How can welfare needs be prevented?

Answer:

Sometimes adversity comes upon us without warning and through no fault of our own. But suffering can result from mistakes or from things we have failed to do. Many welfare needs could be prevented by forethought, prudence, and preparation. The steps to preventing welfare need are the same as the steps toward self reliance. They include:

•	Pray.
•	Study the scriptures and writings of the living prophets.
•	Obey God's commandments and exercise faith.
•	Strengthen relationships with family, neighbors, and friends.
•	Get as much education as you can and prepare yourself for employment.
•	Avoid unnecessary debt and live within your income.
•	Save money and food in times of plenty for times of adversity.
•	Obtain adequate health and life insurance.
•	Care for your possessions to prolong their usefulness.
•	Avoid self-indulgence that destroys health, peace of mind, and personal relationships, including overeating, chemical dependence, abuse, gambling, pornography, etc.

"Upon practicing the law of the fast, one finds a personal well-spring of power to overcome self-indulgence and selfishness" (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, May 1978, 80).

"I ask you earnestly, have you provided for your family a year's supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel? The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah" (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 61).