In today’s religious climate, many churches struggle to make ends meet as weekly offerings decline. To cope, some are finding creative ways to add new income sources. Luther Seminary’s Grace Pomroy suggests several strategies. From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
You’ve scrimped and saved, but are you really ready to retire? How are you supposed to figure that out? Here are some helpful calculations that could help you decide whether you can actually take the plunge. From Kiplinger personal finance Newsletter. (Photo: Vlada Karpovic, via Pexels)
Some folks joke that they are “shopaholics,” but compulsive shopping is no laughing matter. Oniomania — the technical name for shopping addiciton, is a real and serious mental health concern. The Cleveland Clinic explains. (Photo: Daniel Kulinski, Creative Commons)
This summer it’s not just the temperatures that are skyrocketing — so are our electricity bills as we do our best to stay cool. But what can we do? Bob (This Old House) Villa outlines the mistakes to avoid. (Photo: Creative Commons)
In fact, Jesus talked more about money than even heaven and hell. We should talk about it too, in a healthy, open way that is founded on biblical truth. Here are seven financial essentials from the Bible that can guide your family budgeting. From Lifeway.com. (Photo: SeniorLiving.Org)
A Gift Acceptance Policy helps churches navigate complex and sometimes risky donor gifts. It can help avoid legal and public relations issues, and it helps staff understand how to graciously turn down offers. This template from Brotherhood Mutual provides a wonderful starting point.
Everyone needs to go into debt at some point. But the borrowing world is full of traps and snares, often set by shady businesses! To help you steer clear of the mines, Forbes, the financial magazine, offers this excellent resource. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and churches know that means to expect a couple months of lower offerings. What to do? Hand-wringing is useless, but Temple Management Consulting offers some good tips. (Photo: 19Melissa68, Creative Commons)
Many Americans – correctly – worry about the future of Social Security as the rising number of retirees further strain its finances. What’s the real picture? What are the best and worst scenarios? How to prepare? Investopedia explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Tithing is a biblical benchmark for faithful giving, but is it a mandate? What if we can’t afford it? And if we tithe, should we tithe on our net or gross? Crown Financial Ministries explores the issue and concludes that there’s flexibility in tithing. (Photo: Tax Credits, Creative Commons)
