Watch this powerful video, listen to the song, and reflect on your life. How does Fiscal Stewardship play it's part in your life?
When you know where everything comes from and who it all belongs to, you'll know how to live your life.
God Bless you.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Be a Difference Maker
Have you ever wondered how you can make a REAL difference in someone's life? I used to until recently when I decided to sponsor a child in Guatemala named Kanek.
Kanek just turned 7 on Wed of this week. He and his family live in a rural area where his parents earn $195 per month to support the family. Surprisingly, they are one of the more well off families in this impoverished area. With 4 children, they have a 2 bedroom home with a kitchen, running water, and electricity which is very rare. Many of the children in Kanek's village don't make it past 3rd grade because they start working to help the family.
"There will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you 'You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.'" DT 15:11
To see how you can help, please visit
http://www.liftoneproject.org/goto/considertheant
One of the best movie scenes I ever saw was from About Schmidt by Jack Nicholson. He plays the part of a retiree who feels as if his life was in vain and he didn't make a difference. Watch this video of the last scene in the movie when it finally hits him that his life does matter...
Thank you and May God Bless You Today!
Joshua
Kanek just turned 7 on Wed of this week. He and his family live in a rural area where his parents earn $195 per month to support the family. Surprisingly, they are one of the more well off families in this impoverished area. With 4 children, they have a 2 bedroom home with a kitchen, running water, and electricity which is very rare. Many of the children in Kanek's village don't make it past 3rd grade because they start working to help the family.
"There will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you 'You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.'" DT 15:11
To see how you can help, please visit
http://www.liftoneproject.org/goto/considertheant
One of the best movie scenes I ever saw was from About Schmidt by Jack Nicholson. He plays the part of a retiree who feels as if his life was in vain and he didn't make a difference. Watch this video of the last scene in the movie when it finally hits him that his life does matter...
Thank you and May God Bless You Today!
Joshua
Friday, May 22, 2009
So You Think You Want to Refinance?
There are some interesting things happening in the mortgage industry that we've never seen all at the same time. Yes, the industry is very cyclical. As our country's economy moves in and out of bull or bear markets, Real Estate tends to do the same.
Typically, our markets see at least one recession every 10 years. This is by far the deepest and hardest we've seen in over 50 years. Some economists believe we are near bottom, while others do not share their optomism. Either way, an interesting thing has occurred during this down time.
In the midst of all the turmoil, the mortgage industry has all but imploded. In an effort to salvage the industry and our banking system, the government made huge efforts last fall and this Spring to make some changes to spur lending between banks. They then authorized the Treasury to purchase Mortgage Backed Securities to push mortgage rates to historic low prices.
As mortgage rates fall to 4.5 and 5% over the last several months, Americans have come out of the woodwork to refinance their homes. Also, we are starting to see improvements in the resale of homes. All these things are good things, you might think. There is a problem though.
Banks and Lenders very quickly downsized over the last 2 years to shave overhead and avoid closing up shop all together. Thousands of jobs were lost. Thousands of banks were lost.
In previous Refinance markets, the business was absolutely unheard of. However, the number of lenders out there was growing, not shrinking. Lenders and Banks were expanding and hiring to meet the growing demands of the public.
Today, Banks and Lenders are fewer. The amount of business coming in is very difficult to manage. Processors, underwriters, compliance teams, & loan officers are all working 10+ hours per day and even on weekends to keep up with the volume of business. The business is spread across a smaller number of qualified servicers who do not have the full capacity to handle it.
What does that mean? It means refinance business is taking 8, 12, and sometimes more weeks to complete. These refinances are coming in so fast, they are being placed in que to be worked up.
As consumers, it is important to understand that the speed of service is challenging for all of the banks right now. Many banks are even charging non-refundable $500 application fees before they even start the process. If the loan doesn't close or if it's not even approved the consumer is out the application fee.
Most cities in America are dealing with declining home values causing appraisals to come in short on so many refinance transactions. This causes problems. Across the board we're seeing lenders and banks calling for Appraisal Reviews. Essentially, a second appraiser is hired to offer his value as well as the first. These reviews are costing more money and more time only making the processing time that much slower.
