Dear Chuck,
Jesus commended a steward for being dishonest. Does the Bible endorse bending the rules, like when the IRS is weaponized against Christians?
Sick of High Taxes
Dear Sick of High Taxes,
Thank you for your question. No, the Bible does not commend dishonesty or endorse a bending of the rules to avoid taxes for any reason. Let’s take a look at what the Bible does say about stewardship of our funds.
First, you are likely referring to the Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1–9. A careful reading of the passage is clear that Jesus commended the subject for being shrewd, not dishonest. There is a vast difference between the two characteristics! Let me explain.
The word shrewd has a variety of meanings that I have pulled together here:
Notice that one can be shrewd without being dishonest. Also, notice that Jesus never commended this steward for dishonesty—but for his clever scheme to get out of his painful circumstances.
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” Luke 16:8
Second, Jesus said that we are to pay our taxes, by declaring in Mark 12:17, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Caesar may take the money, but our hearts should belong to God and God alone.
We should never be dishonest about paying taxes, but we can be shrewd. We must be discerning and precise while trying to find lawful ways to minimize our taxes. One way to do that in America is to be generous. Our law allows us to itemize certain financial transactions that reduce our taxable income, such as interest paid on a mortgage or qualified charitable donations. This means we can give to our churches and support our favorite ministries while simultaneously reducing our tax liabilities. I find great joy in this and try to take full advantage of the opportunity each year.
Anti-Christian Discrimination
Your reference to the IRS being “weaponized” against Christians is vague to me. There are many laws protecting us from religious discrimination. If you truly experience this type of persecution, please report it to an appropriate agency that specializes in defending our freedom of religion in this country. However, even if we were to be singled out and we suffer loss of money, assets, or freedom, we should never lose our joy. I take comfort in this passage in Hebrews 10:32–35:
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
God promises that “better and lasting possessions” are coming. The logical conclusion is that what we have on Earth is temporal and inferior to what He has planned for those He loves. Imagine being rewarded by our great God for trusting Him when someone takes our temporal possessions!
Look Around You
We often forget some of the good that happens with our national, state, and local taxes. We have great highways, the convenience of electricity, clean water, efficient sewage and garbage systems, and some secure borders. While there is excessive waste in most government systems, much good is also being accomplished that we tend to take for granted. Thank God for the blessings you have.
If you believe that everything you have belongs to God and know that Scripture says to pay your taxes, then why try to cheat the government out of what God says is rightfully theirs? Don’t look to the government to provide for you. Be faithful to the Lord, and allow Him to bless you. His gifts far exceed Uncle Sam.
Our citizenship is in heaven. Let us not forget that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We may not agree with all our government does with our taxes, but one day, we will stand before the King who rules with total justice, purity, and love. So keep an eternal perspective, remembering that our time here is brief.
So let Caesar take what Caesar demands. There’s no use getting sick over it. But give your heart only to Christ, and preserve your joy.
If you’re looking for a simple way to save money, I recommend Squeeze—a trusted Crown partner. The company shops household bills to bring you the lowest rates and best deals. Savings are quick and can last a lifetime. Sign up for free, and squeeze your first bill in under five minutes.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on August 12, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
My wife is really organized, but I am not. When it comes to finances, she gets stressed if we go over budget a little here or there. How do I help her chill out?
Stressed-Out Wife
Dear Stressed-Out Wife,
It might surprise you, but I think you may be placing the blame for her stress on the wrong person. Having an organized wife is a blessing, not a problem! But like you, I once lived with a “no big deal” attitude about living on a budget. I think I can help resolve this.
Let me make a case for changing your mind about how best to help reduce her stress.
Stewards Are Managers
Did you know that one of the most frequently mentioned habits of high achievers is organization? Whether one keeps a “To-Do List” or devotes certain hours in weekly planning, developing habits of organization is crucial to stewardship. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a steward as “one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns (such as the supervision of servants, collection of rents, and keeping of accounts).” In other words, the essence of being a steward is to manage well.
