For a set of quotes and arguments showing we place too much emphasis on finance, see my document “Finance: It’s not the focus” click here.

For an article exclusively on tithing as taught by the prophets, click here.

 

 

 

-“…a religion which has not the power to save people temporally and make them prosperous and happy here, cannot be depended upon to save them spiritually, to exalt them in the life to come.” (Joseph F. Smith; “The Truth about Mormonism,” Out West magazine, Sept. 1905, 242.; also quoted by Joseph B Wirthlin in April 1999 Conf. Report “Inspired Church Welfare”  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/inspired-church-welfare?lang=eng)

 

-“When this people are prepared to properly use the riches of this world for the building up of the Kingdom of God, He is ready and willing to bestow them upon us. I like to see men get rich by their industry, prudence, management and economy, and then devote it to the building up of the Kingdom of God upon the earth.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 2, 114-115; also quoted by Franklin D. Richards “The Law of Abundance” in Conf. Report April 1971:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/04/the-law-of-abundance?lang=eng)

-“What are riches for, then? To be used in doing good. Therefore, let us dedicate our means to the building of the kingdom of God.” (Franklin D. Richards “The Law of Abundance” in Conf. Report April 1971:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/04/the-law-of-abundance?lang=eng)

-“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

-“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” (Jacob 2:19)

-“Money in the lives of Latter-day Saints should be used as a means of achieving eternal happiness. Careless and selfish uses cause us to live in financial bondage. We can’t afford to neglect personal and family involvement in our money management. God will open the windows of heaven to us in these matters if we will but live close to Him and keep His commandments.”  (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-“Seek not for riches, but for wisdom; and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (Doctrine & Covenants 11:7)

-“So often it is the order of things that is fundamental in the Lord’s instructions to us. The Lord is not telling us that we should not be prosperous. This would be inconsistent with the many records we have of Him blessing His people with prosperity. But He is telling us that we should seek prosperity only after we have sought and found Him. Then, because our hearts are right, because we love Him first and foremost, we will choose to invest the riches we obtain in building His kingdom.” (L. Tom Perry  “United in Building the Kingdom of God” Conf. Report April 1987 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1987/04/united-in-building-the-kingdom-of-god?lang=eng)

-“Are we our brothers’ keepers? In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? The Savior’s Golden Rule says we are. Satan says we are not.” (Dallin H. Oaks; Conf. Report 1986 “Brother’s Keeper” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/brothers-keeper?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor…” (Doctrine & Covenants 82:19)

-“Followers of Christ have the moral responsibility of earning their livings and conducting their financial transactions in ways that are consistent with the principles of the gospel and the teachings of the Savior.” (Dallin H. Oaks; Conf. Report 1986 “Brother’s Keeper” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/brothers-keeper?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Think of our brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.”  (Jacob 2:17)

-“And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.” (Doctrine & Covenants 52:40)

-“The Lord has told us that if we are prepared, we shall not fear…personal and family preparedness is vital to our eternal welfare and happiness, and it is important to be strong financially, as well as spiritually, mentally, and physically.”

(Elder Franklin D. Richards; Conf. Report April 1979; “Personal and Family Preparedness” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/04/personal-and-family-financial-preparedness?lang=eng)

-“Too often, people assume that they probably never will be injured, get sick, lose their jobs, or see their investments evaporate. To make matters worse, often people make purchases today based upon optimistic predictions of what they hope will happen tomorrow. The wise understand the importance of saving today for a rainy day tomorrow…” (Joseph B. Wirthlin; Conf. Report 2004 “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“There are many very good people who keep most of the Lord’s commandments with respect to the virtuous side of life, but who overlook His commandments in temporal things. They do not heed His warning to prepare for a possible future emergency, apparently feeling that in the midst of all this trouble ‘it won’t happen to us.’ To prepare for the future is part of God’s eternal plan, both spiritually and temporally. To protect ourselves against reversals and hardships is only good sense.” (Mark E. Peterson; Conf. Report 1981 “Blessings in Self-Reliance” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/blessings-in-self-reliance?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“It is most important to have sufficient medical, automobile, and homeowner’s insurance and an adequate life insurance program. Costs associated with illness, accident, and death may be so large that uninsured families can be financially burdened for many years.” (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guide to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng)

