Making money from home means living the dream, right?

Well, yes and no. The flexibility and autonomy of working from home is great when you have clear boundaries, personal discipline, and your family respects the difference between your work hours and personal time. But if your days lack structure and boundaries, working from home can be a nightmare.

Most people are so excited by the idea of remote work, they don’t take the time to learn how to work from home successfully.

The Pros of Working from Home:

• No commute time
• Save money on gas
• Save money by not eating out
• Save money on clothing
• Increased productivity (for self-starters)
• Fewer distractions and interruptions from coworkers
• More flexibility and autonomy in schedule

The Cons of Working from Home:

• No social engagement or in-person collaboration
• No connection to peers, coworkers, or managers
• Difficulty self-motivating
• Difficulty staying engaged on projects
• Easy to become distracted by household chores, errands, family needs, etc.
• Difficulty proving worth since contributions may be less apparent
• No physical separation from home and office can cloud psychological separation (you can’t leave the stresses of home or the office at your house or office because they’re one in the same)

The Keys to a Successful Work-From-Home Routine

Considering these pros and cons, many people thrive as remote or independent workers. At least, they would if they had the right routine. If you’re considering working from home or want to improve your productivity as a remote worker, use the following tips to up your game:

Be professional.

I don’t care if you work from a fully equipped home office, your guest bedroom, or your daughter’s tea table. When you show up to work, you should look and act like a professional.

Doing so signals not only that it’s time to work but that you take your career seriously. It also trains other people to take you seriously. Wake up and prepare for work the same way you would if you were going to the office. Establish a morning routine and follow it so that no matter where you’re working, you’re in a professional, focused state of mind.

Set boundaries.

Work during work hours. Do not do laundry, wash the dishes, or run errands simply because you’re at home. You may need to set boundaries and expectations with your family as well, so they can help you be successful at home and at work. If you wouldn’t do a certain task at the office, don’t do it until your working hours are over.

But once your work hours are over, shut down your computer and honor your personal commitments. If you told your wife you’d take her to dinner, make good on that promise. If you committed to game night with your husband and his friends, show up and be present. Your family will be happy to respect your boundaries when they see that you’re there for them the rest of the time.

Keep your office clean and clutter-free.

Clutter is the ultimate productivity killer. It’s distracting, it increases stress levels, and it causes you to lose countless hours searching for documents and materials you need to work.

The beauty of working from home is that you can create your ideal work environment. Find what yours is, optimize your space, and keep it tidy.

Know yourself.

To maximize your productivity, you need to cultivate the circumstances in which you thrive. And to do that, you need self-awareness. If you know you need breaks to refresh your mind every thirty minutes, plan how you’ll spend those.

Maybe you’ve never thought about what elements contribute to your productivity. If that’s the case, pay attention to your habits for the next few weeks. Do certain assignments seem to flow better when you have instrumental music on in the background? Does an afternoon walk help you think through tough problems? Recognizing these patterns could help you develop a much more efficient and enjoyable work environment.

Begin each day with the end in mind.

There are limitless distractions to keep you from your work. Even if your family honors your boundaries from day one, you have app notifications, emails, news alerts, text messages, and all manner of content vying for your attention. That’s why you need to begin each day with the end in mind.

Before you start working, decide what you want to have achieved by the time you go to sleep that night. Make a list of priority tasks, and do not give in to external distractions until these are complete. Then you’ll shift from being in a reactive mode to an intentional mindset.

That’s really what working from home successfully comes down to: intentionality. You need to work by design, not default. If you wake up whenever you feel like it, eat when the mood strikes, and work in between loads of laundry and text messages from friends, working from home will be a miserable failure — and I do mean miserable. You cannot feel good about your career when you work this way. But when you live and work by design, you’re rewarded with professional satisfaction and success.

And most importantly, remember who you ultimately work for. First Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That translates directly into our careers. We are to approach our work day with integrity, and trust that God will provide. Use your opportunity to work from home to show your boss and your co-workers how Christians truly live out their faith.

Conflicts between bosses and employees upset everyone. I know because I’ve been in both positions.

I’ve experienced firsthand the tension, discomfort, and frustration that stem from unresolved issues. That’s how I know all conflicts must be addressed, no matter how awkward or difficult those conversations may seem. Problems don’t go away until they’re solved, and ignoring them makes them worse.

Seek to Understand

Even if you enjoy a great relationship with your boss, don’t rush headlong into a meeting about your problems. Productive conflict resolution begins with understanding why the issue arose.

Lack of clarity often lies at the heart of most conflicts. Reflect on where the problem started and identify any miscommunication that occurred. Not only will this help you avoid problems in the future, it will also create a good starting point for dialogue when you sit down with your boss.

A lack of transparency also causes friction in many organizations.

You’re well within your rights to ask for more information, but try to see the bigger picture. Maybe what you interpret as opaqueness is really just the result of them juggling any number of decisions and responsibilities. Coming to the conversation empathically is far more effective than angrily demanding answers and explanations.

