Have you ever felt like saving money is just impossible? Like no matter how hard you try, it disappears faster than you can stash it away? Bills pile up, unexpected expenses hit, and just when you think you're ahead—boom, something else pops up.
We get it!
Maybe you've said something like:
"I can't save money because I don't make enough."
"I can't save money because I have too many expenses."
"I can't save money because I have no self-control."
But what if we told you that, just like Moses standing at the burning bush doubting himself, there's a "but" waiting for you too?
Let’s talk about practical, real-life ways to take control of your finances. Are you ready? Here we go:1. "I Can't Save Because I Don't Make Enough"
But... What if you started small?Some people think saving money means setting aside huge amounts. But saving isn’t about how much—it’s about consistency. Even if it's just $5 a week, it adds up.
If you save $5 a week, in a year, that's $260. Not life-changing, but it’s a start. And here's the kicker—small habits lead to bigger changes. Just like Moses in the wilderness, you don’t see the full picture at first. But obedience in the small things leads to big things.
- Try the "round-up method"—use an app that rounds up your purchases and saves the spare change.
- Save $1 more each week—Week 1: $1, Week 2: $2, Week 3: $3. By the end of the year, you’ll have $1,378 saved!
God isn’t asking you to save huge amounts right away. He’s just asking you to start.
2. "I Can't Save Because I Have Too Many Expenses"
But... What if you controlled what you can?Some expenses are necessary. You need a place to live, food to eat, and gas to get to work. But not everything is a necessity.
- Audit Your Spending – Ever looked at your bank statements and wondered, where did it all go? Take 15 minutes and highlight every non-essential expense. That’s your starting point.
- The 24-Hour Rule – Before buying anything non-essential, wait 24 hours. If you still want it tomorrow, maybe it’s worth it. If not, you just saved money.
- Cut Subscriptions – How many streaming services do you really need? If you’re paying for something you rarely use, cancel it.
Moses had to leave Egypt before he could step into his calling. Sometimes, you have to let go of things to walk into financial freedom.
3. "I Can't Save Because I Have No Self-Control"
But... What if you made saving automatic?Listen, discipline is hard. I don’t trust myself to remember to floss every night, let alone save money. So instead of relying on willpower, take yourself out of the equation.
- Automate savings – Set up your bank to move a small amount to a separate account every payday before you even see it. You won’t miss what you don’t touch.
- Use cash for spending – Studies show people spend less when they use actual cash instead of swiping a card. Try the envelope system: put budgeted cash into labeled envelopes (groceries, entertainment, eating out). When it's gone, it's gone.
God told Moses, “I will be with you.” You don’t have to do this alone. Make a plan, automate it, and trust the process.4. "I Can't Save Because Life Keeps Throwing Curveballs"
But... What if you had a safety net?Emergencies will happen. The car breaks down. A medical bill shows up. A job gets lost. If we expect the unexpected, we can be prepared for it.
- Start a small emergency fund – Even $500 can keep you from going into debt when life hits hard.
- Think long-term – Every time you save, you’re building your future self a safety net. You wouldn’t climb a mountain without a rope, right? Think of saving as securing your rope before the climb.
Final Thoughts: "I Can't Save, But..."Saving money isn’t about being rich—it’s about being wise. It’s about trusting God, making small, consistent choices, and setting yourself up for the future.
Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much.” (Luke 16:10)
So maybe today, you’re only saving $5 a week. Maybe you're just cutting one subscription. Maybe you're learning to pause before you spend.
It doesn’t matter how small—it matters that you start.
Because "I can't save money" stops being true...
When you add the "but."
Let’s pray.
I thank you, Lord, that you are made unto us wisdom in how to handle finances properly. We ask you, Lord, for this wisdom and thank you that you are also made unto us provision. We thank you, Lord, that you are that Good Father and we thank you for this provision, in Jesus name!