Financial Planning Introduction | Financial Aid Office | BYU-Idaho

# Financial Planning Introduction

Are you looking to take control of your finances? Below you will find the fundamental principles for mastering your money. Read through the introductions and experiences of individuals just like you, and then answer the questions. To learn more, try attending one of our upcoming workshops listed in the calendar to the right.

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#### Introduction

Stewardship means to watch over and take care of something. It does not mean you are entitled to ownership, but rather you have been given a responsibility to watch over, care for, and build upon what you are given. Your life is the greatest thing you have stewardship over. You alone are responsible for the choices you make and the things you do. 
 
Just as you have a responsibility to watch over and care for your life, you also have a responsibility to watch over and care for your financial well-being. No one else is responsible for your finances. You should be modest in your expenditures and disciplined enough to avoid debt where possible. Taking charge of your spending habits will help you feel more peaceful and optimistic about the future. 

#### Experience

Click to read about a student who had to learn about stewardship the hard way. 

- How did Kara demonstrate poor stewardship in this story?
- What was the result of Kara's choices in her early 20's?
- What impressions do you have after learning about stewardship? What do you want to start or stop doing as a result?

****Introduction**** 
 
Sacrifice means to give up something valuable or precious (wants, comforts, time, etc.) in order to accomplish a greater purpose or goal (i.e. school). When you sacrifice you learn how to discipline your selfish tendencies. As a college student, you may be asked to sacrifice some wants or comforts in order to obtain an education. A want is something you can live without. They are more of a luxury to have rather than a necessity. This could be a gaming console, a car, iPhone, etc. A need is something you can't live without. This could be your rent, tuition, food, etc. You may feel uncomfortable or unsatisfied as you make financial sacrifices, but they are a common part of most college students' experiences. As you learn to prioritize your financial obligations, you will have greater peace of mind and self-discipline. 

#### Experience

Click here to read about a student who was able to live in New York City on only $2,000. 

- How did Theo demonstrate sacrifice in this story?
- In what ways did Theo sacrifice his personal wants, comforts, or time?
- What impressions do you have after learning about sacrifice? What do you want to start or stop doing as a result?

The purpose of self-reliance is to help people become better prepared to serve the Lord and care for others. Self-reliance is learning to provide for one's own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being without the help or aid of anyone or anything else. As a college student, you have a responsibility to provide for your own well-being. That responsibility should never be shifted onto others. 
 
Part of self-reliance includes providing for you and your family financially. Your financial well-being could be affected by the amount of hours you work, financial aid you receive, previous savings, etc. Sometimes it may be necessary to rely on others or the government to further your financial goals. When this is the case, you should be mindful of where that aid comes from and how you use it. 

#### Experience

Click to read about one student who learned the value of saving while he was young. 

- How did Saul demonstrate self-reliance in this story?
- What did Saul do in order to make more money? How does this demonstrate self-reliance?
- What impressions do you have after learning about self-reliance? What do you want to start or stop doing as a result?

## Additional Resources

Introduction

Cashcourse 
Personal Finance Hacks 
Family Finances 
Frustrated With Life and Work? This Book Could Change Your Outlook 
Parable of the Talents Video 
Kim B. Clark - A Wise and Faithful Steward 
Life's Drama

Sacrifice

Is it a "Need" or a "Want"? Here's How to Tell 
Stretching your Dollars 
Are Sacrifices Worth Being Debt Free? These People Think So 
Providing for Our Needs 
Continue in Patience 
Becoming Provident Providers

Self-Reliance

40 Money Management Tips 
What is Financial Freedom? 
Self Reliance 
What is Self Reliance - Really? 
Work Toward Self-Reliance