If you're looking at refinancing in these times, Be sure you are prepared for a long wait. It may seem frustrating to you as a consumer. Trust me, there is a lot of frustration in the loan plants these days. I don't know anyone who doesn't want to close loans and make some money. I also know so many highly qualified and professional loan officers who are desperately trying to provide outstanding service to their clients.
If you or someone you know is going to refinance your home, please be patient with the process. The system is in turmoil right now. We're all working very hard to drive the car with two flat tires at 60 miles an hour.
Hang in there! We'll all get through this together. Here at Legacy Mortgage, we are closing loans like we've never done. Our numbers are shattering records every month. It is all good news.
We are not collecting an application fee upfront, but we are collecting for appraisals up front to cover that cost. If you're in the market, we are still closing refinances in approximately 60 days. If you're looking at buying, we are still closing loans in 30-45 days.
Call and we'll be happy to work with you on your financing needs. Have a great day!
Joshua Christensen 505-938-5940
Typically, our markets see at least one recession every 10 years. This is by far the deepest and hardest we've seen in over 50 years. Some economists believe we are near bottom, while others do not share their optomism. Either way, an interesting thing has occurred during this down time.
In the midst of all the turmoil, the mortgage industry has all but imploded. In an effort to salvage the industry and our banking system, the government made huge efforts last fall and this Spring to make some changes to spur lending between banks. They then authorized the Treasury to purchase Mortgage Backed Securities to push mortgage rates to historic low prices.
As mortgage rates fall to 4.5 and 5% over the last several months, Americans have come out of the woodwork to refinance their homes. Also, we are starting to see improvements in the resale of homes. All these things are good things, you might think. There is a problem though.
Banks and Lenders very quickly downsized over the last 2 years to shave overhead and avoid closing up shop all together. Thousands of jobs were lost. Thousands of banks were lost.
In previous Refinance markets, the business was absolutely unheard of. However, the number of lenders out there was growing, not shrinking. Lenders and Banks were expanding and hiring to meet the growing demands of the public.
Today, Banks and Lenders are fewer. The amount of business coming in is very difficult to manage. Processors, underwriters, compliance teams, & loan officers are all working 10+ hours per day and even on weekends to keep up with the volume of business. The business is spread across a smaller number of qualified servicers who do not have the full capacity to handle it.
What does that mean? It means refinance business is taking 8, 12, and sometimes more weeks to complete. These refinances are coming in so fast, they are being placed in que to be worked up.
As consumers, it is important to understand that the speed of service is challenging for all of the banks right now. Many banks are even charging non-refundable $500 application fees before they even start the process. If the loan doesn't close or if it's not even approved the consumer is out the application fee.
Most cities in America are dealing with declining home values causing appraisals to come in short on so many refinance transactions. This causes problems. Across the board we're seeing lenders and banks calling for Appraisal Reviews. Essentially, a second appraiser is hired to offer his value as well as the first. These reviews are costing more money and more time only making the processing time that much slower.
If you're looking at refinancing in these times, Be sure you are prepared for a long wait. It may seem frustrating to you as a consumer. Trust me, there is a lot of frustration in the loan plants these days. I don't know anyone who doesn't want to close loans and make some money. I also know so many highly qualified and professional loan officers who are desperately trying to provide outstanding service to their clients.
If you or someone you know is going to refinance your home, please be patient with the process. The system is in turmoil right now. We're all working very hard to drive the car with two flat tires at 60 miles an hour.
Hang in there! We'll all get through this together. Here at Legacy Mortgage, we are closing loans like we've never done. Our numbers are shattering records every month. It is all good news.
We are not collecting an application fee upfront, but we are collecting for appraisals up front to cover that cost. If you're in the market, we are still closing refinances in approximately 60 days. If you're looking at buying, we are still closing loans in 30-45 days.
Call and we'll be happy to work with you on your financing needs. Have a great day!
Joshua Christensen 505-938-5940
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Why do we labor?
Ecc 4:4 "And I saw that all labor and all achievement springs from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."
Have you ever stopped and wondered why you do the things you do? Maybe your friend got a new car or a new house. Maybe you like your co-worker's new outfit. Did your buddy get that new gaming system?