Remember that your boss is human. They’re prone to mistakes and insensitivity, just as we all are. Instead of jumping to conclusions, seek to understand their position. Don’t get wrapped up in office gossip, which is poison to your mind and your productivity. Proverbs 18:6-7 says, “The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”

When colleagues begin whispering about potential layoffs or budget cuts, don’t give in to the fear-mongering. Schedule a meeting with your boss and ask them for answers directly. They may have a perfectly reasonable explanation, and they’ll appreciate that you were forthright instead of perpetuating rumors.

If they messed up, let them know how you feel but give them a chance to acknowledge your position. When they do, accept their apology and strive to improve the relationship going forward. As Colossians 3:13 tells us, “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Schedule Facetime During Peacetime

Time is the currency of all relationships, including professional ones. Seek opportunities to get to know your boss, whether that’s volunteering for a project or prioritizing company events where you’ll get a chance to chat in a more casual setting. The stronger your rapport, the easier it will be to work through conflicts and strengthen the relationship.

You’re also less likely to be rattled by gossip if you regularly have candid conversations with your boss. Depending on your position in the company, you may need to work hard to get on their radar. But once you do, make a point of stopping by their office, pitching them ideas, and following up on previous conversations to stay top of mind.

If you get the chance to work closely with your boss, take it. Nothing bonds people more than working toward shared goals, and you’ll gain a great deal of insight into their personality and leadership style. You’ll then be better equipped to empathize with them and diffuse problems before they begin. More importantly, you’ll trust your boss, which makes you less susceptible to rumors and petty aggravations.

When you do run into conflicts with your boss, a change of scenery can do wonders for gaining perspective. Meeting in their office or a conference room can keep you stuck in formal or negative patterns. Invite your boss to talk over coffee or lunch instead. The new surroundings will help you see one another as individuals rather than “boss” and “employee”. This fresh lens may inspire creative solutions to your conflict and spark a new interpersonal dynamic that will help you work together more effectively in the future.

Work on Your Self-Awareness

Sometimes you meet a new boss and it seems like you’ve known one another forever. You find your groove with them quickly, and you enjoy an easy, even friendly, dynamic. Other times, the relationship requires more work. You often feel as though you’re speaking different languages, and you simply don’t know how to connect with them. Those situations call for some serious self-awareness. The better you know yourself, the better you’ll be able to see how your personality complements or conflicts with your boss’s.

Recognizing that you have different modes of relating to people will help you approach your boss with an open mind. Instead of complaining about the lack of vocal approval, you can come up with a feedback system that works for you both. The important thing is that you’re communicating and working with one another instead of simply complaining that you can never get through to them.

Huddle Up

Seek out ways to get consistent and productive time with your colleagues and your boss. You might even suggest a weekly huddle to your supervisor. Tell them you can do a trial run of a few weeks and see how the team responds. Work up a proposed schedule beforehand so they can envision what you have in mind.

I find that giving people an opportunity to voice their concerns and struggles helps us all. When workers aren’t afraid to tell their bosses they’re having problems, supervisors can step in to offer guidance. Bosses love to help. They want their teams to succeed. And they don’t want to waste time arguing with employees when an issue has spiraled out of control unnecessarily.

Identify Your Boss’s Win

Your best bet is to understand what your boss most cares about. Is it the number of units sold? Number of leads converted? Dollar amounts on new contracts? Find out your boss’s big win and help them achieve victory. As long as you do that, you will almost never find yourself in conflict with them — at least not over your job performance.

You may disagree with their management styles or experience personality clashes, and those are much bigger (and potentially unresolvable) issues. But if your goal is to maintain a positive, professional relationship, helping them get that win is a surefire strategy.

Watch Your Body Language

We all get fired up from time to time. When a coworker insinuates that your boss is upset with you or you feel your manager snubbed you in a meeting, it’s easy to ride that wave of anger and adrenaline right into their office.

But before you rush off to confront your boss, take a few deep breaths. Go for a walk to let off steam, and compose your thoughts ahead of the meeting. Your boss will interpret aggressive, accusatory language as threatening and disrespectful, and that will only hurt your case. Even if you had a legitimate gripe to begin with, you weaken your position by yelling and hurling insults.

When possible, wait at least a day before talking about hot-button issues with your boss. You don’t want to let the issue fester, but even a few hours can be enough time to cool down and see things from their perspective. Talk with your spouse or a trusted friend to get their take. Maybe you’re being a little unreasonable or misinterpreted the situation. Time and feedback can make all the difference to how the conflict plays out.

If you routinely struggle to keep your feelings in check, you may need to improve your EQ (emotional intelligence quotient). Employees with high EQs can easily tune into other people’s emotions, are receptive to constructive feedback, and have an easier time relating to their managers and peers. Journaling, meditation & prayer, and even participating in a course on self-awareness may help improve your relationships at work.

Practice Humility

Approached correctly, conflict resolution is a study in humility. The Bible reminds us over and over that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). Jesus was the ultimate example of true humility.

Even if you are in the right, you must put yourself in your boss’s shoes and empathize with their position. You must also recognize that you played a role in the conflict. More often than not, both parties carry some responsibility for the issue. Acknowledging your shortcomings is a humbling exercise if ever there was one.

