Mika realized that she was traveling down a road she did not want to be on. She had spent many years trying hard to fix a relationship that was toxic to her. Her longings for the dream of a happy, loving family had slipped away while leading her deeper into the oppression she felt. She…
As we approach this holiday season, we look forward to gathering with family. Our focus turns from being consumed with life to the blessings we have received throughout the year. We stop and recount the times of God’s faithfulness when jobs were lost, houses foreclosed, physical needs were at a premium, and hope seemed dim….
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred is more like a wish with no real basis for truth. It can be unrealistic expectations. We say things like: “I hope he will change.” “I hope he will treat me with respect.” “I hope he…
76% of people live paycheck to paycheck, almost 8 out of 10 people 64% of people can’t pay for a $1,000 emergency Another goal for our financial well-being is setting up a savings plan for future needs, both short-term and long-term. Instead of reaching for a credit card every time there is an emergency, it’s…
Paying off debt is not the only reason we need to find margin in our budget. We all have things we need to save for such replacing our car, projects in our home or take a vacation. The following are ideas of ways to save and earn money that were previously posted on the FOCUS…
The majority of people have 24% of their income going towards consumer debt We need to come to the realization that expenses over 100% of our income are not sustainable. Something to ask yourself, “Is my spending in line with my financial goals, vision and values as a Christ follower?” Everything we have are gifts…
Creating a spending plan is essential to being a good steward of your resources and to reach your financial goals. Now that you have reviewed 4 months of expenses you have a good idea of what you are spending each month. Let’s begin with the categories and recommended percentages to use as guidelines in setting…
To achieve your financial goals, you have to put a plan in place. Having a spending plan is the best way to achieve the goals you have set and you may discover new goals you want to put in place. I like the spending plan that is referred to as Zero Balance Budgeting. You put…
I was recently asked, “What New Year’s Resolutions are you going to make?” I quickly answered “none.” I find it more fruitful to reflect on my “stones of remembrances” of God’s faithfulness to me and the ministry throughout the year. This year has been one of those challenging years personally and in ministry. In my…
Once we have established our own household it is necessary to prioritize and organize our thoughts around our finances, especially if we did not have the responsibility for them in the past. If we have children, our thoughts and actions usually revolve around them and their activities and everything else is put behind them. We…