Many of us have fallen into the simple habit of buying stuff we really don’t need. That’s why we have stuffed closets, refrigerators full of food we can’t possibly eat and credit cards that are maxed out. Here are three “financial fasts” that you — can try to build new habits. From the Washington Post. […]
Are you financially ready for the rest of your life? Big question, of course, but this handy checklist from Thrivent Financial can help you determine what you need to do. The list breaks down needs and goals for every life stage. So how are you doing? (Illustration: AJ Cann, Creative Commons)
You see the headlines with alarming regularity: Pastor X was using church money for personal uses. Or Treasurer Y was embezzling money from the congregation. Or even, Offering Collector Z was slipping loose bills from the plate into his pocket. Here are ways to prevent theft and fraud, from AG Financial Solutions. (Photo: Pongsajapan, Creative […]
Author and bookstore co-owner Ann Patchett gave up buying stuff (well mostly) for an entire year. “The unspoken question of shopping is ‘What do I need?’ What I needed was less,” Patchett writes in the New York Times. Read about her year and what she experienced during this experiment. Could you go a whole 365 […]
Sure, Martin Luther shook the 16th century church with his insights about justification by grace through faith, but did you know he had some downright prophetic observations on wealth? Money is a deeply spiritual matter, that reveals and challenges us to love God and neighbor. This article in Luther Seminary’s “Word & World” explains it […]
As North Americans, we live in a money-crazed culture, filled with contradictory messages about wealth and human value — even in church, from pastors, preachers and biblical interpreters. What’s a faithful Christian to think ? This insightful article from Christianity Today may help navigate the choppy waters with a look at some of the most […]
You know the drill: Shop, shop, shop for a Christmas gift. Look, look, look for something that’s nice and within your budget. Spend, spend, spend on your credit card, then pay, pay, pay it off. There’s a better way. Handmade Christmas gifts tell your loved ones that you care because you’ve done more than just […]
Many churches and church leaders mistakenly avoid talking about money. In fact, a theology of money is central to our individual spiritual formation, the health of our institutions and the way we participate in God’s mission in the world, writes David P. King, director of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. He explains why and […]
Call it a three-headed beast: People in midlife often face pressures to save for retirement, to pay for children’s education and help their retired parents. What a bind! But you can slay the beast with some realistic goals and sound planning. This article from Everyday Stewardship magazine has some tips. (Photo: Patrick Feller, Creative Commons)
Pope Francis stirred controversy when he recently declared that people should not hesitate to give money directly to the poor. “Help is always right,” the Pontiff said. But is it wise to give your spare change to panhandlers on the street corner? What if they use it for drugs, or booze? What if they’re really […]
