“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” - Proverbs 21:20
Scripture highlights a simple principle of stewardship: wise people live with margin. They don’t spend everything they earn; they save, plan, and prepare for the future. And in our modern world, the basic tool that helps us live with margin is a budget. Today, Chad Clark joins us to discuss what budgeting really looks like for most Americans and how we can do better.
As FaithFi’s Chief Technology Officer, Chad oversees our digital tools and the development of the FaithFi app. He recently came across research that sheds light on how people actually budget. According to a NerdWallet survey of 2,000 adults, three out of four Americans report keeping a monthly budget. That sounds encouraging—until you read the next line: 84% of them say they regularly overspend their budget. And when people overspend, nearly half bridge the gap with credit cards, while the rest tap into savings—often until savings eventually run out. Chad notes that this is why we say that without a working budget, debt is almost inevitable once savings are depleted.
So why do some people avoid budgeting altogether? After years of hearing excuses, Chad lists the most common: it’s too time-consuming, too complicated, too much math, too restrictive, or simply too hard to stick to—like dieting. Others believe they don’t need a budget because they earn enough, or that a budget limits their freedom.
But as Chad points out, most of those reasons are rooted in misconceptions. A budget isn’t a punishment, and it’s not primarily about cutting expenses. It’s a decision-making tool that prioritizes spending and helps you align resources with values. Nor is a budget inflexible; it can and should adjust as life changes. And even those with high incomes need budgets. If billion-dollar companies operate from a spending plan, “I make enough” isn’t a sound argument for skipping one. Stewardship isn’t about how much we earn but how faithfully we manage what God entrusts to us.
Before wrapping up, Chad shares how the FaithFi app makes budgeting more approachable. First, it accommodates different budgeting styles, allowing you to choose the method that works best for you. Second, it builds habits through daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms—to help you engage consistently rather than merely set up a plan and hope it works. And finally, FaithFi goes beyond numbers. Through biblical content and community, it helps shape the heart behind the decisions—because stewardship is ultimately about walking with God.
If you’re ready to begin budgeting—or begin again—FaithFi can help you take that first step and actually stick with it.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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