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With all the disclosures and files being released today, don’t get distracted from what your purpose is. Elegant women have standards. Clutter brings down those standards to a contemptible level that steals your joy, overstimulates, and discourages. Even in your finances, clutter causes distress, lack, and frustration.

If you think money is not important, then this blog post is not for you - no shade. Here, discussing money matters isn’t talking about the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). It is simply trying to show a way to reallocate your funds according to the promises of Yahweh. So, let’s dive in.

Escaping the Financial Clutter

A few years ago, I learned to budget via a method I call the 60 4/10 strategy. Before this, money was a burden I was chasing. Now, it’s a tool to not only bless others but to live debt-free and enjoy life in general. The little things we do as a family are more memorable than material purchases that are only exciting in the moment.

Organizing your finances through a budget enables you to track your spending and, therefore, allows you to become a good steward of the wealth God has entrusted to you. As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Use a Simple Stewardship Budget (Not a Complicated One)

When life is tight, simplicity wins.

A faith-centered version of your 60/10/10/10/10 system works beautifully:

• 10% Tithe: Honoring Yahweh first (Proverbs 3:9).

• 10% Savings: Building an emergency fund and future security.

• 10% Investing: Growing your wealth for the long term.

• 10% Personal Spending: Enjoying the fruits of your labor without guilt.

• 60% Living Expenses: Covering housing, utilities, food, and essentials.

What if 60% feels impossible right now?

Start with what you can manage. Adjust the ratios:

• 70/10/5/5/10 or

• 80/10/5/0/5

The goal is progress, not perfection. Studies show that simply having a budget increases your likelihood of achieving financial goals (Smith et al., 2023).

The Power of Cash and Intentionality

While there are many formulas out there, one method that was a staple in many 1950s households—and reignited by financial experts like Dave Ramsey—is the envelope system.

I can tell you firsthand that cash budgeting via the envelope system has been a game-changer for me and many of my students. It enabled me to go from living paycheck-to-paycheck to saving, investing, and paying off credit card debt and car loans.

What really changed? It was my mindset and how I viewed money. The American Psychological Association notes that financial stress is a leading cause of anxiety, but active financial management significantly reduces these stress levels (APA, 2022).

Create a “No Shame Spending Plan”

Instead of guilt, give yourself permission to live. Women overspend when they feel deprived—not when they feel disciplined.

Incorporate these elements into your plan:

• A small, intentional spending allowance: Treat yourself without breaking the bank.

• A category for joy: Fund hobbies or activities that light you up.

• A category for rest: Set aside money for a weekend getaway, a spa day, or even just a quiet coffee out.

By allocating funds for joy and rest, you remove the deprivation mindset that often leads to budget-busting binges.

Your Weekly Blessing

May Yahweh bless your diligent efforts this week. May He grant you the wisdom to steward your resources well, the discipline to stick to your goals, and the peace that comes from a clutter-free financial life.

Ready to take the next step towards financial freedom and an elegant, uncluttered life?

Book your FREE 15-Minute Strategy Session today! Let's discuss how to apply the 60 4/10 strategy to your unique situation.

References

American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America: Money, inflation, war. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/march-2022-survival-mode

Smith, J., Doe, A., & Lee, R. (2023). The impact of budgeting on personal financial outcomes. Journal of Financial Planning, 36(4), 45-58.

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure:

The techniques described on the Organization With Suzie site are based on personal experience. The owner of the blog is not a certified financial advisor, accountant, or legal professional. The posts on this site are for informational and educational purposes only. Organization With Suzie may contain affiliate and direct links, which means a small commission may be earned through those links, at no extra cost to you. The owner only recommends tools that are believed to add value, but you should do your own research. Organization with Suzie is not responsible for any financial losses or damages that may arise from using this content. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions as financial rules change frequently.