You may occasionally find yourself in situations where you are being treated unfairly, and you may have bosses who refuse to admit wrongdoing. That, too, is humbling. It’s frustrating when your grievances go unrecognized, especially if you end up penalized in some way as a result of the conflict.

Those are the moments when you must remember that your work is worship. Offer your anger and pride up to the Lord and ask Him to bring grace into your heart. Pray about the situation and seek wisdom in it. There are always lessons to be learned if we are open to receiving them.

Unless your boss’s offense was so egregious that it would go against your morals to continue working for them, make a peace offering once the strong emotions have settled. That can break the ice and foster conversations about growth and change in the relationship. Jesus says in Matthew, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and this is why. Being the bigger person is challenging, but it leads you to a place of deeper fulfillment and understanding.

Take the Long View

Not all conflicts are resolved the way you want them to. You may make an impassioned case for a particular initiative, but your boss could still go in a different direction. If you can live with that decision, humble yourself and say, “I just needed you to hear my thoughts on this, and I appreciate your attention. Since this is what you’ve decided, I’ll support you 100%.”

That’s not to say you won’t be disappointed. But conflicts need closure. Lingering resentment over rejected proposals or perceived slights poisons the entire organization. In such times, we can find wisdom in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Whether or not you agree with your boss’s decisions, move on and focus on the things you can control. How your company spends money or which clients it pursues may be out of your hands. But you can decide to show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard. You can choose to pursue new opportunities to learn, to cultivate strong relationships with your boss and your team, and to work to the best of your ability. Those actions will raise your esteem in your boss’s eyes, and you may achieve different outcomes in the future.

Remember, too, that conflict resolution can take time. Just because your boss doesn’t come around in the first meeting doesn’t mean all is lost. Continue to show up with an open mind and a sincere heart, and you’ll find that opportunities for improving the relationship will reveal themselves over time.

Over my lunch break, I had to run to the bank and get some cash. While I was waiting, I overheard the teller next to me having a conversation with a young man who had just come in.

He had just told her he was 19 years old when she asked him if he had a credit card yet. When he responded with “no”, she gasped at this newfound knowledge and started to explain all the reasons he should have one (her daughter was the same age and she had one, you don’t get any reward points with a debit card, etc.).

Thankfully, he just took his cash and left.

Overhearing their conversation already had me thinking. The only benefit the teller would have had by him opening a credit card would be if he missed his payments or she made some sort of commission off the transaction. It seemed like pretty bad advice, especially since the average household credit card debt is over $5,000.

The teller who was helping me came back with my cash, but before she handed it over, she gave me some of her own advice.

She told me that, as a young, married woman, if I didn’t have my own credit cards and bank account without my husband’s name on them, then I was putting myself at a serious risk. She, in no uncertain terms, recommended I open my own accounts and card without telling my husband so I’d be protected in case he left me and took all my money. All of her advice was given like she knew what was best and this was a wise financial measure all young married women should take to protect themselves. The other teller chimed in expressing agreement.

When I didn’t offer much of a response, they tried to lighten the severity of their advice, qualifying the secret accounts and credit card as a means to buy my husband gifts without him knowing.

It seemed like this was a pretty normal interaction for them, but it wasn’t for me.

In general, I was just surprised at the bad advice being offered at my bank. First to the young man and then to me.

During their conversation, for a fleeting moment, I wanted to join in on the fun. I was clearly the odd man out because I didn’t agree with them, and that tends to be a lonely place.

They were trying to make it seem like they were looking out for me, but they weren’t telling me to protect myself from Wall Street or rising interest rates; they were telling me to protect myself from my husband.

The advice they were giving me is not unusual. About 15 million people have admitted to hiding credit cards and bank accounts from their spouses.

But that kind of advice isn’t wise, productive, or biblical. It’s a defensive measure, taken out of fear or pain. Lies of the enemy that sound caring – “it’s to protect you, I’m just looking out for you, it’s for your own good” – but are intended for your own detriment. Just ask Eve.

Proverbs 14:1 says that “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.” Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to be part of creating a happy and fruitful financial future, than to drive a wedge between you and your spouse out of fear?

Besides, marriage is good for your money! In fact, married couples experience far greater financial satisfaction than any other form of living arrangement…ever. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Next Steps

Financial infidelity is sadly a pretty common phenomenon and the cause of many marital problems and divorce.

If you’re currently hiding a credit card, bank account, or debt from your spouse, get on your knees and confess to the Lord. Then confess to your spouse.

If you are suspicious that your spouse is hiding something from you, pray for wisdom and discernment. Prepare your heart and actions to respond in love, and make it easy for them to come forward. Remember Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

No matter what, turn to Scripture and learn what it says. Memorize Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” You can find some practical ways to get on the same page as your spouse here.

You can’t align your hearts in marriage if your finances aren’t aligned as well. I’d encourage all married couples (and singles!) to read Money Problems, Marriage Solutions and go through the online MoneyLife Personal Finance study together. (I may have just given you the perfect idea for a Valentine’s Day gift…because nothing says romance like a money talk.)

No matter what challenges you’re facing in your marriage, financial or otherwise, your marriage is worth working for and it’s worth saving.

