Save Money and Still Rejoice in a Crisis? Yes, You Can!

Living frugally is one way to overcome a personal financial crisis. We may not be able to prevent the impact of the pandemic coronavirus on the national economy, but we can focus on finding solutions. Many people were not wise with money when their finances were good, but now they are looking for various ways to save.

You can try the following three frugal living tips that my wife and I have practiced and found effective:

1. Be Content in Every Situation

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. In every matter and in every circumstance I have learned the secret, whether of being full or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can endure all things through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

Each person has different needs from others. Only that person knows what needs must be met today or this month. Whatever our income may be, whether it is enough or not to cover our living expenses, the calculation is in our hands. If it is managed wisely, it will surely be enough, and can even be more than enough.

Paul was an apostle who diligently preached the gospel in many places. When it comes to living expenses, he experienced both lack and abundance. Paul learned to be content in all things. He lived frugally, so he could meet his needs while preaching the Gospel. He also used contributions or assistance from the congregation wisely.

Learning from Paul, my wife and I have listed all our expenses and income so far, then agreed to cut several expenses. For example, if on Saturday nights we used to dating at a cafe or restaurant, now we dating at home and cook for ourselves. I used to buy chicken noodles, soto, or tahu gimbal every day, but now I only buy them once a week. This method has helped us save quite a lot.

It was not easy at first, but we tried to be firm with ourselves. As a result, we are able to be content and still have money to save. There are always expense items that can be cut if we are willing to calculate carefully and adapt by changing our lifestyle.

2. Be Alert to Opportunities

“She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.’ So she came and has remained busy from morning until now, and she has not rested for even a moment.” – Ruth 2:7

If you have tried to be frugal but it is still not enough, what should you do? Look for additional income. Learn from Ruth. Because she feared God, Ruth, a Moabite woman, followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. There, Ruth helped cover their living expenses by gathering barley stalks left behind by workers who showed kindness to her. 

Although we were not used to it at first, my wife and I now sell snack secara online. It turns out the results are quite good. My wife, who used to give private lessons at home, now teaches online. As for me, I gladly accepted an offer from a fellow believer to sell rice. Praise God, there are always people buying my products every day.

There are always opportunities in the midst of a crisis. Though it is hard, we must accept a company’s decision to furlough us without pay or terminate our employment. There is no need to blame anyone. If we are observant, there are always business or job opportunities we can take to increase our income. And even if your income increases because of a side business, keep living frugally.

Be open to advice or opportunities that lie outside your comfort zone. Ruth and her mother-in-law did not lack because she was not ashamed to work gathering barley. If a relative or friend offers a business opportunity, think it through carefully first and do not reject it right away. Do not be ashamed to sell services or goods with a small margin, because if you have many customers, the profit will also be great.

3. Keep Giving to Those in Need

One person gives generously, yet grows richer; another saves far beyond measure, yet always comes to poverty. – Proverbs 11:24

Being frugal in the midst of a crisis is good, but we should not close our eyes to people around us who are in need. Remember that every blessing we receive comes from God. He is the source of our provision.

Several times my wife and I have bought goods or used the services of acquaintances whom we knew were struggling financially. Did that giving make us lose out or go without? No, instead we rejoiced. There is a joy that cannot be paid for when we know the people we help are happy and their lives become better.

My wife and I are grateful, because through the frugal lifestyle we practice, our extra provision can make up for what others lack. Until now, God has always supplied all our needs, and we are able to live with full joy in the midst of a crisis.

May the tips above inspire you to live frugally. If you know other tips for frugal living, do not hesitate to share them with others. Let us be content in every situation, be alert to opportunities, and keep giving to those in need. May the joy we have in Christ be with you!

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