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WHY IT MATTERS

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Be willing to adapt. During periods of high inflation, it is wise to reduce spending, if possible. Some people try to enjoy a lifestyle that they cannot possibly maintain, which is like trying to swim against the current of a fast-flowing river! In the end, they just wear themselves out. If you have a family, you may also be concerned about providing for them​—and rightly so! Yet, keep this in mind: Your family members need your love, time, and attention more than anything else.

WHY IT MATTERS

If you don’t at least try to manage your money, your finances could easily spiral out of control, adding to your worries and anxieties. Even if you have limited funds, there are several things that you can do to help you manage your finances.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Live within your means. When you do this, you will likely feel more in control of your financial situation and more confident about dealing with unforeseen expenses.

To help you live within your means, create a budget​—a plan that tracks your income and expenses. As you consider your budget, carefully determine your real needs. Then do your best to stick to your spending plan, adjusting it as your income or prices change. Of course, if you are married, involve your mate in any decisions.

Try this: Instead of buying items on credit, pay with cash if you can. Some find that by spending in this way, they manage their budget more effectively and even stay out of debt. Also, take the time to review your bank statements. You will feel less stressed when you know how much money you actually have.

Living within your means can be hard. But a practical, well-thought-out budget can be a big help. You may also have a greater sense of control.

Protect your livelihood. What practical things can you do to keep your job? Here are just a few: Be punctual. Have a positive attitude toward your work. Show initiative, and work hard. Be respectful. Follow the rules, and try to improve your skills.

Avoid wasting your money. Ask yourself, ‘Do I have any expensive or wasteful habits?’ For example, many people waste their hard-earned money by abusing drugs, gambling, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol. These habits can also cost them their health and their job.

Save for emergencies. When you can, put aside a small amount of money for unexpected expenses or emergencies. Such a fund can give you a measure of security should you or a family member face a sudden health issue, the loss of a job, or some other unforeseen event.

WHY IT MATTERS

Psychologist Jessica Koehler noted that contented people tend to have a more positive outlook. She also found them to be less envious of others. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that contented people are usually happier and less stressed. In fact, some of the happiest people have little materially. That is especially true of those who place a high value on the things that money cannot buy, such as the joy that comes from spending time with family and friends.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Avoid making comparisons. If you compare your modest lifestyle with the luxurious one that someone else may seem to have, you could become discontented, even envious. Moreover, such comparisons may not reflect reality. Some who have many possessions may actually be deeply in debt. Nicole, who lives in Senegal, says: “I don’t need a lot of things to be happy. If I am content, I can be happy even when others have more than I do.”

Try this: Avoid advertisements or social media posts that highlight the wealth or extravagant lifestyles of others.

Be grateful. Grateful people are more likely to be contented and are less prone to feel that they need or deserve more. Roberton, from Haiti, says: “I take time to reflect on the acts of kindness others have shown to me and my family. Then, I tell those people how much I appreciate what they have done. I also teach my eight-year-old son to say thank you for everything he receives.”

Try this: Keep a “gratitude” journal. Each day, write down something that you are thankful for. It might be good health, a close family, true friends, or even a spectacular sunset.

At times, we all struggle to be content with what we have. But our efforts are worth it! When we choose contentment, we also choose happiness​—another quality that money cannot buy.

WHY IT MATTERS

Being generous​—even in small ways—​makes us happy and boosts our self-esteem. In fact, studies indicate that giving can be good for our overall physical and mental health. For example, it can reduce anxiety, stress, blood pressure, and even aches and pains. It may also improve sleep.

When we give to others, financially or otherwise, we may find it easier to accept help when we need it. Howard, who lives in England, says: “By looking for ways to be generous and helpful to others, my wife and I feel we are being less of a burden when it’s our turn to receive help.” Of course, people who are generous at heart do not expect anything in return. But what they may get are true friends who willingly come to their aid in times of need.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Share what you have. If you have little to give, you may still have something to share, even if it is just a simple meal. Duncan and his family, who live in Uganda, are quite poor, but they still have a generous spirit. Duncan says: “On Sundays, my wife and I invite someone to our home for a simple meal. We enjoy spending time with others.”

Of course, when you give to others, you should be reasonable. You do not want to create needless hardships for your family.​—Job 17:5.

Try this: Offer someone a simple meal or even a beverage. If you have items that you no longer need, why not give them to friends or neighbors who may benefit from and appreciate them?

Give in other ways. Some of the best gifts cost no money. For instance, we can give of our time and attention by doing helpful things for others. Even kind words can be a gift! So tell others how much you appreciate or love them.

Try this: Help others with their chores, home repairs, or errands. Write a heartfelt card or send a text message to a friend, even if only to say that you are thinking about the person.

When you look for ways to be generous, you open a door to many rewards.

WHY IT MATTERS

Hopeful people do not just wish for good things to happen. Hope energizes them to take action and make the best of their current situation. For example, studies show that people who are hopeful . . .

• tend to be more resilient

• are better able to adapt

• make wiser lifestyle choices, including behavior that promotes better health

WHAT YOU CAN DO

First, consider how the Bible can help you today. The Bible contains practical suggestions that can help you to cope with rising prices. These suggestions may, among other things, enable you to gain more control over your life and feel better equipped to deal with future challenges.

Second, consider what the Bible says about the future. When you recognize the value of the wisdom found in the Bible, you may be moved to look more closely at what this book says about the future. For instance, you will learn that God not only wants you to have “a future and a hope” but also has provided a solid foundation for that hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) That foundation is God’s Kingdom.

WHAT IS GOD’S KINGDOM, AND WHAT WILL IT DO?

God’s Kingdom is a government that will take full control of the entire earth. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10) Ruling from heaven, it will bring an end to suffering and poverty, replacing them with peace and plenty, as the following scriptures show.

Millions of people trust those promises, convinced that God “cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) So why not look into the Bible for yourself? The hope it offers can give you the inner strength to cope with economic hardships and to look to the future with confidence.

On jw.org, search for “Employment and Money.” In the section with this title, you will find a number of articles that are well-researched and that have helped many readers deal with our challenging times. Here are just some of the topics:

“A Balanced View of Money”

“How to Live on Less”

“Living Within One’s Means​—How It Can Be Done”

“A World in Turmoil​—Protect Your Livelihood”