Envy is a funny thing. It is very subtle, but can quickly ruin a financial picture. Don't we all want the appearance of success to our friends and family? Have you ever made a purchase you didn't have the money to make? Out came the credit card?
It is so easy to get caught up in the envy game - I like to think of it as creating your own blessings. Rather than exercise a little patience and integrity in your finances, you figure you can pay it off when the bill comes in. The question is, do you pay it off when the bill comes in?
There are bills before Congress and the Senate now about coming down on credit card companies for over charging people when payments are late. Many Americans pay way too much interest on their credit cards, some to the tune of 29.9% APR! It is an outrage that credit card companies can get away with that.
But, it is no more an outrage that you agreed to take out that loan for a meal or a shirt because you had to have it now. Be careful of envy.
Practice self control and discipline and the Lord's abundance will flow forth in your lives.
Have you ever stopped and wondered why you do the things you do? Maybe your friend got a new car or a new house. Maybe you like your co-worker's new outfit. Did your buddy get that new gaming system?
Envy is a funny thing. It is very subtle, but can quickly ruin a financial picture. Don't we all want the appearance of success to our friends and family? Have you ever made a purchase you didn't have the money to make? Out came the credit card?
It is so easy to get caught up in the envy game - I like to think of it as creating your own blessings. Rather than exercise a little patience and integrity in your finances, you figure you can pay it off when the bill comes in. The question is, do you pay it off when the bill comes in?
There are bills before Congress and the Senate now about coming down on credit card companies for over charging people when payments are late. Many Americans pay way too much interest on their credit cards, some to the tune of 29.9% APR! It is an outrage that credit card companies can get away with that.
But, it is no more an outrage that you agreed to take out that loan for a meal or a shirt because you had to have it now. Be careful of envy.
Practice self control and discipline and the Lord's abundance will flow forth in your lives.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wisdom worth more than Gold?
How many times have you found yourself running in circles to get rich or pay bills or just have enough to get by?
Often? Have you considered that you just may be chasing the wrong things?
Pr 17:16 "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"
What activities are you engaged in to acquire wisdom worth more than gold or silver?
The 2nd Key to Fiscal Stewardship (c) is to Develop What You've Been Given. If you don't chase after wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, the money you do acquire will fall through the cracks. Better yet, it's like putting money in a purse with holes in it as Soloman wrote so long ago.
Pr 3:13-16 "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious htan rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor."
Yes, Step 2 to Fiscal Stewardship (c) - Develop what you've been given. Seek wisdom. Seek Understanding. Seek Knowledge. Stop chasing your tail. Money comes and money goes, but once you know how you got it and how to use it, you'll have that knowledge forever.
Have a great Monday!
Often? Have you considered that you just may be chasing the wrong things?
Pr 17:16 "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"
What activities are you engaged in to acquire wisdom worth more than gold or silver?
The 2nd Key to Fiscal Stewardship (c) is to Develop What You've Been Given. If you don't chase after wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, the money you do acquire will fall through the cracks. Better yet, it's like putting money in a purse with holes in it as Soloman wrote so long ago.
Pr 3:13-16 "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious htan rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor."
Yes, Step 2 to Fiscal Stewardship (c) - Develop what you've been given. Seek wisdom. Seek Understanding. Seek Knowledge. Stop chasing your tail. Money comes and money goes, but once you know how you got it and how to use it, you'll have that knowledge forever.
Have a great Monday!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Best Things in Life are Free
I mentioned previously that we spent a week at my Grandparents earlier this month. "There's gold in them thar hills..." I tell you what, Grandma's got some wisdom I've never known. Little pearls and gems or nuggets if you will that, if applied, can change lives.
Over lunch one day, she started talking about vacations they took with their kids (my mom) and the memories they had. Then, almost as if rehearsed, she said, "You know, the best things in life are free." Then she paused.
We all unsuspectingly agreed and went along with it.
Then a few moments later, as if she'd been planning this discussion for years, she broke in about a time when they took the kids on a very elaborate vacation. She didn't give details about what all they did, because that didn't matter to the story. But, she said they stopped by the river on one of the days and let the kids swim and play in the water.
