Cost of Living in Redding, CA versus

The Average Wage or Minding the Deficit-Gap

Recently I traveled in England on their national railroad. Every time the train stopped at a station an announcement came over the PA saying, MIND THE GAP; meaning watch out when you step out of the train. Using that phrase another way. Can the average household Mind the deficit GAP, Lets examine the facts and see for ourselves.

I wondered whether the Cost-of-Living in Redding, CA as compared to the average wage was higher or lower? To my utter amazement (see sources listed below) I found out that the average household is falling behind what it costs to live in Redding by a whopping $5,359. per year. Is it any wonder the average family is in financial trouble?

Here’s how the numbers crunch. As listed (see sources #1&2-listed below):

     Average Income $44,473.

                    $14,254. Less average Federal, SSI and State taxes

                    $30,219. Net disposable income

Cost of Living $35,578.

                   (-)$ 5,359. The deficit GAP

How does the deficient gap affect the average family’s financial, emotional and/or spiritual life? Well—that’s the $64,000. question. Is it any wonder some families are simply going bezerk and leaving to seek a better life—somewhere else?

Some families begin to have communication issues, which affects their marriages. How do families begin to manage their finances or can they recognize the evil one is creeping into their marriage? Are some families facing the issue(s) of the deficit GAP and coping? The Lord says in Luke 14:28-"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish." NIV These families recognize they are in a deficit situation and hopefully will seek the Lord’s help—"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Heb. 11:6 NIV.

Don’t let the deficit GAP overwhelm you. There is help available!Financial Faithfulness is a confidential ministry that will teach, build faith, and prepare the members of Trinity Lutheran Church for eternity using ‘hands-on’ tools, which will increase their financial knowledge and thus give them peace about their future here on earth and eternally in heaven.

From the desk of Trinity Lutheran's Budget Counselor for Financial Pastoral Care

Lay Assistant Minister Dr. Bill Koch Email: wakoch@cwo.com. Tel: 530 623 2872