Cynthia Halverson, director of the ELCA’s Fund for Leaders in Mission and a certified fundraising professional, offers these tips for getting your spending (and sharing) habits where you want them to be.

1. Make a commitment to give. Start by giving something and make a plan to increase over time.

2. Take a look at what you are spending each month and determine what is essential, what is helpful but not essential, and what you can do without. Try putting giving in the “essential” category. Make some adjustments and reduce spending where possible.

3. Establish a budget. A budget is an effective way to understand and manage the gifts God has given you. Consider the budget a guide to get you where you want to be, and don’t be hard on yourself if you stray from the plan.

4. Try to stick to your budget for two months and record what happens. Then readjust and try again. Pre-allocate money for optional spending and stop spending when the money is gone. Reduce impulse spending!

5. Make a plan for reducing debt. Budget a set monthly amount toward current debt and stick with it.

6. Most importantly, ask God to open your head and heart to the possibilities and great joys that come when we put God first in the management of resources.

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