She doesn't remember what elese they did, but she does remember they spent a lot of money on that vacation to 'build' memories. The only memory that lives today is the free swim in the river.
Her point. Disney land? Disney World? Sea World? Six Flags? Whatever. The best memories builders don't have to cost anything.
Why is it that we feel so compelled to spend thousands of dollars on vacations the kids will never remember because they are too young or because they aren't important to them?
Funny part is how hard we work and strive to save for these trips. Better yet, to pay off the credit debt incurred on these trips for years to come. Fading memories.
Look around and save a penny by looking for the Free memories builders. They are out there in abundance if you look.
Have fun! Your kids will love you for it.
Over lunch one day, she started talking about vacations they took with their kids (my mom) and the memories they had. Then, almost as if rehearsed, she said, "You know, the best things in life are free." Then she paused.
We all unsuspectingly agreed and went along with it.
Then a few moments later, as if she'd been planning this discussion for years, she broke in about a time when they took the kids on a very elaborate vacation. She didn't give details about what all they did, because that didn't matter to the story. But, she said they stopped by the river on one of the days and let the kids swim and play in the water.
She doesn't remember what elese they did, but she does remember they spent a lot of money on that vacation to 'build' memories. The only memory that lives today is the free swim in the river.
Her point. Disney land? Disney World? Sea World? Six Flags? Whatever. The best memories builders don't have to cost anything.
Why is it that we feel so compelled to spend thousands of dollars on vacations the kids will never remember because they are too young or because they aren't important to them?
Funny part is how hard we work and strive to save for these trips. Better yet, to pay off the credit debt incurred on these trips for years to come. Fading memories.
Look around and save a penny by looking for the Free memories builders. They are out there in abundance if you look.
Have fun! Your kids will love you for it.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Foreclosed in the Garden?
Adam’s primary role was one of being Steward over that which God Created. That Stewardship was based on God’s rules which were very simple to follow. In fact, the rules were so simple, God only gave Adam one rule:
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” – Ge. 2:16-17
When Adam chose not to obey, a curse was given, and the Lord God foreclosed on the Garden of Eden (Ge. 3). Have you known anyone recently who lost their home, their dignity, their sense of pride, their identity in many cases because of a foreclosure situation? In many of these cases, some fundamental financial rules were broken along the way to foreclosure. Foreclosure doesn’t just happen over night.
Who was it that convinced Eve to eat the fruit? That’s right. Satan was right there making the fruit very appealing to her. He filled her with fine sounding arguments making it seem like no big deal.
Have you ever purchased something on credit thinking you’d pay it off at the end of the month, no big deal. Play now. Pay later. Go ahead, you’ve earned it. You deserve it, he says. You make enough to afford those payments. Look at how successful you’ve been. Show your friends your success. You need this. People in your position do this all the time. Don’t be fooled.
He is slick and ever so subtle in his approach. Didn’t he convince Eve by asking her, “Surely God didn’t say you would die, did he.”He is so good at what he does, that he’s got us telling each other the same lies so he can relax. Don’t we seek “advice” from those we trust who tell us everything will be ok if we can “afford” it? Be careful.
Consider the Ant (c) Introduction pp. 23-24
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” – Ge. 2:16-17
When Adam chose not to obey, a curse was given, and the Lord God foreclosed on the Garden of Eden (Ge. 3). Have you known anyone recently who lost their home, their dignity, their sense of pride, their identity in many cases because of a foreclosure situation? In many of these cases, some fundamental financial rules were broken along the way to foreclosure. Foreclosure doesn’t just happen over night.
Who was it that convinced Eve to eat the fruit? That’s right. Satan was right there making the fruit very appealing to her. He filled her with fine sounding arguments making it seem like no big deal.
Have you ever purchased something on credit thinking you’d pay it off at the end of the month, no big deal. Play now. Pay later. Go ahead, you’ve earned it. You deserve it, he says. You make enough to afford those payments. Look at how successful you’ve been. Show your friends your success. You need this. People in your position do this all the time. Don’t be fooled.
