Budget Smarter: Learn to Separate Needs and Wants

Need It or Want It? A Christian Guide to Financial Discernment

Introduction: The Everyday Question - Need It or Want It?

In casual conversation, phrases like, “I really need a coffee,” or “I need those shoes,” are commonplace.¹ While often spoken lightly, this everyday language touches on a fundamental challenge many face: distinguishing between genuine necessities and mere desires. This confusion isn't just a matter of semantics; it lies at the heart of many financial struggles. Christians navigate a world saturated with consumer messages ² and face real financial pressures, often feeling behind on savings or struggling to make ends meet. In a world full of blurred lines between needs and wants, it’s crucial to budget smarter: learn to separate needs and wants with clarity and confidence. 

While the world offers various definitions and budgeting rules, a Christian approach to needs versus wants must be rooted in something deeper: the timeless wisdom of God's Word. Understanding how to manage the resources God entrusts to us is not merely a financial exercise; it is an integral part of Christian discipleship. This exploration will delve into defining needs and wants from both a practical and biblical perspective, examining the foundational principles of stewardship and contentment, the importance of trusting God's provision, and offering practical tools for making God-honoring financial choices.

Defining Our Terms: What Are Needs and Wants?

In personal finance, needs are generally understood as expenditures essential for survival, health, and the ability to live and work effectively.⁸ These are the non-negotiable "must-haves" required for daily life.¹¹ Core examples typically include:

• Basic Housing: Rent or mortgage payments for adequate shelter.¹
• Utilities: Essential services like electricity, water, gas, sewer, and basic phone/internet service.¹
• Food: Basic, nutritious groceries necessary for health, distinct from luxury items or frequent dining out.¹
• Transportation: Costs associated with getting to work and meeting essential obligations, such as public transit fares, gas, basic vehicle maintenance, or necessary car payments.¹
• Insurance: Necessary coverage like health, life (if supporting dependents), and auto insurance (if a vehicle is essential).⁸
• Basic Clothing & Footwear: Functional items required for work and daily life.¹⁰
• Minimum Debt Payments: Often categorized as needs in budgeting because these payments are typically required obligations.¹²

Conversely, wants are discretionary expenses that enhance comfort, enjoyment, or quality of life but are not essential for survival.¹ These are the "good-to-haves," luxuries, or non-essential purchases.¹⁰ Common examples include:

• Dining out and frequent takeaways.¹
• Entertainment: Movies, concerts, streaming subscriptions, theme parks.¹
• Travel and Vacations.¹
• Non-essential purchases: Designer clothing, high-end electronics, gadgets, expensive hobbies.¹
• Gym memberships, coffeehouse drinks.⁸

However, the distinction isn't always black and white. Needs and wants can overlap, and what constitutes a need can be subjective, varying based on individual circumstances, location, or profession.¹ For instance, a car might be an absolute need for someone commuting in an area without public transport, but a high-end luxury vehicle represents a significant 'want' component.⁸ Basic food is a need, but opting for premium grocery brands or dining at upscale restaurants falls into the 'want' category.⁸ Housing is essential, yet choosing to pay a premium for a larger home or a more desirable neighborhood introduces an element of want.¹ Similarly, professional attire could be a need for certain jobs but a want for others.⁹ Even items once considered luxuries, like air conditioning, might be argued as needs during extreme heatwaves.¹⁰

This very ambiguity, this grey area where needs and wants blur ¹, presents a significant challenge in personal finance. It is precisely here that budgets often falter. The ease with which individuals can rationalize wants by labeling them as needs ⁹ can lead to consistent overspending. This misclassification hinders progress toward crucial financial goals, such as building savings, eliminating debt, or practicing generosity. Budgeting frameworks like the popular 50/30/20 rule (allocating 50% income to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings/debt) ¹ depend entirely on an honest and objective classification of expenses, a task complicated by this inherent subjectivity and potential for self-deception.