Costs of Financial Disorganization
Unorganized people lose hundreds and thousands of dollars on fees, interest, and unopened checks. Take a look at a partial list of consequences:
In addition, unorganized people often suffer the emotional toll of stress, guilt, depression, anxiety, frustration, and embarrassment which eventually lead to relationship issues. In your case, you are not stressed about it because you have the luxury of your wife doing all she can to keep the wheels on the bus going round and round.
Benefits of Financial Organization
Faithfulness as God’s steward requires financial organization, and many benefits flow from this:
Tips to Develop Organizational Habits
When the pain in our finances got very intense, it captured my attention. My organized, picky, careful wife needed me to get organized, too, and start helping us live within our means. I had to learn to get more organized to help her get more chill! Here are some tips to help the unorganized make the leap to the other side.
Prioritize your tasks, take small steps, set a timer, and remove distractions (phone, TV, etc.) Work when you are most productive, then reward yourself after a set time. Develop daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines.
Never Slack Off
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4 ESV) This verse makes it clear that the diligent—those committed to following through to complete their responsibilities—are rewarded. Those who simply avoid the vital task of getting organized will suffer.
I hope this helps. It sounds like you have what I call a Proverbs 31 wife. Be grateful, and honor her by doing your part to keep your finances on track.
Another useful tool I recommend is Squeeze—a trusted Crown partner. The company shops household bills to bring you the lowest rates and best deals. Savings are quick and can last a lifetime. Sign up for free, and squeeze your first bill in under five minutes.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on August 5, 2022
Dear Chuck,
My spouse thinks we need another credit card. We’ve been getting by just fine with one. Who do you agree with?
Divided Over Credit Cards
Dear Divided Over Credit Cards,
It is not wise to step into the middle of a dispute without hearing both sides. So my first reaction is to recommend that you find agreement with your spouse apart from a third party arbitrator like me. Since I have recently been through a similar discussion with my wife, Ann, it will be easy to share our journey that may help the two of you get united.
One Card or Many Cards?
It has been my position and practice for years to have only one credit card. There are lots of benefits to this practice: racking up bonus miles, less vulnerability to run up debt, easier to track one account, to name just a few.
Someone recently stole our credit card number. We received an alert and initially thought it was a scam. Upon returning home, we checked our online account. Sure enough, someone was having fun shopping at Nordstrom’s in a completely different part of the country.
My position on having just one card has officially changed! If you are a responsible spender, pay your bill in full each month, or maintain a very low balance, you should consider a second credit card—not many credit cards, just two! The average American has four cards; some have many more. Manish Dhameja of India holds a Guinness World Record for 1638 cards in 2021.
Backup Card
A backup card is important in the event you lose a card or, like me, have your account number stolen. Until my replacement card is received, I am forced to use cash or a debit card. I do not like this option, especially when traveling. So before you read on, be sure and see my qualifiers above. If—only if—you meet those conditions, having two cards has multiple benefits.
Access Different Networks
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are the four payment networks. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, Discover finds acceptance in the United States but not internationally, and American Express has the lowest acceptance globally. It is suggested that you carry cards from different networks.
Earn Rewards
Combine cards to earn higher rewards on your spending. Analyze the rewards offered by cards to maximize your returns. Cards vary. Some offer rewards for travel, cash back, or zero interest.
Your spending habits will influence your decision. We like to earn travel miles on our cards.
Reduce Credit Utilization Ratio
How much credit you are using impacts your credit score. Lenders like to see you are not maxing out your available credit. Another card can reduce your ratio (balance-to-credit limit) by spreading your purchases over multiple cards. This increases your credit score unless undisciplined spending is an issue.
Balance Transfer
You can save money by moving the balance of a high-interest card to one with a low rate. Just make sure you read the fine print to avoid penalties and fees.
Emergencies
Two cards can prevent a large expense from hurting your credit score. It can also help if you reach a limit on one card in a time of distress. Just make sure you have the means to pay them off, or the penalties will far outweigh any rewards/benefits.