-“One final concern of reserve deficiency is the need to insure against our greatest potential loss. I think we all would agree that our ability to earn is our greatest asset. When the provider insures his life, he is insuring his future income for his family. As husbands, let us not force our wives into the marketplace to be both the provider and homemaker should our lives be cut short by premature death. We can increase their options by proper insurance planning. We would also urge each family to carry adequate health insurance. Medical costs are soaring, and trying to self-insure from personal savings is very risky. During inflation, medical costs increase faster than our savings accumulate.” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“God gave a natural instinct to the animals he created to preserve their surplus against a time of need. But man has developed the tendency to squander all that he harvests and to leave to chance or to others his satisfaction of future needs. This is contrary to divine law. Frugality is a principle of righteousness. In addition to our reserve of food, we should build a cash reserve.” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Accumulate your basic food storage and emergency supplies in a systematic and orderly way. Avoid going into debt for these purposes. Beware of unwise food storage promotional schemes. Planting and harvesting a garden annually is helpful to the family in many ways, including the food budget. Eat nutritious foods and exercise appropriately to improve health, thus avoiding many medical costs.”  (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guilde to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng; also cited in Eternal Marriage Student Manual: Finances: 203; 115-23 ; https://www.lds.org/manual/eternal-marriage-student-manual/finances?lang=eng)

-“As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need.” (President Gordon B Hinckley: Conf. Report, “The Times in Which we Live” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-times-in-which-we-live?lang=eng&clang=ase)

-“I have corresponded with several Church members who
sought to use something President Ezra Taft Benson was quoted
as saying as a basis for refusing to file an income tax return or to
pay income taxes. I have tried to persuade these persons that
their interpretation cannot be what President Benson intended,
because all who have held that sacred office, and all of the
General Authorities, have faithfully filed their income tax returns
and paid the taxes required by law.” (Dallin H. Oaks, Conf. Report: “Our Strengths can become our Weaknesses” Oct. 1994; https://www.lds.org/ensign/1994/10/our-strengths-can-become-our-downfall?lang=eng)

-“Save and invest a specific percentage of your income. Liquid savings available for emergencies should be sufficient to cover at least three months of all essential family obligations. Every LDS family should file honest and timely tax returns.”  (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guilde to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng)

-“A saint is an honorable citizen, knowing that the very country which provides opportunity and protection deserves support, including prompt payment of taxes and personal participation in its legal political process.” ((See D&C 134:5.); Russell M. Nelson; Conf. Report April 1990; “Thus Shall My Church Be Called”; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1990/04/thus-shall-my-church-be-called?lang=eng)

-“Preserve and utilize your assets through appropriate tax and estate planning.” (Elder Franklin D. Richards; Conf. Report April 1979; “Personal and Family Preparedness” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/04/personal-and-family-financial-preparedness?lang=eng)

-“Money management should take precedence over money productivity.” (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-“I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money. Money can be an obedient servant, but a harsh taskmaster.” (N. Eldon Tanner; First Presidency Message; https://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/06/constancy-amid-change?lang=eng; June 1982; from Conf. Report of Oct. 1979)

-“With all my heart…I plead with the Latter-day Saints to live honestly with the Lord in the payment of tithes and offerings…There has been laid upon the Church a tremendous responsibility. Tithing is the source of income for the Church to carry forward its mandated activities.” (Gordon B. Hinckley; Conf. Report April 1982 Tithing: An Opportunity to Prove Our Faithfulness; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/tithing-an-opportunity-to-prove-our-faithfulness?lang=eng)

-“...tithing is a debt which everyone owes to the Lord for his use of the things that the Lord has made and given to him to use. It is a debt just as literally as the grocery bill, or a light bill, or any other duly incurred obligation. As a matter of fact, the Lord, to whom one owes tithing, is in a position of a preferred creditor. If there is not enough to pay all creditors, he should be paid first.” (Marion G. Romney: Conf. Report Jan. 1982 “The Blessings of an Honest Tithe” https://www.lds.org/new-era/1982/01/the-blessings-of-an-honest-tithe?lang=eng)

-“If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet.” (Heber J Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham (1941), 111. ; also cited in LDS Manual “Teachings of The Presidents of the Church: Heber J Grant ch 13 Principles of Financial Security”; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-heber-j-grant/chapter-13?lang=eng#4-35970_000_017)

-“The key to spending less than we earn is simple—it is called discipline. Whether early in life or late, we must all eventually learn to discipline ourselves, our appetites, and our economic desires. How blessed is he who learns to spend less than he earns and puts something away for a rainy day.” (N Eldon Tanner, Conf. Report Oct. 1979 “Constancy Amid Change” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/10/constancy-amid-change?lang=eng&_r=1)

