I just released episode 47 of the podcast, which is chapter seven from my book. This chapter was my attempt to explore money as an expression of everyday spirituality.

I’ve spent a bit of time and energy thinking, researching and exploring the topic of money for the past seven years. Initially this grew out of my interest in stewardship and generosity. The book Ask, Thank, tell by Charles Lane was instrumental in that time period and continues to be the single best resource. I just interviewed him in Episode 46.

But my interest began to evolve as I learned about a new generation of people grappling with money. The Minimalists, Mr. Money Mustache and other Gen-X and millennials began looking at money from a less acquisitive position. The controversial Dave Ramsey also played a role in this period. But, I kept circling back to the work of Richard Foster and Mark Allen Powell as people who wrote and thought about money from a perspective of the great religious traditions.

I’ve come to a rather simple formula when it comes to money. (Simple to write about, hard to live into)

Live below your income (spend less than you earn)
Give generously (10.3% is my current level)
Save like a pack rat (a goal of 15% is necessary for retirement these days)

In reality, the first bullet point is the key to it all. I’m not one to focus on worrying about my Starbucks spending. I’ve learned it’s better to four on the Big expenses. Debt, Cars & Housing. I’ve found keeping those three as low as possible has the most impact.

Fortunately, through an 18 month self imposed austerity program, we eliminated all of our debt (except the mortgage which is next) I’m now driving a car that I own free and clear, and hope to keep til the end of my heavy driving demand job. This leaves our mortgage as our only major expense.

That 18 month austerity plan meant no extra spending on everything (including Starbucks). It also meant selling a bunch of crap in Yard Sales, on Amazon and elsewhere. But when we got to the end and everything was paid off - student loans, credit cards, autos, etc. WOW! What a relief.

There is a ton written on the area of finance, and some of it is good, some of it is noise. But, the key in my mind is resisting the power of the US consumer socio-economic myth. Fighting the monster called more. That is the heart of it all. And yes, that’s very much a spiritual engagement, that is probably connected with battling the principalities and powers of our time.

Oh, and if I’ve suggest here that I’ve mastered it, conquered it and now achieved some state of nirvana. Sorry, didn’t intend to suggest that at all. I’ve made progress, but just now an email arrived seducing me with a new flashy product that is soooooo tempting.

The battle, the journey the march continues.