family finances

I know that many of you are still working on your three-month supply and/or water supply. Keep it up! Don't stop because we are shifting gears. Acquiring these items takes time. Keep your lists in hand and purchase things as you are financially able.

For the next while, our goals are going to center around financial preparedness. Don't worry, this is not going to be an elaborate or difficult-to-understand tutorial on financial terms or economics. Instead, we're going to focus on one main goal and five easy anyone-can-do suggestions to help us be financial prepared. These come from a pamphlet released in 2007 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, titled All is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances. These goals make up a sound financial preparedness plan that are beneficial regardless of your religion.

Here is the message found within:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Latter-day Saints have been counseled for many years to prepare for adversity by having a little money set aside. Doing so adds immeasurably to security and well-being. Every family has a responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent possible.

We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from this bondage. Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.

If you have paid your debts and have a financial reserve, even though it be small, you and your family will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your hearts.

May the Lord bless you in your family financial efforts.
The First Presidency

I love the promises at the end of this message. I have personally experienced the peace that comes from financial preparedness. Hopefully as we set goals in regards to financial preparedness, you'll be able to find that personal peace as well.