Staying Focused and Financially Steady Through Life’s Challenges

Practical Steps for Building a Financial Plan and Balancing Uncertainty

I can’t tread water. Despite swimming lessons as a kid, I never developed a passion for it or went to many pools. As a result, I rely way too heavily on the doggy paddle to get across a pool, sticking to the shallow end or holding onto the wall. In lakes or oceans, I’ll always wear the awkward lifejacket. These strategies may not be graceful, but they keep me safe- and most importantly, they give me a plan.

When it comes to our finances, things can sometimes feel so overwhelming that it becomes an ocean-sized problem. We can lose sight of where we’re headed, unsure of how to stay afloat or where shore is. But the more we plan, the smaller we can shrink that problem into something more manageable, like a swimming pool.

Having a plan looks different for everyone. Maybe you just need a lifejacket, maybe you want to learn to tread water. Some may prefer to stay on the shallow end. Whatever that may look like for you, creating a plan is key.

Creating a Financial Plan: Simple Steps for Staying on Track

I hear you- financial planning may not sound like the most exciting task. But having the plan will help you stay focused on your goal, no matter what challenges come your way. Start with one goal; whether it’s a savings goal, investment goal or debt paydown goal. Then, create a budget that reflects that goal. Taking it slow and steady will give you the best chance of success.

When we focus on one specific goal in mind, we make real progress. Having too many goals, on the other hand, can leave us feeling scattered and unable to achieve any of them. It’s like setting one New Year’s resolution and accomplishing it is much more satisfying than carrying over a list of unfulfilled goals year after year. Focus is key to any successful plan. To stay on track, it’s important to be intentional with the specific language of your goals. Instead of saying, “I want to save more,” say “I want to save $100 per month”. Setting clear, concrete goals will help you stay on track.

One of the best ways to stick to goals, especially saving or investing goals is to set up automatic transfers. This removes any temptation to spend money that could be better allocated to your financial goals by moving the money into a savings account or investment account first. It also allows you to save without remembering to do it every month.

Faith Over Fear: Trusting God in the Storms of Our Finances

While creating a financial plan is a practical step, there’s also a deeper level of trust required- a trust that, even in uncertain times, God will provide.

There is a moment in the Bible where Peter steps out of the boat in the middle of the storm after Jesus calls to him. Peter has the faith and trust in Jesus to be okay, and begins to walk on the water. But then, Peter looks down, as doubt kicks in. He was walking on water! Yet, as he takes his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm around him, he begins to sink. As Jesus catches him, He questions his faith.

In the same way, when we follow the biblical principles of finance, we must trust that God will continue to provide for us, even amid the storms in the market and the economy.  

In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus reminds us how He takes care of the birds, and flowers, and grass- so how much more He cares after His children. Again, posing the challenge, “O you of little faith”.

Fear and faith are opposing factors. The more faith we have in what God says and how He cares for us, the less fear we feel. When we focus too much on the latest headlines and feed the fear in our minds, doubt grows. However, when we catch ourselves falling into that trap, refocusing on what is important can stop us from sinking.

We can remember that we set up our financial plan to weather storms. We can reflect on past recoveries of the economy. We can appreciate the importance of our families and friends are. And we recall how God has never abandoned us before; therefore, God will continue to walk with you. But we have to choose to focus on the right things.

Conclusion: Trusting the Process of Faith and Focus

Financial planning isn’t just about numbers- it’s about staying focused, trusting the process and being prepared for whatever challenges come your way. By setting clear goals and trusting your plan you can stay focused on what truly matters. And as you trust in God’s provision, know that He is with you every step of the way. Remember, no matter what uncertainty lies ahead, having a plan gives you confidence and assurance to weather any storm.

Bible Verses to Reflect On

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” -Psalm 121:1-4

“Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ – Matthew 14:28-31

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you- you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30