-“Every family must have a predetermined understanding of how much money will be available each month and the amount to be spent in each category of the family budget. Checkbooks facilitate family cash management and record keeping. Carefully record each check when written, and balance the checkbook with the monthly bank statement.” (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guide to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng)

-Marvin J. Ashton taught that, “Home ownership qualifies as an investment, not consumption. Buy the type of home your income will support. Improve the home and beautify the landscape throughout the period you occupy the premises so if you do sell it, you can use the accumulated equity and potential capital gain to acquire a home more suitable to family needs.” (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guide to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng)

-“…Latter-day Saints who ignore or avoid their creditors,” warned Marvin J. Ashton, “are entitled to feel the inner frustrations that such conduct merits, and they are not living as Latter-day Saints should! Bankruptcy should be avoided, except only under the most unique and irreversible circumstances, and then utilized only after prayerful thought and thorough legal and financial consultation.” (Marvin J. Ashton; Liahona Magazine April 2000 “Guide to Family Finance” https://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/04/guide-to-family-finance?lang=eng)

-“Keep your possessions free from debt. Get out of debt as fast as you can, and keep out of debt, for that is the way in which the promise of God will be fulfilled to the people of his Church, that they will become the richest of all people in the world.” (Joseph F. Smith; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, (2011), 163–72; Ch19 Thrift, the Foundation of Prosperity; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-19?lang=eng)

-Heber J. Grant “From my earliest recollections, from the days of Brigham Young until now, I have listened to men standing in the pulpit…urging the people not to run into debt; and I believe that the great majority of all our troubles today is caused through the failure to carry out that counsel.” (Heber J Grant: Conference Report, Oct. 1921, 3; Also cited in Joseph B. Wirthlin Conf. Report 2004 “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Borrow only what you must, at the lowest rate available, for the shortest time possible.” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

–Buy consumer durables with cash (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-Marvin J. Ashton said, “Debt in itself is neither good nor bad. It is a financial tool with the potential of being either. Debt in business
may be used to increase productivity or aid in expansion. However, most individuals in debt are usually average people, but they are temporarily out of financial control. They are the victims of poor monetary habits and often have no
idea of the importance of proper money management. They misuse credit, especially credit cards, and don’t live within budgets or wise operational guidelines.” (Marvin J Ashton, Conf. Report Oct. 1981 “Give with Wisdom That They May Receive with Dignity” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/10/give-with-wisdom-that-they-may-receive-with-dignity?lang=eng)

– N. Eldon Tanner said, “After…basics are met, we should by frugal management regularly save to create funds for investment. It has been my observation that few people have been successful with investments who have not first developed the habit of saving regularly. This requires discipline and discriminating judgment. There are many ways to invest. My only advice is to choose wisely your investment counselors. Be sure they merit your confidence by maintaining a successful investment.” (N Eldon Tanner, Conf. Report Oct. 1979 “Constancy Amid Change” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/10/constancy-amid-change?lang=eng&_r=1)

–“Every principle of the gospel, when lived, has a positive influence over your choice of an occupation and on what you will achieve…Living the gospel will give you a perspective and an inspiration that will see you successful however ordinary your work may be or however ordinary your life may seem to others. God bless the members of this Church, that you can be happy with who you are and where you are, that you can improve yourselves.” (Boyd K Paker; Conf. Report April 1982 “The Gospel- the Foundation of Our Career; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/the-gospel-the-foundation-for-our-career?lang=eng)

-“Nothing destroys the individuality of a man, a woman, or a child as much as the failure to be self-reliant.” (Heber J Grant, Relief Society Magazine, Oct. 1937, 627; also cited in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, (2011), 109–18 Ch12 Work and Self-Reliance; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-heber-j-grant/chapter-12?lang=eng#16-35970_000_016)

-“The practice of coveting and receiving unearned benefits has now become so fixed in our society that even men of wealth, possessing the means to produce more wealth, are expecting the government to guarantee them a profit. Elections often turn on what the candidates promise to do for voters from government funds. This practice, if universally accepted and implemented in any society, will make slaves of its citizens. We cannot afford to become wards of the government, even if we have a legal right to do so. It requires too great a sacrifice of self-respect and in political, temporal, and spiritual independence…We should strive to become self- reliant and not depend on others for our existence.”  (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance; Marion G. Romney; Conf. Report 1982; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/10/the-celestial-nature-of-self-reliance?lang=eng)

