Real Wealth by Margaret Reichenbecher--August 2024

Margaret and Vern Reichenbecher

Earning, saving, and giving are equal parts of money management and natural wealth. But how do we hold onto our dollars in today's Clickbait internet society? My junior high school buddy, Margaret Reichenbecher, followed her Methodist founder's philosophy for her whole life and lived below her means. How did John Wesley's advice help her create "real wealth?" 

TFC or The Frugal Catholic—Maggie, you and I have known each other since Cammack Junior High School in WV, and during all these many years, you've striven to live below your means. You recently shared that Wesley's saying shaped your financial life; therefore, let's study how you did it and why his words are so applicable today.

In his famous sermon of 1789 entitled "The Use of Money," he stated, "Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can." Wesley felt back then that the Methodist Movement was not growing because of people's failure to give all they could. And as he stated, "Money is an excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends. In the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, clothing for the naked." So, let's answer some real questions about wealth. 

Earn all you can

TFC--Margaret, was money the most important commodity to you when you were a single teacher and mother of two? Also, how DID you earn all you could?

Margaret--Martha, I don't recall money being the most important commodity in my life at any time. However, I do know there were tough times during those days as a single mother. Having a teaching degree enabled me to provide the bare essentials, as well as the funds for extracurricular lessons and activities. I didn't work during the summer months, so no money was needed for childcare. Looking back, I don't recall feeling my girls suffered from "doing without things." Our days were full of family and friends, which made us feel rich. 

Save all you can

TFC--Maggie, saving money is hard for most of us. There are far more exciting things out there that we "need" than saving our money. How did you force yourself to keep saving? What were your tricks and techniques? Did your daughters help? 

Margaret--As a youngster, I always saved my allowance for special things that came along. As a teenager, babysitting money was available for treats at the pool or spending money on vacation. I was fortunate to have parents who could provide many good things for us without overindulging. All this is to say, my growing-up days were rich in things that didn't require money.

Somewhere along the way, I learned to appreciate being thankful for what I had and didn't accumulate "stuff." As a teacher, I was paid ten months of the year and saved for the other two months. In preparation for those two months, I learned to set aside money each month in an interest-bearing account. Of course, big, unexpected expenses always came in the summer months! Saving saved me! 

My daughters didn't really contribute to the income but often saw some of their friends get all the latest toys and gadgets. On the other hand, they were witness to the fact that my parents were able to pay cash for new cars and provide for their financial support for college. They saw the benefits of putting aside money for a rainy day.

 And give all you can.

TFC--Margaret, in what ways has your giving helped you financially? What are your thoughts on tithing?

Margaret--Once again, my parents were a wonderful example of tithing to the church and giving to those in need. It was after I grew up that I realized just how widespread their giving was, and it was done without fanfare or notoriety.

As for me, I try to pay attention to those in need around me and give as much as I am able. The most rewarding giving is when it is done in secret and without request. I also believe that tithing includes our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. I am not sure how the tithing is related to my strong financial blessings, but I do know I am richly blessed.

 TFC--Now that you are in retirement with your husband, do the both of you share this "Earn, Save, Give all you can lifestyle?"

Margaret--My husband and I both believe in and practice saving, even if it is from our monthly retirement benefits. During these 15 years of retirement, we have consistently been able to save. I often feel more strongly about increasing our church giving, and we are able to compromise by increasing each year, even though I would do more. Thankfully, we are still able to increase our service inside and outside the walls of the church.  Giving does multiply our blessings. 

TFC--What about your two siblings who likewise grew up being influenced by your devout Methodist Mother and Father? Do they adhere to a similar philosophy?

Margaret--All three of us continue to prioritize our budgeted giving. Jean calls her giving "Kingdom Giving." Rick has published a book called Money with a Purpose, which tells of his practice of tithing. Amazon.com: Money with a Purpose: 9781640886902: Eaton, Richard L: Books     [TFC--An excellent book: I couldn't put it down as a Christian. As Rick shows, we can do more! For his article, click on this.] Money with a Purpose: Activating the Promises of Psalm 112 by Richard L. Eaton (thefrugalcatholic.com)

TFC--One last two-part question. What is your most important statement to today's young people, and do you have an easy/frugal dinner recipe you and Vern would like to share with my readers?

Margaret--My statement to today's youth is difficult to put in words, but here goes.

Be thankful for every moment, even the tough ones. Thank God for your blessings. Try not to focus on what there is to buy but on what you can give. Prepare for retirement days without hoarding. Take joy over greed. Love your neighbor.

 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline

 Maggie's Roasted Vegetables with Smoked SausageUse whatever vegetables you love and chop them into large chunks, placing them into a large glass Pyrex dish. We love onions, asparagus, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and parsnips. Anything you like is good. Cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces and mix with vegetables. We usually use Eckrich Sausage. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture. Roast in an oven at 425 degrees, occasionally stirring for about 25 minutes.

We don't add side dishes, but some sort of bread or fruit is nice.

______________________________________________________________________    Martha Wild King, M.Ed., Author

The Frugal Catholic: Learn to live on less to give and save more

Maggie's Junior High Team, now over 50 years later. From L to R--Margaret, Martha, Mary, Laura, and Kathy THE FAB FIVE