Crazy Money – Chuck Feeney Gave It All Away
It’s Crazy Money Day! A rich young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him, “Sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) But he couldn’t do it. Could you? Chuck Feeney did. The 89-year-old […]
Spend More on Entertainment or Giving?
‘Tis the season for giving! Did you spend more money on entertainment than you do the work of the Lord? Entertainment is a budget category where spending can vary wildly from person to person. We all need to have fun but within bounds. Planning, couponing, and self-control will restrain expenditures so you have margin for […]
Savings Day – Just Start
‘Tis the season to start saving! Ann and I knew we needed to thin out paperwork and bins of stuff, but we couldn’t get motivated to start until a subcontractor said that we needed to move everything out of a room to make improvements. We pulled bin after bin out of two large closets. It […]
Growing Up in a One Room Cabin
It’s Crazy Money Day! Dolly Parton grew up in a 1-room cabin in the woods. She says being poor was good for her. When poor, you learn skills you can’t pay for like sewing, cooking, cleaning, home, and auto repairs. You have to manage time in order to hold down several jobs. You make do with […]
Christmas Without Debt
Christmas without debt? Absolutely! Planning your Christmas can positively impact your finances. Since experiences are remembered longer, begin some traditions. Bake, sing carols, and read Christmas books together. Hike or bike. Encourage children to write letters expressing love and appreciation. I treasure those that my children wrote. Serve together. Is there a needy family, a […]
Prepare For The Future
The squirrels are preparing for winter on my property. Squirrels instinctively work hard for the cold months ahead. They remind me of the Proverb that tells us to go to the ant to learn how to prepare and gather for the future. Most people don’t because they haven’t been taught how and why. Learning to […]
Teaching Generosity
Generosity is an essential part of stewardship. Generosity’s not an easy lesson to teach children. I had to learn the lesson of letting my actions speak louder than my words. If my sons saw me living generously, I believed it would impact their hearts. It’s like when I first left home. I bought the same laundry detergent […]
Savings Day – Break the Shopping Habit!
Do you overspend while shopping? You can’t save money if you continually buy things you don’t need. Greed, pride, or boredom are some of the many reasons people prioritize shopping over saving. Ask the Lord to help you stop overspending, to learn to save, and to give with joy. In just 21 days you can break […]
Crater of Diamonds Find
It’s Crazy Money Day! Years ago I took my family to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. It’s the only active diamond mine in America. 1 or 2 diamonds are usually found each day. We spent the day digging and sifting for diamonds to no avail. Now this year, a bank manager found the 2nd […]
Year End Tax Prep
Three year-end tax-saving tips coming up. To save money on your taxes: 1) Max out your 401(k) or 403(b) contributions this year. 2) Max out your Health Savings Account. 3) Make year-end donations. Each December, my wife Ann and I total our yearly giving. Then we determine how much more we want to give to […]