-J. Richard Clarke, “Let me repeat what has been taught from the beginning. Adam learned, as part of his first lesson by the Lord on economics, that the earth was to be subdued and dominion gained by sweat, by brain and brawn. The divine law of work shall never be repealed—for God established it. He has cursed idleness and commanded parents in Zion to teach their children to work. There is a high price for excellence, but the compensation and soul satisfaction are truly worth it. To work below our capabilities creates a deep hunger in ourselves and enormous waste in society. Our doctrine of eternal progression certainly encompasses our occupational progress. Each of us should be on a career path which will require us to stretch to our full potential.” (J Richard Clark; Conf. Report 1980; “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Our labor should be honest labor and quality labor. The only honorable way for each of us to share in the world’s wealth is to exchange our own goods and services for those produced by someone else. The Saints would be in demand everywhere and could command premium compensation if we would accept the challenge to set a Mormon standard of quality, unique because of its excellence. This is part of our religion.” (J Richard Clark; Conf. Report 1980; “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Complete as much formal, full-time education as possible. This includes the trade schools. This is money well invested. Use night school and correspondence classes to further prepare. Acquire some special skill or ability that could be used to avoid prolonged unemployment. In these days of worldwide heavy unemployment, we should not allow ourselves, when we are out of work, to sit back and wait for ‘our type of job’ if other honorable interim employment becomes available.” (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-“Followers of Christ have the moral responsibility of earning their livings and conducting their financial transactions in ways that are consistent with the principles of the gospel and the teachings of the Savior. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should not be involved in employment or other activities upon which they cannot conscientiously ask the blessings of the Lord.” (Dallin H. Oaks; Conf. Report 1986 “Brother’s Keeper” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/brothers-keeper?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Is it possible that our members are becoming part of a ‘conspiracy for mediocrity’ by being content with their present knowledge and skills?” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“…one might properly say, ‘What I am worth is what I am doing for other people.’”  (Franklin D. Richards “The Law of Abundance” in Conf. Report April 1971:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/04/the-law-of-abundance?lang=eng)

-Marion G. Romney said, “Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made…How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.” (The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance; Marion G. Romney; Conf. Report 1982; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/10/the-celestial-nature-of-self-reliance?lang=eng)

-J. Richard Clarke counseled, “In order to balance our personal income and expenditures, we obviously reduce expenses or increase our earnings. Too often, however, people find it easier to adjust to a tighter budget than to find ways to generate additional income.” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Consumption should never exceed our production. Economic freedom comes from the surpluses we create.” (J. Richard Clarke Conf. Report 1980 “The Household of Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/the-household-of-faith?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“Unemployment and inflation can quickly wipe away hard-earned savings.” (James E Faust: The Blessings we receive as we meet the challenges of economic stress; Conf. Report Oct. 1982 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/10/the-blessings-we-receive-as-we-meet-the-challenges-of-economic-stress?lang=eng)

-“Strive to understand and cope with existing inflation. Learn to see through the money illusion and recognize the real value of money. Most wage earners today have less purchasing power than they did [a few years ago]. To some degree inflation is probably going to be with us for a long time. Realize that you are living in a new era of higher prices and less abundant energy.”  (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-“When the lives of the people are in harmony with the Lord’s will, all of the essential factors that produce the blessings God deigns to give to his children seem to come into line. Love and harmony prevail. Even the weather, the climate, and the elements seem to respond. Peace and tranquility endure. Industry and progress mark the lives of the people.” (Conf. Report Oct. 1992 “The Lord Will Prosper the Righeous” Dean L. Larsen https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/10/the-lord-will-prosper-the-righteous?lang=eng)

-“It has always been a cardinal teaching with the Latter-day Saints, that a religion which has not the power to save people temporally and make them prosperous and happy here, cannot be depended upon to save them spiritually, to exalt them in the life to come.” (Joseph F. Smith; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, (2011), 163–72; Ch19 Thrift, the Foundation of Prosperity; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-19?lang=eng)

-“We can’t afford to neglect personal and family involvement in our money management. God will open the windows of heaven to us in these matters if we will but live close to Him and keep His commandments.”  (One For the Money: Sep. 2007 Ensign; Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94): https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/one-for-the-money?lang=eng)

-“The Lord has demonstrated throughout the generations that when the inhabitants of the earth remember him and are obedient to his direction, he will bless them not only with spiritual blessings, but with material abundance as well. The scriptures contain many evidences of the Lord’s willingness to prosper his people with the riches of the earth when they demonstrate that they will use this abundance prudently, with humility and charity, always acknowledging the source of their blessings.” (Conf. Report Oct. 1992 “The Lord Will Prosper the Righeous” Dean L. Larsen https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/10/the-lord-will-prosper-the-righteous?lang=eng) (*Another insight about this is that it could be a national blessing which our whole nation is overall wicked hence even many of the righteous are not getting blessed financially as much as they otherwise would be.)

