This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Step 1: Wealth Building. Step 2: Acquisition.
This is one of my favorite scriptures from The Great Book. It’s a reminder of the order in which we should operate and manage our finances.
The Proper Order
1. Build wealth
2. Acquire possessions
Many people focus on acquiring possessions before they build their wealth, leading them into debt, financial dependence, and low net worth.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their finances is buying the car, the house, and the luxuries before solidifying and reaching a financial destination that is not only comforting but also a well-oiled machine that consistently produces wealth for them.
They prioritize liabilities over assets!
I attribute this behavior to the “shiny new object” syndrome. It’s much easier to focus on short-term pleasure than long-term gains, which you don’t immediately feel or experience the effects of.
If you want something, you have more opportunities than ever to get it, and as long as you can afford a minimum payment, you’re good to go. Society is set up to lure as many people as possible into debt; the more you finance, the more debt you’ll be in.
“Escape the trap: Run from the debt like a deer fleeing a hunter, or fly from it like a bird escaping a trap” (Proverbs 6:5, MSG)
How do people usually pay for their education? Through financing.
How do people fund most of their purchases? Through financing.
How do people usually buy their homes? Through financing.
How do people usually buy their cars? Through financing.
How do people usually travel? Through financing.
Many people don’t consider increasing their passive income streams and building up their investment and savings accounts before large purchases-quite the opposite. As long as they can afford the minimum payments, they feel confident they can afford their lifestyle.
However, the problem with financing your lifestyle is that you set yourself up for financial dependence. In the case shit hits the fan (e.g., recession, job loss, etc.), you are stuck with a bunch of payments and no ownership of anything.
“First plant your fields; then build your barn” (Proverbs 24:27 (MSG).
This scripture is so powerful because it urges you to build your wealth, your passive income, your emergency fund, your multiple income streams, and your overall financial health before acquiring your barn, which represents not only your home but all of your materialistic desires.
How might your finances transform if you shifted your short-term focus to a more long-term focus?
What would your finances look like if you focused more on cultivating financial health over acquiring more stuff?
What would happen if you delayed buying a home or a car? How much more money could you save and invest, which creates more passive income?
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.