The Negatives of Two or More Cards
Manage Your Cards
Watch your balances, and investigate alerts. Record your number in a safe place along with a contact number/website in the event of loss or theft. Devise a system that notifies you when payments are due.
Credit card companies make money by charging high interest rates and late fees. Avoid getting trapped in an endless cycle of debt by carrying balances. Do not attempt to open multiple cards within a short time frame because it can damage your credit score.
Lenders like to see a long credit history, so think before closing an old card. Inactive cards may be closed which can damage your credit score as well. Check your credit report regularly. Look for errors, and fix them quickly. You can request a free copy from the 3 reporting agencies.
Pay on time, and don’t overspend. Let these verses be your guide:
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7 ESV)
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Romans 13:7 ESV)
So this is my revised position! Ann and I are in agreement to open another credit card account. My hope is that this will be helpful to you and your spouse as you seek to unify your preferences.
If credit card debt is a source of pain for you or someone you know, Christian Credit Counselors is a trusted source of help toward financial freedom.
This article was originally posted on The Christian Post on July 29, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
Many of my single friends (divorced, widowed, and lifelong singles) are struggling to make ends meet. Is there an approach to managing money for those who are single and may never marry?
Advice for Lifelong Singles
Dear Advice for Lifelong Singles,
Thank you for the question. This is a very important trend that needs our attention. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28% of our population consists of one-person households. In 1960, that number was 13%. Today, half of American adults live with a spouse, down from 52% a decade ago. The number of those over 18 living with a partner but not married is up to 8%, double the number twenty years ago. People are delaying marriage and making critical life decisions later than previous generations. Birth rates have been dropping for decades, referred to as the “baby bust.” The number of younger people living with parents is also up. (Stats are from this article.)
Some singles delay marriage in hopes of getting their finances in order. Others have financial challenges as a result of divorce, death, pregnancy outside of marriage, or frivolous lifestyles.
Singles often miss the traditional milestones of buying a home, having children, and long-term financial planning. They must be extra cautious with their income and expenses while fully trusting God.
Financial Considerations for Singles
Living on one income today in preparation for tomorrow requires wisdom. My advice to singles, young and old, is to learn how to steward money. Handling money from a Biblical point of view will enable one to face the future without fear. Here is an approach that will help:
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
(Proverbs 19:20 ESV)
Find trusted advisors who can direct one to take a short- and long-term view of finances. Goals must be set, and the same principles I give to others apply to singles:
Good Housing Decisions Are Key
Many singles cannot afford to buy a home nor have the resources to maintain one. Housing tends to be the largest fixed expense. Downsizing or relocating can eliminate some of the financial stress. Rising rents are now a problem; consider alternative housing options. If in a large home, it may be necessary to sell or rent out a portion. Temporary measures can be taken. Here are a few other options. Find a roommate, or move in with family members. If it’s an amicable relationship, one might be able to build and occupy a guest house on their property which will bless children and grandchildren for decades. Form a pod. It can serve to help everyone who lives together.
At one point, one of our sons and his wife lived in a big home with two other couples from their church. Each had their own wing, and it worked fine—until they started having babies. Living with others can solve loneliness and provide a measure of accountability. Housing prices and property taxes vary greatly across our country, so relocating can help if one can work remotely.
Living near family is important, but one must seriously consider the cost of living. Here are a few links to help make better decisions of where to live:
Prepare for Economic Turbulence
Inflation and recession are concerns for all of us, single or married. We do not know what the future holds, but we know that economic conditions are always fluctuating. Abiding by Biblical financial principles and making wise choices can cushion the fallout we may experience in the coming months.
In addition, variable expenses should always be closely analyzed. Look back over credit card and bank receipts to see how much is being spent on food, prescriptions, utilities, and entertainment. Seek discounts, eliminate waste, and make some cost-saving sacrifices. I am not a kill-joy; I just know that many people need to find creative ways to reduce their spending. Record all spending for 30 days to see where dollars go. We are facing uncertain economic times, so we need to be extra savvy. Frugality does not mean misery. It can provide freedom!
