How to Save More Money: Practical Tips for Christian Families in Katy, Texas

How to Save More Money: Practical Tips for Christian Families in Katy, Texas

Managing your finances wisely is one of the most practical ways you can honor God and provide for your family. Given today’s inflationary and rising prices, it’s more important than ever to be intentional about how to save more money — not just for yourself, but so you can bless others as well.

At Grace Fellowship Church here in Katy, Texas, we believe financial stewardship is an essential part of Christian living. Scripture teaches us to handle money in a way that reflects God’s wisdom, generosity, and provision. In this article, we’ll explore practical, biblical tips that can help you and your family save more money, reduce debt, and prepare for the future — all while trusting God for your daily needs.

Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll cover:

1. Understanding the Biblical Perspective on Money

The Bible offers timeless wisdom on managing money and saving for the future. Consider these verses:

Proverbs 21:20 – “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Luke 14:28 – “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?”

Money is not evil, but how we manage it reflects our values. Wise saving, thoughtful budgeting, and a heart of generosity all honor God and enable us to bless others. To hear more on this topic, here is a 2023 sermon from Tyler Moffett at our Cinco Ranch campus including his understanding of why 78% of NFL players go bankrupt or lose the vast majority of their wealth just two years after retirement.

2. Creating a Budget

One of the best ways to save more money is to create and stick to a budget - and almost everyone knows this but how is it that so few of us actually do this?

In addition, for Christians, if we were to ask what makes a budget a “Christian budget,” it would reflect not only practical priorities but spiritual ones — putting God first, meeting family needs, avoiding unnecessary debt, and planning for the future.

So how do we do this?

Steps to Create a Budget:

List all sources of income.
Track monthly expenses (utilities, groceries, housing, etc.).
Set giving goals (tithes, offerings, charitable giving).
Allocate savings.
Plan for debt repayment if needed.

It doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but if you can’t seem to lay all this out on your own, you might want to join a class such as “Financial Peace,” where you can physically sit with others and hammer it out. Grace Fellowship offers this course regularly, and you can access it through our Care Ministries page here.

In addition, some other resources to consider are:

Tools & Resources:

Budgeting apps: EveryDollar, YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint.
Financial advisors (including church-based options).
Paper-based budget worksheets.

3. Prioritizing Needs Over Wants

Philippians 4:11-12 teaches us to be content in all circumstances. Learning to distinguish between needs and wants is key to saving more money.

Tips:

Make a list before shopping — stick to essentials.
Delay discretionary purchases — wait 24–48 hours to decide.
Practice gratitude — contentment reduces impulse spending.

Living a modest and humble life allows more margin for savings, generosity, and family security. If this is an area you’re struggling with, the sermon from Pastor Tyler mentioned above is a good one to listen to.

4. Avoiding Debt

Romans 13:8 reminds us: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” Proverbs 22:7 cautions that the borrower is servant to the lender.

Strategies to Avoid or Pay Down Debt:

Live within your means.
Use cash or debit instead of credit when possible.
Create a debt snowball plan — pay off the smallest debts first for momentum.
Seek wise counsel before taking on new debt.

Freedom from debt increases peace of mind and allows for greater giving and saving.

5. Saving for the Future

Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages us to look to the ant, which stores up provisions in summer.

Tips for Effective Saving:

Automate savings (set up an auto-transfer to a savings account).
Build an emergency fund (start with $1,000, then aim for 3–6 months’ expenses).
Save for specific goals (education, family vacation, retirement).

Saving honors God by helping us care for our family and plan wisely for life’s seasons.

What People Say

David and Sarah Johnson, members of Grace Fellowship Church, live near Cinco Ranch Junior High. They recently completed a church-led financial stewardship class.

“We never thought we could get ahead, but with prayer and practical steps, we created a budget, paid off debt, and started saving,” says Sarah.
“Now we’re teaching our kids about money too!” adds David.

The Johnsons’ story shows that any family can start saving more — right here in our own Katy community.

About 15 years ago we found ourselves in a bad place. We just wanted more and more and more. We had young children, were tired, stressed, discontent and in quite a bit of debt. But we found through FPU that there is a path to real financial peace. It's something only God can do. We worked hard and got to the place where we could say, "we're debt free!" - Ray

6. Seeking God’s Guidance in Financial Decisions

Prayer is an essential part of wise financial planning.

Ask God for wisdom before making big purchases.
Pray with your spouse about your family’s financial goals.
Trust God as your ultimate Provider (Matthew 6:33).

When we submit our finances to God, He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

7. Giving Generously

Balancing saving with generosity is crucial. Pastor Jim shared…

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 tells us to give cheerfully. Luke 6:38 reminds us that as we give, it will be given to us.

When we save intentionally, we can give joyfully — supporting our church, missions, and those in need.

8. Involving the Family in Financial Planning

Teaching children about money equips them for a lifetime of stewardship.

Ideas:

Involve kids in simple budget discussions.
Teach them to save part of their allowance.
Encourage giving to the church and charity.

One way we have seen kids do this each summer is through our VBS missions fundraising program.

Biblical principles of stewardship are best learned together as a family.

Conclusion: Honoring God Through Financial Stewardship

Learning how to save more money is more than a practical goal — it’s a way to glorify God, care for your family, and impact your community.

Take one step today — whether that’s making a budget, starting an emergency fund, or teaching your kids about saving. And remember, God is with you on your financial journey.

If you’d like guidance, prayer, or resources to help you and your family save more money and honor God with your finances, join us at Grace Fellowship Church!

📧 Contact Michelle Sliva (MSliva@WhatIsGrace.org) for information on how to participate in Financial Peace University

Other Resources:

Books: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn.
Websites: Crown Financial Ministries, Ramsey Solutions.
Church resource: Grace Fellowship Church offers a financial stewardship class.