-“Get out of debt and keep out of debt, and then you will be financially as well as spiritually free.” (Joseph F. Smith; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, (2011), 163–72; Ch19 Thrift, the Foundation of Prosperity; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-19?lang=eng)

– “Let us remember that it is against the will of God that any one of us should be in bondage—in any way —neither to sin nor to addiction nor to debt. ‘Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’ (John 8:32), He declared—free from sin, free from addiction of all kinds, and free from the slavery of debt. His truth, which is His gospel, will make us free—if we obey Him!”  (Mark E. Peterson; Conf. Report 1981 “Blessings in Self-Reliance” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/blessings-in-self-reliance?lang=eng&clang=tam)

– “It is something to supply clothing to the scantily clad, to furnish ample food to those whose table is thinly spread, to give activity to those who are fighting desperately the despair that comes from enforced idleness, but after all is said and done, the greatest blessings that will accrue from the Church [welfare program] are spiritual. Outwardly, every act seems to be directed toward the physical: re-making of dresses and suits of clothes, canning fruits and vegetables, storing foodstuffs, choosing of fertile fields for settlement—all seem strictly temporal, but permeating all these acts, inspiring and sanctifying them, is the element of spirituality.” (David O. McKay Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 103; also cited in The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance; Marion G. Romney; Conf. Report 1982; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/10/the-celestial-nature-of-self-reliance?lang=eng )

-N. Eldon Tanner warned that, “Overindulgence and poor money management place a heavy strain on marriage relationships. Most marital problems, it seems, originate from economic roots—either insufficient income to sustain the family or mismanagement of the income as earned.” Financial obedience eliminates much of the stress of marriage and facilitates unity within marriages and families. (N Eldon Tanner, Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 119–20; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 81; also cited in                       Marriage and Family Relations Instructor’s Manual, (2000), 35–40; LESSON 8: MANAGING FAMILY FINANCES ; https://www.lds.org/manual/marriage-and-family-relations-instructors-manual/part-a-strengthening-marriages/lesson-8-managing-family-finances?lang=eng)

-“…we can tell whether or not we put the kingdom of God first by looking at how we treat our brothers and sisters in the Church. Is there a special bond uniting us? Is there an absence of envy and backbiting? Do we rejoice in the success of a brother or sister as much as in our own? Do we share our substance so that all may be rich like unto us? Ultimately, are we our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? May each of us accept the challenge to seek the kingdom of God first, before and above all else, and by so doing draw closer together as a people, until we are all of one heart and one mind…” (L Tom Perry, United in Building the Kingdom of God; April 1987 Conf. Report https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1987/04/united-in-building-the-kingdom-of-god?lang=eng)

-“But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23)

-“The payment of tithing is a commandment, a
commandment with a promise. If we obey this commandment, we are promised
that we will ‘prosper in the land.’ This prosperity consists of more than material
goods—it may include enjoying good health and vigor of mind. It includes family
solidarity and spiritual increase. I hope those of you presently paying your full tithe
will seek the faith and strength to do so. As you discharge this obligation to your Maker, you will find great, great happiness, the like of which is known only by those who are faithful to this commandment.” (N. Eldon Tanner; The Gospel and the Productive Life Teacher Manual Religion 150, (2004), 15–20; https://www.lds.org/manual/the-gospel-and-the-productive-life-teacher-manual-religion-150/managing-financial-resources-wisely?lang=eng)

-“If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet.” (LDS Manual “Teachings of The Presidents of the Church: Heber J Grant ch 13 Principles of Financial Security”; https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-heber-j-grant/chapter-13?lang=eng#4-35970_000_017)

-“Obedience to God’s commandments is the foundation for a happy life. Surely we will be blessed with the gifts of heaven for our obedience. Failure to pay tithing by those who know the principle can lead to heartache in this life and perhaps sorrow in the next.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin; Conf. Report 2004 “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&clang=tam)

