• Pay tithes and offerings. President Joseph F. Smith gave this direction: “One of the best ways that I know of to pay my obligations to my brother, my neighbor, or business associate, is for me first to pay my obligations to the Lord. I can pay more of my debts to my neighbors, if I have contracted them, after I have met my honest obligations with the Lord, than I can by neglecting the latter; and you can do the same” (Gospel Doctrine, 1966, 259–60).

• Live within your means. Avoiding the grasp of unnecessary debt requires that we control or, in some cases, change our spending habits. Establish a budget, but keep it flexible enough to avoid frustration. If necessary, seek financial advice. As a family, discuss your financial situation so that each member understands the family’s monetary constraints. Review the family’s financial progress each month. Good financial planning often enables us to afford things that, if purchased compulsively, could lead to unnecessary debt.

• Use credit wisely. Pay with cash whenever possible, and avoid the temptation to use credit cards. A widely accepted credit card is useful in emergencies and in situations when carrying cash may be unwise, such as during a vacation. But credit cards usually carry high interest rates, and their convenience can easily lead to unnecessary debt. If you are tempted to make impulsive purchases because of the convenience of using credit cards, make it a policy to wait 24 hours before acting so you can consider the purchase more objectively.

• Establish a savings account. Pay yourself a little money each month via a savings account so that you have cash on hand for financial emergencies and desired purchases. A savings account can offer great peace of mind because it provides a buffer between spending and debt.

Our resolve to avoid unnecessary debt can be strengthened if we remember Nephi’s statement when he was asked to return to Jerusalem for the brass plates. Responding to the difficult assignment, Nephi said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Ne. 3:7).

Through his prophets, the Lord has counseled us to avoid unnecessary debt. We can do that by putting the Lord first and by planning, saving, and sacrificing.

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