Browsing Financial Management

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FICO Does Not Equal Financial Fitness

Most people think an excellent FICO score is the key to sound finances, but that’s not the whole picture. Author and blogger Brad Chaffee explains why your FICO score does not equate to financial fitness nor savvy stewardship but rather only measures your ability to manage debt. Click here to read the article. (Photo by… Read more»

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Life, Meaning, & Money

According to philosopher Jacob Needleman, understanding one’s relationship to money is key to discovering meaning and purpose in one’s life. Click here to read Jurriaan Kamp’s interview with Needleman from odewire. (Photo by used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Renewed Consumer Confidence Leaves Frugality Behind

As the economy shows some hopeful signs of rebound, a new study finds that Americans are leaving their new frugality behind in favor of old ways. Click here to read the article by David Mielach posted on the MNN website. (Photo by 401K used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Frugal Fun

Check out Frugal Community, a blog primarily aimed at graduate students in the Twin Cities, and originating from Luther Seminary’s Center for Stewardship Leaders. Even if you aren’t a grad student or living in Minnesota, you’ll find plenty of great tips and ideas for the fun and frugal life. (Photo by luis perez used under… Read more»

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Household budget calculator and analyzer!

Ever wonder where your money goes and why you have so little of it left at the end of the month? You’re not alone. Household budgeting is hard, but this online calculator from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans makes it easier. Just plug in your figures and you’ll be able to see your money flow — and to plan better! (Photo by Thelatin10, via bigstockphoto.com.)

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Financial Fitness in 2012

Here’s a great way to begin the new year! How about a 30-day challenge to address your financial fitness? A new activity will be posted each day to help you become more financial fit in 2012. Click here to read more about the GOOD 30-day Challenge: Get Financially Fit. (Photo by purpleslog used under Creative… Read more»

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Journey from Debt to God

Click here to read Blogger Travis Pizel’s story about how God became more important to him during his family’s journey out of debt. Pizel grew up attending a Lutheran school and church every Sunday, but it wasn’t until a financial crisis hit that his faith strengthened, bringing him closer to God. (Photo by Kim Scarborough… Read more»

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When “No” is a Stewardship “Yes”

Jessica, writing for the Enemy of Debt blog, claims that learning to say “no” is the most important money advice available. She makes a good point. Click here to read her explanation. Sometimes “no” is a stewardship “yes.” (Photo by photogail used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Paying for Higher Ed without Debt

Yes, it can be done–even if you didn’t start that college fund at birth. Click here to read one family’s story and realistic suggestions. These strategies could also be applied to graduate education. (Photo by Tulane Public Relations used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!

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Stewardship and Student Debt

Student debt is an escalating crisis in the United States and a serious stewardship issue. Here’s a link to a detailed 16-page PDF report entitled Student Debt and the Class of 2010. This is a “must read” for anyone preparing for college or graduate school. (Photo by DonkeyHotey used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)