Money.

We all need it.

We all have to use it.

The use and need vary widely from person to person.

But one thing is constant: we like to spend our money on what we value. 

At the end of a paycheck, though, it may not feel like there is anything left to actually spend on the things we value most.

Some things we can't control; car accidents, medical bills, taxes.

But one thing we have total control over: impulse buys.

How can we overcome those impulse buys, those things that just seem like a gotta-have in the moment, a not-so-big-a-deal, but add up in the long run?

Well, you don't start out on a trip without a clear plan on how to get to your destination, and you don't overcome impulse buying with a "figure it out in the moment."

One way to combat those impulses is to have clearly defined values for what you want to spend your money on. And then keep them in the forefront, even literally in front of your face (i.e. a post-it note on your credit card or a stuck to the front of your computer screen if you are an online shopper!)

So, how do we go about defining our values? It can take a bit of sitting down and thinking it through. For myself, I value giving and generosity as well as the furthering the Gospel. I intentionally put my money towards ministries that focus on spreading God's Word through service and love. I have no issue giving to these ministries because they align with my values.

I also value products that support more than just the company selling them. I look for businesses that give back with portions of their earnings. This sometimes leads to me having to spend a bit more on something, but knowing I am helping others with my purchase lines up with my values.

Some of you may value eating clean or sustainably. This usually costs more money than the cheap grocery store items that are filled with chemicals so it’s important to make a conscious decision to put your money toward it.

You may have a passion for caring for the environment and not being overly wasteful. This may prevent you from drinking single-serve pod coffee and instead opt for more expensive fair trade coffee. Not because you don't like the taste of the paper cups. It's about making a conscious decision to support something that you value.

Show me your bank account and I'll show you your heart.

No matter what your values are, be confident in them. They are a part of who you are and should be reflected in what you do with your money.

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to your values. Just own them.

Think back on your life and identify the following three things:

• When were you most satisfied?
• When were you the happiest?
• What activities make you the proudest?

Identify all of these three areas separately. For me, I’m most satisfied when I am helping others, whether by lending my time, finances, or prayer. And I am most happiest when spending time with my family, especially outdoors.

Things that make me the proudest are when I’ve accomplished something that helps someone. Recently, I had someone email me about how much they appreciated these weekly emails and how it has led them to making real changes in their lives to live more intentionally. That had me floating all day!

Our family seeks to manage our money so that it aligns with our values, so I don’t mind spending and/or saving money in order to allow myself more time to do those things. It’s intentional on my part.

This week, take time to figure these things out for yourself. Then write them down in short reminder form and post it where you can see it to help you curb those impulse buys.

Determine what you value so you can manage your money intentionally around those values.

Know someone who would enjoy being on this Intentional Life journey with us? Please share!