Notice Surprises To Reduce Anxiety

Staying on budget doesn’t have to be complicated—or exhausting. A growing number of families are discovering that a simple, five-minute weekly check-in can make the difference between feeling reactive and feeling in control. 

On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Crystal Payne joins us to offer a practical rhythm for keeping your spending aligned with your priorities. Crystal is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of several bestselling books on frugal living and family budgeting. She writes extensively on financial stewardship in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine.

Crystal’s approach centers on six weekly questions—each one designed to build awareness, reduce stress, and encourage intentionality rather than guilt or perfectionism.

1. What worked this week? Begin with the wins. Identifying progress reinforces good habits and motivates continued change.

2. What didn’t work this week? Honesty about drift or weak spots brings clarity. Patterns often emerge in categories such as dining out or impulse purchases. The goal isn’t shame—it’s information.

3. What do I want to change? Awareness should lead to one small, actionable adjustment for the week ahead—rebalancing a category, revising expectations, or improving tracking.

4. What surprised me? Looking for unexpected expenses, higher bills, or forgotten credits helps reduce future anxiety and highlights planning opportunities.

5. Was I over budget anywhere? Overages aren’t failures; they show where reality differs from assumptions. This is where Crystal recommends treating your budget like a GPS—when life takes a detour, simply recalculate.

6. Any “aha” moments? These reflect where money, values, and emotions intersect. Many people recognize that a bit of planning reduces tension, that habits shape outcomes, or that spending aligns—or doesn’t—with their priorities.

At the heart of this rhythm is intentionality. Crystal notes that a budget isn’t meant to sit in the background until there’s a problem. When revisited consistently, it becomes a tool that works for you rather than a set of rules you feel pressured to obey.

For married couples, Crystal suggests reviewing the budget together, approaching the conversation with curiosity rather than criticism. Shared visibility promotes unity and helps both spouses move their priorities forward without resentment or misunderstanding.

A five-minute weekly review may sound small, but over time it transforms budgeting from crisis-management into stewardship. It helps families spend purposefully, adjust gracefully, and ensure their financial decisions reflect what they truly value.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My husband and I are trying to decide how to handle our son’s $6,500 student loan. He’s in the military and hasn’t made payments since 2015. Should we pay it off in full from our retirement or savings, or just pay the minimum $75 per month and put that amount into an emergency fund for him and his wife? Also, would paying monthly affect his credit score?
• I’m 36 and have a 401(k), but I contribute about $25 every two weeks. I’d like to invest more, but I don’t fully understand the differences among NASDAQ, S&P, index funds, and other investment options. What’s the best strategy for someone my age who can take some risk?
• I retired at 66 and have never touched my employer retirement account or my IRA. I just turned 73, so I have to start taking RMDs. How are RMDs calculated, and how can I use them in a way that still allows me to tithe, give, and leave money to my children?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• MoneySavingMom.com
• How Can I Keep My Budget On Track? By Crystal Paine (Article in Faithful Steward Issue 4)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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