For me, there has always been something exciting about the month of August.
It’s the month of new shoes, new school supplies, new teachers and new classrooms. The month you were finally big enough to ride your bike to school alone, good enough to make the varsity team, or old enough to head off to college.
And (if you are fortunate enough to live in an area of seasons) it’s the month of transitioning from the long, hot days of summer to the cooler, fresher days of fall.
However, truth be told, we aren’t really starting something totally new in August, but simply returning to normal.
So, it’s the month for a fresh perspective on familiar things, rather.
The excitement of summer—spending hours at the pool or beach, staying up late every night, enjoying family vacations—has to end sometime. And to be honest, isn’t there something comforting about getting back into our established structures and routines?
As we look toward this return to our regular schedules and commitments, let’s also find some time to take a fresh look at our finances.
It doesn’t have to be a huge endeavor; some of our brains might still be in vacation mode!
But before this month ends, take a few minutes to review your budget and see how you’re doing so far this year.
Have you had any unexpected expenses or emergencies in the first seven months of the year? Did that summer trip or home repair cost a little more than you expected?
In what areas are you meeting your financial goals, and in what areas might you need to make an adjustment going forward?
Then, take a few minutes and think about what you have coming up in the next few months…
Are your kids participating in an activity this year that will require new equipment? Is there a trip or special event you need to prepare for? Do you need to start saving a little extra each month to help plan for Christmas gifts and year-end activities?
What adjustments can you make now to finish the year financially strong and healthy?
As we head into the final months of the year, I pray we take the time now to allow God to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), to renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31) and to renew a steadfast spirit within us (Psalm 51:10).
Allow Him to give you a fresh perspective on familiar things.
Let’s finish strong!
God Bless,
Meredith Kunzke
Contributing Writer
AUTHOR BIO
Meredith is an active member of Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables, FL, where she now works after spending several years as a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Ella and Hans. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s in history and a minor in Spanish. Meredith loves serving women in her community. She is the advisor for her sorority at the University of Miami and has faithfully led a weekly women’s Bible study since 2005. She and her husband, Hans, live in Miami, FL.
