Wisdom for the Graduate

Getting A Grip On A Budget

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving up. 1 Corinthians 16:2

In the old days, budgeting was simple. You bought a flat metal lockbox with compartments. Then you physically divided up your salary, putting one quarter of your monthly expenses in each compartment. Of course, some expenses didn't fit any category, and at least one compartment usually came up short at the end of the month. But the system gave you some self-control.

You can set up a system like this on a computer, so your bank account doesn't leak like a sieve. The important part-and the least fun-is sitting down with a calculator to figure out exactly how much money has to go in each compartment each month. A budgeting book from the library can help. It's not a perfect system. But it will tell you how long it will be before you can lease that car.

Father, I need to get a handle on my money. I need to know where it's all going and what I'm doing wrong. Give me the patience to sit down and do this budgeting-and then give me the self-control I nee to make it work.