Counting the Cost

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?"

(Luke 14:28)

If your child asks to purchase an expensive item, consider helping him or her save toward the goal of purchasing it. Work with your child to establish a saving plan with a portion of his or her allowance or a list of household tasks for which he or she will be paid. Children could also work toward a goal by clipping coupons to help with family expenses or by collecting returnable bottles.

The anticipation, hard work, and accomplishment of saving toward a specific goal can become a rewarding family project.

Questions for Discussion

• How does waiting for and working for a specific item make me appreciate it more?
• What does it mean to "estimate the cost"?
• What is the relationship between counting the cost of a purchase and counting the cost of other decisions?

Originally posted in2003.