What’s your new year’s resolution?
The new year is upon us and with it a whole new set of challenges and goals to attain. One of the greatest new years resolutions or goals that people make is one that vows to get their finances in order. After all who has not heard someone around them say, “I want to be debt free this year.”
While on earth Jesus spoke about many things. Perhaps one of his greatest topics was in reference to money. Countless examples are used to illustrate the point of money, whether it is the widow’s mite or the rich young ruler. Beyond Jesus’ own words are also many Old Testament references to money and possessions and how they should be used.
While at times these references can be taken out of context, as a whole they are meant to help guide both ourselves and the people we serve to a better understanding of how to be good stewards of their finances, time and possessions. Needless to say, these passages couldn’t be more relevant as we are currently in one of the toughest financial points in our countries history and finances are a struggle for many people.
Perhaps as we encourage those around us to give and be good stewards of their finances, we need to at times step back and ask ourselves the question, “Do people even understand what it means to be a good steward, or perhaps better yet, do they even understand how to budget their money?”
Quite often in the area of stewardship we put the cart before the horse. We encourage those around us to be good stewards of their finances without ever giving a thought as to whether or not they have ever been taught what this might mean.
To that end let me encourage you to take a look at some great resources. While I realize the subject of money can provide a sore spot for many people, it might also provide an opportunity for dialogue and growth in the individuals you serve. Taking a first step to getting more control in the area of finance can provide not only an emotional freedom but also a spiritual one as individuals learn the joy of managing their finances and eventually giving in a new way.
Financial Peace University
A great place to start might be to take people in your areas of influence through a seminar with Dave Ramsey. While we seem to hear his name over and over again, there is no doubt that Dave is a man on a spiritual mission to change the way we are using our funds. I have heard countless testimonies of lives that have been changed by adapting his simple system into every day life. This might be a great place for someone to start in 2010.
Or, perhaps someone you know just needs to find a better system for tracking their finances. There are countless tools available from very simple applications to ones that are more complex in nature. Each of these tools is designed to provide financial accountability as well as help us all set financial goals and see them through.
You Need A Budget. Great resource for working to manage your money.
Mint-Free personal finance software
These are just a few ideas, and I am sure there are many more out there. Perhaps you have a thought you would like to share, or know of a great resource that might help someone out. Please take a minute and share it with the entire team by simply clicking here!
Dave Ramsey Pockets – 2 from Transit on Vimeo.
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Hey everyone, I’m going through Ramsey’s financial peace university right now with Christy. He has some new insights (for me) mixed in with many truths I already knew, but needed to hear again. He’s a great resource for learning/remembering to manage your money wisely, whether you want to be wealthy or just to stay above the debt-line.