Being early in my financial journey, I’ve been learning a lot about budgeting, investing, and planning for the future. One of the most common pieces of advice I’ve received is to “live below your means.” It’s a phrase often tied to the idea that sacrificing now will lead to wealth later. And while that may be true, I’m beginning to realize that simply getting rich isn’t the whole point.
Stewardship
To me, living below your means is really an act of stewardship. It’s about using wisdom and self-control to manage the money I’ve been given—not spending simply because I can, but choosing to be intentional with every dollar. It’s a mindset that helps me stay grounded in purpose, not pressure. When I view my finances through the lens of stewardship, I’m reminded that although it's seemingly "my money", it's really "God's money" that He has entrusted to me. I want to be eager to serve others and honor Him with my finances.
Creating Space for Generosity
Living below your means also opens the door to greater generosity. Instead of making impulsive purchases or falling into poor spending habits, I now have the freedom to give to someone in need or support a cause I care about. The extra space in my budget quickly becomes a tool for generosity and lasting impact.
Wants vs. Needs
Of course, part of the challenge is knowing the difference between a want and a need. In a world where convenience often blurs that line, I’ve found it helpful to list out my expenses on paper and ask myself: Is this necessary to my well-being, or just something I desire in the moment? That simple exercise brings so much clarity and intention to how I choose to spend my money.
Note: Don’t get me wrong—I still indulge in many of my “wants.” But I believe it’s more about the heart posture behind my purchases and making sure I’m not being wasteful or careless with what I’ve been given.
Finding the Balance
It can be hard to truly live below your means—especially when you’re surrounded by messages telling you to “treat yourself” or “you deserve it.” But I’m learning that discipline doesn’t mean deprivation. It means balance: allowing room for enjoyment while still prioritizing long-term goals and generosity. I’ve learned that money doesn’t necessarily equal joy, and ultimately, I would much rather spend my time building eternal treasure than pursuing temporary luxury.
Living below our means gives us the opportunity to align our finances with our values and build up our treasure in Heaven. I believe 1 Timothy 6:6 puts it best, "Yet, true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." Ultimately, Kingdom impact will always be more important than worldly gain.
At Harvest Point®, we believe your financial plan should reflect your deepest values. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to realign your strategy, we can help you develop a plan that honors your faith, your priorities, and your long-term goals. If you are not currently working with an advisor, get in touch with our team by filling out our Discovery Questionnaire to schedule a 30-minute introductory call. We would love to discuss your legacy, values, and goals to determine if Harvest Point® would be a good fit to help you accomplish them.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
The opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL Financial.