Financial Exercises
Understand your relationship with money, set meaningful goals, and build a budget grounded in faith.The Meaning of Money
Rate each statement 1-5. Your scores will reveal how you relate to money across four orientations.
You tend to see money as a reflection of success and social standing. You may be motivated by having nice things, keeping up with peers, or earning respect through financial achievement and possessions.
You view money primarily as a safety net. Having savings and financial stability brings you peace of mind, and you tend to be a cautious spender who prioritizes protecting against uncertainty over displaying or spending your wealth.
You find genuine pleasure in spending - whether on yourself or others. Money is a tool for experiences, generosity, and fun. You tend to live in the present and may sometimes find it hard to prioritize saving over the joy that spending brings.
You see money as a source of power and independence. You may feel strongly about keeping finances separate, making your own financial decisions, and being cautious about giving others influence over your money - which can sometimes create tension around shared finances.
Importance of Financial Goals
Write out your short- and long-term goals. Make them realistic, clear, and specific.
Short-term goals = achievable in 6 months to 1 year. Long-term goals = 1 to 5 years.
Short-Term Goals (6 months - 1 year)Long-Term Goals (1 - 5 years)
Store up treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
Use your money to do good. Be rich in good works and generous to those in need.
Wealth from hard work grows over time. Quick schemes quickly disappear.
Budget Worksheet
Enter your monthly income and expenses. The surplus or deficit updates automatically.
| Category | Item | Current ($) | Goal ($) |
|---|
You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
Be satisfied with what you have. God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. We brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out.