dfields, That's the stupidest story I've heard in a while! I personally would tell my child, "You have a car that's running well for now, but it's old and will eventually need to be replaced. Start making payments into a short-term savings account (consider it a "real bill", perhaps even have it directly deposited) so that when you do need a new car, you'll at least have a good start towards paying for it. This will save you LOADS in interest."
kkbmustang, You're not alone in considering tithing to the church a necessity. God says we are to give 10% or the "first fruits" to Him. However, our church emphasizes that this is meant to be our money AND our time. Time spent reading the Bible, time spent helping with youth, time helping those in need in the community, etc. If you're short on money, you can always give in other ways. The large, ruling body of the Catholic church may be wealthy, but individual churches are not wealthy. Unsure? If you're a member, you can see the budget. Our church does take in a good bit of money, but we can see exactly where it's going out: To the needy, for programs for our youth groups, to buy supplies for services and Sunday school, for a bus to take groups to various functions, to maintain the buildings, and to pay the pastoral staff. The Bible speaks harshly to people in authority using tithes for their own gain or luxury, so anyone who finds that his individual church isn't using money wisely can -- and should -- go elsewhere. Honest places do exist.
Overall, this board has great ideas about saving money and improving one's own financial situation -- but most of the posters have little concern for those beyond their own walls. Whether you see it as a Christian duty or whether you consider it a part of being a good citizen, those who "have" should give back to the community. How exactly? Well, that's an individual question, depending upon your individual circumstances.
