Are you feeling the weight of debt, rising prices, and financial stress? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, host Melissa Wilkinson shares her family’s personal journey of paying off cars and law school loans early, building a strong retirement foundation, and creating peace in their home through budgeting and financial stewardship. This episode is part of our Anchored in Every Area series, focusing today on money and finance. We’ll connect real-world money challenges to biblical principles and offer practical tools to help you find financial freedom without guilt or shame. Melissa also shares: 📈 Why the average household debt in America is now over $104,000 (excluding mortgages). 💳 How credit card debt has skyrocketed to $1.1 trillion and why paying it off early matters. 🏦 How she and her husband used the debt snowball method to pay off vehicles and law school loans faster than they imagined possible. 👨‍👩‍👧 How budgeting and regular financial conversations with your spouse can transform your family’s money goals. 📖 What the Bible says about money — “the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7) — and how to apply that truth with hope, not shame. 🙌 The power of tithing, giving first fruits to the Lord, and experiencing His blessing when we trust Him with our finances. 💡 The best financial advice Melissa’s dad ever gave her: start investing 15% into your 401(k) early. Whether you’re drowning in debt, just getting started with budgeting, or ready to dream bigger about giving generously, this episode will inspire you to live within your means, make a plan, and experience the peace that comes with financial freedom.   🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode Inflation is real — groceries, gas, housing, and utilities cost more than ever, but there’s still hope for financial stability. The average U.S. household debt is over $104,000 (excluding mortgages), with credit cards averaging more than $6,000 in balances. The debt snowball method works: focus on the smallest debt first, then roll payments into the next one. Budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive — it’s telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Retirement planning is critical: Melissa shares how starting young with 15% into her 401(k) set her up for financial security. Honest conversations about money with your spouse (and even friends) help remove the taboo and build accountability. God calls us to steward His money wisely, tithe faithfully, and trust Him with our needs.   📚 Resources & Mentions The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey: https://a.co/d/4vn2XXP  Proverbs 22:7 — “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Malachi 3:10 — God promises blessing when we bring our tithe. Luke 16:11 — “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”   ✨ Who This Episode is For Women and families feeling the pressure of rising costs and wanting peace with money. Christians looking to align their finances with biblical stewardship. Anyone ready to break free from debt, build savings, and give generously. Listeners who want tactical steps for budgeting, paying off debt, and investing in the future. 💬 Let’s Reflect Together What do you want your financial situation to look like in 5, 10, or 20 years? If you could give generously to any cause or organization, who would you bless and why? Which financial step (budgeting, debt payoff, tithing, retirement saving) do you need to take next? 👉 Friend, this episode isn’t about guilt — it’s about hope. You don’t have to be a slave to debt forever. When you live within your means, stick to a budget, and trust God with your finances, you’ll find peace, freedom, and purpose. Let’s stay anchored in Him — even with our money. Free Life Evaluation Tool: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/ec1b0df5ec : Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://a.co/d/g8aVljY  Join the Anchored with Purpose Tribe: https://www.faceboo