In Mosiah 24, we read about the prophet Alma and his followers. They are in bondage to the Lamanites; their burdens are heavy and they are subject to severe persecutions. This chapter provides a pattern to follow as we are striving to be delivered from the things we are in bondage to:
1. Pour out our hearts to the Lord.
2. The Lord eases our burdens and gives us strength.
3. Submit cheerfully and with patience.
4. We are delivered from bondage.
5. Give thanks for deliverance.
6. Continue on to safety.
Mosiah 24:13 "And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage."
Mosiah 24:14 "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."
1 Big Step + 7 Baby Steps
Big Step: The big step is to create and live by a budget. We talk about this in our class, and provide tools and tips to make it a reality.
7 Baby Steps: The baby steps are sequential and should be done in order. We discuss each step in class and then report back weekly on how we are doing individually. During the 12 weeks of class, most people will get through steps 1-3 and have a good start on step 4. It's important not to get overwhelmed at this point. Just take it a step at a time.
7 Baby Steps: The baby steps are sequential and should be done in order. We discuss each step in class and then report back weekly on how we are doing individually. During the 12 weeks of class, most people will get through steps 1-3 and have a good start on step 4. It's important not to get overwhelmed at this point. Just take it a step at a time.
1. Pay tithes and offerings - this is the first baby step for a reason. It shows our faith in Heavenly Father. When we pay our tithes and offerings, the Lord has said that he will open the windows of heaven for us.
2. $1,000 beginning emergency fund.
3. 1 month of food and water storage.
4. Debt avalanche - Pay off all debt except mortgage.
5. Establish your Freedom Fund - when fully funded, your Freedom Fund will be savings equal to 3-6 months of expenses. If you are self-employed, you should increase your savings to 9-12 months of expenses.
6. Save for retirement, mission, college. Take advantage of tax-deferred or tax-free savings.
7. Pay off mortgage.
Quickie Budget: Complete the quickie budget form to the best of your ability. If you don't have the actual information, write in your best guess. Bring the completed quickie budget to the next class. (In the coming weeks, you will need to provide actual information on your income and expenses.)
Item
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Monthly Amount
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Payoff Total
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How Far Behind
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TITHES AND OFFERINGS
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SAVINGS
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HOUSING
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First Mortgage/Rent
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Second Mortgage
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Repairs/Maintenance/HOA
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Home Owners Insurance
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UTILITIES
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Electricity
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Gas/Propane/Oil
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Phone/Internet/Cell Phone
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Water
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Trash
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Cable
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FOOD*
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TRANSPORTATION
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Car Payment
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Gas/Oil/Regular Maintenance*
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Repairs/Tires*
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Car Insurance
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CLOTHING*
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PERSONAL
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Health Insurance
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Life Insurance
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Disability Insurance
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Child Care
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Entertainment*
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OTHER MISCELLANEOUS
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TOTAL MONTHLY NECESSITIES
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Lesson 1 Discussion Questions
1. What does the phrase “my servants must be free” mean to you?
- Who is speaking?
- Who are the servants?
- What are some words that define what the Lord's servants should do and be?
2. How is financial bondage a form of captivity?
3. In Alma 37:6 we read, "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." Discuss some "small and simple things: that we can begin doing NOW - today - to live more providently.
4. What is keeping you from saving?
5. Why do so many people use debt (credit cards, loans, etc.) for emergencies?
6. Statistics show that most of us will have a major, unexpected negative financial event in any 10-year period. What would constitute a "negative financial event" for you? How would you handle that today?
7. How would you feel if you had savings to cover an emergency?
8. What are you planning to do to get your $1,000 beginning emergency fund?
9. Divide into groups of 2 or 3 and take turns teaching other other person (people) in your group either Baby step #1 (pay tithes and offerings) or Baby step #2 (establishing your beginning emergency fund). Give each person 60 seconds to teach. What did you learn as a result of teaching and from listening to someone else?
10. One of the assignments following each class is to teach someone else the principles you have learned in the class.
- Discuss why teaching someone else is so critical to the learning process.
- What are some ideas you have for teaching this material to someone else?
- Who are you planning to teach? When are you planning to teach him/her/them? Tell your group and write your commitment.
Baby Step #1 - Pay tithes and offerings
Baby Step #2 - Laser focus on building your beginning emergency fund
Complete the quickie budget
Start tracking ALL expenses
Get an accountability partner
Teach someone else what you've learned
Articles to Read (All articles from the Ensign, unless noted otherwise)
Eyring: Trust in God, Then Go and Do (November 2010)
Gardner: Becoming a Zion Society (Liahona, January 1980)
Hales: Tithing, A Test of Faith (November 2002)
Christofferson: The Power of Covenants (May 2009)
