The Debt Ceiling and My Wealth
Published January 15, 2013 | 
In the last four years, America has accrued over $7 Trillion dollars of new debt above the already staggering $9 Trillion that existed when President Obama swore his oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America on Jan. 20, 2009. It is absolutely staggering to think that the fiscal well being of our country is being handled well.
During the last four years, the debt ceiling has been raised 4 times. Today, Congress is at a stale mate with the White House on what to do Read more [...]
What is the Family Economy?
Published November 16, 2012 |
I've been struggling with this idea of economy for quite some time now. Then, out of the blue (maybe not so much, but you get it) God introduced me to this idea of the Family Economy in March and then again in July. What does this mean? What does economy have to do with the family and vice versa?
Let's first take a look at the word economy to explore this idea and concept.
Economy: The root word dates back to the greek Oikonomia or household management. It evolved into the Read more [...]
Success: The Power of Temporary Living
Published October 13, 2012 |
I had a great time with a friend of mine today who reminded me of a great lesson God taught me a few years ago. I haven't thought about this for a long time, but bear with me for a moment as I explain.
We were talking about money and finances and the like in our discussion. He was asking me advice on some choices he needs to make in the very near future. His household earns a little over $100,000 per year which is a great living by any stretch of the imagination. He is coming Read more [...]
The Promised Land & Banking
Published January 30, 2012 |
What does the Promised Land have to do with Banking? It's an interesting question to say the least. Have you ever had a Preacher stand up on Sunday morning and recommend that you set up your own banking system? Noooo Waaaaay!
Why? In America, banking represents greed and corporate corruption. Why in the world would there be any correlation between banking and God? I was a little shocked last year when I found this.
"For the Lord your God will bless you Read more [...]
Small Business is the Future
Published January 29, 2012 |
"Security was attained in the earlier days through the interdependence of members of families upon each other and of the families within a small community upon each other. The complexities of great communities and of organized industry make less real these simple means of security. Therefore, we are compelled to employ the active interest of the Nation as a whole through government in order to encourage a greater security for each individual who composes it . . . This seeking for a greater Read more [...]
Is Social in-Security Destroying America?
Published January 28, 2012 |
It's 2012. We live in a world that has known pension plans and a Government run Social Security system for over 75 years. As early as 100 years ago, company pension plans were not heard of. The handful of companies which offered any kind of 'elderly' pension rarely paid them out because ofvarious reasons such as mobility of labor changing companies, companies going out of business, and the employers changing the requirements.
In 1900, only 5 companies in America offered any kind of pension Read more [...]
Protect Yourself from the ‘Pillow Pet’ Bandit!
Published January 20, 2012 |
I taught my first class on personal finance and Stewardship today with 11 high school students. Wow! What an exhilarating experience. At first, the kids were a little lost over the whole concept of Stewardship. It took some time to get into it and for them to warm up to me. Then it hit!
Half way through the class, we started discussing a topic of Hyper-Consumption and Entitlement. During the discussion, the kids lit up to the idea of discussing Pillow Pets. Yes, you Read more [...]
Trapped in Paradise?
Published January 4, 2012 |
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Ge 2:15 (NIV)
The second thing we must look at in establishing God’s view of money is the role of man in God’s creation. By design, we were placed in charge of paradise. Our role was and still is to work it and take care of it as outlined in the early days. The Garden was not Adam’s or Eve’s but rather they were created for the sole purpose to care for God’s Garden. This Read more [...]
Is Paying off My Mortgage a Wise Idea?
Published December 30, 2011 |
Almost daily, I am asked by one of my clients about whether they should make additional principal reductions to pay off their mortgage more quickly. Conventional wisdom and popular financial advisors tell us we should absolutely work to eliminate the mortgage and not have that payment. I do not agree with their methodology.
Before you get upset with me, let me explain why. According to Bankapedia.com, the average length of a mortgage loan before someone pays it off or refinances Read more [...]
A 15 Year Old’s Perspective
Published December 27, 2011 |
Christmas is a great time of year to spend with family and friends. This year, I took the opportunity to talk with my 15 year old nephew about his money perspectives. Here is what I learned...
Q: What do you want to learn about money?
A: The best ways to make it. What is a good salary?
Q: What do you do with money when you get it?
A: Spend it. Put it in the bank to save it.
Q: What will you spend the money you save on?
A: Whatever, stuff, Read more [...]