He is slick and ever so subtle in his approach. Didn’t he convince Eve by asking her, “Surely God didn’t say you would die, did he.”He is so good at what he does, that he’s got us telling each other the same lies so he can relax. Don’t we seek “advice” from those we trust who tell us everything will be ok if we can “afford” it? Be careful.
Consider the Ant (c) Introduction pp. 23-24
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Consider the Ant on Facebook!
Now on Facebook http://www.companies.to/considertheant
Consider the Ant Ministries was established in 2007 to educate and empower Christians how they can take back their God given promise of Freedom. Using the Basic principals of Fiscal Stewardship (c) we are committed to helping students and families break the cycle of debt acquisition and establish the long lasting promise of abundance God promises everyone of us.
"For I know the plans I have for you" - this is the Lord's declaration - "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a futre." - Jer 29:11
As our country faces one of the most difficult economic times in our short history, more and more families are feeling the pinch of living from one pay check to the next. Many Christians are crying out to God asking when his plan to prosper will take place in their lives.
Today is that day.
My Christian friend, you no longer have to be slave to money, but rather you can start fresh today and discover the rich promises God has for your life.Here at Consider the Ant Ministries, we believe the wealth of our nations must be regained by the Christian community for the greater good of mankind. Rather than hoarding wealth for expensive toys, how about hoarding wealth for service to those less fortunate?
Join us in our efforts to reach our generation and the next to change the way Christians handle their finances and give God all the glory and honor due him.
Become a Fan Today
May God Bless You,
Joshua Christensen - President, founder
Consider the Ant Ministries was established in 2007 to educate and empower Christians how they can take back their God given promise of Freedom. Using the Basic principals of Fiscal Stewardship (c) we are committed to helping students and families break the cycle of debt acquisition and establish the long lasting promise of abundance God promises everyone of us.
"For I know the plans I have for you" - this is the Lord's declaration - "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a futre." - Jer 29:11
As our country faces one of the most difficult economic times in our short history, more and more families are feeling the pinch of living from one pay check to the next. Many Christians are crying out to God asking when his plan to prosper will take place in their lives.
Today is that day.
My Christian friend, you no longer have to be slave to money, but rather you can start fresh today and discover the rich promises God has for your life.Here at Consider the Ant Ministries, we believe the wealth of our nations must be regained by the Christian community for the greater good of mankind. Rather than hoarding wealth for expensive toys, how about hoarding wealth for service to those less fortunate?
Join us in our efforts to reach our generation and the next to change the way Christians handle their finances and give God all the glory and honor due him.
Become a Fan Today
May God Bless You,
Joshua Christensen - President, founder
Would you take out a Loan to buy a new Shirt?
I was reading the book of Haggai the other day when a verse stood out to me about managing our money.
First of all, you may be wondering why I was in Haggai. I asked myself the very same thing, but felt led by the Spirit to pursue it. I'm glad I did. Check this out...
"Now, the LORD of Hosts says this:
Think carefully about your ways:
You have planted much but harvested little.
You eat but never have enough to be satisfied.
You drink but never have enough to become drunk.
You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm.
The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it."
Hag 1:5-6
Have you ever gone to the mall and found an outfit or a shirt you really liked? When you looked at the price tag, you realized you didn't have the cash for it. No problem, right? So, you think to yourself, "I'll just run to the bank to take out a small loan for the shirt!" Easy right?
Sounds a bit ridiculous doesn't it. Well, reaching into the wallet to swipe the credit card is doing just that. The problem is that it is a very high interest loan that most people don't pay off without interest. The other problem is that the shirt then comes with other accessories and things you don't really need. Over time the "short term" loan can become a high interest nightmare.
Think about it like this. Does your high school or college student understand this when they are out to Taco Bell or McDonald's? Do they realize the credit card you gave them to "learn how to manage credit" is a ticking time bomb if they take out loans for bad, empty calorie meals?
"A bag with holes in it" is the way Haggai descirbes it. Something to give some thought to.
Consider your ways carefully, says the LORD. What are you doing in these economic times to strengthen yourself and your family? What lessons are you passing on to the next generation?
