Where does all our money go?

Is it difficult to keep money in your pocket?  It is for me.  As a matter of fact, for a while, I didn't carry more cash with me than I needed to -- it would mysteriously disappear.  Well, many families I talk with aren't much different.  Money seems to go through their wallets (or maybe hands) like water and they don't really know where it goes.

Several years ago, I decided to track my cash.  Although, I am somewhat tedious about keeping track of my checkbook and debit card expenses, cash was a different story.  So, for about three weeks I recorded every cent I spent.  What a revelation!! 

My money wasn't leaving my wallet in large amounts.  It was going in one and two dollar increments.  It was a real eye opener.

So, if you are always broke, why not take some time to keep track of it for a couple of weeks.  What you will learn about yourself and your spending could change your life.

Is there any real security out there?

Living with economic situations as tenuous as they are is at least challenging!  All you have to do look at the stock market closings for the last week.  They look like a roller coaster ride. (And I get the same feeling watching them that I do taking that first long drop on a ride.)  Jobless claims are down, but millions of people are still out of work.  The price of oil goes up, and so does the anxiety of everyone who stops at the gas pump and has a memory. 
So, what's in store for us.  I don't know, but I know that if you want to keep your anxiety under control, you had better get a handle on your debt and stop borrowing to get a little joy that will cost you for years.  The problem with debt is that it robs you of resources you need to live.  It creates worry, and undermines your sense of peace and well being. 
Don't misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that accumulating a vast fortune is the goal, but I do think that many of us are paying a heavy price for not saving.  And that price is our emotional and frequently our marital peace.
While real peace finally comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, scriptures are not silent on the roll of money and  the source of real peace.
Over the next days, weeks, and months, I will use this blog to address the opportunities that face us as manage the resources we have, and provide some suggestions for dealing with the issues.
Blessings.
Denny