More Resources
Here is additional information for older adults:
I know an older woman who rotates time living with her adult children and their families. She does not have a permanent residence. It is a mutual blessing for her, the children, and grandchildren. Others are lovingly cared for by nieces or nephews. Sometimes siblings or close friends choose to live together and split bills.
New widows and widowers have to manage money while dealing with grief. It is a difficult time. Here are some tips for survivors. Organized files and records are a gift for those left behind at death.
Thank you for a great question! My hope is you can share this article with those you are trying to help.
A trusted source of guidance for those dealing with credit card debt is Christian Credit Counselors. They can help get anyone on the road toward financial freedom.
This article was originally published published on The Christian Post on July 22, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
I am a single parent trying to manage life on a limited budget. I am extremely fearful about being unable to provide for my two children with the high cost of everything. I have a decent job, but I need to figure out how to afford childcare! It is getting crazy.
Stressed Single Mom
Dear Stressed Single Mom,
I am so sorry. This inflation has taken a toll on so many, but for single parents, it is especially difficult.
My Mom’s favorite verse was Romans 8:28. She actually had a business card with this verse printed on it and her name and phone number beneath it:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (ESV)
Before I give you my tips, I suggest that you memorize this wonderful promise. It brought my Mom through many difficult challenges.
A Childcare Crisis
My wife recently talked with our new dental tech and learned that she is a single mom. When asked what her biggest challenge was, she immediately answered, “Childcare. It’s so expensive.” She proceeded to tell her story of going through an unwanted divorce and living with her parents until her newborn started pre-school. Her mother cared for him during the day so that she could work. She now has her own place. Last year, she gave up childcare for financial reasons, and her 8-year-old went home to an empty house until she got off work.
Cost of Childcare
Parents are concerned with the cost, availability, and quality of care for their children. Many say that we’ve gone backwards in each of these areas. Care.com conducted a cost-of-care survey this year. It revealed that childcare is more expensive now for a majority of parents. Thousands of daycares closed between December 2019 and March 2021. As a result of this and the economic situation of our nation, childcare centers have increased costs and are taking fewer children.
More than half of the families in America plan to spend more than $10,000 a year on childcare. This amounts to more than the average cost of in-state college tuition. Half of the parents surveyed say they spend more than 20% of their annual household income on childcare. 72% report they spend 10% or more. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, childcare is considered affordable at 7% of the budgeted household income.
The average cost for one child per week in 2021:
Childcare centers across the country are having to raise their prices. One center in Georgia reported that they have had to adjust wages for their employees to cover high gas prices and food. The cost for school supplies at centers has nearly doubled in the past year. Covid and inflation have impacted parents, children, and employees in countless ways.
Effect on parents:
Financial Advice
Becoming Aware and Available
The Body of Christ must be sensitive to the needs of single mothers, fathers, grandmothers, or grandfathers who are entrusted with raising children today. Assistance with housing, cars, insurance, legal issues, and yes, childcare, can bless generations. May God open our eyes to the needs around us. For all single parents and grandparents, may He be your source of strength and wisdom.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
While seeking the Lord’s guidance, if credit card debt is adding to your financial pain, Christian Credit Counselors is a trusted source of help toward financial freedom.
This article was originally published at The Christian Post on July 15, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
I hear you say spend less than you earn. I’ve tried, but I can’t. I really want financial freedom, but how do I get it when I don’t make enough money?
Seeking Financial Freedom
Dear Seeking Financial Freedom,
I am sorry for the pain you are experiencing. The reason I emphasize the importance of spending less than you earn is that regardless of your income, spending more than you earn will make you feel poor and keep you under constant financial stress. It is the key to all good financial management. So how do you do this? Let’s walk through the steps.