Beyond the Budget Sheet: A Question of Stewardship

The world bombards individuals with a consumerist message: happiness, status, and well-being are fundamentally tied to acquiring more goods and material possessions.² This relentless pursuit of 'more' stands in stark contrast to a foundational Christian truth: God is the ultimate owner of everything.¹⁴ King David declared in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein".¹⁴ He reiterated this in 1 Chronicles 29:14, acknowledging to God, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand".¹⁴ As believers, the highest title we can hold regarding possessions is not 'owner,' but 'steward'.¹⁴

Biblical stewardship involves recognizing that all resources—time, talents, money, possessions—are gifts entrusted to us by God, the true owner.¹⁶ We are His managers (Greek: oikonomos ²⁴), responsible for handling His assets according to His will and purposes. Jesus powerfully illustrated this principle in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).¹⁴ In this parable, the master rewards the servants who productively used and multiplied the resources entrusted to them, while rebuking the servant who simply hid his portion out of fear. This teaches that faithful stewardship involves more than just preservation; it requires wise, active, and fruitful management of what God has given.²⁵ Furthermore, stewardship comes with accountability, as Jesus stated in Luke 12:48: "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more".¹⁴

Therefore, the question "Need it or want it?" transcends simple budgeting. It becomes a fundamental stewardship decision. Before making a purchase, especially a non-essential one, the steward asks: "Is acquiring this item the most faithful, wise, and purposeful way to manage this portion of God's resources entrusted to my care at this time?".¹⁴ This perspective shifts the focus from personal entitlement to responsible management.

Viewing finances through the lens of stewardship transforms the decision-making process. It's not merely about self-denial or identifying what must be given up. Instead, it becomes a positive exercise in active and purposeful deployment of God's resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.¹⁴ The Parable of the Talents underscores that God values multiplication and fruitful investment, not just passive saving.¹⁴ Calls to be "rich in good works, generous and ready to share" ¹⁵ and to use resources to fund discipleship ²⁰ further emphasize this active dimension. Consequently, the "need vs. want" dilemma evolves from "What must I sacrifice?" to "What is the best and most impactful use of these kingdom assets for God's purposes and my assigned responsibilities?"

Guarding Our Hearts: Contentment in a World of Wants

In direct opposition to the consumer culture's relentless push for more ², the Bible calls Christians to cultivate contentment. This virtue is not optional; it is vital for spiritual health and faithful financial management. Several key scriptures illuminate this:

• Philippians 4:11-13: The Apostle Paul testifies that he learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether facing abundance or need. This contentment wasn't based on circumstances but was found through the strength provided by Christ.¹⁴
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8: This passage declares that "godliness with contentment is great gain." It reminds believers that since we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out, we should be content with the basics of food and clothing.⁶
• Hebrews 13:5: Believers are urged to "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have." The foundation for this contentment is God's promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you".¹⁵ Contentment is intrinsically linked to trusting God's presence and His faithful provision.

Biblical contentment is not passive resignation or apathy. It is an active learning process ³⁰, a state of the heart cultivated through dependence on Christ.¹⁴ Paul didn't say he was naturally content; he learned it.¹⁴ This contentment comes from within, from Christ dwelling in the believer, and thus transcends external circumstances.³² This internal, Christ-dependent source of satisfaction provides a powerful spiritual antidote to the consumerist lie that fulfillment comes from acquiring external things.²

The pursuit of contentment stands against the dangers of materialism, which the Bible warns against repeatedly. The love of money—not money itself ³⁵—is identified as "a root of all kinds of evils," leading people into temptation, ruin, and away from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9-10).¹⁷ Jesus stated unequivocally, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24), framing materialism as a form of idolatry where possessions usurp God's rightful place in the heart.³ Riches are described as "deceitful" (Mark 4:19), capable of choking out spiritual life and creating a false sense of security.¹⁵ Jesus reminded listeners that "one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).²⁷ Materialism often travels with companions like greed, envy, covetousness, and the very discontentment it promises to cure.³¹

