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A Christian author, financial columnist and die-hard bargain hunter shared tips on not only how to manage finances in 2011, but also grow spiritually in the New Year.
Judy Woodward Bates, known as The Bargainomics Lady in some circles, challenged the common approach towards New Year’s resolutions when she created the list, “12 Spiritual Tips for 2011.”
“One of the topics that makes every Top Ten list is ‘get out of debt.’ But what about spiritual goals?” she asks in a recent Baptist Press column.
Bates, a Southern Baptist, highlights a commitment to Christ and the willingness to put Him first above all the advice she gives for the New Year.
“Put your commitment to Christ above all else. Only when Christ has first place in your life can the rest of your life be in right order,” emphasizes Bates.
After making that commitment, she encourages people to serve others and search for ways to use their spirituals gifts.
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Bates graduated from the Women's Ministry Certificate Program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000. Afterwards, she began using her gift for bargain hunting and pinching pennies to help people save money and get out of debt.
Her show, "The Bible and Bargainomics," aired for two years on 93.7-FM WDJC Christian radio in Birmingham, Ala. The show then led to a regular guest spot on WAKA-TV midday news in Montgomery.
She currently offers her Christian-inspired financial tips on weekly FOX’s Birmingham, Alabama affiliate Channel 6 WBRC.
After people commit to God their spiritual gifts, Bates then urges people to give God control of their finances. She states that everything we have is a gift from God. Therefore we should ask His advice and that of the Holy Spirit to use it wisely.
“Everything we claim as our own is simply on loan to us from the True Owner. Commit to follow His guidance in managing all that's been entrusted to you. Only through the leadership of the Holy Spirit can we properly manage money,” she advises.
Wise use of finances, Bates stresses, is living within your means. “Trust God as your Provider and refuse to create credit card debt or any other unnecessary debt,” she states. Bates also quotes Philippians 4:11, which says in part, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Bates also urges Americans to pay off outstanding debt.
“Concentrate on paying off credit cards, focusing first on the one with the lowest balance,” she encourages.
On the web: www.Bargainomics.com
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