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DOGE Your Budget!

What Is DOGE Doing?

The Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”)

  • Forensics on the Budget:
    • Where did the money go?
    • What purpose did it serve?
    • Reviewing government spending
    • Auditing American spending and potentially stopping payments on things that don’t serve the “American best interest”
    • Contract cancellation
    • Asset sales
    • Encouraging transparency
  • Potential Benefits for Americans:
    • Taxpayer Savings: By eliminating wasteful spending and optimizing government operations, DOGE aims to reduce the federal budget—potentially leading to lower taxes or a reallocation of funds to essential services.
    • Improved Government Services: Streamlining processes and reducing bureaucracy can enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of government services that citizens rely on.
  • A Note of Caution:
    While these initiatives have the potential to benefit Americans by promoting a more efficient and accountable government, they have also sparked debate regarding their implementation and impact on public services. Quite honestly, we don’t yet know where this will lead. It is important not to put all your hope in this program or get too excited—after all, it is still the government.
  • Personal Reminder:
    Do what YOU need to do to manage YOUR household well.

Goal: Make Your Budget More Efficient

Make it lean and functional.

At the end of the day, you want your debt to decrease and your savings to increase. You need to find ways to pull those levers. When I hear about financial changes like this, I always ask, “Why?” Because we need to be the best stewards of God’s assets that we can be. This isn’t about the love of money—it’s about faithfully managing the Master’s resources. We should not be wasteful with the Lord’s assets that have been placed into our care.

DOGE Your Personal Budget

In the same way that DOGE is attempting to optimize government spending, we can apply similar principles to our personal finances:

  • Forensic Budgeting:
    Look critically at your spending to identify waste or bloat.
  • Contract Cancellation:
    Identify and eliminate subscriptions or recurring expenses that drain your resources.
  • Asset Sales:
    In times of financial pressure, consider selling items—even at a loss today—to relieve stress and achieve a longer-term financial goal.
  • Encouraging Transparency:
    Many people try to hide money from their spouses, which creates tension, compromises integrity, and is a leading cause of divorce.

DOGE Framework for Budget Optimization

Bear with us as we have some fun with the “DOGE” acronym. But by applying these 4 principles, you will be on your way to a more efficient and optimized budget!

 

D – Discipline

A strong budget starts with discipline. For many, the hardest part is actually building a budget that works for them. This requires the discipline to sit down and create a financial plan, as well as the discipline to stick to it and make necessary adjustments over time.

Ways to build discipline:

  • Be transparent and honest with yourself, and if married, with your spouse.
  • Automate savings and bill payments to ensure your financial bases are covered and prevent backsliding. (Example: How Tyler automates his bills.)
  • Have regular conversations with your spouse (or an accountability partner) to maintain transparency and integrity in your budgeting process.
  • Identify and eliminate impulse purchases (consider a 24-hour rule).

Biblical Connection:
Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…”

  • The Hebrew word for “plans” literally means to create a design.
  • The Hebrew word for “diligent” literally means sharp, cut in, dug; the ditch.

O – Opportunity

Budgeting isn’t just about cutting back—it’s also about making the most of the opportunities available to you. Many people overlook financial benefits that could significantly improve their financial situation simply because they aren’t aware of them or don’t take the time to use them effectively.

  • Take advantage of employer benefits (401k match, HSA, etc.). If your employer offers a match on retirement contributions, that’s free money! Not taking advantage of it is like leaving part of your paycheck on the table.
  • Drew’s Story: Someone who failed to contribute to their matching 401k for over 30 years—missing out on significant financial growth.
  • Use cashback or rewards strategically (but not at the expense of overspending).
  • Reassess subscriptions and recurring expenses—cut what’s unnecessary. Cutting unneeded subscriptions is a great way to free up income every month.

Biblical Connection:
Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Making the most of every opportunity…”

G – Growth

Your budget shouldn’t just help you survive—it should help you thrive. A budget isn’t just a tool for getting by; it’s a roadmap for financial growth. If you only focus on covering expenses, you’ll never build lasting financial stability. Instead, your budget should help you increase wealth, create opportunities, and position yourself to give generously.

  • Gradually increase your savings rate—start small and stretch yourself over time.
  • Find ways to earn more (side hustles, skill-building, etc.).
  • Invest wisely—don’t let money sit idle. If your money is just sitting in a checking account, it’s losing value due to inflation. Instead, put it to work through wise investing or at least a high-yield savings account.

Biblical Connection:
Matthew 25:14-30 – “The Parable of the Talents.”

E – Efficiency

A good budget isn’t just about knowing where your money is going—it’s about making every dollar work smarter. Financial efficiency means eliminating waste, automating smart decisions, and reducing unnecessary costs without sacrificing quality of life. The more efficiently you manage small amounts, the better you’ll handle larger financial blessings in the future.

  • Use budgeting apps like YNAB or EveryDollar if you need help tracking your spending. Even a simple spreadsheet can make a huge difference.
  • Reminder: Just tracking your spending is NOT budgeting—it’s part of the process, but you still need a plan for your dollars with spending caps.
  • Negotiate bills where possible (internet, insurance, cell phone, cable, etc.). Many companies offer discounts or price matches if you ask.
  • Meal plan and buy in bulk to reduce grocery spending. Food costs are one of the biggest budget killers, but small adjustments can lead to major savings. (Tip: Buy FOOD, not just snacks!)

Biblical Connection:
Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

Closing/Application

Personal Stewardship Review:
Take the Budget Optimization Challenge by applying the DOGE framework to your finances:

  • Discipline: Track expenses and set financial limits.
  • Opportunity: Maximize employer benefits and cut unnecessary costs.
  • Growth: Increase savings and income.
  • Efficiency: Negotiate bills and meal plan.

Be faithful in small financial decisions, knowing that wise stewardship leads to greater opportunities (Luke 16:10, Matthew 25:14-30). Share your progress with an accountability partner or your spouse, and start making your budget work smarter today.

 

Next Steps

 

 

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The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

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