A heart grounded in godly contentment is far better equipped to navigate the need-versus-want dilemma. Discontent often fuels the desire for wants, leading individuals to perceive them as needs in a futile attempt to find satisfaction.³¹ Contentment, rooted in Christ, helps align desires with God's will and provision, fostering gratitude for what one has rather than anxiety over what one lacks.²⁸

Faith Over Fear: Trusting God for Our Needs

A cornerstone of Christian financial understanding is the unwavering promise of God's provision for our genuine needs. This truth is a powerful antidote to the fear and anxiety that often surround money matters.

Jesus addressed this directly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). He explicitly commanded His followers not to worry about basic life necessities like food, drink, and clothing.⁴⁰ He pointed to God's meticulous care for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field—creatures of lesser value than humans—as evidence of the Father's loving provision.²⁹ Jesus highlighted the futility of worry, noting it cannot add a single hour to one's life ⁴³ and identifying it as a characteristic of those with "little faith".⁴⁰ He contrasted the anxious striving of unbelievers ("pagans," "Gentiles") with the believer's confidence that their "heavenly Father knows that you need all these things".⁴⁰

This promise is echoed elsewhere in Scripture. Philippians 4:19 assures believers, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus".²⁸ Notice the specific focus on needs, not necessarily every fleeting want or desire. The Psalmist also reflects this confidence in God's reliable care.²⁹

Understanding these promises helps reframe financial anxiety. Since God explicitly promises to provide for our needs, persistent worry often indicates something deeper than just a challenging financial situation. It might reveal a lack of genuine trust in His promises—a struggle with "little faith," as Jesus put it.⁴³ Worry can function as "practical atheism," where one professes faith but lives as though God is either unwilling or unable to care for them.⁴³ Alternatively, the anxiety might stem from confusing wants with needs.¹³ If one's "needs" include maintaining a certain luxurious lifestyle, expensive habits, or the latest gadgets, the worry isn't truly about God's provision for necessities but about the inability to fund desires. When worry persists despite God's clear promises regarding essential needs, the root issue likely lies either in a crisis of faith or in misplaced priorities where wants have been improperly elevated.

Jesus provided the ultimate solution to this anxiety in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [food, clothing, etc.] will be given to you as well".¹⁵ Prioritizing God's kingdom—His rule, His values, His purposes—reorients the heart, builds trust, and places financial concerns in their proper perspective under His sovereign care.

Practical Wisdom: Making Godly Choices

Translating these profound biblical principles—stewardship, contentment, trust—into everyday financial decisions requires practical wisdom and intentionality. Moving from understanding to application involves developing a process for discernment, especially when considering non-essential purchases. A series of reflective questions, grounded in scripture and financial prudence, can serve as a helpful framework.¹

This Christian discernment process is holistic, integrating practical financial considerations with deep spiritual and ethical reflection.⁴² It goes beyond a simple cost-benefit analysis by incorporating questions of motivation, stewardship, contentment, and alignment with God's Word. This reflects a comprehensive worldview where faith informs every decision, including how resources are managed.

The following checklist consolidates key questions to guide purchasing decisions:

A Christian's Discernment Checklist for Purchases

Using such questions helps move beyond impulsive reactions driven by advertising or social pressure ² towards intentional choices that reflect core Christian values.

