Dear Chuck,

My husband and I anticipate graduating in May. I’ve read that our resumes are extremely important. While he has part-time job and internship history, mine is very limited. We have student loans and hope to land great jobs as soon as we can. Could you tell me what employers are really looking for when hiring new graduates and how to land the right job?

Hoping to be Employable

Dear Employable,

Congratulations! My wife and I married our senior year of college and entered the workforce full-time together. It’s an exciting season of life: full of hopes, dreams, and many decisions.

Here’s my bullet point advice:

• Know what you can do to add value to an employer.
• Don’t embellish your résumés.
• Know your “Why.”

Here are some key attributes employers look for in recent graduates. Compare this list against an inventory of your strengths and talents.

Work Ethic

Always approach work with the opportunity to give glory to God.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

An internship or experiential opportunity demonstrates work ethic and provides credible references. Employers and hiring managers want to see a proven track record of success. Any projects you worked on as an intern could make the difference between landing a great post-graduation job or being stuck on the hunt for the next six months.

Industry-Relevant Skills

Employers know that most recent college graduates may not be prepared for the workforce and will need some on-the-job training. This costs company time and resources. But if you are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute from day one, you will make a great impression.

I do not suggest you invest in career skills at the expense of your formal education. Prioritize your coursework. But during your Christmas or spring break, enroll in an open online course (MOOC) through Coursera or edX. Learn a new programming language, a popular accounting software, or a skill-set related to your field of work. Focusing on trending careers that are in high demand can also make you more employable.

Ambition

Although work ethic and ambition often go hand in hand, they are different. Someone with a great work ethic might be willing to show up early and stay late to get a project done, but, may not be driven to achieve greater and greater feats.

Industries evolve, and employers hire candidates who seek new challenges. Share a list of self-directed achievements or goals you have accomplished in the past or want to pursue within a company. Some campus activities may be applicable. This reveals to employers that you are highly driven and eager for advancement opportunities.

Character, Integrity, and Emotional Intelligence

Employers prefer not to waste time with employee conflicts or bruised egos. They want new hires who will work hard with humble hearts.

Regardless of your intelligence or experience, there is a lot to learn when starting a new job. If employers suspect you will blame others for your failures or need constant praise for little effort, they may consider dismissing you from your position. Recruiters and hiring managers also study social media to glean insights into a candidate’s personality. Your profile says a lot about you.

Landing a job is only the first of many steps toward building a fulfilling career. After you are hired, you must collaborate with co-workers and communicate effectively with managers. Develop your emotional intelligence (EQ) now. It will enhance your job performance and strengthen your ability to build strong relationships.

In fact, self-awareness is a huge advantage in the workplace. Crown’s Career Direct assessment was created to help students and adults alike discover their unique design and God-given abilities.

An Honest Resume

Finding a job can be tough, especially when many positions require years of experience for you to even be considered. But trust me, embellishing your résumé is not the way around that challenge.

Employers know when you “fudge the numbers,” and dishonesty is a red flag. Rather than trying to appear more seasoned than you are, I recommend being strategic in the months and years leading up to your job search. A little work will position you both as competitive candidates.

It’s never too late to start building your resume. You mentioned you don’t have as much experience as your husband, so I’d encourage you to seek that experience now. Call family friends or peers and ask about any projects they need help with. You’ll gain valuable experience and a good reference! Spend time doing volunteer work, learning all you can, and building up any experience you can include on your resume.

Your “Why”

Each of my suggestions are recommended to lead you into a fulfilling career that will give you deep satisfaction.

That is why cultivating these attributes is so important. People who foster strong professional relationships and revel in new challenges rarely feel bored or dissatisfied in their careers. When you are grinding away at a MOOC or spend entire weekends submitting internship applications and resumes, connect those tedious actions with your bigger “why”.

Remember why you chose your degree, why you’re pursuing this career path, and why you want to grow your skills. If you envision the life you’re trying to create, it becomes abundantly clear that all of the extra effort is more than worth it. In time, you will see results and find opportunities for advancement and growth.

If you or your husband struggle in your job search and in your skills-development journey, come back to the ultimate “why” in Psalm 90:17: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Originally published on the Christian Post, September 14, 2018

Dear Chuck,

My husband and I are just got married and are realizing the severity of our debt problems. We both just graduated with student loans, car loans, and some credit card debt. Until this point, we honestly didn’t know we should have been spending our money any differently. It was what everyone did and we figured it was “normal.” Do you have any advice on next steps we should take?

In Debtors Prison

Dear Prisoner,

Thanks for writing. While I have some tips for you below, the scenario you describe is sadly the “normal” for many young people like yourself.