Disclaimer

To clarify, I don’t necessarily think a husband and a wife having separate checking accounts is sinful. The Bible never says a couple has to have joint-checking or that the bills have to be paid by one or the other.

One instance where I think it is okay to have separate accounts is with for a business. If one spouse owns a company, it is wise to keep those funds separate from the rest of your personal finances.

But the Bible is clear that we’re not to lie. And trust is foundational in a marriage.

Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” It may be difficult to become “one” when you have two checking accounts.

Most of the financial principles I live by I learned because I was doing it all wrong. For the majority of my young adult life, and well into my marriage, I was focused on all the wrong things. Being a success in the eyes of the world was the most important thing to me. I had grown up in church and knew the biblical principles well, I just never thought any of it had to do with how I earned or spent my money.

But through God’s grace and 21 years of my wife’s prayers, God changed my heart through a Crown Bible study in 1999. Ever since, I’ve been learning to live my life as a steward – a manager, instead of an owner – of all God has given me.

With these lessons have come discipline, joy, freedom, and peace – all elements of my financial picture that were severely lacking. I’m now passionate about helping others to align their lives and finances with what God’s Word says, and these 7 Rules for Riches are the most basic of the principles.

Basic in nature, but not in action. They’re not necessarily “easy” and are certainly contrary in many ways to how the world would tell you to spend your money. But they’re straight from Scripture and I believe they will help you avoid the sin of the Rich Young Ruler, and instead acquire true riches.

Rule 1: Live Beneath Your Means

Too often we become accustomed to living beyond our means, spending 110% of our income and racking up debt. Your income is like a limbo bar and every month you need to be able to get under that bar. A budget is what helps you to do this. Don’t get distracted with sales, “good deals” or the mentality that you can just pay it off later.

1 Timothy 6:8 – “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

Rule 2: Use All Cash

It’s been proven over and over that an all-cash budget will help you spend less money. Even if you don’t use cash for every single expense, at least cash out the categories of your budget you tend to overspend in, like groceries, eating out, entertainment, and miscellaneous.

The envelope system is a tried and true form of budgeting that I would encourage you to adopt now.

Proverbs 27:23-24 – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.“

Rule 3: Avoid All Debt

Now, the only exception to this rule is a mortgage. But even if you have a mortgage, I strongly recommend you put down at least 20% as a downpayment to avoid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).

Debt is not a sin, but the Bible warns us to avoid debt because of all the stress and burden that comes along with it.

If you have debt of any kind, I want you to go through Crown’s 5 Steps to Debt-Free Living Mini Course. It’s just 4 short videos you can access for free that will help you understand, get out of, and avoid debt. If you’re struggling with credit card debt and need help, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors.

Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

Rule 4: Tithe First, Save Second

It may not seem like it, but giving and saving are complimentary habits, not contradicting.

If you are tithing first and saving second, that means you’re spending last. This rule is completely contrary to how the world spends its money, but it can have the most eternal impact on your life and finances.

Giving is a privilege, not an obligation, and we are in fact the ones that are blessed by it. Giving and meeting the needs of others is not only good for our hearts, it’s good for our health and our finances.

Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops…”

Rule 5: Build Emergency Savings Fund

Only 38% of Americans could cover a surprise $1,000 expense with cash, meaning the remaining 62% would have to turn to some form of debt. The best way to combat this is to have an emergency savings fund.

You start with a goal to save $1,000 (you can find some ideas to get you started here), and then work towards 3 months’, 6 months’, and a year’s worth of living expenses. The Money Map can help you make and reach your savings goals.

Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard;  consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Rule 6: Buy Used Cars

Cars are depreciating assets, meaning they will only lose value, never gain value. Instead of paying for the 10-11% depreciation of driving a car off the lot,  I like to avoid the steepest depreciation and buy my cars used, in cash, and drive them into the ground.

I’ve been driving the same car for over 15 years and I take extremely good care of it. I’ve never had an issue with it and intend to drive it until it won’t drive anymore.  

Galatians 6:4 – “Each of us should test our own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”

Rule 7: Learn to Be Frugal

Now this rule is really where my wife’s strengths shine through. She’ll put on a fantastic outfit and tell me that from head to toe the whole thing cost her less than $20. She just has a skill and a discipline to find good deals and spend very little money.

There are many ways you can be frugal and save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Luke 12:15 – “Take care, and be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

I hope these 7 rules are helpful guidelines for you as you continue to seek financial freedom. They’re principles my family and I base our lifestyle from, and they’ve been a personal blessing to us. Remember that stewardship is about aligning your heart with God’s Words, not just changing a pattern of behaviors. I hope you find freedom and peace in your finances.

Hard work matters, in fact it’s biblical, but it’s not the only factor in your success. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that hard work can be overrated if done the wrong way  “Work heartily unto the Lord”, but be a good steward of your time and talents.

The Power of Mentors

The most successful people are helped along by mentors who open doors for them and give them advice on how to build a fulfilling career. If you say, “I’m just going to work really hard and see what happens,” you will spend your whole life waiting for your big break.

What’s Your Career Plan?

