Thriftiness vs. Extravagance Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary.

Thriftiness in finance, time, and thought. When we talk about thriftiness, most just think of money; but it concerns far more than just finance. It involves our lives, culture, ideas, and future.

Finance Money will buy… A bed but not sleep Books but not brains Food but not appetite Finery but not beauty A house but not a home Medicine but not health Luxuries but not culture Amusements but not happiness A crucifix but not a Savior Religion but not salvation A good life but not eternal life A passport to everywhere but heaven

Thriftiness is a character that is missing in the U.S. What ever we want, we buy. Even if we can’t afford it. It is made easy for us. CREDIT CARDS CHECKS NO INTEREST 4) PAY LATER IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOW.

Being extravagant Having things that we can’t afford is not thrifty, but extravagant. This leads to poverty, not prosperity. Having things that we don’t need, is also extravagant. We need to ask ourselves, “Do I need this, or is it frivolous.”

Extravagant means wasteful, exceeding the bounds, excessive. Have you ever bought an item just because it was on sale, even if you didn’t need it? This is excessive. Have you ever bought something just because it made you feel good to have something new? This is exceeding the bounds. Have you ever bought something and then didn’t use it, and it just sat in your garage? This is wasteful. Have you ever bought a car that depreciated thousands of dollars when you took it off the lot? This is extravagant.

The way we handle our money, shows the condition of our heart. What we spend our money on, shows us our priorities in life. What do you spend your money on? *Food *Cars *Clothes *Homes *Charity

Ideas The more thrifty we are, the more we will have to help our neighbor, church, friend, and whoever needs it. The more thrifty we are the more we will have to spend on our children’s college… Your folks, when they are old... Ourselves when we are old and the money is harder to make… The community when it needs some benevolence… The people that are less fortunate than ourselves.

Thriftiness at home *Build family guidelines to regulate where the finance of the house will go. Agree to be thrifty and conservative as a family unit. Have all participate in this effort. Parents should teach the children how to manage their finance while they are young. *Avoid the temptation of running around and shopping just to kill time. This is a waste of time and finance. By putting ourselves in the middle of a shopping area, we also put ourselves into spending mode. *Invest your finance and time wisely to prepare for future goals and emergencies. We don’t know what the future holds, so be ready for the unexpected.

Purpose The purpose for thriftiness is hard to see for some that have money to spend. However, it is a character trait that needs to be seen. The purpose for thriftiness is to display this character. A thrifty person will be: Dependable: They are disciplined in their behavior. Generous: They will conserve so they can give to others. Grateful: They will appreciate what they do have. Available: Their time is better managed to take time for others. Content: They know that happiness is not about spending more. 6) Resourceful: They look at other ways to accomplish their goals.

Rewards Disciplined family Promising future The ability to give to your community Avoiding unnecessary debt 5)Knowing you did what was right

Extravagance Ruins future Builds pride Causes debt Rips families apart Lacks character

Group 1) In what areas do you overspend? Where do you waste time during your day? 3) What can you do as a family to be thrifty? 4) What can you do at work to be thrifty? 5) How important is this character for your future?