A recent article released findings of a 2018 study by Northwestern Mutual citing the age of Americans most deeply in debt. They surveyed over 2,000 adults, nearly a quarter of whom were Millennials (18-34). Those between the ages of 25 and 34 were found to owe an average of $42,000. This is excluding home mortgages.

This is typically made up of student loans, car loans, credit card debt and store accounts.

What frightens me is that the rapid accumulation of debt at such a young age has become such a widely-adopted lifestyle. It has become “no big deal,” even according to some experts! The article quoted a financial planner who believes most young people do not attain a positive net worth until their early to mid-30s. This kind of outlook is contrary to biblical stewardship and dangerous for young people who are struggling to get ahead.

How Debt is Accumulated

The world tells young people they can cover their loans based on job opportunities, future income, a growing stock market, the promises of politicians, on and on. It is easy to justify our desires and actions. I know. I’ve been there.

Even with good salaries, debt can quickly add up. An analysis of credit card and bank statements will reveal a common thread that reveals illiteracy in the realm of “needs versus wants.” In day-to-day life, this illiteracy manifests itself as excessive charges for clothes, eating out, travel, cars, private school tuition, impulse purchases, mobile phones, entertainment, extravagant gifts, etc.

A misunderstanding of needs versus wants is  also seen in the smaller, less extravagant expenses – running through the drive-thru because you didn’t have dinner planned, overbuying at the grocery store because you forgot your list, not looking for coupons because you’re in a rush, going out to dinner with friends because you don’t want to miss out. These “sneaky expenses” can put you in financial bondage just as easily as a designer handbag.

Without realizing it, many have enslaved themselves to a debtor’s lifestyle, forsaking the freedom found in simple living. They blindly follow the crowd, are influenced by social media and everything the world throws at them, and are often guided by an internal fear of missing out.

Unknowingly, the trivial begins to dictate their life. When meaning is confused with minutia, thinking is numbed and energy wasted.

Lies People Believe

There are many false philosophies that Americans believe about debt but I will highlight two that I find to be particularly significant.

• Student Loans

Many students (and parents) assume that student loans are necessary to get a college education, or at least an education worth having.

In many circumstances, there are options for students to obtain a college education without accumulating debt; dual enrollment in high school, CLEP tests, AP classes and tests, community colleges, state-sponsored programs, scholarships, and online courses can all significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to get an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.

If a family does decide to take out student loans for college, it can be difficult deciding who the burden should fall on – students or parents. I would encourage all families to take a look at alternative options before signing any financing paperwork.

As you now know, graduating with a burden of debt can put a pause on your future plans and cause strain on your finances, relationship, and wellbeing. 

• Credit Cards

One of the most misunderstood and violated principles in God’s Word is about credit. Many believe that you should never borrow money. Others miss all the warnings in Scripture about debt and borrow in excess.

Like many things, there is a balance when it comes to credit cards. The way the world uses them – to get more, bigger, better faster – will drive you into financial bondage and stress.  A dependency on credit cards is promoted as the best way to increase your credit score. They are sold to young people like yourself with no responsibility to explain what’s in the fine print.

God’s Word never forbids us from being in debt or using credit cards. However, it strongly warns us against it because of the dangers that debt presents. I don’t think there is anything wrong with using credit cards, as long as they’re used responsibly.

I use one but strictly adhere to these guidelines:

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

Because our society is of the world, it naturally breaks the biblical principles about money that God has given to us for our well-being. God intends for His people to be in the world but not of it (John 17). By working hard, planning for the future, living self-controlled, upright lives we can experience an abundant life.

How to Change Your Financial Future

Pay off your debt as soon as possible. Double up on payments if possible. The longer the terms, the more interest is charged and the greater the total debt. I suggest the snowball method. It has been verified by researchers who report, “…we tested the hypothesis that the one-account-at-a-time strategy led subjects to work harder and repay their debts more quickly because they feel they are making greater progress toward the ultimate goal of becoming debt free…”

If you have overwhelming credit card debt, get in touch with our partners at Christian Credit Counselors. Finding the extra cash in your budget to attack your debt can feel overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help:

• Live below your means, set goals, and aim for no debt.
• Adopt a “no cash – don’t buy” mindset for everything possible.
• Be patient, self-controlled, and stop all impulse buying.
• Take a spending fast challenge: a weekend, month, quarter or a year.
• Eat what you have in the pantry or refrigerator for a week.
• Choose to buy used or sale items only if needed.
• Take a mission trip to serve refugees or people living in impoverished communities.
• Opt out of prescreened credit offers.
• Rent until a sizable down payment is saved along with an emergency account.
• If married, don’t depend on both incomes. Get on the same financial page with your spouse and align your philosophy of money.
• Confess, repent and seek accountability.