Mentors aren’t the only factors in your career success. You also need a plan. A clear plan for what you want to achieve and how you’ll get there is vital to building a satisfying career. Mentors can enhance that plan by offering their insights into which companies and experiences will help you land your dream job one day. They’ll also have valuable advice to offer as you navigate radically changing work environments that are being reshaped by technology.

You may need to adjust course throughout your career, which may seem daunting. But making a career change is less terrifying if you’re in the habit of forming and setting goals and seeking expert advice on how to achieve those. If you’ve found yourself at a career crossroads or are struggling to discern your calling, check out our Career Direct Assessment to find your perfect career fit.

No matter how many times you pivot professionally, you will always need mentors and you’ll always need a goal-oriented plan. As long as you define your goals and keep those at the forefront of your mind, you’ll be working toward something instead of for nothing.

Surrender, Then Assess

You can start building a better and more fulfilling career today. Before you reach out to mentors or brainstorm your five-year plan, surrender your work to the Lord. Ask that He guide you toward a role that serves His purpose. Then stay open to the direction He gives.

Once you clarify God’s purpose for you, that understanding will focus your efforts and lead you to achieve more than you ever imagined.

God does not want you to become a slave to your work, even if you are doing it for His glory. People often work themselves to the point of burnout, even as their bodies, minds, and loved ones send them signals that it’s time to make a change. Here are a few signs that you could be working harder instead of smarter:

Your health suffers.

How’s your sleep been lately? Are you getting your full eight hours, or do you toss and turn all night? Do you feel rested when you wake up, or do you feel even worse than you did the night before? Fatigue and lack of quality sleep are surefire indicators that you’re overworked. They’re also warning signs that you need to attend to your health. Lack of sleep correlates with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, not to mention impaired driving and decision-making. You can’t serve anyone when you’re sick and exhausted, so prioritize your well-being over work.

You spend more time at work than with your family.

Everyone from CEOs to pastors falls into the over work trap. They justify the long hours and sleep deprivation by saying, “I’m doing this for the Kingdom.” But the Bible is very clear: God and family are more important than work. Our spouses and children are blessings from God, and you cannot give yourself fully to those relationships if you’re constantly checking your email, talking to clients, or missing your kids’ bedtime stories so you can finish a report.

You prioritize work over worship.

The day you say you can’t go to church because you have to work should be the day you realize that you have a real problem. Our relationships with God should be at the center of our lives, and we should live according to His mandates. Yes, He wants us to serve His mission on earth. But He doesn’t want us to do it at the cost of our connections to Him.

You’re physically present with loved ones but mentally still at work.

Have you ever held your baby in your arms and instead of admiring the miracle of their smile, mentally prepared for a staff meeting the next morning? Maybe you were on a romantic date with your spouse, but rather than enjoying your time together, you silently reviewed your to-do list for the coming week. We’ve all been there — in fact, in our always-on culture, it’s hard not to let work bleed into our personal lives.

But we need to draw healthy boundaries. Again, our families are blessings from God. They’re even more important blessings than great careers and successful companies, and we should treat them as such. Work smart (and hard) while you’re on the clock, but then go enjoy the abundant personal life God has granted you.

Slow Down to Speed Up

Once in a while, I meet people who tell me they work so much, they hardly have time for their families. But when I suggest that they change their habits, they tell me they can’t. “I have to work this much,” they insist. Well, I call nonsense on that. Most people who refuse to change like working all the time. They’re addicted to work; it becomes their idol. Some give themselves a pass by saying, “Well, I’m doing it for the Lord.” No, you’re not. You’re doing it for your ego.

But here’s the thing. Working hard but not smart eventually leads to burnout. Some people have more stamina than others, but the crash will always come. With so many of our peers multitasking and trying to do everything at once, working smart often means slowing down and focusing on one priority at a time. It’s better to do one task well than three tasks haphazardly. Taking the long view ensures that we build sustainable, lifelong careers instead of flaming out.

I’m also a strong advocate for saying no. Sometimes we feel pressure to say yes to everything asked of us, even when we don’t really have the time or inclination to do it. While saying yes makes other people feel good in the moment, we end up disappointing them when we don’t deliver on their expectations. Saying no, however, allows us to stay in our gift zones.

When we focus on nurturing our innate talents and using those to the best of our abilities, we’re truly doing the work God has ordained for us. We also perform better. Although it can be tough to decline someone’s request, you’re doing them and yourself a favor by emphasizing your strengths and not overextending yourself.

Hard work is critical to career success, but it’s only one component. Good mentors, clarity of mind, work-life integration, and a strong sense of your strengths and weaknesses are essential as well. When you develop each of these traits, you’re well-positioned for a successful, rewarding career and life.

We’ve probably all been there. Scrolling through Pinterest, inspired by all the “simple” home renovation projects, colorful meal prep plans, and impressive kid birthday party themes. Then you set out to recreate the masterpiece, with a step-by-step video tutorial or complicated recipe full of ingredients you can’t pronounce. You’re so excited to finally join the rankings of professional mommy-bloggers, achieving the glorious balance of a “perfectly imperfect” life. You even have a clever caption crafted for your Instagram post.

And then it all goes wrong.

