No matter what stage you are in your financial journey, it is always important to have stewardship at the core of your decisions. How you handle money will not only reflect on your checking account, but it is a reflection of your lifestyle as well. Those who can properly manage their finances will have more success in the future, and find favor in the eyes of many others. The following are six steps that you use to help teach others through a demonstration of frugal living:

1. Help Others In Need: When all of your needs are met, it’s easy to forget about others. However, you can teach stewardship, and set an example by helping others. You could donate money to charity, help out at local soup kitchens, or even stock the pantry of a widow that you know. When you seek out to help others, you will earn favor with others.
2. Be Kind To The Earth: Another way to be a good steward of your money, is to save by choosing the best options for the environment around you. Recycle items, and choose healthier alternatives for your favorite items. Doing so will not only help the environment, but will make you feel better in the long run.
3. Don’t Overdue it: When you go shopping, and find a good deal, it’s a good idea to stockpile. Especially when it’s easy to store items like toothpaste, or tomato sauce. However, do not go overboard, and buy all the items on the shelf. Think about other people who need the items as well. Get what you can use within 3 months, and stop at that. This will also save you space, and peace of mind.
4. Invest in Relationships: One of the most important investments anyone can ever make, is relationships. Whether it is with a spouse, family member, or friends, it’s important. When you set out to make, save and do the best with money that you can it is very easy to get sidetracked. Make time to invest in relationships. Treat them out for a dinner, listen to them when they need to vent, and be there during times of need.
5. Always Pay With Cash: The idea here, is that you only buy items that you can actually afford. A simply way to hold yourself to this is to carry cash only when out shopping. A good steward knows his limits when it comes to buying things, and others around you can learn from it. Who knows, by doing this you may set an example for your children, or other people around you. Not to mention, it will help keep you out of debt.
6. Free Isn’t A Dirty Word: Many people tend to think that the word “Free” is a dirty word. As if, it’s never acceptable to work for free. That’s not always true, while it is important to always be looking for ways to make money, don’t forget to find ways to serve others. The widow next door probably doesn’t have enough money to pay you to shovel the sidewalk after a snow storm, instead volunteer. It’s a simple way to make a friend, and put to use your stewardship goals.

It’s amazing how many simple things you can do to teach stewardship through your actions, and lifestyle. Make it a habit to be a good steward with your time, and money.