1 00:00:00,124 --> 00:00:03,004 Do you ever feel like your money just slips through your fingers? 2 00:00:03,475 --> 00:00:08,154 You work hard, even maybe make a decent income, but you're still stuck in that 3 00:00:08,154 --> 00:00:10,644 cycle of living paycheck to paycheck? 4 00:00:11,139 --> 00:00:11,619 Well, guess what? 5 00:00:12,095 --> 00:00:13,940 It's not always about how much money you make. 6 00:00:14,650 --> 00:00:19,000 So today we're gonna go deep into the hidden reasons why you're feeling stuck. 7 00:00:19,810 --> 00:00:22,990 We're gonna have a frank discussion about the sneaky habits and those 8 00:00:22,990 --> 00:00:26,830 difficult mindsets that keep us trapped. 9 00:00:27,370 --> 00:00:29,020 We're going way beyond the surface. 10 00:00:29,020 --> 00:00:31,300 We're moving beyond just budget more. 11 00:00:32,020 --> 00:00:35,860 So if you're ready to uncover the real root causes and finally break 12 00:00:35,860 --> 00:00:38,140 free, you're in the right place. 13 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:39,880 Let's get real on today's show. 14 00:01:19,622 --> 00:01:21,962 Hey everyone, and welcome to the Ask Ralph Show. 15 00:01:22,202 --> 00:01:27,092 Ralph, your financial evangelist, and this is the show where we tackle real financial 16 00:01:27,092 --> 00:01:29,852 challenges with a faith centered approach. 17 00:01:30,246 --> 00:01:34,326 This show is all about helping you break that cycle of financial shame 18 00:01:34,626 --> 00:01:39,936 with confidence, and today we're digging deep into the root causes of why we 19 00:01:39,936 --> 00:01:45,066 live paycheck to paycheck, even when we think we shouldn't live this way. 20 00:01:45,601 --> 00:01:47,251 Mark asked this really great question. 21 00:01:47,251 --> 00:01:51,301 He said, Ralph, I make decent money, but I'm still broke. 22 00:01:51,361 --> 00:01:52,321 Where's it all going? 23 00:01:52,703 --> 00:01:55,193 Well, mark, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? 24 00:01:55,715 --> 00:01:58,655 So Mark, let's find the answers together on today's show. 25 00:01:59,060 --> 00:02:00,500 Lemme start by saying something bold. 26 00:02:01,635 --> 00:02:03,355 it's not always about your income. 27 00:02:04,575 --> 00:02:06,035 Now, that's sometimes part of it. 28 00:02:06,567 --> 00:02:10,467 But often it's what I call lifestyle creep, and yes, I chose 29 00:02:10,467 --> 00:02:12,267 the word creep intentionally. 30 00:02:13,257 --> 00:02:18,384 That new car, that bigger house, all those things add up over time. 31 00:02:18,624 --> 00:02:22,974 It's also the lack of budgeting and that emotional spending. 32 00:02:23,034 --> 00:02:26,434 All of this plays a big role many times. 33 00:02:26,434 --> 00:02:29,914 The truth is we spend to feel better, not because we need something. 34 00:02:30,702 --> 00:02:31,362 How about you? 35 00:02:32,106 --> 00:02:34,086 I'd have to say that I'm certainly guilty of that. 36 00:02:34,116 --> 00:02:38,286 How many times have you found yourself making that purchase just to feel 37 00:02:38,286 --> 00:02:40,416 better, just to feel some joy? 38 00:02:40,969 --> 00:02:43,519 Maybe you're feeling a little bit depressed, or maybe you're feeling a 39 00:02:43,519 --> 00:02:46,819 little sad and all of a sudden that new purchase, that'll be the answer. 40 00:02:46,879 --> 00:02:50,359 Some retail therapy, that's gonna be the answer to your low 41 00:02:50,359 --> 00:02:52,459 feeling, but think about it. 42 00:02:53,352 --> 00:02:56,832 Do you find yourself buying things to relieve stress or, or maybe 43 00:02:56,832 --> 00:02:58,692 to keep up with what others have? 44 00:02:58,722 --> 00:03:00,282 That fear of missing out? 45 00:03:01,089 --> 00:03:03,489 And let me just tell you, this isn't about judgment. 46 00:03:03,489 --> 00:03:04,509 We've all been there. 47 00:03:04,629 --> 00:03:08,649 It's about honesty and it's about recognizing patterns. 48 00:03:09,269 --> 00:03:11,099 These patterns that trap us. 49 00:03:11,552 --> 00:03:16,472 The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2117, and I love this, it says, whoever 50 00:03:16,532 --> 00:03:19,532 loves pleasure will become poor. 51 00:03:21,062 --> 00:03:24,962 Whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. 52 00:03:26,282 --> 00:03:27,842 That is certainly direct, isn't it? 53 00:03:28,367 --> 00:03:35,312 And listen, it's not saying pleasure is bad, but it's warning us about letting 54 00:03:35,312 --> 00:03:38,012 our desires control our finances. 55 00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:40,360 That's really the critical point. 56 00:03:40,941 --> 00:03:44,721 Are you letting your desires control your finances? 57 00:03:45,531 --> 00:03:47,361 And I know that's a tough question, right? 58 00:03:47,511 --> 00:03:49,131 Have you ever thought about it? 59 00:03:49,881 --> 00:03:54,201 Have you ever thought about how your emotions keep you trapped in the 60 00:03:54,201 --> 00:03:56,541 very cycle you're trying to escape? 