Today on MoneyLife

Chuck today's broadcast by telling listeners that the central message of the Bible about money isn’t to get out of debt. It’s that God’s the owner of all money and possessions and you are a trustee (steward) of some for a brief period of time.

You won’t hear “well done good and faithful servant” one day if you’re not living as a trustee today. Owners measure success by how much they have, but trustees measure success by whether they have been faithful to use what they have been given.

Another overriding message of Scripture is to treasure God’s kingdom more than anything on Earth. The Kingdom of God is the safest place you can invest your treasure, time, and talents. If you find yourself too concerned about the things of the world, it’s an indication you value those things too much (your treasures are here instead of in heaven).

Another important message in the Word about money is that the purpose of money is a means to be used to fulfill God’s purposes. We’re here to serve the Lord not accumulate money and possessions. Today's guest is going to help you learn how to get on a spending plan that will help you fulfill God’s purposes for your life. See these important verses:

• Matthew 13:44
• Matthew 25:14-28
• Mark 10:17-30

After the break, Chuck welcomes Jocelin Boutet to the program. Jocelin is one of Crown's online Money Map Coaches. Chuck reminds listeners that they can go online anytime and chat with someone who has been trained to help them with their finances.

Crown’s Money Map Coaches “back up” the program and help listeners with their financial problems. Jocelin says there has been an increase in contacts recently and most of the questions have related to what’s going on in the economy. People have been asking if what Larry predicted is coming true. She encourages listeners to read Chuck’s article.

Jocelin says when people express fear about their finances that she encourages them spiritually. Fear is from Satan and to combat that we have to remember God’s promise to always be with us. God can use even bad events like a down economy for our ultimate good.

Jocelin tells listeners that Crown's online coaching centers on the Money Map. Most people are in debt and overwhelmed emotionally when they contact a coach. A coach asks questions to find out the facts concerning their financial situation.

Slowly, a coach helps them develop a spending plan that will allow them to save $1,000 and reach destination one.

The first step is to keep a diary for a month and determine how much you spend. Identify bad financial habits and replace them with good habits. Jocelin developed an acronym from the word plan.

• P is for preparation (gathering the information needed to make a plan)
• L is for listen (Listen to the Lord and make sure your plan lines up with His Word)
• A is for action (put the plan into action)
• N is for never stopping (many people do the right things and follow a plan for a while but then stop and get back into trouble)

Coaches emphasize God’s financial principles because they know the power to transform someone’s finances can only come from the Lord. Practical help is built off the Biblical principles. See John 10:10. Coaching isn’t just about getting on a budget, coaches are there to walk with people through their journey to true financial freedom.

Every journey is done one step at a time. Coaches are trained to help people break down big goals into small steps (such as saving $1,000 by saving $10 from every paycheck). After working with a Money Map Coach, a practical next step is the Crown Journey to True Financial Freedom seminar.

Chuck tells listeners that Crown's Money Map coaching is a free service. Coaches help people see goals such as saving $1,000 are achievable. Coaches encourage folks to make small sacrifices to reach the goal.

Chuck says when most people e-mail him questions, he directs them to a Crown Money Map Coach. Jocelin says coaches are getting a lot of questions from adults who are caring for their aging parents.

She encourage them to get in a support group at church, point them to practical resources. She gets questions from people all over the world and says coaches help you evaluate your income, spending, debt, savings, and giving.

Coaches help you apply Biblical principles of financial stewardship in practical ways to your life. Your life will be transformed as you line up your finances with God’s Word. Coaches consider it a privilege to share what they’ve learned with others.

Coaches are trained volunteers. Chuck says the people who support this ministry want to see people getting their questions answered and their needs met. Jocelin walks listeners through the process of connecting with a coach. Coaches can answer questions beyond basic budgeting and will do research if necessary. Because the service is confidential, even pastors fell comfortable using it. Important links:

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
• Proverbs 31
• Money Map Coaches
• Chat with a coach

After the last break, Chuck gives some final thoughts. He says Money Map coaches are part of MoneyLife. They provide support and help to listeners no matter their financial problems. They are trained volunteers who aren’t trying to sell you anything. They provide a safe and confidential way to receive help without any obligation to you.

Financial partners support Crown so that you can be served that way. They can do more for you than Chuck ever could by answering your questions on air because you can go back as often as you need to. All you have to do is go online to Crown.org.

The days ahead will be tough, and difficult for many people because of the contracting economy. Chuck urges listeners to get their financial houses in order (pay off consumer debt, increase savings, and increase generosity).

Don’t stop giving because money gets tight. Chuck is concerned about getting God’s Word out during these difficult times when people are searching for help and hope. They need Jesus Christ and His Word, nothing else can really help them.

Crown wants to be there to serve this need and point people to Christ. Crown is totally supported by financial partners like you. People who want to be part of what God’s doing here and reach out and serve others through this radio program, online services, seminars, and resources.

Everything we do at Crown is to serve the body of Christ by helping Christians focus on stewardship. If we’ve ever helped you, we need your financial support so we can help others. Chuck asks listeners to respond now and gives the phone number 1-800-722-1976. You can also donate online.

Finding Financial Freedom

The Lord owns everything and we are merely stewards of what is His. He has clear ideas on how He wants His people to function as His stewards.

• Read More

Steps to Making a Budget

In making a budget, there are several steps, each requiring individual effort.

• Read More

Caring for the Financial Health of Aging Parents

A recent AARP study found that elder Americans aren’t talking about their financial concerns with their children.

• Read More

God and Money

Once we understand how God uses money and why He chooses to use it in a particular way, we can better understand His directives regarding finances.

• Read More

Other Resources:

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