filled with gratitude for every small victory and may we find peace in knowing that we are working towards a better future. Grant us wisdom to make sound financial decisions and the discipline to stick to our goals.
In times of doubt or worry, remind us of your unwavering love and support. Help us to trust in your plan for our lives and to lean on you for strength and not our own understanding.
With faith and perseverance, we believe that we can overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious. May our journey towards financial freedom be a testament to your grace and a source of inspiration for others.
In your name, we pray, Amen.
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About this Plan
It's easy to find ourselves consumed by the weight of financial worries. It almost feels inevitable at times. Over the next 3 days we'll work through how to break the worry-cycle using the Word and practical tips. Brought to you by Anthony O'Neal, ordained minister, educator, speaker, best-selling author, and trusted debt-free advocate.
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