Make a Plan
The old saying is true: failure to plan = plan for failure. We have no record of Jesus instructing the disciples in the use of a budget. But we know they used money, contributed to the poor, paid taxes, and had a traitorous treasurer. We also know Jesus taught about the foolishness of beginning a project without knowing the cost and being sure of the resources to complete it. (Luke 14:28-33)
A spending plan (budget) enables you to thoughtfully tell your money where you want it to go rather than regretfully wonder where it went! Well-considered decisions in the planning stage create a template that makes subsequent decisions almost automatic. You will eliminate the “should I or shouldn’t I” sweating over every purchase. The plan knows if you should or shouldn’t!
Find Financial Margin
Most Americans have money but no margin. It is the gap between your income and what you spend—or margin—that restores your financial freedom, regardless of your income.
The following steps will help you find margin. You will discover whether you need to reduce your expenses, raise your income, or both. There are fixed expenses: those that are stable from month to month, like rent/mortgage, insurance, etc. And there are variable expenses: those that fluctuate, like food and entertainment. Invest your time wisely to do this right. Take Solomon’s advice seriously: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
For help or accountability, we have online budget coaches who are trained to analyze and assist individuals in their unique situations.
Find Financial Freedom
Margin will grant you the ability to save and invest. This will ultimately reduce financial fear and stress which can promote restful sleep, work productivity, and overall health and happiness. In addition, generosity and contentment will lead to a new level of hope and joy. The greatest thing you will discover is the flexibility to follow wherever the Lord leads you, and that will ultimately impact your eternal rewards.
The goal of Biblical stewardship is not to order your finances in a way that you can spend whatever you want; it is ordering your life in such a way that God can spend you however He wants. This is the ultimate freedom that can be yours regardless of your income.
My personal turning point came when I began to learn God’s financial principles. I learned to give first and save second. This changed my priorities and helped me to be better at spending what remained. When giving and saving were last in my priorities, I struggled in all areas of managing money. Seeing myself as God sees me, as His steward, changed everything. I hope you will experience the same.
Thanks for writing. Let us know how we can help!
The Crown Stewardship Podcast is a valuable resource to help guide you in the many facets of God’s financial principles. You can subscribe for alerts of new episodes. I hope you find it encouraging and beneficial!
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 8, 2022
Dear Chuck,
My wife and I are not consistently managing our money well. We are united to eliminate debt so that we can give, save, and invest more. I am looking for tips for the two of us.
Getting on Track Together
Dear Getting On Track Together,
Your goals are great and in the proper order of priority. You can actually give, save, and invest more while also working towards getting out of debt. The journey may be hard, but it will be well worth it.
Lessons from #75Hard
You have probably heard about the 75 Day Hard Challenge or #75Hard. It is for those seeking to build healthy habits and mental toughness. Participants are to follow five rules for 75 days. If you fail on any one day, you must start over from day one. Social media has exploded with photos of people posting their progress. Here’s the challenge:
Now, if you are the least bit competitive, a financial challenge of any length can be beneficial as well. Whether needing to pay down debt, build emergency savings, or give more generously, repetitive days of healthy practices with money is the method that will ensure good habits that you can both follow.
Suppose you do a 60 Day Financial Hard. It might look like the following:
*Suggested Books/Courses
Get Control of Your Spending
Getting out of debt and achieving any financial goal that you set will require the discipline to change the way you spend money. The better you are at spending, the better you will be at managing money overall. It takes wisdom and character to become unwilling to spend all that you earn.
When tempted to buy something on an impulse (not in your budget), develop a means to say no. Try turning your shopping cart around, walking out of the store, or closing your computer to gain perspective. Give yourself at least 24 hours to think and pray about it. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35b ESV) So, when tempted to buy something for yourself, choose to give something away instead.
If friends invite you to participate in an activity that costs money, suggest something else, or take a pass. If you cannot influence them to spend wisely, then perhaps you need to pray about who you spend time with. We are often influenced by others, as evidenced by the negative effects of social media and FOMO (fear of missing out).
It is helpful to remember a verse that the Apostle Paul used when warning against idolatry.
Use this verse when confronted with a desire to spend money when you know you should not.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV) That’s comforting!