Budgeting as Worship: Aligning Spending with Faith

The ability to clearly distinguish needs from wants, guided by the principles of stewardship and contentment, forms the essential foundation for creating a budget that truly honors God.⁵ A budget, from a Christian perspective, is more than just a financial spreadsheet; it is a practical plan for faithfully managing the resources God has provided.¹⁹ It's an act of stewardship, putting knowledge into action.⁵⁹

While various budgeting methods exist, such as the 50/30/20 rule ¹, a distinctively Christian approach often reorders the priorities based on theological convictions. A common framework emerging from Christian financial teaching suggests the following order of allocation ¹²:

1. Give First: Tithing and offerings are placed at the top of the budget, acknowledging God's ownership of everything and representing an act of worship and trust.¹² This practice helps break the power that money can exert over one's heart.⁶ Even when finances are tight or debt is present, giving something first is encouraged as an act of faith.⁶⁰
2. Save / Pay Debt Second: Prudent saving for the future (including emergency funds and long-term goals) and aggressively paying down debt (particularly high-interest consumer debt like credit cards) are prioritized next.⁶ Eliminating debt creates financial margin and freedom.⁵³
3. Needs Third: Covering essential living expenses comes after giving and saving/debt reduction. Often referred to as the "Four Walls"—food, utilities, shelter, and transportation—these are the fundamental necessities.¹²
4. Wants Last: Discretionary spending on wants comes only after the higher priorities are met. This category is understood to be flexible and the first area from which to cut back when necessary to meet obligations or increase giving/saving.⁵

The deliberate placement of giving as the first priority ¹² marks a significant departure from purely secular budgeting models. This isn't just about percentages; it's a theological statement about who is ultimately in charge (God, not money) and reflects a deep trust in His provision for the remaining needs. It transforms budgeting from a self-focused exercise into an act of worship and faithful stewardship. Furthermore, cultivating a lifestyle of generosity serves as a powerful antidote to the grip of materialism, fostering contentment and aligning the heart with God's priorities.⁶

Conclusion: Living Purposefully with God's Resources

Distinguishing between needs and wants is far more than a budgeting technique for the Christian; it is a spiritual discipline rooted in biblical stewardship, contentment, and unwavering trust in God's provision. While the world promotes endless acquisition as the path to happiness ², Scripture calls believers to recognize God as the owner of all ¹⁴, to manage His resources faithfully ²⁵, and to find true contentment not in possessions, but in a relationship with Christ.¹⁴

Navigating the complexities of modern finance and resisting consumer pressures requires intentionality and wisdom. Past financial missteps should not lead to discouragement, but rather serve as motivation to move forward with a renewed commitment to God's principles. Utilizing tools like the discernment checklist and structuring budgets around biblical priorities—giving first, saving second, living on the rest—can bring clarity and peace. Testimonies abound of those who have found deep satisfaction and freedom by embracing simplicity and prioritizing God's kingdom in their finances.¹⁸

Ultimately, the journey involves continually seeking God's wisdom through His Word and prayer ⁴², trusting His promise to supply every need ²⁸, and choosing daily to live purposefully as faithful managers of the resources He has so graciously provided. May God grant wisdom and perseverance to all who seek to honor Him in this vital area of life.