61 00:03:57,251 --> 00:04:02,891 And how are these emotional decisions, how are they making you feel even worse? 62 00:04:03,441 --> 00:04:05,631 But the good news is I've got a solution. 63 00:04:05,631 --> 00:04:08,391 So let me just ask you, are you ready for a solution? 64 00:04:09,008 --> 00:04:10,418 Well, let's get real practical. 65 00:04:10,418 --> 00:04:12,698 That's what this show is all about, practical solutions. 66 00:04:12,698 --> 00:04:15,008 So here's your actionable item for today. 67 00:04:15,128 --> 00:04:18,488 I want you to create a needs versus wants list. 68 00:04:18,488 --> 00:04:23,648 Start by writing down everything you spend money on and categorize it. 69 00:04:23,918 --> 00:04:27,728 Categorize it either as a need or as a want. 70 00:04:27,728 --> 00:04:28,808 It's really that simple. 71 00:04:29,318 --> 00:04:30,638 But you gotta be honest with yourself. 72 00:04:30,638 --> 00:04:31,778 You're not gonna get anywhere. 73 00:04:31,778 --> 00:04:33,308 If you're not honest. 74 00:04:34,388 --> 00:04:40,241 Ask yourself, do you need that daily fancy coffee, or is it a want? 75 00:04:40,908 --> 00:04:43,368 Do you need that new electronic gadget? 76 00:04:43,368 --> 00:04:45,288 Or is it a want? 77 00:04:45,848 --> 00:04:50,228 Do you need that subscription to, well, whatever you subscribe to, or is it 78 00:04:50,288 --> 00:04:54,848 a want you See, this list will help you see where you're overspending. 79 00:04:55,913 --> 00:04:57,773 You gotta be very strict with yourself. 80 00:04:57,773 --> 00:05:00,833 Ask yourself this very difficult question. 81 00:05:00,953 --> 00:05:03,983 Does this purchase honor God's provision for me? 82 00:05:04,516 --> 00:05:08,506 Ask yourself, does it keep me trapped in that cycle of shame? 83 00:05:09,173 --> 00:05:10,493 And hear me on this? 84 00:05:11,370 --> 00:05:14,100 It's okay to admit we've made mistakes. 85 00:05:14,850 --> 00:05:20,483 We are all learning, and God's grace is abundant and he is ready to help us grow. 86 00:05:21,158 --> 00:05:27,098 I want you to remember that small changes accumulate into huge, large results. 87 00:05:27,755 --> 00:05:30,635 Just like the parable of the mustard seed, small acts of 88 00:05:30,635 --> 00:05:34,745 obedience can lead to great growth. 89 00:05:36,605 --> 00:05:38,165 So let's get back to your question Mark. 90 00:05:38,225 --> 00:05:39,665 You're not alone in that question. 91 00:05:39,665 --> 00:05:41,795 Many of us fall into these traps. 92 00:05:42,588 --> 00:05:46,188 But by identifying the root causes, you're already moving forward. 93 00:05:46,188 --> 00:05:52,098 Remember, financial freedom isn't just about numbers, it's about 94 00:05:52,098 --> 00:05:56,358 stewardship, and it's about aligning our spending with God's purpose. 95 00:05:57,075 --> 00:06:02,355 Mark, you can do this, you can break free from the cycle of financial shame. 96 00:06:02,535 --> 00:06:07,065 It starts today with really asking yourself that tough question. 97 00:06:07,926 --> 00:06:11,916 Is this a need or is this a want? 98 00:06:13,356 --> 00:06:14,256 Well, let's pray together. 99 00:06:14,256 --> 00:06:19,506 Lord, we ask for your wisdom to see the hidden causes of our financial struggles. 100 00:06:19,626 --> 00:06:24,906 Help us to be honest with ourselves and to make those changes for the better. 101 00:06:26,466 --> 00:06:29,886 Lord grant us the strength to resist temptation and resist 102 00:06:29,886 --> 00:06:31,446 that emotional spending. 103 00:06:31,566 --> 00:06:36,636 Help us to focus on our needs and be good stewards of what you've given us. 104 00:06:38,406 --> 00:06:41,916 Help us to see the provision you've already provided, Lord, and help us to 105 00:06:41,916 --> 00:06:49,506 truly find that financial peace and help us to break that cycle of financial shame. 106 00:06:49,506 --> 00:06:52,106 We ask this in the name of Jesus. 107 00:06:53,316 --> 00:06:53,736 Amen. 108 00:06:54,597 --> 00:06:56,247 So your challenge today is pretty simple. 109 00:06:56,247 --> 00:07:00,507 Identify those root causes and start making changes. 110 00:07:01,617 --> 00:07:04,167 Is it a need or is it a want? 111 00:07:05,472 --> 00:07:07,842 Tomorrow we're gonna talk about the emotional side of this. 112 00:07:07,842 --> 00:07:10,722 So make sure you join me tomorrow and thank you for listening 113 00:07:10,722 --> 00:07:14,622 today because I know your time is valuable and I appreciate you. 114 00:07:14,622 --> 00:07:17,622 I appreciate you choosing to spend a few minutes with me 115 00:07:17,622 --> 00:07:22,152 today, and I want to encourage you to visit our website at graph 116 00:07:22,152 --> 00:07:25,362 podcast.com/newsletter and subscribe. 117 00:07:25,362 --> 00:07:27,492 I'd love for you to be part of our community. 118 00:07:28,257 --> 00:07:32,067 As I always say, I wanna encourage you today stay financially savvy out there. 119 00:07:32,247 --> 00:07:35,427 Let's keep moving forward in helping you break the cycle of 120 00:07:35,427 --> 00:07:38,007 financial shame with confidence. 121 00:07:38,517 --> 00:07:39,627 And may God bless you.