“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” – Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)
The Bible reminds us to be wise with our money and not waste what we have. Managing our money wisely isn’t just for today — it’s also about leaving a good legacy for the next generation.
But let’s be real: most of us were never taught how to manage money properly. There’s no subject in school called “Personal Finance 101.” Most people learn the hard way — after they’ve already made mistakes. Many struggles in life actually come from poor money decisions, not because people don’t earn enough, but because they don’t fully understand how to handle money.
So, how can we start being smarter with money?
Here are 3 simple things you can do to start managing your finances better:
1. Make Two Important Lists
You don’t need to be a financial expert — just start with two basic lists:
- Assets vs Liabilities (Debts)
This helps you see your net worth. If your debts are bigger than your assets, it means your net worth is negative. Try to move toward positive net worth as soon as you can. - Monthly Income vs Expenses
Are you spending more than you earn? Or are you living below your means?
👉 The key to financial success is simple: spend less than you earn.
2. Build a Strong Foundation
Before you think about growing your money, make sure your financial foundation is strong:
- Have an emergency fund
- Be free from consumptive debts (like unnecessary loans or “pay later” traps)
- Get insurance for health and life protection
Imagine you’re a boxer. Before learning how to throw punches, you need to learn how to take a punch. Without preparation, one unexpected problem — like an accident or job loss — can destroy all your plans. That’s why protecting yourself comes first.
3. Set Your Financial Goals
Without a clear goal, you’ll make money decisions based on feelings or trends. One day you’ll want to invest because someone on TikTok said it’s good. The next day you’ll spend your savings because there’s a sale.
But if you know your goal, every money decision will be wiser. You’ll stay motivated too, because you understand that your hard-earned money has a purpose.
Final Thoughts
Learning personal finance is a lifelong journey. It’s not something we do once and forget. It’s like going to the gym — sometimes you can train on your own, but other times, you need a personal trainer.
If you ever feel lost or unsure about your financial situation, consider talking to a financial planner to help you understand where you are and how to move forward with a clear plan. You’re not alone in this journey.
If you’d like help, feel free to DM me on Instagram: @jrobinstanley — I’d be happy to support you for free.
The insights I’ve shared in this blog are inspired by what I’ve learned from trusted sources, including the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants IARFC Indonesia — a global organization dedicated to promoting high standards in ethical and practical financial planning.
Let’s grow in wisdom, take small steps, and build a better future — one wise money decision at a time. 💼🙏