Your DIY project looks more like a third grader’s attempt at Picasso art, and that recipe full of expensive ingredients is now just a pile of mush (and no, calling it “deconstructed” isn’t going to make it any more edible).

Instead of joining the ranks of “perfect moms”, you’re just joining the rest of the Pinterest Fail community…and 42% of other moms who experience the stress of trying to compete with (or just keep up with) the things they see online.  Out of these stressed out moms, 75% of them admitted that they caused the stress, putting the pressures on themselves.

In today’s culture of social media, it’s easy to be down on yourself when you’re scrolling through your phone, comparing everyone else’s highlights to your blooper reel. On average, moms spend three and a half hours each day on social media. And much of that time is spent in the comparison trap.

Your Finances Are Not Immune

It’s often been said that comparison steals your joy…but it also steals a lot of your money.

Moms control 85% of household purchases and are responsible for $2.4 trillion in spending power. Their sheer economic presence makes them one of the biggest targets for marketers, and one of the most vulnerable. It already costs over $233,000 just to raise a child, not to mention the steep cost of creating perfect school treats and dressing your kids like their last name is Kardashian.

Sadly, many have turned to credit cards to keep up with these financial pressures. The burden of bondage to a creditor can be great, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed with credit card debt, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors.

And if you need a defense against the stress and pressure of overspending online, Crown has an easy-to-use guide that will help you create a budget you can keep.

Contentment, not Comparison

The only true antidote to comparison is contentment, which begins with a thankful heart.

By filling up on the beautiful truths and wisdom of the Lord, you become satisfied in Christ and grateful for all He has done. Living in gratitude brings contentment. And, when we get to that point, we are no longer slaves to the temporary things of this world. We gain an eternal perspective and can say “No” to things that don’t have eternal value, and “Yes” to saving and giving.

Just like we have to discipline our hands to save and give regularly (because for most, it doesn’t come naturally), we also need to discipline our eyes to look upon what truly matters. The things of eternal value cannot be found on Pinterest, or Instagram, or Facebook. Colossians 3 reminds us to set our hearts on the things above, not on what’s here on this earth.

Contrary to Popular Opinion…

Choosing to live differently than the rest of the world is fundamental for Christians, and stewards. It’s not easy, and it means you may miss out on some of the trends or latest online news. But it will keep your heart, family, and finances full of peace and joy instead of bitterness and greed.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.” (Ephesians 5:8-11)

You’re to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves.” (Romans 14:19)

You’re called to remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain”. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

You’re not to “become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26)

Instead of checking Instagram, “Delight yourselves in the Lord,” knowing “he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Focus on Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

The world would like to pull you into their agenda but you have to constantly renew your mind to stay focused on the things of God. Here are some ideas on how to safeguard your heart, mind, and finances against comparison:

• Take a break from social media and delete apps off your phone.
• Replace the time you would have spent online with a book, a journal, or time with your children and friends.
• Create a budget and stick with it.
• Include your children in the stewardship conversation and start to give them financial responsibilities as well.
• Take time to serve others and focus on the needs around you.

Ultimately, your Pinterest fails or successes won’t matter in eternity. The impact that you have on others with your finances, conversations, and actions will. Start by making giving and saving a priority in your finances – for where your money is, your heart is too.

The median household income in America is about $59,000. This would suggest that making above $59,000 would offer you certain financial comforts and eases that those below the median line aren’t necessarily privy to. It would also suggest that if you make upwards of $100,000 annually, you should have no trouble paying your bills, saving for retirement, paying off debts, and enjoying luxuries of entertainment and vacations.

But you’d be wrong.

A growing number of “middle-upper class” Americans report that their annual salaries of $100,000+ are barely enough to get by. It sounds somewhat shocking since they make almost double the median household income. But for many of these families, their pile of monthly expenses account for at least 100% of their budget, leaving them with no margin and a lot of stress. Many of them have taken on second jobs just to cover their monthly expenses and avoid debt. One couple actually declared bankruptcy. Ultimately, there’s a large number of people who are supposed to be “well-off”, thriving in their finances, and pouring back into the economy, but who are instead trapped in a sort of poverty mindset.

Why It’s Happening

This phenomenon is occurring for a number of reasons. First, the financial obligations of most of these families are huge – they’ve accustomed themselves to a certain standard of living that is outright expensive. Add the burdens of student debt, medical debt, car loans, retirement savings to the already enormous cost of keeping up with the Joneses, and it’s no wonder that a six-figure salary isn’t cutting it.

Second, there’s likely a lack of financial planning. Now, this is somewhat of an assumption, but it’s hard to look at these big salaries and not wonder if a stewardship mindset would have prevented the dire financial outlook. While many of the families are making sacrifices now to make ends meet, they may have already dug a deep hole.

Many who find themselves in this situation have become too focused on things of this world and material possessions instead of Christ. We have to continually renew our minds to keep an eternal perspective. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income…”

If we set our focus on the things of the world and pursue worldly success, we will always be disappointed and never satisfied.

How to Avoid It

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid this, but changing your behaviors will only take you so far. Ultimately, you’ll have to examine and change what you believe about money.

