Whether it’s because of out-of-control credit card use or the pandemic’s economic crunch, people need to know more about finance. The FDIC recommends “Smart Money for Adults,” with class materials for students and teachers available for free.
The ‘Beginners Guide’ to living within your means
For many people, the answer to unpaid bills and maxed-out credit cards is more money. Funny, but more money generally means only more bills. Living within your means is a longer-term solution and one that can provide peace and satisfaction. Learn this for yourself and teach others! Frugality Magazine explains the principles. (Photo: Varkle69, Creative […]
Educate congregants about year-end giving strategies
Are you helping congregants fully maximize their desire to support your church’s ministries? Consider using the information in this Charity Navigator article to facilitate a conversation about the tax benefits of giving. If you don’t educate and don’t ask, congregants are not likely to invest as fully as possible in your faith community. (Photo: Creative […]
Save for college AND retirement
School will resume in a matter of weeks, and with it comes a reminder to save for higher education. Just make sure that you’re planning for retirement at the same time. This article from Nerdwallet offers three key steps to do both well. (Photo: © GalinaSt – Fotolia.com)
Help your folks learn how to manage their finances
Too many Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, with virtually no savings, stretched credit and precious little cushion. So even if they desire to contribute monetarily to our ministries, they may not be able to. Why not help them manage their money? These education materials from the Federal Trade Commission can help! (Photo © Chris Brignell – Fotolia.com)
Introduction to faithful financial stewardship
This six-week series of sermons, bible study and children’s messages will help teach folks not only the spiritual side of money, but also how to manage their household income more effectively. Prepared by the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, this 87-page guide provides everything you need. (Photo: Filip Pticek, Creative Commons)
Provide lessons in household finance
People who don’t have any money to spare can’t give more to church, and if folks are mismanaging their money they won’t have money to spare. This is most certainly true. Many congregations are responding by teaching household finance. These free lesson plans from the Center for Faith & Giving can equip your church! (Photo […]
Maxed Out: Teach the Spiritual Cost of Debt
In the seemingly affluent United States, out-of-control debt is sort of a quiet monster. It’s sleeping in the suburbs, lurking in the cities, and stalking many working Christians. The good news is that some wise churches are taking on this monster, helping God’s people to manage their money and teaching them how to put their […]
Handling Our Wealth
Good stewardship education helps people see the connections between their use of money and their walk as disciples of Jesus Christ. This series of four short articles explores key ideas in steward discipleship and cites Scripture to back them up. Churches are free to use them in whatever way find useful, and even to reproduce them (with credit, of course!) in newsletters, bulletins or websites! (Photo © Pei Lin – Fotolia.com)
