Personal Commitment

During the past few weeks, we have examined some of the financial challenges facing us as a nation, and we have looked at our own spending, saving, and giving habits. We have examined the biblical principles of financial management, and we have learned about ways to assess our financial situation and develop a financial plan that will allow us to experience the true joy that comes through simplicity and generosity. Now, on this Consecration Sunday, I ask God’s blessing of my commitment to these financial goals for the upcoming year.

My Personal Goals and Commitment for 2010

1. I will thank God daily for all my blessings. My goal for daily Bible reading and prayer is ______ days each week.

2. I will seek contentment and simplicity and live within my means. My spending goal is _______________________________________.

3. I will seek freedom from the bonds of credit and debt. My debt reduction goal is ___________________________________.

4. I will seek to wisely manage the gifts God has given me, investing and saving for the future. My saving goal is _____________________.

5. I will worship God each week by the giving of my tithes and offerings. My estimate of giving for (next calendar year) is _____________________________


Lord, I present this commitment to you, acknowledging that everything I have and everything I am is a gift from you. I pray that you will grant me wisdom and strength in the coming year, and that you will bless and use the gifts that I humbly present to you. Amen.

For personal use. Place in your Bible for reference in the coming year.

Six Key Financial Principles

to Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

1. Put God first in your living and giving.
...(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
2. Prepare a spending plan and track all expenses monthly.
...(Proverbs 27:23-24)
3. Simplify your lifestyle; live below your means.
...(Matthew 6:19-33)
4. Provide immediately for an emergency fund.
...(1 Timothy 6:9-12)
5. Pay off all credit card debt and use cash, not credit cards.
...(Proverbs 22:7)
6. Practice long-range saving and investing habits.
...(Luke 14:28)

My Life and Financial Goals Worksheet

How would you define or describe your life purpose?

What are three goals that can help you to achieve this life purpose?

What are some financial goals that can help to support your life goals and purpose?

Short-term financial goals (next 12 months):
1.

2.

Mid-range financial goals (2–5 years):
1.

2.

Long-term financial goals (5 years to retirement):
1.

2.

Basic Budget Worksheet Plan

(for next 12 months)

Item Actual % - Suggested %* - New

Housing _______ 25–35% _______

Transportation _______ 10–15% _______

Charitable Gifts _______ 10–12% _______

Food _______ 5–15% _______

Saving _______ 5–10% _______

Utilities _______ 5–10% _______

Medical/Health _______ 5–10% _______

Debt _______ 5–10% _______

Clothing _______ 2–7% _______

Miscellaneous _______ 12–23% _______


*These percentages are adapted from Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover (Thomas Nelson, 2007).