By Mike Peek

Everyone Needs a Budget By Mike Peek “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Lk.14:28, NASB95) Budgeting has increasingly fallen out of favor among everyday Americans. Many households now rely on credit to bridge the gap between income and expenses, often using credit cards or loans to cover shortfalls rather than strictly managing cash flow. Very few people set aside money in advance for major future purchases such as a car replacement or vacations. Instead of saving over time, many choose to finance these expenses when the need arises, often resorting to loans or credit cards to make up the difference. This reactive approach can lead to increased financial stress and long-term debt, further highlighting the importance of proactive budgeting and planning. For example, on January 1, 2006, Darlene and I faced a negative net worth. At that time, we owed $22,752.14 more than we had...