How To Stop A Bully

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Wise Living

Over 75% of Americans experience some form of financial insecurity, according to the Mind over Money survey.

Do you remember the first time you felt insecure?

Insecurity and I go back to pre-school.  Being picked on and rejected by the seemingly “cool” kid was more than my toddler self knew how to handle.  Though my youth brought me purity of heart, critical thinking was in its novice state — leaving me vulnerable to accept this bully’s opinion as truth.

Does your financial life ever feel picked on?

Life can feel like a bully.  Your roof needs to be replaced.  The HVAC system in your house breaks down.  The car needs new tires, and, oh wait, the air condenser stopped working and it’s the peak of summer.  Various events, foreseen and unforeseen, coming out of the blue, wreaking havoc on your financial plans.

Where is our reprieve?

Respond timely and habitually.  StopBullying.gov suggests “when adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable.  Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.”

Whether it’s relationally or financially, the reality is meaningful change is made over time.  Woven through scripture’s pages seems to be a highlighted theme — get used to being uncomfortable.  Proverbs 21:31 adds insight by sharing, “the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”

How are we suppose to respond in the midst of insecurity?

The world can feel like a war zone.  It’s not a matter of if things go wrong, but when.  

So how can you stop a bully?

Through consistent preparation — making one small wise decision after another (we often encourage Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps) — and responding to instruction from the Lord in faith, we become more secure.

In practical turns, Dave Ramsey tweets, “an emergency fund turns a crisis into an inconvenience.”

Ryan De Amicis

Wealth Advisor

408.758.6413

ryan@christianwm.com