Works cited

1. How To Determine Financial Needs Versus Wants - Bankrate, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/credit/financial-needs-vs-wants/
2. Consumerism: Definition, Economic Impact, Pros & Cons - Investopedia, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/consumerism.asp
3. Consumerism - a Christian perspective, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.christianity.org.uk/article/consumerism-a-christian-perspective
4. Faith Not For Sale: Confronting Consumerism in the Church - Biblical Christian Worldview, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.bcworldview.org/faith-not-for-sale-confronting-consumerism-in-the-church/
5. Ask Chuck: Majority of Americans Want to Save More Money, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crown.org/all-resources/ask-chuck-majority-of-americans-want-to-save-more-money/
6. Culture of greed, debt mentality and biblical finances - Christian Post, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.christianpost.com/voices/culture-of-greed-debt-mentality-and-biblical-finances.html
7. 8 ways to tackle debt and find financial freedom | Magazine Features | Premier Christianity, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/8-ways-to-tackle-debt-and-find-financial-freedom/17026.article
8. Needs vs. Wants: How to Budget for Both - NerdWallet, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/financial-needs-versus-wants
9. Understanding Needs vs. Wants for Your Budget - SmartAsset, accessed April 25, 2025, https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/needs-vs-wants
10. Needs vs. Wants: A Guide for Budgeting - Fincart, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.fincart.com/blog/needs-vs-wants/
11. Wants vs Needs: Understanding the Difference - Fi.Money, accessed April 25, 2025, https://fi.money/guides/personal-finance/wants-vs-needs-understanding-the-difference
12. The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained - Ramsey Solutions, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/50-20-30-budget-rule
13. Wants and Needs: Learning to Tell The Difference - God, Money & Me, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.godmoneyme.com/2011/12/29/i-need-vs-i-want/
14. Stewardship & Contentment | School of Business | Liberty University, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.liberty.edu/business/simply-money/stewardship-contentment/
15. A Christian View of Possessions, accessed April 25, 2025, https://relevant-christianity.com/personally-relevant/A_Christian_View_of_Possessions_-_Final.135155535.html
16. What is a Certified Kingdom Advisor® and Why Does It Matter for Christian Investors?, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.peakfinancialmanagement.com/post/certified-kingdom-advisor-christian-investors
17. For Richer, for Poorer: How to Steward Money in Marriage | Desiring God, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/for-richer-for-poorer
18. Finding Financial Contentment | Bible.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://bible.org/seriespage/3-finding-financial-contentment
19. THE DISCIPLE AND MONEY: A LESSON IN STEWARDSHIP - Discipleship.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://discipleship.org/blog/the-disciple-and-money-a-lesson-in-stewardship/
20. Stewardship of Wealth | Discipleship Defined, accessed April 25, 2025, https://discipleshipdefined.com/resources/stewardship-wealth/
21. What I Wish Every Church Leader Knew about Stewardship - SecureGive, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.securegive.com/what-i-wish-every-church-leader-knew-about-stewardship-2/
22. Kingdom Advisors & Faith-Based Financial Planning: What You Need to Know, accessed April 25, 2025, https://ceonfoundation.org/kingdom-advisors/
23. What alternatives does Christianity offer to consumer culture? - Bible Chat, accessed April 25, 2025, https://thecrosstalk.com/knowledgebase/christian-living/modern-issues/what-alternatives-does-christianity-offer-consumer-culture/
24. What It Means to Be a Good Steward in the Bible with Examples - Gentle Christian Parenting, accessed April 25, 2025, https://gentlechristianparenting.com/biblical-stewardship/
25. Stewardship in The Bible: Teachings, Examples and Principles - Ministry Brands, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.ministrybrands.com/church-management/stewardship-in-the-bible
26. Jesus the Good Steward: Five ways to follow his example - Stewardship, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/jesus-good-steward
27. What Does the Bible Say About Materialism?, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.openbible.info/topics/materialism
28. What does the Bible say about needs and wants? - WisdomShort.com, accessed April 25, 2025, https://wisdomshort.com/books/bible/on-needs-wants
29. 25 Bible Verses about Contentment - Encouraging Scripture, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-contentment/
30. 12 Bible Verses on Contentment - Christian Money Solutions, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/12-bible-verses-on-contentment
31. Behind Closed Doors: Materialism and Checking Our Desires - Well-Watered Women, accessed April 25, 2025, https://wellwateredwomen.com/behind-closed-doors-materialism/
