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A Complicated Lesson in Loss

Financial pro Carl Richards lost his house during the housing bubble collapse. More importantly, this loss affected his family and his business. What he learned is a valuable stewardship and life lesson worth sharing. Read his story in The New York Times by clicking here. (Photo by respres used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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This “Magic” Ingredient Prevents Empty Pockets

Click here to read Trent Hamm’s reflection on what is really needed to exercise sound money management and prevent empty pockets. It’s called spending less than one earns, and one magic ingredient makes this recipe for success work. It may sound simple, but as Trent notes, it’s a lot harder to do. Photo by Daniel… Read more»

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Congregational Discernment and Stewardship

The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Playing by the “Rules” of Money Management

Do you play by the “rules” of sound money management, or do you choose to go “rogue” with your finances. Sound stewardship is a freeing experience based on understanding and applying tried and true rules. Read this blog post by Joe Sangl and see where you stand. (Photo by ToGa Wanderings used under Creative Commons… Read more»

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Feeling a Pinch in the Parish?

If so, you are not alone. According to this article by Ron Scherer posted on The Christian Science Monitor’s website, “not since at least 1960 has the US standard of living fallen so fast for so long.” With the average American having $1,315 less in disposable income, church budgets are taking a hit, too.  Solid… Read more»

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The New Financial Reality

It is fact that our children are not destined to inherit our standard of living and financial ease. Trent Hamm, author and blogger, runs a series of numbers in response to a reader’s question that show the extent of how our financial situation has changed and the present and future generations face. The question is… Read more»

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The Seven Deadly Sins of Personal Finance

Here’s an engaging (and entertaining) look at the seven deadly sins of personal finance from award-winning financial blogger Len Penzo. In addition to linking these sins to personal finance, Penzo suggests “penance” for the repentant in the form of additional articles on financial management. (Photo by Muffet used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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“Slow Money” Investing

Concerned about investing in this volatile economy? Want to make a difference with your dollars? Consider “Slow Money” investing, the idea behind a three-year-old non-profit that helps investors both profit and support the local economy. Click here to read the story on mnn.com, reprinted with permission from rodale.com. (Photo by Apuch used under Creative Commons… Read more»

  • September 24
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Financial Behavior Reflects Attitudes about Stewardship

Certified Credit Counselor Suzanne Cramer takes a look at 10 financial principles that often lie at the root of how we look at and manage money. Of course, how we see and use money and other resources is another word for stewardship. Click here to read Cramer’s guest post on the  Enemy of Debt blog.… Read more»

  • September 16
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Financial Fitness for Seminary–Car Payment

So you’re planning to enroll in seminary or another grad school program, but you have an uncomfortable debt load. One place to start is by eliminating any car payments. Read how Elle and her husband did it faster in this post from CoupleMoney. (Photo by Mr. Thomas used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)