Faith Based Investing

Labor Day is almost here … the last day of a nice long weekend, three days that I hope you enjoy very much.

The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882, by roughly 20,000 workers who held a giant parade to call for better working conditions. They followed it up with picnics and fireworks. In 1894, Labor Day was made a national holiday … a reward for all the hard work we put in as Americans. Interesting how times change … what started as a day of protest has become a day of leisure and relaxation.

While we relax and enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans, we should remember that some Americans will indeed be at work on Labor Day … in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and here at home, serving our country and serving our communities. We should be especially thankful for that.  I wish you an enjoyable, relaxing Labor Day weekend.

We live in a country filled with abundance.  Do you count your blessings every day?  Can you give more of your time and money for His work?  Or do you spend everything on YOU?  I wrote The Faith-Based Millionaire to help people get more so they would have more to give.  Sometimes we chase meaningless things and labor in vain.   Here is a great song to remind you not to chase meaningless things in life.  Do everything to glorify Him.  Don’t waste your best efforts on things that don’t provide treasures in heaven.  Though world wealth dies at our death, you can send it on ahead by investing in His Kingdom!

“Meaningless Things” by Adam Watts

It is a lie if it freezes your soul
You can chase an attractive wind
When it blows

But if you can stay in the light
And let flesh be lonely
Cries become praise for the Lord

We can be kings of meaningless things
Or we can be slaves of love
We can be kings of fallen things
Or we can be slaves of love

Our eyes are wide
And our ears hear it all
Can we filter the whole wide world
Through a small string of thoughts

We’re living today on the heels of the failing theory
That we all die, so we should live it up

A cry of love, a cry of pain’s enough
To leave us trying to find something our hands can touch
To numb the day
A thousand things will not cure weakness
Only a fall to grace a turn to the face of the Lord

Do you own McDonald’s stock?  Does this company represent your values?  Does it bother you that the fast food giant is promoting homosexuality?  You DO have other “choices”  If you do not agree with McDonald’s position on homosexuality (coming from a company that claims to be pro-family), take a stand!  Take the time to eat elsewhere (it’s probably healthier) and invest elsewhere (know where you’re investing and make new choices).  In the faith-based investing news today:

“Art Ally, president of Timothy Plan, a pro-family values mutual fund company says the extreme actions of McDonald’s have forced the investment firm to publicly clarify that its portfolios won’t include any stock in the worldwide hamburger retailer.

Timothy Plan’s investing includes screening of companies whose revenues or actions support pornography, abortion, anti-family entertainment, or promoting non-married lifestyles. But Art Ally, president of the investment company, says his group normally does not spotlight or publish notices on businesses they screen out. In this case, however, he says the Timothy Plan could not stay silent when McDonald’s went “over the edge.”

“McDonald’s actually has been on our screen or prohibited list since 1999 — so this is nothing new,” says Ally. “What is new is the aggressive approach that they’re moving to, in promoting and supporting the homosexual agenda.”

How aggressive? The fast-food giant’s $20,000 donation to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for a seat on its board of directors, and labeling of those who oppose the homosexual agenda as “haters” — both of which Ally says marked an extreme step up from sponsorship of TV programs and movies with anti-family and pornographic entertainment. Those actions, coupled with offering its employees transgender health benefits, have kept McDonald’s out of Timothy Plan investments to this point, according to Ally.

He believes corporate officials at McDonald’s are shirking their responsibility to make money for shareholders, by alienating the company’s large “family-oriented” customer base with support of the homosexual agenda.”

Ronald McDonald You’ve Crossed the Line.   What can we as Christians do? Stand up for values! Find out where you are investing.  Sitting on the sidelines won’t do it!  If you want to find out if you own McDonalds stock in any of your mutual funds, please email me at info@jayperoni.com.   Read The Faith-Based Millionaire to find out more ways to incorporate your faith into your financial plan.

These Beliefs are Holding You Back:

1) “Money is the root of all evil.”

Money is neither good nor evil. Your relationship with money affects your spiritual, physical, and financial health. The Faith-Based Millionaire teaches you how to have a better relationship with money and align your faith with your financial plan so you will have more money to give.

2) “God wants me to remain poor so I can be more faithful.”

When you learn to “get” so you can “give” more, your perspective will change. Many have this backwards they “give” so they can “get. The Faith-Based Millionaire teaches you how to establish twelve essential habits needed to unlock faith-based wealth.

3) “Net worth is a true indicator of wealth and your ability to retire well.

Net worth is actually a poor measure of wealth. What matters is cash flow, and The Faith-Based Millionaire will teach you how to develop more cash flow.

4) “Debt is always bad.”

When you learn the proper definition of debt and how this understanding can immediately increase your prosperity. In The Faith-Based Millionaire, you will learn about good, bad, and ugly debt.

5) “High risk always equals high returns.”

Learn how to increase your returns and reduce your risk through smart, faith-based investing.

6) “A gain in wealth must come at the expense of others.”