-“One of the greatest lessons I have learned, …is that people who pay their tithing in both difficult times and good times get along better. They simply have fewer problems; there are fewer family problems and fewer financial problems. Their outlook is more positive, their ability to do and function is increased, and they prosper spiritually as well as temporally.” (James E Faust;  Aug. 1984 Doing the best things in the Worst Times; https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/08/doing-the-best-things-in-the-worst-times?lang=eng)

-“One of life’s paradoxes is that a person who approaches everything with a what’s-in-it-for-me attitude may acquire money, property, and land, but in the end will lose the fulfillment and the happiness that a person enjoys who shares his talents and gifts generously with others.” (James E Faust; Conf. Report Oct. 2002 What’s In It For Me? https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/10/whats-in-it-for-me?lang=eng)

-“There are many ways in which the Lord can bless us beyond the riches of the world. There is the great boon of health. The Lord has promised that he will rebuke the devourer for our sakes. Malachi speaks of the fruits of our ground. May not that rebuke of the devourer apply to various of our personal efforts and concerns? There is the great blessing of wisdom, of knowledge, even hidden treasures of knowledge. We are promised that ours shall be a delightsome land if we will walk in obedience to this law.” (Gordon B. Hinckley; Conf. Report April 1982 Tithing: An Opportunity to Prove Our Faithfulness; https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/tithing-an-opportunity-to-prove-our-faithfulness?lang=eng)

-“The purpose of estate planning is to permit us to enjoy our property during life and then pass the unused portion to whomever we choose, with the least possible shrinkage in value. With wise planning, we can accomplish the following desirable ends: satisfy our personal needs and desires and those of our family, ensure that our property is left to the intended beneficiaries, designate someone to care for minor children, reduce family contentions, reduce the cost of transferring property upon death, and minimize income, gift, estate, and inheritance taxes.” (Steven J. Dixon, Ensign 1983 “Planning Ahead: The Importance of Wills and Trusts” https://www.lds.org/ensign/1983/06/planning-ahead-the-importance-of-wills-and-trusts?lang=eng&clang=mya)

Some talks:

1. Constancy Amid Change by N. Eldon Tanner
2. Guide to Family Finance by Marvin J. Ashton
3. The Use & Abuse of Blessings by Brigham Young
4. Thrift: The Foundation of Prosperity by Joseph F. Smith 5. The Household of Faith by J. Richard Clarke
6. Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts by Joseph Wirthlin
7. Personal and Family Financial Preparedness by Franklin D. Richards
8. Providing For Our Needs by M. Russell Ballard
9. It’s No Fun Being Poor by Marvin J. Ashton
10. Blessings in Self-Reliance by Mark E. Peterson
11. The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance by Marion G. Romney
12. The Lord Will Prosper the Righteous by Dean L. Larsen 13. The Times in Which We Live by Gordon B. Hinckley
2. Doing the Best Things in the Worst of Times by James E. Faust
15. Greed, Selfishness, and Overindulgence by Joe Christensen
3. Tithing: An Opportunity to Prove Our Faithfulness by Gordon B. Hinckley
17. What’s In It For Me? by James E. Faust
18. Brother’s Keeper by Dallin H. Oaks
4. The Law of Abundance by Franklin D. Richards
20. The Gospel: The Foundation of Our Career by Boyd K. Packer
21. This is No Harm by Marvin J. Ashton
22. The Father’s Duty to Foster the Welfare of His Family by H. Burke Peterson
23. The Perfect Law of Liberty by Marion G. Romney
24. But Be Ye Doers of the Word by L. Tom Perry
25. Watch, That Ye May Be Ready by Harold B. Lee
5. United In Building the Kingdom of God by L.Tom Perry 27. As a Man Soweth by L. Tom Perry
28. The Tragic Cycle by Marion D. Romney
29. “Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord” by Dean L. Larsen 30. “For Whatsoever a Man Soweth, That Shall He Also Reap” by L. Tom Perry
6. Becoming Self-Reliant by L. Tom Perry
7. “Give With Wisdom That Ye May Receive With Dignity” by Marvin J. Ashton
33. The Blessings We Receive as We Meet the Challenges of Economic Stress by James E. Faust
8. Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare by Thomas S. Monson

 

-having a wife work as well as the man can make your taxes go up, and cost of daycare for the children, etc.  go up