It sometimes seems that our dollars have wings. They escape from us far too easily. We are creatures of habit and that includes the way we handle our finances. When the financial scene changes, it makes sense that our habits should change as well. But breaking a habit is not easy to do, so people will sometimes slide into bankruptcy rather than change.

Money always seems to go further when it is accompanied by common sense and self-control. There are things we need and things we want. This line is sometimes blurred, but finding that line and buying only our needs when times are tight benefit our dollar control. Common sense added to our spending is the key. The example of Joseph, who had the sense to prepare for famine during the prosperous times, is one of the remarkable stories in scripture (Genesis 41:34-37). It takes control to plan ahead and spend wisely—but it can be done. Clip the wings of your dollars.