Today on MoneyLife

MoneyLife host Chuck Bentley begins the broadcast with some good economic news: Americans are saving more. It's sad that saving would be put in a negative context by the media.

From 1960-1990, the average household savings rate was 9% of net income. After 1990, rate plunged to less than 1%. People actually went from saving money to living beyond their means and using debt, what has been called a negative savings rate.

The savings rate has improved in the last few months as the economy has struggled. It's now up to 2.1%.

Borrowing fell $7.9 billion last month, most for one month since 1943. Our economy turns on borrowing and consumer spending, so economists are concerned to see borrowing stop. God’s Word, however, says saving is good.

After the break, Chuck welcomes Brian Ray to the program. Brian is the Founder of Crossroads Career Network and a long time friend of Crown Financial Ministries.

Brian's outlook on the job market: unemployment could reach 8-10% in some areas. Brian says he's seen isolated unemployment like that in communities heavily dependent on manufacturing.

He says there's a lot of energy in the job market now for the health care industry. Business services, such as accounting, consulting, and IT are dipping right now but will continue to grow in the future.

Watch for sub-industries that offer high value at low cost to customers, including retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. Job seekers should look for specific jobs in specific companies.

Industries to avoid right now are manufacturing, construction, retail, transportation, warehousing and of course, financial services. Industries that will continue to grow in the future include health care, energy, computers, and education.

Those who have lost their jobs must evaluate their transferable skills and look for ways to apply them in other industries, especially the service oriented.

After the break, Chuck asks Brian about job security. Brian says we really have no security in anything outside Jesus Christ. When you realize that, it will change the way you look at your job and everything else.

Brian says there are 4 skills sets that lead to success in your career:

1. Attitude skills, being joyful, obedient and striving to do your best
2. Technical skills related to a job
3. People skills for a job (communication, teamwork, management)
4. Explorer skills (ability to find a job)

Brian says you can distinguish yourself as a valuable employee by being a servant and staying flexible. Seek to be a blessing to your employer and recognize your employer may be struggling in the current economy.

In the final segment, Chuck gives some closing thoughts:

• When you lose a job, it’s scary--don’t let fear trap you
• Trust God, be courageous, and move forward
• Doing your part brings God into it, trust Him
• If you need a job, the Lord wants you to do the things necessary to find one
• God will go with you as you search for a job
• Prayer and fasting are also good to do on a job hunt

Relevant verses:

• Joshua 1:6-7
• Joshua 1:9

In closing, Chuck asks listeers to click on the Hope, Help, and Insight banner at Crown.org for information about this season fo prayer and fasting.

Employment

More than 80 percent of Americans are discontent with their jobs – most have no consistent sense of fulfillment.

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Choosing the Right Vocation

In choosing a vocation, Christians must weigh their priorities very carefully. When people are out of God’s priorities, they are out of His will.

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Working Smart

Being successful is not about how hard you work – it’s about how smart you work.

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Reshaping the Work World

Two key characteristics describe workers who should be able to thrive in the rapidly changing work world: focus and versatility.

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Other Resources:

• ABCs of Money Package
• Career Direct
• God's Principles for Operating a Business
• Business By the Book
• Crown Mvelopes