Stewardship & Giving

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Have you ever wondered if canceling a credit card is a wise financial move—or if it could bring unexpected difficulties to your financial future? Maybe you’ve had a credit card for years, but now you’re wondering—should I cancel it to avoid temptation? Or will closing it hurt my credit? These are real concerns for many Christians who want to honor God with their finances.

We’re called to be good stewards of our resources, but navigating the world of credit scores, debt, and financial responsibility in a way that honors this calling isn’t always obvious.

“There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” — I Corinthians 12:6

Tithing–giving money to your church to help with outreach programs–is at the foundation of the Christian faith. Too often, however, as our budgets get stretched, we struggle to find money for the church. One creative way to find money for your tithe is to start a “side gig,” that is, something that makes money other than your regular job. Below are just a few ideas to start you thinking:

Ways to Find Extra Money with a Side Gig

1. Sell your stuff. Virtually every family has too much “stuff.” Books, CDs, games and other media can be sold easily via the Internet. Check with bookscouter.com to see who is offering the best price. Of course, traditional methods like garage sales and consignment stores work well for big items.

2. Get creative. Does your family enjoy crafting? Online outlets like etsy.com and eBay make it easy and affordable to open an online craft shop.

3. Put the kids to work. Most neighborhoods have single or no-child households that need leaves raked, gutters cleaned and lawns mowed. Suggest your teens work for neighborhoods a couple of days a month to benefit the church. It’s a good lesson and they’ll be helping their neighbors, too.

4. Perform a service. Are you good with pets and have time at home during the day? Consider starting a dog walking service. Do your neighbors travel often for business? Offer to take in their mail and watch their house for a small fee. There are dozens of easy services that you can do from home in your spare time.

5. Start a blog. What was once a way to share thoughts and pictures with friends and family is now a great way to make money. Pick a topic you’re passionate about and a free platform like blogger.com. You can monetize even the simplest blog easily, using companies like Amazon.com, Commission Junction and/or Google Ad Sense. Plus, blogging is fun.

Debt consolidation is another way to free up some of your paycheck. If you’re paying multiple credit card companies or installment loans every month, consolidating your debt could help you get back on track and free up some extra cash each month, to tithe or use for other budget items. To find out more about debt consolidation, talk to one of our Christian debt counselors at 877-232-5109.