I needed help to fix my financial mess

Financial coaching was key for single mom Elizabeth Parker to realize her dream of buying her own home.

My finances were a mess. No budget. No idea of where my money went. Bills paid late or not at all. I had no emergency fund. No savings.

I had grown up in church, and I knew what it means to tithe, but I didn’t know I could tithe. I thought I had to choose between tithing and paying a bill.

After I got divorced in 2008, my credit cards reached $9,000, and my student loan was at $40,000. I was never getting ahead. So I took the step to trust Jesus with my money one paycheck at a time, tithing 10 percent of my income.

I knew there were some things I could do to help my situation. I just didn’t know how to do them. I attended budgeting classes, and I reached out and got some financial coaching at our campus. The coaches helped me set up a budget and showed me how to use a cash-only envelope system.

When I am obedient, I know God will provide for me and take care of me.

I followed my budget, and now I have only one credit card left, with a $2,000 balance. I am still paying off my student loan, but I was able to save up a good down payment and buy a house in August 2016. Through my experience, I now coach others about how they can live in financial peace, too.

As a single mom of three — two still living at home — there are still days and times when I don’t have a whole lot in my checking account. I have to work the steps and take it day by day.

But God has been so faithful to me in the past, and because of that, I know he’s going to be faithful in my future. When I am obedient, I know God will provide for me and take care of me.

UPDATE: In January 2018, Elizabeth's story was featured on the Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club. To watch the video, scroll to the 11:47 mark.

Go to newspring.cc/finances to win with your money.