4) Understand the concept of accountability. Many people have found that one of the best ways to control their money is by having an accountability partner. Two people can be wiser than the sum of their individual parts. King Solomon talks about the strength of two in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Finding the right accountability partner is critical. And, no, that person isn’t necessarily going to be your best bowling buddy or your shopaholic pal. We’re not looking for a co-dependant, stuff-a-holic with whom to spend more money. This needs to be a person who really has your best interest at heart — and a little bit of maturity to go with it.

Hopefully, if you’re married, this will be your spouse. But if both of you are fighting the same budgeting battles, it may be simply a case of the "blind leading the blind." Don’t let pride or embarrassment get in the way of finding the right someone who can give you the needed counsel. Remember, the embarrassment associated with getting some help is nothing compared to the humiliation of crashing and burning in bankruptcy court.


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Steve Diggs presents the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at  www.stevediggs.com  or call 615-834-3063. The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters
• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster
• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way
• How to save, invest, and retire wisely
• How mutual funds work
• How to stop fighting over money
• What to teach your kids about money
• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.
• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!
• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.

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