W11

What is your attitude toward money?

My attitude towards money is that it is a necessity as well as a luxury. We all need it in order to survive, purchase the goods and products we use daily. However, a lot of us do not have enough money to live comfortably. I don't refer to people living in underdeveloped countries. I hear about it from people who live in the same city as I do. My family sometimes experiences this as well. There are times when I have to pause purchases until my next paycheck. My wife and I take care of our diet and health so I can continue to work and provide for our family. There are many times we prepare to make a big purchase once every few months or once or twice a year because we are limited and do not want to put ourselves in debt. Nowadays, it can be easy to put yourself in debt and that is something we try to avoid. Other times, because of emergencies, I do not have sufficient funds to cover the costs and we have to pay using credit cards. We manage our finances to the best of our ability. We have been married for almost 5 years and we have not had issues or marital problems due to finances. 

I work hard and continue my studies so that I can find better opportunities to make more money and provide a better living for my family. I also try to find better opportunities to avoid having to work a lot of tiring hours. I do not want to make a lot of money at the cost of my health. There have been times I passed on opportunities to make more money, but by working 6 days a week or working long shifts that would deprive me of spending time with my wife or sleeping a full 7 or 8 hours a night. Currently, money is one of my many motivations. I am dedicating my efforts and studies so that in the near future I can make more money and purchase a home and purchase a better, safer means of transportation and purchase trips and vacations I can go with my wife. 

How can your view of money affect the way you live?

My view of money can positively affect the way I live or negatively affect it as well. Currently, I would consider it positively affects the way I live because everything we have righteously obtained has been through the money we have accumulated and continue to earn. I have earned a great position at my current job, and I continue to work hard and learn new things. I put forth all of my effort so that every year I can obtain a pay increase and secure my position at the company. I know money can do a lot of good things in my life, so I avoid making unnecessary purchases or I try to spread them out and not buy a lot of things at once. I also try to have money stored and saved in case of emergencies. Because of this, we avoid lavish purchases or getting into debt. 

What rules are recommended for prospering?

I have heard and seen a lot of leaders and members always recommend seeking the Lord first and to have faith in Him. That includes following his commandments and being a full tithe payer. My parents always stressed the importance of being self-reliant and to prepare how I will use my money to make purchases: make the necessary ones and avoid the unnecessary, foolish ones. My parents also stressed the importance of continuing my education. A smart and prepared person will never go hungry and will always be given an opportunity to flourish. From this article, a rule of lending a hand to the naked, hungry, and sick was also emphasized. When a person has a lot of riches, they receive a lot of blessings when they use their wealth to donate to the poor and needy. The Lord will continue to bless their endeavors.