For a giving challenge, train like a marathoner. For some saving challenges, check out these ideas:
Tracking Together
Regular, non-judgemental communication will go a long way helping you track with your wife. Consider a weekly event such as an old fashioned walk in the park or a meal out at an affordable restaurant to discuss progress toward your customized 60 Day Financial Hard challenge. Pray about areas where you have challenges meeting your goals, resolve to make needed changes, and press on. After the challenge is complete, keep up the habits that set you on the right track. This can be a life-changing opportunity, so don’t let the Enemy prevent you from making progress!
If trying to steward well, I recommend Squeeze—a trusted Crown partner. The company shops household bills to bring you the lowest rates and best deals. Savings are quick and can last a lifetime. Sign up for free, and squeeze your first bill in under five minutes.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 1, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
I’m concerned about our economy tanking. Larry Burkett wrote a lot about our national debt and out-of-control federal spending that would likely lead to hyperinflation. Where do you think our economy is headed?
Trying to Understand the Times
Dear Trying to Understand the Times,
Only God knows the answer to your question, but He also gave us minds to think and reason. The U.S. economy has proven incredibly resilient over many decades, so I am reluctant to buy into any forecasts of impending doom. At the same time, Proverbs 22:3 instructs us to be “prudent” when it comes to situational awareness. This means we should neither be rash and respond emotionally or be paralyzed by fear. So let’s look at where some of the experts think we are headed.
Where Is the Economy Going?
We heard that inflation was transitory back in 2019, but by the end of 2021, we knew that description was false. Just 2 weeks ago, it was falsely reported that the U.S. had the fastest growing economy in the world, when in fact the U.S. economy shrank in the first quarter of 2022. The cost of inflation is being felt in numerous ways. Food, fuel, consumer goods, housing, and labor costs are challenging most Americans.
One month ago: Elon Musk said he thought the U.S. was already in a recession that could last 12–18 months.
June 11: Michael Burry, the ‘Big Short’ investor, warned that inflation will soar higher, putting greater pressure on the housing market, eroding buying power, and negatively impacting consumers’ savings.
June 13: Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary, warned that the Federal Reserve’s forecasts on inflation have been “much too optimistic” and that we are on the edge of a recession. He thinks there’s a risk of it occurring in the next year. “We’ve had them for the whole history of the country. We need to be prepared and to respond quickly if and when it happens.”
June 13: A Financial Times poll reported that nearly 70% of leading economists expect that inflation will cause a recession. The majority predict it to hit the first or second quarter of 2023.
June 13: The Daily Torch reported, “The spread between 10-year and 2-year treasuries, a reliable indicator of incoming recessions that has predicted almost every recession in modern economic history, inverted once again overnight on Jun 13 amid financial markets turmoil with interest rates rising rapidly, the dollar strengthening and equities market crashing.” The same inversion occurred March 31 upon the onset of war in Ukraine. A recession typically occurs an average of 14 months after an inversion.
June 15: The Federal Reserve enacted the steepest rate hike in 28 years in an effort to battle inflation.
June 17: Deutsche Bank expects an “earlier and somewhat more severe recession,” a 3.1% contraction of GDP in the third quarter of 2023.
June 20: Economists at Japanese investment bank Nomura believe inflation will “remain elevated” throughout 2022 but a “mild recession” will hit around the end of 2022.
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, recently noted that recession risks are “uncomfortably high and rising.” In addition, “For the economy to navigate through without suffering a downturn, we need some very deft policymaking from the Fed and a bit of luck.”
Understanding the Times
I don’t believe in luck. None of us know what the future holds, but we do know that God holds the future! As you expressed in your question, we need a clear understanding of the times to know what to do. (1 Chronicles 12:32)
We have been hearing about the possibility of a significant recession for more than a decade. It will come in time, so it is good to live ready for any economic change, whether inflationary or deflationary. Here is my advice:
Do Not Fear
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1-2a ESV)
“…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
Prepare
To step back from an economic cliff, you must decide to be deliberate and disciplined. Spend wisely. Look for ways to reduce necessary expenses and to eliminate the unnecessary ones. Download our Inflation Survival Guide, and adjust your lifestyle as needed. Pray for self-control, yet celebrate each new day with joy and anticipation.
