Purpose and Direction
Finances
Amongst current economic instability, finance is a promoted "hot word" throughout society. Why? Because it is a multi-faceted, globally recognized buying and selling mechanism operating on many levels simultaneously. It may be defined as time, money and risk and how the three interact.
Listed below are a series of important first-steps in arriving at just such a destination. However, there is no hard and fast cure to financial success. It requires discipline and a change of thinking in order to move yourself from 'Point A' to 'Point B.' To put it simply, your finances are about YOU. Please listen to the following message from Dave Ramsey, as he lists some important first steps towards financial freedom.
Budgeting
A budget is an effective tool that can be used to aid income mapping. Breaking down your income into bite-sized pieces and tracking where your money goes will enable you to understand where you are spending your money and what money you may be able to save every pay.
To begin budgeting, you will need to brainstorm on a piece of paper and write down every single area you can think of where you spend money. Think about what you spend your money on every week and write those things down. For example, you may spend money on some, or all of the following: Electricity, Water, Home Insurance, Property Taxes, Cable, Groceries, Clothes, Credit Cards, Car Insurance, Car Registration, Travel and Car Repair.
If you prefer to download a budget outline, simply click on the link provided. You will directed to Dave Ramsey's website where several free budgeting outlines have been created for your assistance. For your free budget outline, click here now!
Tithing/Giving
The Bible depicts the believer as a STEWARD, or housekeeper, or manager for God. The money a believer holds in their possession is not really theirs, but rather God’s and is given to the believer to use in life for the glory and honor of Christ and His Kingdom.
Tithing is most important in walking toward “financial freedom.” It is the greatest financial move a person could possibly make, as the result is that God is honored with our finances. The Hebrew word, ma’aser, is translated both as “tenth part,” and “tithe.” In like, manner the Greek word, dekate, is translated “tenth,” and “tithe.” The Bible speaks very plainly in regard to tithing and first fruit offerings.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 3:8-11).
The Bible says that tithes are to be brought to the storehouse. The local congregation that ministers to you is commonly understood to be that storehouse (Malachi 3:8-11). If you have no particular local congregation with which you are identified, the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you will have a list of churches in your area. Look for a Bible-believing church with Spirit-filled ministers and teachers.
An offering is different to a tithe. An offering is given after the tithe. An offering is not considered to be an offering until the requirement of the tithe is first met. Offerings should be given as the Holy Spirit impresses you to give and should be done willingly, no matter what the amount.
Decide on giving as the Spirit leads. God promises that as you honour Him with your tithes, offerings and gifts, you will receive again as you have given. May God bless you as you are obedient in your stewardship to Him.
Savings
It is always a good habit to begin saving money. You should begin by setting up an emergency account. Aim to accumulate at least $1,000 in this account. This is important, as having money saved for a 'rainy day' will be a welcome relief to you when such a day actually arrives.
In addition to an emergency account, building upon a general savings account is also a good idea. Remember, saving towards something is always going to be better for you in the long-run than borrowing for something.
Work and Employment
Job-hunting can be time-consuming, disheartening and frustrating at the best of times. But take heart! Don't give up! Sometimes all we need is a little fresh insight and some new ideas to add some spark to the job-hunting experience. Listen to the following video for some job-seeking do's and don'ts.
Financial Advice
If you are seeking further financial advice or counsel, please click on the links below.
Career Change Counseling
Christian Debt Consolidation and Credit Counseling
Christian Financial Services and Credit Counseling
Financial Addiction: Overcoming Debt and Spending
Financial Aids Dave Ramsey - Financial Peace University. Listen to financial advice from Dave regarding budgeting, debt reduction, financial freedom and saving. Has some helpful tools and handy hints for free.
Christian Credit Educational Seminars San Antonio
Crown Financial - 'Help, Hope and Insight.' Financial and career tools, biblical advice, money management, debt reduction. Includes free help tools.
Amongst current economic instability, finance is a promoted "hot word" throughout society. Why? Because it is a multi-faceted, globally recognized buying and selling mechanism operating on many levels simultaneously. It may be defined as time, money and risk and how the three interact.
Listed below are a series of important first-steps in arriving at just such a destination. However, there is no hard and fast cure to financial success. It requires discipline and a change of thinking in order to move yourself from 'Point A' to 'Point B.' To put it simply, your finances are about YOU. Please listen to the following message from Dave Ramsey, as he lists some important first steps towards financial freedom.
Budgeting
A budget is an effective tool that can be used to aid income mapping. Breaking down your income into bite-sized pieces and tracking where your money goes will enable you to understand where you are spending your money and what money you may be able to save every pay.
To begin budgeting, you will need to brainstorm on a piece of paper and write down every single area you can think of where you spend money. Think about what you spend your money on every week and write those things down. For example, you may spend money on some, or all of the following: Electricity, Water, Home Insurance, Property Taxes, Cable, Groceries, Clothes, Credit Cards, Car Insurance, Car Registration, Travel and Car Repair.
If you prefer to download a budget outline, simply click on the link provided. You will directed to Dave Ramsey's website where several free budgeting outlines have been created for your assistance. For your free budget outline, click here now!
Tithing/Giving
The Bible depicts the believer as a STEWARD, or housekeeper, or manager for God. The money a believer holds in their possession is not really theirs, but rather God’s and is given to the believer to use in life for the glory and honor of Christ and His Kingdom.
Tithing is most important in walking toward “financial freedom.” It is the greatest financial move a person could possibly make, as the result is that God is honored with our finances. The Hebrew word, ma’aser, is translated both as “tenth part,” and “tithe.” In like, manner the Greek word, dekate, is translated “tenth,” and “tithe.” The Bible speaks very plainly in regard to tithing and first fruit offerings.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 3:8-11).
The Bible says that tithes are to be brought to the storehouse. The local congregation that ministers to you is commonly understood to be that storehouse (Malachi 3:8-11). If you have no particular local congregation with which you are identified, the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you will have a list of churches in your area. Look for a Bible-believing church with Spirit-filled ministers and teachers.
An offering is different to a tithe. An offering is given after the tithe. An offering is not considered to be an offering until the requirement of the tithe is first met. Offerings should be given as the Holy Spirit impresses you to give and should be done willingly, no matter what the amount.
Decide on giving as the Spirit leads. God promises that as you honour Him with your tithes, offerings and gifts, you will receive again as you have given. May God bless you as you are obedient in your stewardship to Him.
Savings
It is always a good habit to begin saving money. You should begin by setting up an emergency account. Aim to accumulate at least $1,000 in this account. This is important, as having money saved for a 'rainy day' will be a welcome relief to you when such a day actually arrives.
In addition to an emergency account, building upon a general savings account is also a good idea. Remember, saving towards something is always going to be better for you in the long-run than borrowing for something.
Work and Employment
Job-hunting can be time-consuming, disheartening and frustrating at the best of times. But take heart! Don't give up! Sometimes all we need is a little fresh insight and some new ideas to add some spark to the job-hunting experience. Listen to the following video for some job-seeking do's and don'ts.
Financial Advice
If you are seeking further financial advice or counsel, please click on the links below.
Career Change Counseling
Christian Debt Consolidation and Credit Counseling
Christian Financial Services and Credit Counseling
Financial Addiction: Overcoming Debt and Spending
Financial Aids Dave Ramsey - Financial Peace University. Listen to financial advice from Dave regarding budgeting, debt reduction, financial freedom and saving. Has some helpful tools and handy hints for free.
Christian Credit Educational Seminars San Antonio
Crown Financial - 'Help, Hope and Insight.' Financial and career tools, biblical advice, money management, debt reduction. Includes free help tools.