“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” ~ Proverbs 21:5 (MSG)
REFERENCE:
Proverbs 21:5-6 (MSG)
The new year has begun to roll along. The clock is ticking; it will be over soon, and we will count our losses or gains. While it is still early, look ahead and make the necessary plans to thrive in the year; “Success is a product of careful planning.”
It is rare for anybody to ‘stumble’ into success. It happens by taking deliberate action steps, born out of calculated efforts. To succeed this year, cultivate the wisdom of planning. Your finance is one area where you must take planning seriously. Good financial planning is the key to lasting prosperity. Develop a budget for the year: How much do you expect to make (predictable income)? What are your financial goals/projections? How much would you save from all that comes to you? What are your financial obligations and responsibilities?
If you are not faithful and diligent in finances, you cannot expect God to bless you more than He has done. Joseph gave Egypt an investment plan that took her through seven years of famine. Likewise, plan your finances to withstand famine or tough times by not letting times of plenty pass you by without keeping a portion of its bounty for the ‘rainy days.’ Start to invest; it is never too late to start. Live below your income, and do not try to keep up with the Joneses.
To build your financial base this year, avoid reckless spending; if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Find something you can do on the side to increase your earnings – writing, consulting, vlogging, buying and selling, etc. Be aggressive with, and prioritize savings over spending. Talk to financial experts to help you with investment opportunities. Yes, buy assets this year.
Think about tomorrow – what financial future do you want for yourself? Therefore, be careful not to allow your current appetites to steal away your chance of feasting in your old age. Those who worry about the future are often those without plans; you don’t worry about the rain if you come prepared with an umbrella. God wants you to prosper so you can be blessed and bless others. However, there is no monumental achievement without careful planning.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
Genesis 41:33-36, Proverbs 24:27, and Matthew 25:24-27.
TO DO:
Write down your financial plans for the rest of the year. Make a budget for your spending. Search and enquire about investment opportunities, and pray for supernatural initiatives to make the right financial calls.