Income – Expenses = Freedom & Joy

A lifestyle free of debt is not one of deprivation but a reward for thoughtful living! This is possible when our identity is firmly rooted in Christ not things of this world. Make it your goal to be a lender and a giver, not a borrower and a hoarder. Then, you will experience true financial freedom.

Originally published on the Christian Post, September 7, 2018

Hi Chuck,

I was struck by the example of former President Jimmy Carter when I read that he lives in a modest home and has a frugal lifestyle. I think I would have a hard time living beneath my means if I had been President of the United States! It seems he is extremely content with what he has. What advice would you give someone looking for the same?

Seeking Contentment

Dear Seeking Contentment,

Jimmy Carter, our 39th president, now age 93, lives in a home he built himself back in 1961. The two-bedroom ranch appraised at $167,000, which is less than the median home price in Georgia, and the two Secret Service vehicles parked nearby.

He decided not to join corporate boards or speak for big money because he didn’t want to “capitalize financially” on being in the White House. He does not condemn those who do, but admits his ambition was never to be rich. He shops at Dollar General and flies on commercial airlines.

Carter lives comfortably and is content with his book income and an annual pension of $210,700. Nearly every weekend, he and Rosalynn walk to a friend’s home to have dinner on paper plates. He has helped renovate 4,300 homes in 14 countries with Habitat for Humanity, teaches Sunday School, and is committed to living a modest lifestyle.

The State of Discontentment

In spite of such an example, and many others who are like President Carter, there are millions of people who live in a state of perpetual discontentment. Arriving at the place where you know that “enough is enough” seems to be an elusive destination no matter how much or how little one has. This cycle of discontentment is fueled by a number of factors: our identity, our lack of understanding our purpose, and certainly the constant barrage of advertising that teaches us to be discontent with what we have.

Finding Contentment

True contentment will never be found in things of this world. It is found ultimately in the Lord. The Westminster Shorter Catechism declares that the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. But that gets muddied in society’s desire for more and more.

It boils down to one’s attitude and philosophy about money. Adopting a biblical perspective grants us the ability to become wise stewards who make smart decisions and find contentment in all situations. But it is a daily battle. We have to arm ourselves, both offensively and defensively, to live out what we believe.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirit of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Knowing God’s philosophy of money and wealth is critically important to protect oneself against the storms caused by deception. Our enemy actively attempts to deceive anyone he can with financial falsehoods that lead people astray from their primary purpose and joy.

Good beliefs produce good behavior. When the roots of our belief systems are transformed, we will bless others. Prior to that transformation, it’s not uncommon for individuals and couples to find themselves bound by rudeness, arrogance, stubbornness, pride, jealousy, excessive spending, envy, lying, cheating, stealing, unfaithfulness and mountains of debt.

What the Bible Says

Put politics aside and contrast President Carter’s lifestyle with the lives of royalty and former presidents. He has not chased riches and has followed the wise advice of Solomon,

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23: 4-5 NIV)

The Apostle Paul spoke truth about contentment and money into the life of young Timothy, whom he loved like a son:

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:6-9 ESV)

The Lord is concerned with our heart’s attitude towards money. Rich or poor, we all have the responsibility to keep our priorities straight, to commit our work to the Lord, to avoid wasting time on things that won’t last into eternity, and to be good and faithful stewards.

The philosophy of more, better, and faster breeds poor financial decisions. It is a common trait among those who lack contentment. Comparing what you have to the things you could have yields a mindset that what you have is never good enough.

You can arrive at the place of contentment by following Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:11- 13:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

You see, Paul learned to be content apart from his circumstances. In fact, he learned to be content regardless of his financial condition. True contentment is knowing God’s plan for your life (purpose), having the conviction to live it (faith), and believing that God’s peace is greater than the world’s problems (renewing your mind).

Whether you are a former president, an executive, housewife, or teacher, it requires a willingness to say “no” to things of this world and “yes” to the things of God.

Originally published on the Christian Post, August 31, 2018.

Dear Chuck,

I drive past those Cash Advance and Payday Loan places just about every day but had never paid much attention until one of my friends got in financial trouble. She had just lost her job and was behind on rent so she went to get an advance and it ended up being a horrible experience and she lost a lot of money. She had no idea what she was really getting into. But looking back, I don’t know what she could have done differently. How are those places legal and how can we stop the same thing from happening to others?

Not A Payday

Dear Not a Payday,

First of all, I am so sorry for your friend. Unfortunately, she is not alone in what she has experienced and it can be extremely difficult to recover from this kind of financial crisis. However, I am thankful she has a friend like you to help and encourage her. I’ll outline some practical next steps you can help her take. But first, I want to explain a little more about payday loans.

What Is a Payday Loan?

