Wise Buying

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” Proverb 10:4

Son, we spend hard-earned money, many times, for things we really do not need.

When I was in Bible School, I met Brother Andrew Urshan coming down the hall. He stopped and shook my hand. I became embarrassed for he would not let my hand go but rather began to feel my signet ring which had been given to me upon graduation from High School. He did not chastise me, but simply asked, “Brother Reynolds do you really need this?” I soon took the ring off, and do not know what ever happened to it but I really did not need it and have never missed it. “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that that satisfieth not?”

We are on a journey toward financial freedom – and wise spending is a good share of this journey. Son, you must realize that money is an exchange for your time and labor. Money represents part of your life here on this earth. It represents the breath, strength and ability that God has given to you. Treat it with respect. Know that we are just conduits for the monetary blessings that God allows to come our way. We get to be able to give.

As conduits, we can give out only what comes in – no more. We can spend only what is given to us – no more.

Son, let me give to you what I have learned:

Resist Impulse Buying

When you or your wife goes to the grocery store always go with a prepared list. Never go when you are hungry. For years I worked in a grocery store and know that the store puts on the end displays high profit items–items that you do not need but which catch your eye and you buy on impulse. Be very careful at the check -out counter, for they place candy to catch the eye of the children and magazines to catch you.

Never buy over the phone. If you have not thought about the need of an item –you don’t need it. When buying a car or an appliance never buy the same day the salesman talks to you. They will tell you that you will only get the deal if you buy that same day. That is not true, they are always ready to take your money. You need to visit other stores and give thought to the value, the price and whether you really need it. You will be surprised at the number of times you decide to live with what you already have.

Buy 2nd Hand

Look for good used items–and then only when you need them. I just bought a used Lincoln Town Car six years old with only 64,000 miles on it–with new tires! It looked new and smelt new. I paid one-third of what he paid. He paid lots of money and only got a few miles out of it.

Buy at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and at garage sales. Look for quality. Don’t bring home junk.

Look for Sales

I raise my beef–but I can buy it cheaper in the stores on sale. Buy the cuts that are advertised specials. Clip and use store coupons. Shop for the specials among stores that are close to each other. Look at the store brand–many times the quality is the same but the cost is less than even the name brands on sale. Don’t buy more than you can use in the next week or two. You can wrap up a lot of money in large sizes that do not save you money–if you do not use them.

Buy with Cash

Don’t buy food on your credit card. On larger items save up your money until you can afford it. Most of the time you will decide that it would be wiser to spend it for another need.

Buy items that will Last

Don’t cook more than you can eat. Don’t have a throw-away mentality. Remember cars depreciate — but Property usually grows in value.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…. She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; bringing her food from afar” Proverbs 31:10-14