Flip the Script. Prioritize Your Purpose. Build Peace of Mind.
Why This Matters
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit,
as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
— Proverbs 21:5
Most people live on what’s left after spending… and wonder why there’s never enough. This plan flips that upside down:
✅ We give first.
✅ We save first.
✅ We spend with intention.
It’s not about restriction. It’s about freedom.
How It Works
Step 1: Create These Bank Accounts
You can do this at most credit unions or online banks (just make sure each account is free).
Income Account – where all your paychecks and income land
Bills Account – for fixed monthly expenses (mortgage, utilities, insurance)
Spending Account – for everyday purchases (groceries, gas, eating out)
Savings Account – for your emergency fund and future goals
Optional – add extra savings accounts for goals like home repairs, Christmas, or vacations
Step 2: Automate Weekly Transfers
Every week (or every payday), transfer set amounts into each account. This smooths out monthly expenses and eliminates “surprise bill” stress.
Example for $6,000 monthly take-home:
Bucket | % | Monthly Amount |
| Give (Tithe)* | 10% | $600 |
| Save** | 20% | $1,200 |
| Bills | 40 - 50% | $2,400 - $3,000 |
| Spending | 20 - 30% | $1,200 - $1,800 |
* Maybe you start with 1%. The key is to start giving and grow over time.
** If you have consumer debt, this 20% goes to debt payoff after you build a starter emergency fund ($1,000–$2,000).
Step 3: Spend Only From the Right Account
Bills Account = automatic payments only
Spending Account = swipe freely, guilt-free
Savings Account = hands off unless it’s a planned goal
Income Account = hold deposits until payday, then disperse
👉 Key insight: If your Spending Account hits $0, you didn’t fail. Your system worked — bills, savings, and giving already happened. That’s winning.
Tools To Help
Monarch Money – track spending and course-correct as you go
Calendar & Reminders – set a weekly “Money Date” to move money and check in as a couple
💡 This is key: In order to win with money, you need to be intentional — together.
Your Next Steps
Open the bank accounts you need
Set up automatic transfers (weekly or on payday)
Start small: $50 into savings, $20 into giving — just get started
Stick with it for 90 days
Final Thought
This isn’t just a money plan — it’s a discipline plan. It’s Proverbs 21:5 in action.
Over time, it will change how you feel about money.
With every decision, you’re building peace, margin, and freedom.
Here to Serve,
Ian