Payday loans (and a closely-related product, auto title loans) offer fast cash without requiring much approval. The repayment on these short-term loans is typically due the next payday. On the surface, they seem like a fair option if you need to cover rent, utilities bill, or make it to the end of the month.

But what is not advertised is the high risk and hefty interest rate attached to these loans. As American Progress put it:

“Not only are these types of loans far more expensive than most other financial products—charging interest rates 10 times to 20 times higher than a typical credit card—but rather than serving as a lifeline, they are often a leaky life vest drowning families in debt and sinking them into financial ruin.”

Payday loans can carry more than 300% interest rates. To put that in perspective, the maximum allowable penalty interest rate on credit cards is 29.99%. With such extreme interest rates, missing one payment can make it nearly impossible to repay the original loan, causing many to turn to more payday loans to finance the first, creating a cycle of overwhelming debt.

These types of institutions are often called predatory lenders because they often enslave the financially vulnerable, those with limited credit options, or those with limited financial knowledge. They can trap many and drive them to rock bottom. A 2012 Pew report reported that 12 million Americans take out payday loans annually. More than 5% of all American adults have used one within the past five years.

The government has attempted to rein in payday lenders with oversight and policy fixes, but some operations are deceptive and illegal by taking advantage of the financially distressed. In January, the NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) compiled a list of payday lending statutes by state. In Texas, the number of payday lenders outnumbers grocery stores.

Even with the government’s efforts to rein in the payday lenders, many, like your friend, don’t know where else to turn for help in desperate need.

Alternatives to Payday Loans

Some, like J. D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy, have been helped by payday loans and didn’t suffer extreme consequences. Others may have similar stories, but millions fall victim every year and cannot break free. I recommend avoiding them at all costs.

The Bible has much to say on money and debt. God is clear He wants us to avoid debt because of the burden it causes and the restrictions it forces us to live within.

Proverbs 22:7 says, “the borrower is slave to the lender”.

Exodus 22:25 says, “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”

Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Instead of turning to dangerous loans, here are some alternatives:

1. Seek Wise Counsel

When someone you know is in financial trouble, point them to God. Like the Apostle Paul said, He is the Owner and Provider of everything.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

If you are in financial crisis, talk to a wise friend, mentor, pastor, or family member before making any decisions. It can be difficult to admit when you’re in crisis, but wise advice and counsel can save you from painful consequences later on.

2. Ask for Help

Asking for help certainly isn’t easy but sometimes necessary! James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” It takes humility, but your friend could have asked her landlord for an extension, gone to church, family, or friends. Accepting a loan from a friend or family member also comes with risk, so be wise in who and how you ask. My friend, Peter Greer, of Hope International, offers these alternatives to payday loans.

3. Get Creative

Pick up extra hours at work, offer to clean, mow yards, or run errands for friends. Try to sell clothing, decor, or other items around your house on Craiglist, Facebook, or at a pawn shop. You can find more ideas here. You may be able to get a personal loan from a bank or credit union. And, lastly, a credit card cash advance has high interest rates but lower than payday loans and easier payback terms.

Getting Back on Your Feet

The circumstances that drive people to take out payday loans are different for everyone. Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, regardless of how much money they make. The problem we face is a lack of financial margin, not a lack of finances. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to create financial margin, but it can be done. There are basic things you can do (or help your friend do) to prevent that kind of crisis from happening again.

The first step is to develop an emergency savings account. This will help you avoid debt or credit card dependency in the future. Start with a goal of $1,000 and don’t touch it unless it’s a true emergency!

Then, make a budget. This will require you to get organized and have a realistic view of your finances. Remember, that “if your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall.” Cut all unnecessary expenses – that includes cable, eating out, shopping, subscriptions, and other luxuries.

Next, get out of debt. If you have overwhelming credit card debt, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. To create a debt-payoff plan today, go through our mini video series, 5 Steps to Debt-Free Living and use the debt snowball calculator.

Be Encouraged

I hope you are able to help your friend overcome the financial challenges she is facing right now. You can find many resources online at crown.org or speak with one of our staff members by calling 800-722-1976. They’d love to pray with you and help you find the resources you need.

There IS hope!

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Originally published on the Christian Post, August 24, 2018

Dear Chuck,

I have 3 kids and they’re all getting to ages where we have more spiritual discussions. They seem to pay attention to everything I do, say everything I say, and question everything. “Why” seems to be my three-year-olds favorite word. How do I start sharing the Gospel with them at such a young age? It seems that, just like money, we need to steward the Good News as well. Any advice?

Parenting for Christ

Dear Parenting for Christ,

What a wonderful question! And one that believers should be motivated to act on with urgency and love. Christian parents desire to see their children walking in the Truth and living out a life of faith. But it requires diligence to set this example, and their faith is ultimately their decision. It is God who completes His work in the lives of our loved ones. We must be faithful to do our part and trust Him to do His.

