God's Plan for Financial Freedom

God knows us and loves us. He is aware of the hardship and troubles that come from unmanaged Family Finances, especially the ever increasing burden of consumer debt. The prophet Isaiah said:

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness" (Isaiah 55:2).

To achieve financial freedom God's inspired prophets have taught us to observe these five steps:

1. Pay Tithes and Offerings
2. Avoid Debt
3. Use a Budget
4. Build a Reserve
5. Teach Family Members

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created a financial course, Peace in Your Hearts: Managing Household Finances Wisely which is an online video explaining each of these steps. The site explains that the "course will help you understand debt, and manage your finances to avoid or eliminate it in your life. These lessons will help you understand what you need to change, and the steps you need to take to be successful."

This financial information is also summarized in a simple, yet valuable pamphlet, "All is Safely Gathered In," which includes a blank budget on the back and is available in other languages. The Church has several financial calculators and other excellent resources for achieving financial freedom, including the booklet, "One for the Money," which shows how to use a budget and eliminate debt.