Complaining that the government is accumulating debt that our grandchildren will be paying for is not solving the economic crisis happening under your own roof. It's time to stop the madness and pay as you go rather than play today and pay tomorrow.
Have a fantastic day!
First of all, you may be wondering why I was in Haggai. I asked myself the very same thing, but felt led by the Spirit to pursue it. I'm glad I did. Check this out...
"Now, the LORD of Hosts says this:
Think carefully about your ways:
You have planted much but harvested little.
You eat but never have enough to be satisfied.
You drink but never have enough to become drunk.
You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm.
The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it."
Hag 1:5-6
Have you ever gone to the mall and found an outfit or a shirt you really liked? When you looked at the price tag, you realized you didn't have the cash for it. No problem, right? So, you think to yourself, "I'll just run to the bank to take out a small loan for the shirt!" Easy right?
Sounds a bit ridiculous doesn't it. Well, reaching into the wallet to swipe the credit card is doing just that. The problem is that it is a very high interest loan that most people don't pay off without interest. The other problem is that the shirt then comes with other accessories and things you don't really need. Over time the "short term" loan can become a high interest nightmare.
Think about it like this. Does your high school or college student understand this when they are out to Taco Bell or McDonald's? Do they realize the credit card you gave them to "learn how to manage credit" is a ticking time bomb if they take out loans for bad, empty calorie meals?
"A bag with holes in it" is the way Haggai descirbes it. Something to give some thought to.
Consider your ways carefully, says the LORD. What are you doing in these economic times to strengthen yourself and your family? What lessons are you passing on to the next generation?
Complaining that the government is accumulating debt that our grandchildren will be paying for is not solving the economic crisis happening under your own roof. It's time to stop the madness and pay as you go rather than play today and pay tomorrow.
Have a fantastic day!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
What is Fiscal Stewardship (c)?
What is Fiscal Stewardship(c)?
Do you find that you have too much month left over when the money runs out?
Do you struggle with giving to charity or church because you're stretched too thin to do so?
Would you like to do more to help others but can barely make it pay check to pay check and need help yourself?
Don't worry, you're not alone in this. As a culture and society, we have done a mediocre job of educating people on solid financial principles. Fiscal Stewardship (c) is just that source of education.
I am passionate about educating and empowering Christians and non-Christian's alike to become better Stewards of their money to honor God and live the abundant and prosperous lives he designed us for.
In my first book, Consider the Ant: 3 keys to Fiscal Stewardship (c), I lay the very foundation of God's plan for our fiscal education. Money is mentioned more times in the Bible than even faith. Do you think it may be important? So do I.
Have you heard, Jesus mentioned that we cannot love both God and money. Why? Because we will be a slave to one or the other.
Creditors and marketeers want us to believe that the use of their product somehow "saves" you money. They make us all believe that using a credit card produces "priceless" memories or that you can "have it now". They don't tell you that slavery begins when someone owns your income.
Very quickly stress sets in, marriages end, health problems increase, bankruptcy rates rise, and savings rates decrease.
Fiscal Stewardship (c) is the key to not only Financial Freedom, but Spiritual Freedom as well.
My website is under construction, but soon, you'll be able to go online to http://www.ConsidertheAntonline.com to order supplies and other educational resources for your small group, your church, your family, or even your high school student.
Consider the Ant will be in stores later this year.
Our country faces one of the greatest economic crisis' we've ever seen. It is time to take back control of your life and your freedom.
Have a great day!
Do you find that you have too much month left over when the money runs out?Do you struggle with giving to charity or church because you're stretched too thin to do so?
Would you like to do more to help others but can barely make it pay check to pay check and need help yourself?
Don't worry, you're not alone in this. As a culture and society, we have done a mediocre job of educating people on solid financial principles. Fiscal Stewardship (c) is just that source of education.
I am passionate about educating and empowering Christians and non-Christian's alike to become better Stewards of their money to honor God and live the abundant and prosperous lives he designed us for.
In my first book, Consider the Ant: 3 keys to Fiscal Stewardship (c), I lay the very foundation of God's plan for our fiscal education. Money is mentioned more times in the Bible than even faith. Do you think it may be important? So do I.