There are things my wife, Ann, and I did right and things we did wrong when raising our four boys. We’ve celebrated victories and suffered setbacks in parenting. We are far from the example to be admired or followed. But we continue to trust God, praising Him, yet constantly asking Him to work in us and in them and to make us better parents. Since our children range from ages 17 to 35, we have had lots of opportunities to learn and grow.

Parent With Love

We must parent in love, remembering God’s kindness and mercy to us, along with all the characteristics of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. We are stewards of what God has revealed to us through His Word and through our experiences in the body of Christ. We are totally dependent upon His grace. Like Paul, we desire that they guard the truth and walk in it.

Children need to see and experience God’s love in action. The Good News is life-giving – not a set of rules and behavior that must pass inspection. If we don’t understand the difference we will provoke our children and create expectations that they cannot achieve.

Raise Adults, Not Children

Nurturing your children is a delicate balance and the equation for each will probably be different. Consider the conditions that plants need to grow. If we over-fertilize we can damage them as much as if we were to neglect them. We cannot force a seedling to bear fruit. It takes time and the God-given necessities of sun and water. Our children, likewise, need lots of time and nourishment.

As parents, we should focus on raising our children to be God-fearing, faithful stewards. You’re really raising adults, not children! The Gospel grants us the ability to honor them as image-bearers and recognize that maturity will come. So, we cling to the directives given by Moses, humbly abiding in Christ’s love, to effectively minister in the lives of our family members.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ESV)

Let me suggest a few dos and don’ts that we’ve learned through the years.

DO

• Have regular family worship and make it enjoyable. Sing, pray, read the Bible aloud, letting the children take turns reading as soon as they can, give thanks and memorize scripture together. You can invite family friends to participate and join when possible.
• Practice hospitality by hosting small groups, fellowships, and dinners so your children witness joy in the body of Christ.
• Give time and money to the church, the poor, widows and organizations that are Gospel-centered and effectively helping others. Model looking to serve the needs of others.
• Live humbly and gratefully.
• Do not overindulge. Children benefit from having fewer toys.
• Encourage them to give of their own belongings and money.
• Emphasize the heart behind the action, not the action by itself.
• Praise and affirm often.
• Regularly pray blessings over them.
• Lead by example.
• Have fun and laugh a lot!

DON’T

• Neglect your responsibility to teach your children the Word of God. Their Christian school, church, small groups, friends, and mentors should be reinforcements of the principles you’ve already taught them.
• Criticize or use sarcasm.
• Discipline in anger.
• Be demanding. Instead, encourage in love.
• Discourage questions (especially the really tough ones!).
• Talk about, gossip or criticize their siblings (or others) in front of them.
• Express disgust or embarrassment in word or action.
• Forget they are tender shoots who desperately want your approval and need your love in a harsh world (even when they act like they don’t).
• Set up rules that are impossible to follow and destroy love, mercy, and grace.
• Be overly righteous and pious about your faith. Growth and maturity may involve pain and hard lessons.

Pray For Your Children  

Thank God for each child – challenging and quirky as they may be. He has entrusted them to your care and does not expect you to do it on your own. He will never leave you or forsake you!

Ask God to protect them from the enemy, to grant them discernment, to stand firm and love what He loves and hate what He hates. Remember that God ultimately draws them unto Himself.

Pray for your own endurance. Parenting isn’t easy! And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 ESV)

My hope is that parents faithfully raise young men and women to stand in this world as Daniel and his friends did. Pray for children who are …skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace (Daniel 1:4) May they be like …men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do… (1 Chronicles 12:32).

If you are looking for more practical help, I’d recommend our MoneyWise Kids book. It will give you the tools to talk about and teach biblical financial principles to your children.

Originally published on the Christian Post, August 17, 2018.

Dear Chuck,

Amazon Prime day just recently took place, and I found lots of great deals. Many of my friends took to social media to share great sales they found, and it was well-talked about at work for several days. While big sales like this can be great for saving us money, I actually was saddened by the number of people I saw trying to fill a void with stuff. I think something similar happens on Black Friday. How do we strike the right balance between finding good sales and spending out of line?

Sad Shopper

Dear Sad Shopper,

We live in a materialistic society that constantly bombards us with things of this world. The enemy is hard at work creating countless ways to distract us from our chief end of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. It is time Christians take Paul’s command seriously and wage war in an effort to protect ourselves from deception (and, to warn others!):

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 ESV)

Greed is ugly. We saw this as revealed in last year’s reports of Black Friday brawls, shootings and the closing of a mall in Alabama. But we should not be surprised. Solomon described it well:

A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched. (Proverbs 28:25 ESV)

Here are a few tips to avoid falling into this materialistic trap.

