Struggling Already In 2025? Here’s The ONE THING You Need To Do! - RTBP Episode 202

Reason To Behold

January is over, but for many, it felt long, dark, and financially tight. If you're already feeling overwhelmed by 2025 and struggling to keep moving forward, this episode is for you. Tolu and Arnold dive deep into the power of small, consistent actions, financial discipline, and the importance of becoming a producer rather than just a consumer. Tune in for practical wisdom and actionable steps to help you thrive in uncertain times. Key Discussion Points [00:02] – The Struggles of January: How many felt the weight of the month, especially with payday landing on the 31st? [00:28] – Barclays Bank Outage: The unexpected banking chaos that left people stranded on payday. [01:30] – Small Actions Make a Big Difference: The importance of taking even the smallest steps forward during tough times. [02:21] – Financial Discipline: The power of cutting back on unnecessary expenses and tightening your financial habits. [03:08] – The Impact of Small Savings: How saving even small amounts consistently can lead to long-term financial security. [04:06] – Mindset Shifts: Reframing how we view money, expenses, and what is truly "affordable." [06:18] – The Value of Good Financial Habits: Why it's important to build financial discipline early, rather than waiting until circumstances force you to. [09:12] – The Middle-Class Trap: How people get stuck in a cycle of increasing expenses with each pay rise. [13:09] – Planning for Financial Uncertainty: Why learning to manage money well now prepares you for potential financial hardships in the future. [17:31] – The Mortgage Rug Pull: The harsh reality of rising interest rates and why financial preparedness is crucial. [19:38] – The Power of Producing vs Consuming: Why learning to create value rather than just spend is key to financial freedom. [24:42] – Small Tweaks for Big Gains: Practical ways to save money on daily expenses without feeling deprived. [28:21] – Leveraging Opportunities in the Digital Economy: The importance of side gigs, freelancing, and alternative income streams. [30:13] – The Biblical Principles of Wealth: Why principles like sowing and reaping work regardless of belief. Highlights From The Episode "It's easy to do things when you don’t have a choice. But true discipline is tested when you have options." "If you don't define what 'affordable' means properly, you’ll end up working for life." "Being a consumer keeps you stuck, but being a producer can set you free." "The bar for success has never been so low—just start doing the small things!" "If you can feed consumers, you'll always have financial security." Practical Steps You Can Take Start Small – Whether it's saving, investing, or cutting expenses, the little things compound over time. Evaluate Your Expenses – Look at your monthly outgoings and ask, "Do I really need this?" Think Long-Term – Shift your mindset from instant gratification to sustainable financial security. Find Ways to Produce – Identify skills or services you can offer to generate extra income. Leverage the Digital Economy – Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even a personal brand can help you monetise your skills. Apply Biblical Financial Principles – Whether it’s stewardship, sowing and reaping, or generosity, these principles work. Relevant Themes Covered Financial wisdom and money management Christian principles of stewardship The power of small actions and consistency The shift from consumer to producer Planning for financial security in uncertain times Connect with RTB For podcast updates, exclusive daily devotional emails, and more, join the RTB community! Sign up here: www.reasontobehold.com Got a question or want to share your thoughts and reflections from the episode? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: [email protected]