Cars.
Furniture.
Jewelry.
Appliances.
Basically, anything you want.
Buy now, pay later. Good deal or bad idea?
As we {finally!} get back into Richard Foster’s ten controlling principles of simplicity, we are at number seven:
Look with healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes.” (93)
I’m not going to launch into a financial management diatribe because I assure you, I am no Dave Ramsey! But, as I’ve been praying through a simpler life and contemplating what simplicity looks like in my heart, the Lord has really worked on me in the area of finance and desires.
A large part of our lives has to do with money – both in positive and negative ways – and how we approach the spending of our money speaks to our self-discipline, priorities, and faith.
How does living simply – materially and spiritually – affect your finances?
Previous posts on the controlling principles:
- Why I Don’t Have a MacBook
- Apparently my but is really big
- Finally, something I already do
- And the painful process continues
- How Netflix is helping my move toward simplicity
- I Need to Hug a Tree
These posts are based upon the ideas outlined in Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Oh, there is a huge impact! How we view our money. What we spend it on. Using it to further the Kingdom, instead of being enslaved by it. I mean “we” in general, but also “we” personally. My husband and I have had a huge financial shift as God has worked in us. A lot of it happened gradually, but this past year we finally began using a budget and when you can see your priorities on paper it sort of hits you between the eyes.
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted recently posted…Like the stars in the sky- so are the graces
As you know, reading and living out Radical has greatly impacted the way that we view our finances in the Smallwood household. If we don’t have cash to buy it and we can justify the “need” we don’t buy it- our purchasing has gone way down and our giving has gone way up as a result!
Melissa recently posted…True Fasting
Interesting question! For myself, simple living is a matter of priorities and financial reality. Most often, that translates into being thoughtful with purchases, and putting them off. Just the act of putting a purchase off can result in the realization that the purchase isn’t necessary after all, which can lead me back to the solid ground of spiritual wealth and the wisdom of good relationships with God and those around me.
Annie Joy recently posted…Going to Gobler- Before There was Walmart- There was Missouris Most Famous Country Store
mmmm…ouch?