Think It Through

When you (or those you love) are tempted to shop, – extravagantly or not, ask these questions.

• WHY do you want it?
• Do you really NEED it?
• Can you LIVE without it?
• Do you HAVE the money to pay for it?
• Do you have the ROOM to store it or the TIME to care for it?

As Isaiah asked,

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live… (Isaiah 55:2-3a ESV)

No sale, no things, nothing apart from the Lord will satisfy the longings of the human heart. That’s why we must substitute our wants for the temporal with the desires for that which lasts. We need to keep an eternal perspective!

Recognize a Good Sale

However, I do love a good bargain! It is wise stewardship to take advantage of these sales to purchase items that you need or have been saving up for at a discounted price. You shouldn’t feel any guilt in spending money on something on sale, as long as you’ve budgeted for it. Finding great sales on specialty items and everyday basic necessities is a great way to steward what God has given you.

Develop a Thankful Heart

Throughout Scripture, we are told to give thanks and to remember the mighty works of God. Dwelling on Him, our Provider and Savior, frees us from the things of this world. But, it is a discipline developed through daily prayer, Bible reading, and encouragement from others.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17 ESV)

Guard Your Heart

We must intentionally guard our hearts through self-control. Here are a few ways:

• Check your friends. Do they cause you to want?
• Fast from social media.
• Adopt a capsule wardrobe.
• Recognize your fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Understand that children benefit from fewer toys.
• Figure how many hours you must work to afford the item.
• If you have a true need, can you find it used or borrow it?
• If you think you will need it in the future, can you trust God to provide it then?
• Deposit the money you want to spend into a savings account.

Remember: Less is more, less to clean, and less to store!

Our society is drowning in debt, searching for true, lasting satisfaction. Christians will find joy and fulfillment when choosing to consider the plight of others and to give generously. God promises to bless that!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)

Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.

(John 6:27 NIV)

Be inspired by the words of David Livingstone:

I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of God. If anything will advance the interests of the kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time or eternity.

We have been given the incredible privilege of stewarding what God has generously provided. Let us keep our eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and live fully surrendered to Him.

Originally published on the Christian Post August 10, 2018

Dear Chuck,

I am getting a little older in age, and things that were once simple, like exercising, require a LOT more effort. I’ve been advised over the years that good stewardship of your health is also good stewardship of your finances because being in good health can save you so much money. What’s your advice on the best way to do that and any tips on insurance plans or ways to save?

Thanks!

Senior Steward

Dear Senior,

You have brought up a topic that I take very seriously! Stewardship of our health directly impacts our finances. That’s why I walk and swim laps at home and walk or use hotel fitness centers when traveling.

There’s no doubt that many health-related expenses are beyond our control. But fortunately, more of our healthcare costs than we realize are directly related to lifestyle choices. Fortunately? Yes, because with discipline and perseverance, the choices we make can often reduce the amount of money we spend on healthcare. For example, a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of obesity, heart attacks, high cholesterol, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and even cancer, as well as reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and sleep issues.

Obesity

Obesity is a serious health concern and financial burden. It is associated with poorer mental health, reduced quality of life, and many of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It puts us at risk physically and financially.

A 2014 article in The Fiscal Times reported that more than one-third of all adults and 17 percent of young people are obese, and experts predict that the adult obesity rate could reach 50 percent by 2030, according to one study. The author notes that “Scott Kahan, director of the National Center for Weight & Wellness at George Washington University, pegs the total cost of obesity – including direct medical and non-medical services, decreased worker productivity, disability and premature death – at $305.1 billion annually.”

Inactivity

One study concluded that inactivity costs the world economy approximately $68 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. The United States alone is estimated to lose almost $28 billion every year. Most of the global costs were carried by governments and businesses, but nearly $10 billion is out-of-pocket costs.

The same study also found that, on average, someone who walked or worked out for 30 minutes five times a week saved $2,500 a year in health care expenses related to heart disease than someone who did not exercise. That includes annual savings of nearly $400 on prescriptions plus fewer visits to emergency rooms or hospital stays.

The Cost

One comparison outlines the impact of various health stewardship habits on the overall cost of healthcare. The difference in healthcare costs between smokers and non-smokers is roughly $2,056 per person per year. The difference between those who are physically active and those who are not is about $1,313 per year. Having high blood pressure costs an additional $733 per year, obesity adds $2,085, and those with diabetes spend $2,151 more than those who are diabetes-free. Our experts rarely prescribe long-term treatment with Valium due to the great amount of side effects it can cause. Such therapy is prescribed for chronic depression and anxiety. A short course of therapy is used when it is necessary to stop an acute and at the same time a sudden attack of fear or relieve the nervous state. You can read more at https://consejocounseling.org/consejomed/valium/ As a rule, a short treatment course lasts no more than seven days. In this case, the dosage is 0.5 mg three times a day.