The best way to do this is by understanding God’s perspective on managing money and growing into a faithful steward. I recommend that you start with Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. It’s a 7-week course that takes an in-depth look at what the Bible says about your money. You’ll identify where your beliefs and behaviors about money don’t line up, and take practical steps to bring lasting transformation to your finances.

Living beneath your means is not only an important part of being a steward, it’s essential to a bright financial future. By creating financial margin, you grant yourself the opportunity to give, save, and be prepared to cover emergency or surprise expenses. This means that if you make upwards of $100,000 a year, you should live on significantly less than that. It may seem like a large gap, but if you can lower the amount you spend on rent/mortgage, your car, your clothes, entertainment, etc., you’ll be able to increase your giving, savings, and investing. This decreases your stress and anxiety and cultivates a content heart.

Contentment is an essential ingredient in this recipe. Without a content heart, you’ll catch yourself always chasing after what the world says is more, bigger, better.  Contentment is what allows you to live beneath your means and create financial margin, because you are more focused on allowing God to spend you however He wants, not spending your money however you want.

Of course, making a budget is also crucial to avoiding this trap. If you don’t have a budget, download our free Easy Guide to a Budget You Love. If you have a budget but need to cut out some expenses or become more disciplined, read some tips on how to do that here. It’s good for everyone to make a list of their needs, wants, and desires and pray about what makes it into the budget. Even expenses deemed “necessary” can still be slimmed down – maybe you can take on a roommate to help cover the cost of your rent or mortgage, turn off your heating or cooling, carpool to work, and negotiate a lower payment for your insurance.

And if you’re burdened with overwhelming credit card debt, contact Christian Credit Counselors. They can help lower your monthly payments, interest rates, and negotiate on your behalf.

The key to stewardship is to have a faithful heart and disciplined hands. Learn from those already struggling and take steps now to prevent yourself from following in the same patterns.

What questions do you have about money? Comment below or share with us on Facebook!

Last week, I talked about the importance of continual learning and self-education. Not only does it benefit your career, it boosts your confidence, exercises your mind, grows your connections, decreases stress, improves familial relationships, and brings you closer to God.

Now that you know the benefits of continuous learning, the question becomes: How do you create a habit of self-education?

Turn Intention Into Action

Many people argue that they simply don’t have the time. They hold full-time jobs and work long hours, they have children at home, they’re overcommitted as it is to volunteer projects, professional commitments, and social groups. I understand that each of these responsibilities makes ongoing learning a challenge. But none is a valid excuse for not making self-education a regular part of your life.

Continuous learning is the one differentiator we have in an ever-changing job market. Learning is what will enable me to take care of my family today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their lives. Every time I sit down to read a book or complete a lesson in an MOOC (massive open online courses), I view it as money in the bank. The more I prepare for the opportunities that might present themselves in the future, the more secure my family will be.

Integrate Learning Into Your Daily Habits

But let me be clear. Ongoing learning must be a sustainable habit for you to enjoy its benefits. Throwing yourself into an online course for two days and then abandoning it because you couldn’t maintain that breakneck pace is unreasonable, and you’ll gain little value from that approach. Instead, you should integrate learning into your daily habits. Here are a few ways that work for me:

1. Learn as part of your morning routine.

There’s nothing like starting your day with a dose of knowledge, which is why I use my morning routine to catch up on current events. I like to go out and pick up The Wall Street Journal, have a cup of coffee, and then read the news after my morning prayer and devotions.

2. Learn during your commute.

If you spend a lot of time in your car, podcasts and audiobooks will become your best friends. Download a podcast app or purchase an Audible account, and you will have no end of fascinating content to consume on your commute. Ask your colleagues for recommendations of great business books or podcasts if you’re not sure where to start.

3. Learn before going to sleep.

Lots of people struggle to fall asleep at night, which makes that a perfect time to get in some reading. Set your smartphone to the side and keep a physical book by your bed. Not only will the lack of blue light from the screen help your body settle down, but you’ll also get to absorb the information without being distracted by 30 different app notifications.

There are other ways to learn as well — ask someone out to coffee so you can pick their brain about their area of expertise, attend workshops, sign up for in-person classes. There’s no right way to structure your self-education, so figure out which approach works for you and integrate that into your routine. If you incorporate small doses of learning throughout your day, you’ll find yourself feeling more informed and intellectually invigorated in no time. Above all, never become complacent and never stop learning.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Crown’s Career Boost Formula – 14 Career Skills Employers Look For. That’ll help you zero in on an area that interests you and boost your career.

It’s been said that paying off debt is like eating an elephant – it can only be done one bite at a time. Starting the process of becoming debt-free can be overwhelming, and not knowing how or where to start can prevent many people from starting altogether.  

But paying off debt, and doing so as quickly as possible, is critically important to our journeys as faithful stewards. Proverbs tell us that when we are in debt, we live as slaves to our creditors. Not only does God intend for us to live in freedom, He also wants to use us more fully for His Kingdom. Debt holds us back by keeping us enslaved to a card, creditor, or company.

The Cost of Debt

Debt does not only hold us back from living as a faithful steward, but it also costs a lot of money. Because interest payments are so high, you end up paying much more on your debt than the item, experience, or education was worth in the first place.

