Elder Robert D. Hales taught that “joyfully living within our means and preparing for the ups and downs of life” helps us to “be ready for the rainy-day emergencies when they come into our lives.” He added: “Happy is the man who lives within his means and is able to save a little for future needs. As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care” (“Gospel Vision of Welfare,” 1–2).