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Being retired definitely has its perks, but living on Social Security and a budget has its challenges. We have to say no a lot.

I learned a valuable lesson from one of my granddaughters, who seems to think all adults have unlimited resources. One day, my husband and I took her shopping for a few personal items. She flitted from one aisle to the next, filling the basket with everything she thought she could possibly need—not to mention the most expensive items available. We had to explain the value of a hard-earned dollar and say no to several of her selections.

The next time we took her shopping, we gave her a twenty-dollar bill and told her that was all she could spend. This time it was her money. Her mindset shifted drastically, and she suddenly became a wise and thrifty shopper, determined to get the most for her money.

Sometimes we get the idea that because God does have unlimited resources, we should be able to have everything we want and as much of it as we want. But God expects us to be good stewards of whatever He blesses us with. If I can only afford a Jeep, I don’t need to shop for a Mercedes. Some call that champagne taste with a beer pocketbook.

With inflation and the cost of living out of control—not to mention disposable income becoming a rarity—let’s learn to be wise with our money. 

When you honor God by being thankful for and careful with what He gives you, He will bless you and make sure He provides everything you need—and then some.