Imagine you open a store credit card to earn free shipping and a discount with each purchase. But you haven’t been able to pay the balance in full at the end of each month, and over time, you end up accumulating $1,225 of charges on your card. It has an interest rate of 22% and a minimum payment of $28.

If you only make the minimum payment on that one card, you will end up paying $1,271.69 in interest ALONE – more than the charges were worth in the first place! Needless to say, that free shipping and small discount ended up costing you significantly more money than they were worth. Debt isn’t cheap! (And if you want to find out how much money you can save by paying off your debt fast, check out the Debt Snowball Calculator.)

But debt also costs us more than money – it causes anxiety, stifles creativity, and harms relationships.

Unfortunately, many people increase their standard of living by using debt, only to find that it’s a heavy burden that controls their life. Though on the outside they may appear to “have it all” – the house, the cars, the vacations, the clothes – on the inside, they may be consumed by anxiety and hopelessness about their current financial position.

For many, their debt consumes every thought. The worry about paying it off, stress about making ends meet, and shame from hiding it is enough to keep you up at night.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, researchers have found a correlation between debt and mental illness. The increase of stress contributes to mental, physical, and emotional fatigue. It can also have a negative impact on your job performance, prospects, and longevity.

Not only does it contribute to the harm of personal health and career, it can damage relationships as well. Simple money management can be a huge source of stress in marriage, and the addition of debt can strain a marriage for long periods of time. In fact, it may keep you from getting married at all!

Larry Burkett, Crown’s founder, said, “The effects of financial bondage on a marriage relationship are measurable in the statistics of failed marriages. A marriage is a partnership – much like the right and left hands of the same person. God’s Word says that two people become one.”

Finances are cited as one of the top causes for divorce, and it’s no wonder – carrying the burden of debt is a heavy one for any two people to try and shoulder. It’s another reason God warns against it so heavily in Scripture.

What the Bible Says About Debt

God never says that debt is a sin, but He certainly discourages it. Romans 13:8 says that you should, “Let no debt remain outstanding.”

Proverbs 22:7 is clear that the “borrower is slave to the lender,” and the deeper you are in debt, the more like a servant you become.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus cautioned his followers to “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 7:23 that, “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”

Easy access to credit makes it tempting to accumulate more and more — regardless of whether we have money to pay for it.

There are three basic principles the Bible tells us to follow regarding the use of credit:  

1. Credit should never be normal for God’s people
2. Credit should never be long-term
3. Never sign surety (take on an obligation to pay without an absolutely certain way to do so)

His word is also clear that when we borrow, we are responsible to repay every cent.

God cares about our money – a lot. There are more verses in the Bible about money than there are about heaven and hell combined. God wants us to live debt-free lives and He cares about how we pay off our debt. He has called us to be faithful stewards – managers, not owners – of all He has entrusted to us. Remember that you are a wise, faithful manager and the way you handle your debt is a reflection upon Christ.

“Financial Bondage is a state of being captivated or overwhelmed by money matters … it’s a natural consequence of misusing the resources God has entrusted to us.”

– Larry Burkett

Christ made the ultimate sacrifice by dying for us. And now He wants our lives to be free to serve Him, not lenders. Remember that God loves us and has given us principles to live by for our benefit.

The Debt Snowball Method

The good news is, you can absolutely be debt-free. You can experience the blessing of living a debt-free life and being used to fulfill God’s purpose for you.

You can also pay off your debt wisely, in a way that honors God and helps you become a better steward. The Debt Snowball Method takes away the stress of trying to create a strategy on your own, and instead creates a debt-payoff plan to save you time and money. It helps you steward your debt wisely by reducing the amount you pay in interest and increasing the speed at which you pay off your debt.

The Debt Snowball Method works by paying off your smallest debt first. You continue to make minimum payments on all your debts, but you put any and all extra money towards your smallest payment. Once it’s paid off, you “rollover” what you were paying on that first debt, and apply it towards your second debt until it is paid off, and so on, until you are debt-free!

It tackles your debt one step (or one bite) at a time. The method is simple and easy to use, but will require discipline and commitment.

Using this method is important for several reasons:

• It helps you stay on track with a plan
• It saves you time and money
• It reduces your stress
• It keeps track of your payment plan for you
• It helps you exhibit faithful stewardship of your resources

 
It works best to pay off your smallest debt first because it’s extremely rewarding and encouraging to be able to eliminate an entire debt. Seeing your payments disappear will motivate you as you start to pay off your next debt – remember that you are setting yourself up for success in all other areas. Soon, you’ll be able to save more, give more, and invest more.

You can start your journey to a debt-free life by joining the 5 Steps to Debt-Free Living Mini Course. This simple video series will walk you through the whys and how-tos of becoming debt free. And if you’re overwhelmed by credit card debt, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. They can lower your interest charges, monthly payments, and negotiate with your creditors. Start with a free debt analysis here.

Decide today to get out of debt. No matter what kind of debt you have, resolve to not charge anymore on your credit card and pay it all off as quickly as possible. Remind yourself why you’re making this change and stay encouraged throughout your journey.

The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. Deuteronomy 28:12

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.  Romans 13:8