12 Steps Out of Financial Bondage

Step #1  Recognize your need for God's help.  

Step #2  Make a 3-month commitment to get  involved in a small group financial Bible study group (OR with a godly financial counselor) who will help hold you accountable for doing financial Bible studies and budget/debt/financial planning.  Call Crown Financial Ministries for a Bible study group in your area (www.crown.org 1-800-722-1976).

Step #3   Begin reading, listening to tapes and studying Biblical insights into how to manage your finances.  

Step #4   Recognize God as the Owner of all you have and set up a plan to actively give to God first (at least 10%) whenever you get any income.

Step #5   Actively determine your present living expenses and specific debts.

Step #6   Decide to look to Christ for your needs instead of credit.  Take whatever steps necessary to take away the temptation to further spend money you don't have.

Step #7   Develop a new lifestyle and spending plan (giving, savings, spending, and debt-pay-back plan.

Step #8   Send your creditors a copy of your new spending and pay back plan.

Step #9   With God's help; begin to make needed lifestyle adjustments you believe He wants you to make (i.e. job, housing, vehicle, clothing, etc.)

Step #10 Set up a record keeping system that will allow you to monitor your income & expenses.

Step #11 Follow your plan.  As you have extra money, pay off your smallest debts first.

Step #12 As God brings people in your life with similar needs, help others as God has helped you.