Are you burdened by financial stress? Tired of feeling stuck, anxious, or behind? As someone who has walked with people through their money problems for years—and as someone who has learned from my own missteps—let me share 10 practical and biblical principles to help you walk toward true financial peace. Not just financial freedom—but peace that comes from living with wisdom, discipline, and dependence on God.

#10: Get a Grip on Desire

When we’re discouraged or pressured, it’s easy to soothe ourselves with spending. But that retail therapy high is short-lived—and usually followed by regret.

Proverbs 21:17 (ESV) reminds us, “Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”

Let’s be honest: it’s not about the price tag. The question is need. So the next time you’re holding something you want to buy, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no—put it back. Small wins like that move you closer to freedom.

#9: Don’t Compete with ‘Sosyal’ Friends and Relatives

In our culture, keeping up appearances is a silent budget killer. You may be comparing yourself with people who are drowning in debt.

“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” — Ecclesiastes 4:4, ESV

Your worth is not defined by your wallet—or your feed. Focus on stewardship, not showmanship.

#8: Start Tithing and Keep Tithing

Tithing isn’t just about giving—it’s about trusting. It’s a declaration: “God, You own everything, and I trust You more than I trust my income.”

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” — Proverbs 3:9, ESV

A tithe (10%) is a great guide to start with, but it’s more about the posture than the percentage. Tithing breaks greed and builds gratitude.

#7: Commit to Being Debt-Free

Debt is one of the most common traps for Filipinos. Loans, credit cards, ‘5-6’—these things enslave.

Proverbs 22:7 (ESV) says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”

Cut up the cards. Say no to new loans. Work on paying off debt little by little. When you are free from debt, your heart will feel lighter, and your faith walk will grow deeper.

#6: Save Consistently

Proverbs 21:20 (NLT): “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”

Saving is not a luxury—it’s a discipline. It’s planning ahead and showing maturity. Set aside savings every time money comes in. Build both short-term savings (for emergencies and planned expenses) and long-term savings (like retirement or education).

#5: Spend Wisely

Here’s the simplest financial principle: spend less than what you earn. It’s simple, but not always easy.

Start with a spending plan. Yes—a budget. Or as John Maxwell says, “A budget is people telling their money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

Track your expenses. Adjust your habits. Know where your money is going.

#4: Invest with Caution and Wisdom

The Bible supports diversification:

“Divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” — Ecclesiastes 11:2, NLT

Avoid scams, hype, and unverified advice. Study before investing. Know your time frame, your risk appetite, and your purpose. Invest in things you understand. If you don’t understand it—don’t put your money there.

#3: Be Watchful of Indulgences

Needs vs. wants—it’s an age-old but powerful distinction. Before you buy anything, ask: “Is this a need or a want?” That question alone has saved my family from years of unnecessary debt.

Train your appetite. A small compromise today can lead to big progress tomorrow.

#2: Gain Victory Through Vision

Without vision, finances drift. Goals clarify the ‘why’ behind your budget.

Dave Ramsey said, “The ability to see doesn’t mean 20/20 vision; it means being able to have a clear picture of your vision and how you plan to achieve it.”

Do you have a financial goal? Maybe it’s to buy a home, send your kids to school debt-free, or fund missions. Write it down. Pray over it. Work toward it.

#1: Each Day, Pray Before You Pay

The most powerful financial habit isn’t budgeting or investing—it’s praying. When we anchor our decisions in God’s wisdom, we find not just financial growth but peace.

Before any purchase, pause and ask: “Lord, is this wise?” Start your financial day with prayer. Gratitude and discernment are spiritual tools for financial peace.

If you need prayer or encouragement, feel free to reach out. I’ve seen lives transformed—not just financially, but spiritually—when people surrender this area to the Lord.

Financial peace is possible. You just have to take the first step.