15 Things Christians Should Stop Wasting Money On: Aligning Our Spending with Biblical Principles

Discover 15 things you should stop wasting money on as a Christian and align your spending with biblical principles. Save money, reduce stress, and honor God with your finances.

As we go through life, it's easy to fall into the trap of spending money on things that don't really matter. Whether it's impulse buying, trying to keep up with the Joneses, or just plain old bad habits, wasting money can lead to financial stress and uncertainty. As a Christian, it's important to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. In this article, we'll explore 15 things you should stop wasting money on, and how you can align your spending with biblical principles.

1. Expensive Coffee

Let's face it: coffee is a staple in many of our lives. But when you're spending $5 or more on a latte every day, those costs can really add up. Instead of indulging in expensive coffee drinks, try brewing your own at home. Not only will you save money, but you can also use that time to spend in prayer or reading scripture.

2. Unused Subscriptions

We've all signed up for a subscription service with good intentions, only to forget about it a few months later. Whether it's a gym membership, a streaming service, or a monthly box subscription, take a hard look at your subscriptions and cancel any that you're not using regularly.

3. Fast Food

Fast food may be convenient, but it's often full of unhealthy ingredients and can quickly drain your wallet. Instead of hitting up the drive-thru, try planning your meals ahead of time and cooking at home. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be taking care of your body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

4. Lottery Tickets

We've all heard the phrase "you can't win if you don't play," but the truth is, the odds of winning the lottery are incredibly slim. Instead of throwing away your money on lottery tickets, consider giving to a charity or investing in a savings account.

5. Brand-Name Products

While brand-name products may be tempting, they often come with a higher price tag. Instead of paying for a logo, try opting for generic or store-brand products. You may be surprised to find that they work just as well, if not better, than their name-brand counterparts.

6. Credit Card Interest

Credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control, especially when you're paying high-interest rates. If you're struggling to pay off your credit card debt, consider reaching out to a financial advisor or debt counselor for help.

7. Impulse Buys

Impulse buying is a common habit, but it's one that can quickly drain your bank account. Instead of giving in to the temptation of an impulse buy, try waiting 24 hours before making a purchase. This can help you determine whether or not you really need or want the item.

8. ATM Fees

ATM fees may seem small, but they can add up over time. Instead of using an out-of-network ATM, try planning ahead and withdrawing cash from your bank's ATM.

9. Cable TV

Cable TV can be expensive, and with the rise of streaming services, it's becoming more and more unnecessary. Instead of paying for cable, consider subscribing to a streaming service or using an antenna to watch local channels.

10. Unused Memberships

Whether it's a gym membership, a club membership, or a professional association membership, take a hard look at how often you're using it. If you're not getting your money's worth, consider cancelling or downgrading your membership.

11. Extended Warranties

Extended warranties may give you peace of mind, but they often come with a high price tag. Instead of paying for an extended warranty, try setting aside money in an emergency fund for unexpected repairs.

12. Bottled Water

Bottled water may seem like a convenient choice, but it's often more expensive than tap water and can be harmful to the environment. Instead of buying bottled water, try investing in a water filter or using a reusable water bottle.

13. Late Fees

Late fees can quickly add up, whether it's for a credit card payment, a utility bill, or a library book. Instead of paying late fees, try setting up automatic payments or reminders to ensure that you pay on time.

14. Overdraft Fees

Overdraft fees can be a costly mistake, especially if you're living paycheck-to-paycheck. To avoid overdraft fees, try keeping a buffer in your checking account or setting up overdraft protection.

15. Unused Gift Cards

Gift cards may seem like a great gift, but they can quickly become forgotten and unused. Instead of letting gift cards go to waste, try using them or trading them in for cash or other gift cards.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. By being mindful of our spending and aligning it with biblical principles, we can honor God with our finances and live a more fulfilling life. By avoiding these 15 things you should stop wasting money on, we can save money, reduce stress, and live a more intentional life.

FAQs:

1. Is it wrong to spend money on entertainment as a Christian?

As long as your entertainment choices align with biblical principles, there is nothing wrong with spending money on entertainment. However, be mindful of your spending and ensure that it doesn't become a source of idolatry or addiction.

2. Should Christians tithe even if they're in debt?

Tithing is an act of obedience and faith, and should be done regardless of financial circumstances. However, if you're struggling with debt, consider seeking help from a financial advisor or debt counselor to develop a plan for paying off your debt while still tithing.

3. What does the Bible say about debt?

The Bible warns against being in debt, and encourages us to live within our means (Proverbs 22:7). However, there are times when taking on debt may be necessary, such as buying a home or investing in education. The key is to be mindful of our debt and work towards paying it off as soon as possible.

4. How can I save money as a Christian?

There are many ways to save money as a Christian, such as budgeting, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and giving to others instead of indulging in material possessions. By being mindful of our spending and aligning it with biblical principles, we can honor God with our finances.

5. What should I do if I'm struggling with financial stress?

If you're struggling with financial stress, know that you're not alone. Consider reaching out to a financial advisor, debt counselor, or trusted friend or family member for help. Remember that God is with you in every situation, and He will provide for your needs (Philippians 4:19).