Have you heard, Jesus mentioned that we cannot love both God and money. Why? Because we will be a slave to one or the other.
Creditors and marketeers want us to believe that the use of their product somehow "saves" you money. They make us all believe that using a credit card produces "priceless" memories or that you can "have it now". They don't tell you that slavery begins when someone owns your income.
Very quickly stress sets in, marriages end, health problems increase, bankruptcy rates rise, and savings rates decrease.
Fiscal Stewardship (c) is the key to not only Financial Freedom, but Spiritual Freedom as well.
My website is under construction, but soon, you'll be able to go online to http://www.ConsidertheAntonline.com to order supplies and other educational resources for your small group, your church, your family, or even your high school student.
Consider the Ant will be in stores later this year.
Our country faces one of the greatest economic crisis' we've ever seen. It is time to take back control of your life and your freedom.
Have a great day!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Save Today, Play Tomorrow
An interesting conversation happened this week while on vacation at my 80 year old grand-parent's house. G-ma decided to tell us all about how she bought her first house "when she was poor" by taking a part time job to save for the down payment.
Born in 1928, G-ma is not ignorant to difficult times. Consider the Great Depression of the 1930's, WWII and all the food rations, the Korean War, Vietnam, etc. She was 46 years old when she went back to school to become a beautician (never too old to start again). She finished her career by selling her beauty salon after 13 years of ownership (a late life entreprenuer).
Yes, she had some lesson's for us.
What about our generation? We live in a time when credit companies successfully taught our next generations the power of play today, pay later. Today we are facing one of, what history will call, the worst economic meltdowns in American history. It all revolves around the use and abuse of credit to buy homes, cars, college educations, and all kinds of credit card abuses...
Grandma suggested on several occassions to open a seperate savings account to save money for the different important goals we have. If we want new tires, set aside $5-10, or 20 every time we get a chance. Before we know it, we'll have the money we need for the new tires.
What about a vacation? Will it cost $1200? Find a way to save $100 per month until you have enough for the trip.
The point is simple, savings will never hurt you, but credit has a way of destroying lives. Too many of us believe we can't survive without good credit. I don't believe it. God blesses us from his overflowing abundance. We bless ourselves from a lack of abundance, i.e. use of credit. Our impatience pushes us to use credit to falsely create a world of "blessings" which are not really our own, but are borrowed. The use of credit slowly enslaves us. It is time to set yourself free to live the abundant life God intended for you.
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender." - Pr 22:7
Simply exercise some self control, a little discipline and make a rule to stop the abuse and use of credit for frivolous items. Stop living a life of consumption. It's your choice.
Born in 1928, G-ma is not ignorant to difficult times. Consider the Great Depression of the 1930's, WWII and all the food rations, the Korean War, Vietnam, etc. She was 46 years old when she went back to school to become a beautician (never too old to start again). She finished her career by selling her beauty salon after 13 years of ownership (a late life entreprenuer).
Yes, she had some lesson's for us.
What about our generation? We live in a time when credit companies successfully taught our next generations the power of play today, pay later. Today we are facing one of, what history will call, the worst economic meltdowns in American history. It all revolves around the use and abuse of credit to buy homes, cars, college educations, and all kinds of credit card abuses...
Grandma suggested on several occassions to open a seperate savings account to save money for the different important goals we have. If we want new tires, set aside $5-10, or 20 every time we get a chance. Before we know it, we'll have the money we need for the new tires.
What about a vacation? Will it cost $1200? Find a way to save $100 per month until you have enough for the trip.
The point is simple, savings will never hurt you, but credit has a way of destroying lives. Too many of us believe we can't survive without good credit. I don't believe it. God blesses us from his overflowing abundance. We bless ourselves from a lack of abundance, i.e. use of credit. Our impatience pushes us to use credit to falsely create a world of "blessings" which are not really our own, but are borrowed. The use of credit slowly enslaves us. It is time to set yourself free to live the abundant life God intended for you.
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender." - Pr 22:7
Simply exercise some self control, a little discipline and make a rule to stop the abuse and use of credit for frivolous items. Stop living a life of consumption. It's your choice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
