Debt Help Ideas

Are you looking for Christian organizations that help people in debt? Two Christian organizations that I can personally recommend are:

Crown Financial Ministries. I first became familiar with their organization when they merged with my personal favorite, Larry Burkett, and his ministry. I learned so much from Mr. Burkett’s books, and have been pleased to see that Crown Financial Ministries, with Howard Dayton as their CFO, has continued to follow the same conservative teaching.

They continue to grow and thrive and help families of all ages learn Biblical principles of dealing with money. When my husband and I were struggling under the load of too much debt and too little income, it was Larry Burkett’s teaching, which Crown Financial continues to use, that helped us learn to be sure to put God first by giving at least 10% or more to Him, even if it seemed like we couldn’t afford it. We chose to do that and saw God bless us tremendously over the years. I’m not going to say there weren’t tough years and easy years – then and now. But God has always faithfully provided and I know I can trust in Him and rely on Him!

A good friend took their Bible study class last year and shared various details of what she learned. I am happy to report that they continue to stay focused on the core Biblical truths they started with and am pleased to recommend them to any of you looking for Christian organizations that help people in debt.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Another good organization is Dave Ramsey’s. I have not read or used his materials personally. However, a close family member has and highly recommends these materials as well. Knowing them gives me great confidence in passing the recommendation on to you as well. This series, like Crown Financial’s, focuses on Biblical principles including giving, saving, and careful spending.

Both of these are evangelical Christian organizations that help people in debt. They have a wealth of materials, including the books in the list in the right column. In these books and using the software, you and I will find plenty of practical ways to save and budget money, as well as smart ways to reduce or eliminate debt, that will help you and me achieve our financial goals of reducing yours and my credit debt, start saving, and plan wisely for the retirement years.

Woohoo! Remember the post I wrote, Sam’s Club Chicken Saves the Day? As you can tell from that article, I have a high opinion of Sams wholesale club which is well deserved, as shopping there is always one of my favorite ways to save money.

After I wrote that article, I found an interesting post by Paula Ebbin with some great tips to save money at all three of the various Warehouse Clubs – Sams wholesale club, BJs wholesale club, and Costco. 6 Ways To Save Money At Warehouse Clubs had several excellent tips and ideas that were new to me, and I thought you would find them useful as well.

I knew that one of the best ways to save money is to buy in bulk, but did you know that one warehouse club even accepts coupons? Or that each wholesale club marks their price tags in such a way as to let you know if it’s at its lowest price? I didn’t either!

So pop over and read this fascinating article. Then I’d love it if you’d pop back here and let us know which idea you liked best.

I had been out on errands and babysitting all day. Headed home, I was tired and hungry! Original fried chicken from one of my favorite fast food restaurants, KFC, was calling my name and I rejected all thoughts of practical ways to save money. I pulled in and was delighted to see only one person in line in the drive-thru.

Pulling right up to the microphone, I ordered my usual, three pieces of chicken – dark, mashed potatos and gravy, corn, biscuits and honey, and an extra side of coleslaw. I have to admit, I choked a bit at the price – over $9! But my starving stomach told me to keep going, so I did.

The truck ahead of me left and I drove up. The cashier apologized profusely and explained that they had run out of the original chicken and there would be a 15 minute wait. Thinking of all the work waiting for me at home, I turned down her offer of a different type of chicken (Original flavor is the only one I like), and sadly headed home.

Walking in the door I headed straight for my fridge. I pulled out some yummy Sam’s Club chicken. One of my tastier and practical little ways to save money and time is to buy a roasted chicken at Sams wholesale club, cut it and bag it into four or five servings and pop them all in the freezer. Perfect for moments like this and it’s only about $1 – $1.25 per serving!

Next I popped a russet potato into the microwave (15 cents per serving). While it cooked, I pulled out a can of Bush’s Baked Beans (45 cents per serving) and a can of kernel corn (40 cents per serving). In lieu of the carb and calorie-laden biscuit, I had some tangy cranberry sauce (50 cents per serving). I finished it all off with a refreshing Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper (25 cents per serving).

Within 15 minutes I had a delicious dinner that was probably lower in calories, sodium and fat and only cost about $3! WOW! $6 cheaper AND probably healthier to boot! Fast too!

Now I’m not going to lie and tell you I’ll never eat at KFC again! Of course I will. I love their chicken. BUT it definitely needs to be a once in a while treat. In the meantime, mostly home-cooked meals like this are definitely great examples of practical, creative and yummy ways to save money, save time, and keep heading towards the goal to eliminate debt!