If you want to experience a life that exceeds ordinary, the way you handle money is a key component. Whether you have been entrusted with much or with little is not the issue, according to Scripture (Matthew 25:14-30). Instead, how well you manage what God has entrusted to you is paramount.
Managing money in a dismal economy means getting the best value for each dollar. This week I met with some of my favorite people (the Nearly/Newlys) to share ideas for how they have incorporated discipline with a little know-how to stretch their consumer dollars as far as possible.
1. Coupons! Coupons! Coupons!!
- Buy your local Sunday paper. Ours is only $1. About every other week there is at least one coupon insert. Even if you just use shampoo, toothpaste, or toilet paper you will save more than the cost of the paper. You will also have access to all the local sale ads to compare your options and decide where to get the most for your money.
- Check out these blogging sites. I learned everything I needed to know from the first option alone (thank you, Sis). These wonderful people spend their time linking everything from store policies and coupons to specific lists for how to get out of Target with $20 worth of non-sale merchandise for $5. Try it. I was shocked at how much money I could save buying what I normally buy using these tips, tools and strategies.
There are other sites available to help give you a better value for your money than just blogs. The first two came highly recommended by some moms with young children for everything baby. I have used overstock.com and smartbargains.com for all sorts of things, from gifts to curtains for my bedroom.
- www.amazonmom.com
- www.babycheapskate.com
- www.overstock.com
- www.smartbargains.com
- www.ebates.com
- www.swagbucks.com
- www.priceline.com
3. Check the stores for unadvertised specials and clearance items
Check the sale racks. Last week at Steinmart I paid $192 for $1,400 of merchandise. Today at CVS I found some nail polish for $1.99 on clearance for 75% off. Then I had a $1 coupon for that item I printed off the Internet earlier in the month. I made $.50 with my purchase!
4. Always remember whose money it is
We are nothing but managers. It’s not our money. Keeping this reality in mind as we budget and spend is essential if we want to be God-honoring with money. I want to stand before Him one day as a faithful steward rather than a foolish squanderer.
Faithful stewardship in my spending….Yes, that is, indeed, living beyond ordinary.
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Tips from the Nearly / Newlys