A full night’s sleep and regular exercise has been linked to higher pay. “Those who are fortunate enough to stay healthy are likely to do better financially,” says James Poterba, a professor of economics at MIT, who studied household assets by health status using data from the early 1990s to 2008. He discovered that the healthiest people in their fifties had more than double the assets of the least healthy. People are discovering that getting healthy is one way to get wealthy.

Self-control is key. Solomon wrote, Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. (Proverbs 23:19-21 ESV)

He also wrote A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Proverbs 25:28 ESV) A fool is one who does not control himself and leaves himself vulnerable to enemies, in this case, our health and wealth.

Tips

• Drive less and walk more.
• Grow some of your food. You get exercise, vitamin D, and more nutrients.
• Work out. Find something you enjoy doing and stick with it. A friend or family member can provide great support and accountability.
• Give up bad habits. Set goals, have someone hold you accountable, and reward yourself periodically with a pair of running shoes, new socks, t-shirt, etc.
• Pack your lunch. It reduces costs and the temptation to eat more calories than you need.
• Lose weight. Dropping a few pounds can save you 25% or more on life insurance.
• Drink water. Families spend $850 a year on soft drinks that add pounds and negatively affect teeth and bones.
• Consume less sugar to boost your immune system and lower your sick days.

Health insurance is costly! Many believers are choosing to share medical bills. Several organizations offer plans where members must pledge to make healthy lifestyle choices because those choices impact healthcare costs.

Your finances are affected by the choices you make. Steward well and you will benefit physically and financially!

Originally published on the Christian Post August 3, 2018

Dear Chuck,

Some of my closest friends are going through a nasty divorce right now. Apparently, they had both been hiding financial information, credit cards, debt, etc. from each other for a number of years, and the fallout has been detrimental. I’ve heard of more couples experiencing “financial infidelity” lately and it makes me so sad. How can I help my friend and others like them?

Fighting for Fidelity

Dear Fighting,

This saddens me as well. Financial infidelity is, in effect, cheating on a spouse. Learning that both had been deceiving one another had to be particularly difficult for you. But I cannot personally imagine the emotions in discovering one’s own spouse’s deception. Let me give you some facts and then some specific advice.

Financial Infidelity on the Rise  

A poll from the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 2 in 5 Americans admit to lying about or withholding money information from their partner. USA Today reports that 15 million people have admitted to hiding financial information from their spouse, and 9 million used to but don’t anymore.

It is a growing problem. The repercussions can be as significant as emotional or sexual infidelity. Financial Family law attorney Steven Mindel says, “More marriages fall apart for financial reasons than for fidelity reasons…marriages are built on trust and anytime you breach the trust of the other party, it damages the relationship. Getting married is like the merging of two enterprises.”

He’s right! Marriage is a relationship that could be described as a “yoke” where two are tied to the same harness, pulling to accomplish a common task. But, it’s more than that, because a yoke can be removed. A marriage is much more like the partnership of the left and right hands of the same person. They are perfectly matched but totally opposite. God says the two become one.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

Staying United

To function properly, a marriage takes both hands working together under a common head. Communication and planning grounded in biblical financial principles are the keys to financial success. Objective and measurable goals grant couples the opportunity to dialogue, encourage one another, and celebrate victories. It is assumed the relationship is built on trust, a currency of greater value than any amount of money.

An interesting insight is found in Jesus’ words regarding the deceitfulness of riches in Matthew 13:22 – As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

Deception dulls spiritual awareness. Guilt causes believers to withdraw from God, making subsequent deceptions easier because less conviction is felt. A pretense of spirituality may remain but the hypocrisy can lead to frustration or overwhelming guilt.

How to Help

Pray and ask God to give you wisdom and discernment and to give you the right words to say. Ask Him to prepare their hearts to receive truth. Go with the hope of restoration.

With an attitude of compassion, seek honesty in the situation. Often, a spouse may lie to avoid conflict or ignore financial problems. Sometimes the truth is withheld because one spouse felt they had no confidence in the other. Maybe they fell into deception out of embarrassment of poor decisions or the inability to provide as expected.

Whatever the motive, confession and forgiveness must take place. A private setting may be the best approach to this. Complete honesty and transparency are essential. Gently point them toward rebuilding a foundation of trust built on the love of God.

Like Solomon said, “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.”

God’s way is always best. If they can commit to plan for their future together, trust can be rebuilt. They need to hold each other accountable and find ways to celebrate achievements along the way.

