Psalm 50:15 “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Given the recent hype in the news about a government shutdown, it’s lending to financial stress upon military families, especially for those with deployed loved ones.  Politicians are making news with their ideas and comments.  The Department of Defense is cautious.  Critics of the federal government and the military are surfacing with more harsh words.  Cutbacks in the military could occur at a time that the U.S. economy is in the early stage of a recovery.  Consumer sentiment is cautious as oil and food prices rise based on inflationary influences.  Perhaps the home situation is challenged with loved ones searching for employment.  Stress is high for many these days, and yet is it a reminder to tune out this static and tune in to the One who delivers us without fail?

God has a unique way of capturing our attention.  While the politicians and others determine what’s to occur with government issues that are beyond our control, it is important for military families, especially military wives, to pray and focus on what God needs us to focus on.

Mahlon Hetrick of Christian Financial Counseling wrote the book, Family Money Management God’s Way, and he addresses how most people do not know how to find abundance in their budgets and are not listening to what God has to say. (Hetrick, 19)    Perhaps the politicians would benefit from this wisdom as well, but the fact remains that if you are not tuning in to God, then you are neglecting an opportunity to honor Him.

For short term military money matters, it is good to consider the following:

1. Pray and pray incessantly for our country and its financial challenge (Our National Debt isn’t sustainable, and we need for all to address it and address it soon.)  Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Review your finances for the next month and develop a new spending plan (If this is a challenge or you need more advice, please see article.)  I Corinthians 14:40
3. Cut unnecessary costs such as having your nails done, eating out, going to the movies, going to Starbucks, buying that pair of shoes, etc.. and get creative with certain cost-cutting measures  Proverbs 16:3
4. If in debt and if you are making monthly payments that you believe you cannot make, it is wise to contact the business now, state your situation and ask if there’s another payment option.  Many will cooperate if you initiate the phone call.  For example, my husband and I worked out a payment plan for a medical bill from our son’s surgery (and no added interest expense).  Psalm 1:1
5. For those whose financial situation is overwhelming and especially if you have a deployed military member, it is wise to seek your church home, pastor or military chaplain.  By discussing your situation, certain churches will determine ways to provide love and support so as to ease the financial strain.  Proverbs 15:22

For long term military money matters, it is good to consider the following:

1. Develop a game plan for the future because even if the government shutdown occurred, you have a personal financial management issue that you need to address.  Matthew 25:14-30
2. Save up an emergency fund of at least three months of living expenses

Psalm 50:15

1. Pay down debt and remain debt-free.  One good way to address this is to list all of your debts (small and large) and determine a game plan to pay them off.  Romans 13:8
2. Review your current career and determine a five year plan.  Do you need to add in more income?  Do you need to cut back on certain costs?   Can you do without it?  These are the tough questions, and I will be the first to admit that my husband and I struggle with the wants and needs….it’s good character-building for your marriage.  Proverbs 21:20
3. Keep God in the picture and pray with your spouse about how you can honor Him.  I Corinthians 4:2

If you and your husband need a moral boost, it is wise to post Bible quotes or slogans to help you during this financially stressful era in our country’s history.  Just Do It!  Adjust your attitude from Can’t live without it to I can get along without it!

While there is no easy solution today, there is the One who without fail will be there and will provide the calm.  He will deliver us from this financial challenge.  He wants us to be blessed if only we will seek Him, live within our means and adjust our attitude through our finances.  We must honor Him to all Glory and Honor, Amen!

Stephanie Arredondo is Board Treasurer for Wives of Faith, has years of experience and knowledge in the industry and writes a blog - Alfa Sugar – that lends financial perspective in modern America from one military spouse.

Disclaimer:  This article is the opinion of the person writing it, and any financial decision made as a result does not make the writer or Wives of Faith liable for any action taken.  Please consult your personal financial advisor for more information.

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