Recognize the Opportunity
The Crown Stewardship Podcast is a valuable resource during these uncertain times. It is a wonderful tool to help guide you in the many facets of God’s financial principles. You can subscribe for alerts of new episodes. I hope you find it beneficial and encouraging.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 24, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
We tried to live on a budget when we first got married but didn’t stick with it. Now that we have children and are feeling the pain of rising gasoline and groceries, etc, etc., we need to get disciplined with money! Can you help us?
Budgeting for Inflation
Dear Budgeting for Inflation,
We are all having to navigate the dangerous challenges to our finances caused by inflation. To help you get serious about your budget, I reached out to Steve Brooks at Dedicated Money Management. Steve is a dear friend who served on staff with CRU for 21 years and Crown for 27. He has been a trained budget coach for over 20 years, helping tens of thousands of people manage money from a Biblical perspective. He answered a number of questions that will help you get on the right track.
Why don’t more people live on a budget?
Steve: I think there are three main reasons why people do not stay on their budgets:
I teach my clients that God is the Owner of all that they possess. They are stewards of His money and possessions. If they do not get this right, they will never become “good and faithful stewards” of God’s money and possessions. If I do not have a spending plan (budget), I am probably spending God’s money the way I want to spend it instead of the way He wants me to spend it.
What is the best way to get the right perspective on budgeting?
Steve: I ask my budget coaching clients two important questions:
This is the appropriate thing for a money manager/steward to do.
Do people need special skills to make this work?
Steve: I want my clients to become “budgeters,” not “accountants.” The difference is that budgeters check the category balance throughout the month before making a purchase to make sure they have enough money set aside for that purchase.
What tools do you recommend?
Steve: Choose a budgeting tool that works best for you.
What about those who say they don’t make enough to budget?
Steve: If one is unable to live on a budget because income is too low, consider these options:
What are the behaviors needed to budget well?
Steve: This is a great question and an important one to make the budget work well!
What are the beliefs that you want your budget coaching clients to know and believe?
Steve: All of these are Biblical principles that I can summarize:
Thank you, Steve!
General Principle to Follow
Since overall inflation is estimated to be between 8–10%, I suggest you reduce all spending by the same amount to ensure you are keeping up. You also need to increase your emergency savings, as you are able, to ensure you can navigate any disruptions to your income should inflation hurt your job or career.
Hopefully these ideas will set you on a course to develop your budget, stick with it, and navigate the rapidly changing effects of inflation on your finances. If you want help creating and staying on a budget, reach out to Steve today, or contact Crown to enroll in our Budget Coaching Program.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 17, 2022.
Dear Chuck,
I began participating in my company’s 401K when starting my first job out of college last year. I know I should be giving and setting aside funds for emergencies, too. But where should I start?
Novice with Money
Dear Novice with Money,
It’s refreshing to hear from someone your age who’s already investing yet also desires to give and save! Most of our financial challenges can be resolved if we follow a simple, biblical practice: “Give First, Save Second.” It is easy to say but often a challenge to implement, so I have jotted down some tips for you below.
Givers
Since God is a giver, recognize and consider yourself a giver as well. This goes beyond simply practicing the act of giving to taking on the identity of a giver created in the image of God.
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed into the image of his son…” (Romans 8:29a ESV)
Savers
Saving does not represent a lack of faith, but it does reflect the heart of a faithful steward. Savers have resources to take care of their families and others, but saving to become self-reliant and take life easy is condemned in Scripture. We must learn to save in order to reduce stress, increase our capacity to give, and live without fear of economic challenges.
Think Beyond This Life
We should desire to steward wisely whatever God has entrusted to us because one day we will give an account.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV)
With prices rising everywhere, it can be harder to budget for the future and can cause extra anxiety. For help with understanding inflation and to make a plan, Crown has a new Inflation Survival Guide that you can download and share with others.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 10, 2022.