32. Content in Any Circumstance (Philippians 4:11–13) - Radical, accessed April 25, 2025, https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/content-in-any-circumstance-philippians-411-13/
33. Philippians 4:11-13 - The Key to Christian Contentment, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/philippians-411-13-key-christian-contentment
34. 10 Key Bible Verses on Contentment | Crossway Articles, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-contentment/
35. Understanding the True Meaning of 1 Timothy 6:10: Money and Contentment, accessed April 25, 2025, https://emmanuelbaptistfellowship.church/updates/understanding-the-true-meaning-of-1-timothy-6-10-money-and-contentment/
36. Lesson 21: Prescription For Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8) | Bible.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-21-prescription-contentment-1-timothy-66-8
37. The Secret of Contentment: Philippians 4:10-13 - The Hope Church Family, accessed April 25, 2025, https://hopechurchfamily.org/sermons/the-secret-of-contentment-philippians-410-13/
38. Supernatural Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13) - Fighter Verses, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.fighterverses.com/post/supernatural-contentment-philippians-4-11-13
39. Consumer Behavior | Psychology Today, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/consumer-behavior
40. What Does the Bible Say About Materialism? - The Carolina Study Center, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.carolinastudycenter.com/sermons-2/what-does-the-bible-say-about-materialism/
41. How should a Christian view materialism? | GotQuestions.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/materialism-Christian.html
42. Master Biblical Decision Making Skills Without the Stress - Jesse Wisnewski, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.jessewisnewski.co/article/decision-making-skills
43. Do Not Worry… But Seek First Matt. 6:25-34 - West Palm Beach church of Christ, accessed April 25, 2025, https://westpalmbeachchurchofchrist.com/topical/miscellaneous/do-not-worry-but-seek-first.html
44. How To Overcome Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) | Bible.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://bible.org/seriespage/29-how-overcome-worry-matthew-625-34
45. Biblical Confessions for My Finances | Kenneth Copeland Ministries, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.kcm.org/real-help/finances/speak/biblical-confessions-my-finances
46. Matthew 6:25-34 - Commentary - Sharing Bread, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.sharing-bread.com/commentary/matthew-6-25-34
47. Jesus Teaches How to Stop Worrying | Matthew 6:25-34 - Grace Christian Fellowship, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast/2022/9/1/jesus-teaches-how-to-stop-worrying-matthew-625-34
48. “Do not worry about tomorrow”—is that even possible (Matthew 6:34)? | GotQuestions.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-worry-about-tomorrow.html
49. The Difference Between Wants and Needs - In Touch Ministries, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-difference-between-wants-and-needs
50. Needs or Wants - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/08/random-sampler/needs-or-wants?lang=eng
51. Desire: Differentiating between Needs vs. Wants - Sherline's Watchu Thinkin' Blog, accessed April 25, 2025, https://nightshade130.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/desire-differentiating-between-needs-vs-wants/
52. Ask Chuck: Best Practices for Charitable Giving - Crown, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crown.org/all-resources/ask-chuck-best-practices-for-charitable-giving/
53. Should a Christian Ever Be In Debt?, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.mycccu.com/resource-center/blogs/matt-bell-should-a-christian-ever-be-in-debt/
54. Christians and Credit | Truth For The World, accessed April 25, 2025, https://truthfortheworld.org/blog/2024/03/16/christians-and-credit
55. Needs, Wants, and Wishes Chart | Crown.org, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crown.org/all-resources/needs-wants-and-wishes-printable/
56. Testimony of Contentment | Crown Financial Ministries, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crown.org/radio/testimony-of-contentment/
57. Major factors influencing consumer behavior - Clootrack, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.clootrack.com/knowledge/customer-behavior-analytics/major-factors-influencing-consumer-behavior
58. Understanding the Psychology of Advertising | The Chicago School, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/psychology/understanding-the-psychology-of-advertising/
59. Use This Christian Budget To Win At Managing Money - FaithWorks Financial, accessed April 25, 2025, https://faithworksfinancial.org/use-this-christian-budget-to-win-at-managing-money/
60. A Christian's Guide to Budgeting - XO Marriage, accessed April 25, 2025, https://xomarriage.com/articles/a-christians-guide-to-budgeting/
61. Should I Give or Get Out of Debt? - Crown Financial Ministries, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.crown.org/radio/should-i-give-or-get-out-of-debt-2/
62. Will God Solve Our Financial Problems? - Family Christian, accessed April 25, 2025, https://www.familychristian.com/family-life/will-god-solve-our-financial-problems/