Learning God’s financial principles is the next crucial step. Our MoneyLife Indicator is a free assessment that measures what a person believes about money and how those beliefs are actually put into practice. This is a great tool to get couples on the same page financially and spiritually. In addition, I highly recommend they participate in a financial Bible study, to learn what God says about money. They’ll need to create a budget, where all accounts, debts and responsibilities are discussed openly.

They may need to repair their finances. Christian Credit Counselors help free individuals and families from the burden of credit card debt.

Offense and Defense

With many couples I have counseled, one is better at making or earning the money and one is better at managing or protecting their finances. Ask if they are willing to divide up responsibilities to solve this problem as if they were a sports team. One takes the offense (earning and multiplying the family income) while the other takes the defense (managing the family budget and being sure all the bills are paid). Both will commit to being fully transparent about their accounts and use of funds. In this way, the couple can focus on fighting the problem and not each other. I have seen it work very well in most marriages.

God is more than capable of helping in this situation. Trust Him and praise Him for every step made in restoring this marriage!

My wife and I wrote a book to help couples struggling to get on the same page, Money Problems, Marriage Solutions. It will be a helpful resource to help this couple get reunited.

Originally published on the Christian Post July 27, 2018

Dear Chuck,

I hear you talk about stewardship a lot, and I’ve been trying to be more faithful with the way I manage all my resources. I want to be a steward and would really like to find a mentor to help me. What kind of characteristics should I look for in a mentor? How would I recognize myself as a steward?

Steward in Training

Dear Steward,

I talk a lot about stewardship and the practical steps it takes to live like one now, but I wish I had known about it earlier in life and looked for a godly mentor to help me on my journey! I commend your questions and hope to answer them well.

Understanding True Stewardship

Stewardship is commonly misunderstood. It’s not just about getting out of debt or sticking to a budget. It’s much more than just writing a tithe check every month.

Andrew Murray summed it up this way: The world asks, “What does a man own?” Christ asks, “How does he use it?

Larry Burkett described it like this: When we surrender every area of our lives, including our finances, to God, then we are free to trust Him to meet our needs. But if we would rather hold tightly to those things that we possess, then we find ourselves in bondage to those very things.

Jesus gave us important financial principles in The Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25. In this parable, it is clear that we have the responsibility to manage His property. We’re not the owners of what we have, we’re simply temporary managers. And how seriously we take that responsibility will determine if we are faithful or unfaithful stewards.

Stewardship Doesn’t End Here

Few people truly understand how serious stewardship is. The rewards of good stewardship are eternal. As much as Christians desire to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” I wonder how many know that those words are reserved for the faithful stewards!

Stewardship means we don’t consume all we have been given on ourselves, but have preserved some for others. Those who multiplied what was given to them were commended for their good work (see Matthew 25:14-30) because there were resources available to help and bless those who cannot work. The good stewards were willing and able to give to the hungry, thirsty, sick, prisoners, orphans, widows and aliens to show God’s love to the hurting.

Heaven will involve more stewardship responsibility! It won’t be a celestial vacation spent fishing over the edge of a cloud. It’s where the body of Christ will have the awesome privilege of serving the Creator, Owner, and Master of the Universe for all eternity. The faithful stewards on Earth will be put in charge of cities in Heaven where they will continue to work and serve as stewards of God Almighty.

How to Recognize a Good Steward

So, a faithful steward can be summed up as:

• One who recognizes that God owns everything
• One who faithfully manages resources according to biblical principles
• One who intentionally multiplies resources and uses them for God’s glory
• One who gives cheerfully, saves consistently, invests wisely, and avoids debt
• One who works as unto the Lord

The character of the steward consists of being humble, wise, loving, cheerful, content, grateful and disciplined.

How to Find a Mentor

When seeking a wise mentor, look for someone who has a proven record of financial faithfulness. This person should be one who has walked with the Lord awhile, loves His Word, and serves others. A mentor must have a good reputation, live above reproach, exercise self-controlled, and be humble. One who is compassionate, yet able to give the honest hard truth when needed, capable of teaching, and has available time to spend with you is one with whom you can build a solid relationship. They should be free from any conflict of interest when it comes to discussing your personal financial choices.

Have a look at the characteristics Paul recommended for overseers and elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Once you find the right mentor, meet with them and share your heart to grow in faithfulness and discipline to better meet your financial goals and please the Lord with your stewardship.  Suggest working together through one of many Crown resources. Be sure to include focus on growing in your identity as a steward, your character, and your practices. God wants our heart, not just our wallet.  

God is the best mentor. Spend time with Him through prayer and Bible Study. Memorize His Word and hide it in your heart. Renew your mind with truth and your entire worldview will be transformed by His holiness.

You have touched on a subject dear to the mission of Crown. Consider getting involved in helping us to serve more people like you who have set their hearts towards the ultimate goal of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Originally published on the Christian Post July 20, 2018