Financial Fitness with Bedfordview Zone

Bedfordview Zone and the Nelspruit Elders join together  first for interviews. This only comes around 4 times a year, so we really enjoy the time to spend one on one and in small groups. This time we are focusing on how to be financially fit. After the discussion, we have been making smoothies and showing how eating fresh fruits and vegetables can not only be good for you, but can save on your food dollar.

10 Commandments

of Financial Fitness

Research shows that control of finances affects happiness as much or more than your career, your partner, your health and overall relationships. Being “FIT for the Kingdom” means you pay attention to physical, emotional, social and financial fitness as part of your spiritual fitness.

1. Be in Control
Get organized with money and be in control of it, so it doesn’t control you.  Money can be your master or you can let it be your servant. It is all up to you.  How you deal with money throughout your life will deeply impact your happiness. Learn now to be in control and not overspend. Live within your budget and discover how extremely rewarding it is.

2. Simplify

Particularly if money’s tight, differentiating between “needs” and “wants” can help you stay within budget. Needs come first, and if there’s money left over, you can spend on wants. Try to limit your wants and be happy with less. Remember often less is more…peace, contentment and happiness!

3. Don’t Borrow $
It is so important to follow this rule, especially while on your mission. It puts stress on your companionship and is not ever a god thing to ask for money because you have run out. Instead work together and help each other live within a budget.

4. Save!
Decide on an amount you’d like to save each month, and include it as an “expense” in your budget. You should have a minimum of 200 Rand at anytime on your mission as a minimum for emergencies.  It is often wise to leave your savings amount on your allotment card and let it accrue for emergencies, which will arise.

5. Don’t Shop Hungry

A cardinal rule of shopping is to take time to plan ahead and make a list of what you plan to get at the store and then stick to it.  If you go hungry, everything looks good and you are a target for impulse purchases. Stores work hard to get us to buy extra impulse items, so don’t give in!

6. Don’t Covet or Cheat
These words are part of the original 10 Commandments and offer sound financial advice. Be happy with what you have and don’t be tempted to do things that are not honest when it comes to finances. The world encourages many practices from begging, to borrowing to stealing that will never get you ahead, only behind in every sense of the word.

7. Set Limits

 Determine the amount you can spend each week while on your mission and stick to it. If you put cash in envelopes (or just hide it away) you will be happier and more at peace each week as you tangibly prove that you can live within your means and set limits you can adhere to. You will be greatly blessed in the future as you have developed the habit of discipline.

8. Health is Wealth

Read through recipes and learn to make simple things that are healthy, inexpensive and you can fall back on them if needed. Getting things out of your diet that are not good for you, i.e. high energy drinks, caffeine, cold drink, sugars and fats will also be cost efficient. The more you eat fruits and vegetables in season and cook simply, the better you feel and the heavier your pocketbook.

9. Do Unto Others

Give to others. This is a rule that will help you realize how much you have when you are willing to part with a fraction of it.  The law of the fast and the opportunity to pay a fast offering is one way you can realize what blessings you have and help you not focus on yourself all the time. Learn to use your money to bless and surprise others with your love and generosity.

10. Forgive Yourself 
It’s almost impossible to follow a budget 100% of the time. No matter how disciplined you are, you may overspend now and again. Forgive yourself for small errors and get right back on track, as soon as possible. Learn from your mistakes.

Part of our workshop is making green smoothies

Elder Kwaibaisi, Elder Dzowa and Elder Muwessi

Elder Holmquist joins his district and we all enjoyed the delicious smoothie they made as our first group.

They even made one for President Dunn and he matches with a green tie.

Next group brought a little Ubuntu* to the workshop-*Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'.

Elders Dean, Phiri, Matanga, Rati start with a few apples, carrots, banans and carrots.

Next up: Elder Taylor, Hall, Todd and Smalley

Elders Martinho, Mapende, Wardle and Souza

Elders Wardle and Souza made a great smoothie too.

This guy is always up for one!

Last but not least- Elder Adams, Wegrowski, Stevenson and Derera.  All in all our first day was very connecting for everyone. Each missionary gets a one on one time with President Dunn and I enjoy the time I have with each small group.

Next up- the Elders in Nelspruit with their new senior couple- Elder and Sister Black. We had a chance to interview each of these great Elders in the Card's flat. Elder Morrill, Elder Broadhead, Elder Gwaka and Elder Lambert.

During the interview time the Elders were also able to help the Cards with their computer. Elder Lambert was a whiz at helping them get their internet set up.

A little time in the kitchen learning about how to make a great smoothie!

We had fun enjoying time with these great Elders.  Here are some of the tips I shared and many of these ideas they also brought forward when discussing what helps them to stay in control of their money.