Okay, now I'm really off the subject matter! No, not really! You see, our financial health will eventually affect our spirit, soul and body. Wait you say, our spirit? Yes, believe it or not, the Bible speaks a lot about money! In fact, almost 2/3 of Jesus' parables relate in some way to money. Also, the Bible says to owe no man and that the borrower becomes the lender's slave! It says that the love of money is the root of all evil.
Our financial health could affect our body. It could dictate the access and the quality of health care and medications we receive. It also will dictate the type of diet we can afford. The stress that a lack of money can produce can cause illness and stress related disease.
Our soul or mind probably suffers the most as we worry and stress over how we will make our financial ends meet. Eccl 10:19 says, "...money answers all things". And we put a very strong emphasis on our finances. Perhaps to strong an emphasis sometimes. Working too much can be just as bad as working too little. Saving too much can be as costly as saving too little.
So, because I spent over 10 years in personal financial planning with series 6, 22 and 63 licenses as well as being a Registered Investment Advisor, I felt it would be good to give some general guidelines in personal financial planning.
First and foremost, spend less than you earn! Sounds simple but this is the reason most folks have financial difficulties. Next, work hard for 4o - 60 hours per week. Give your job your all for those hours. Do your best! Then save and invest 10% of your income after tax and tithe. Live simply. Don't let your income dictate your lifestyle. Give back! Sow into your church and community. Invest in the youth for they are your future.
This is very general advice! How and where to invest, tax planning, home buying and retirement planning are each huge topics that deserve a separate blog by themselves. When looking for advice, ask friends and acquaintances for referrals to someone who will have your best interest in mind and NEVER invest in anything you don't fully understand! Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment.
Grace and Peace,
Ed
1 comment:
your right it sounds so simple if only everyone followed that simple rule spend less then you earn. I wrote a post a while back about tithing if your interested,and quoted many of the verses you did
http://ayouthofvalour.blogspot.com/2007/09/tithing.html#comments
thanks for your comment!
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