by Mark Biller for Sound Mind Investing What determines the performance of your investment portfolio more than any other single factor? Most investors think it’s picking good stocks and stock funds. Certainly that can make a big difference, and that’s why we suggest using a proven strategy like Fund Upgrading to help make important buy/sell […]
By Chuck Bentley Many hoped to come away from the first presidential debate [of 2012] with renewed optimism for a solution to the fragile condition of our nation’s fiscal health. Unfortunately, I came away less optimistic. Just as divorcing couples are notorious for finger pointing, politicians running for office (or those in office for that […]
With regard to finances, surety is probably the least taught and least understood principle in God’s Word. Considering the number of times the Scriptures warn against surety, its amazing to think that so few actually heed God’s cautions. The fact that so many Christians can violate a basic biblical principle about money and seem to […]
One of the more important aspects of church financial management is establishing an appropriate method of handling offerings. There are certain Internal Revenue Service rules that must be followed regarding handling cash and acknowledging and accepting donations. Receiving the offering Offerings can be received by “passing the plate,” allowing attendees to place their offering in […]
A look into God’s Word quickly reveals that material blessings were given because God loved His people, not because His people deserved those blessings. They were withdrawn from those who used them foolishly and transferred to more faithful stewards. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may […]
Investing is not unscriptural. As Christians learn to invest money according to God’s principles, they’ll find that God will increase their opportunity to help others. This is, in reality, the real purpose of investing: to gain financial security by increasing assets in order to serve God more fully. However, no single financial plan will fit […]
by Mark Biller for Sound Mind Investing For many people, the biggest obstacle to becoming a successful investor is the belief that investing is too difficult for them to handle. Because that misconception is so prevalent, SMI devotes a lot of coverage to the complexity-busting power of establishing a personal investing plan and sticking with […]
It is common practice in today’s business world for employers to reimburse employees for business-related expenses: hotel rooms and meals while on a business trip or gasoline if the employee’s car is used for business purposes. The Problem As in personal finances, credit cards can wreak havoc with business expenses. Sometimes the employee uses […]
A business is a tool to be used by God to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel. In James 1:22 we are told to be “doers” of the Word. A business is the perfect environment for living Christ’s truth. One of the best ways to determine whether a business is being used to serve God […]
How much did the typical adult spend on his or her summer vacation last year? $400? $800? The average price tag was actually closer to $1,200. Imagine, then, how much money a family of four spent! “Summer vacations can be surprisingly expensive,” Suzanne Boas, former president of Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, said. “Families spend considerable […]
