my warp sense of money mgt

i think its time for me to share a part of me that I struggle alot in.
That's right
$ management.

Well, generally I spend less than what I earn, which isn't alot to begin with; but well, there was once this lady that peep at my bank book. She went, "this isn't your only bank account right?"

Haha. Yes. It is.

Here's how my expenditure usually breaks down in a month. In terms of % of dollar spent per month

1. petorl for the car + cupons, cash card top-ups..
2. meals + group dinners etc
3. tithe
4. gifts for others
5. insurance premiums
6. loans / bad debts ~ paying for others in advance.. and counting till the day they pay me back.
7. self-indulgence .. a sports equipment, good food, shirts..etc

Well, to people who see me, they usually have this idea that I'm a big spender. I don't deny I'm a quality conscious person, and would choose to pay more for a better quality product if I can afford it. I mean, since I'm paying for something at least I should get something decently nice, if not why bother in the first place. I would also prefer to wine and dine my guests, partners at more particular places. Last but not least, I'll always make an attempt to get the best possible gift I can get for the person that may cost more, but if its something to brighten the person's life. Why not?

I'm a strong believer that in everything that we do, we should count the cost beforehand. And therefore when we take action for it, the cost will be something that we should bear willingly. So if buying this particular present is going to cost me $XXX, then I'll have to make the necessary adjustments such as eating simply, or other cost-cutting measures to make up for the $XXX expenditure.

My own money-pinching ways include never taking taxis if I can help it. I will walk if its within a 4km radius. I'll not buy things just so as to posses them or display them. If its something that I fancy, but I know I can afford to live without, then it will never enter my shopping cart. I save money by buying cheaper hair gel, cooking meals at home if I can or simply not eat at all. I won't buy a drink at the drink stall if I'm just having a quick meal at the foodcourt etc. I will prefer to take Ya Kun coffee, then Starbucks if I'm alone. At group meals, I will take the cheapest meal I can decently eat; more so even if the person is giving a treat.

Weird uh? Well.. I have always respected the people who can save a fortune. Those who have managed to save for the holidays, the special things that they wanted for a long long time etc. Or even the money to invest.

The Lord says, that when we are capable of managing the small, then he would entrust us with aplenty.

Its really a personal struggle for me to say "no" at times, or avoid the little expenditures that may not cost alot but its always a recurring cost.

I don't wish to be a bondslave to $. But neither should I fear $. I'm blessed that I have never been a stingy person. But Lord, teach me not to lust after the things that $ can buy but are useless for your will in my life.

Oh Lord, teach me to invest my $ wisely. Teach me to be faithful and wise in the little, so that when I'm blessed with more, I would use it in a manner that would please you and extend your kingdom greater than I can imagine.