There is an abundance of wealth – enough to go around. The Faith-Based Millionaire begins with a mindset that focuses on maximizing wealth to give more to God’s works.

7) “Maximizing the return on money is more important than the source of the return.”

How can you expect to be blessed by investing in companies and investments that directly oppose God’s Word? God may still bless you, but at what cost? As managers of God’s money, we should seek to make wise decisions that glorify and bring honor to Him.

Why Should I Read this Book?

The Faith-Based Millionaire is a must-read for purpose-driven individuals who

* want to learn the rules that the faith-based wealthy live by.

* desire a purposeful, passionate and prosperous life.

* are tired of getting the same results and long for something more.

* want to grow closer to God by handling finances more responsibly.

Order Your Copy of The Faith-Based Millionaire now. This is the book endorsed by Dan Miller (Author of 48 Days and No More Mondays), Ron Blue (President of Kingdom Advisors and author of Master Your Money), and Larry Julian (Author of God is My CEO).

With all eyes now focused on the Presidential election of 2008, the great question of the week came in:  “Jay, who do you think will help the economy and stock market more: John McCain or Barack Obama?” 

This is a loaded question.  You want me to talk about politics?  As many of you know, I am not shy when it comes to sharing my thoughts on three taboo subjects: faith, politics, and money.  Today I will give you a bonus: ALL THREE!!!

Some believe the Republican strategy of “less government” and lower taxes favor the economy and markets. Many believe that we need to run from the Republican mess George W. Bush got us into.  Others believe that Obama is the second coming of Christ.  He can do no wrong in some people’s eyes.  After all, he is the candidate of “change”.  He sure can give a speech, but is there any substance? How will he handle one of the top concerns on everyone’s mind: THE ECONOMY?

Though I was an economics major in College and received my masters degree is financial planning, I do not claim to be an economic forecaster.  However, I do sort through thousands of articles, news stories, and subscribe to numerous monthly newsletters scouring to find the best sources of information for my audience.  I saw a great article this week from Dr. Mark Skousen.  He has been the editor of Forecasts & Strategies since 1980 and is a nationally known expert on investments and the economy.  He has written over 20 financial books and recently shared his economic opinion on what an Obama Presidency would look like:

What Obamanomics Will Mean for Investors
“Make no mistake: All other issues aside, when it comes to the economy Barack Obama is a throwback to big-government liberals like FDR, LBJ and Jimmy Carter.

His new spending proposals alone — on health care and “green” energy, for instance — would add an estimated $800 million to the federal budget.

As for the tax hikes to pay for all this, my friend Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calculates that the Obama tax plan adds up to a 39.6% personal income tax, a 52.2% combined income and payroll tax, a 28% capital-gains tax, a 39.6% dividends tax, and a 55% estate tax.

And remember: Obama and his fellow Democrats — who are likely to enjoy strengthened majorities in Congress come November — don’t have to do anything for these tax hikes to take effect. They simply have to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire on schedule, as they have promised to do.

My friends, you can’t have capitalism without capital. Yet, Obama wants to penalize capital, individual and corporate.

The bottom line? If he’s elected, Barack Obama would no doubt lead the nation toward the kind of socialism now operating in Western Europe — where production and growth can be charitably described as stagnant.

And that’s bad news for American business — and for most American stocks.”

Pretty interested perspective from an economist like Mark…  For those who think Obama is the “new” savior for this struggling economy, think again!  There’s only One savior who is in control.  I have faith that we as a country will elect the right leader.  I pray for our country’s direction and that we take back our country.  Let us get back to the values of our forefathers – hope, love, and faith in God!  Too many Christians sit on the sidelines and don’t get involved.  Stand up for God’s values.  Christian voters can make a difference!

Help Spread the Word

Know of others who would enjoy my blog? Please pass my website along to friends, relatives, and co-workers.  I have a mighty goal of reaching 1,000,000 people by 2018. I NEED YOUR HELP!

I truly want to help more of God’s people make wiser decisions with their money so they will have more to give.  Many people ”give” to ”get”.  I believe we should “get” in order to “give”.  By having more financial resources, we will have a greater opportunity to spread God’s love.  

Faith-based Investing is gaining momentum!   More and more news stories are looking at the moral responsibility that comes when you invest.   Are your values reflected in your investment portfolio?  Are you concerned about having exposure to companies distributing, producing, and involved in the adult entertainment industry?

Rightside Advisors recently published an article on “ethical Investing” that I thought was pretty interesting…   The article is at www.rightsideadvisors.com.   One part of the article talks about pornography, it reads:

“ And what to make of pornography? A U.S. coalition of family-focused lobby groups wants hotel companies either to purge their rooms of pornographic TV channels or force lonely travelers to make an embarrassing phone call to “opt in” for such services. Marriott, a perennial target, has said its chain of child-friendly Nickelodeon resorts will be launched porn-free.

For hotel groups, securing a slice of the action from sales of pay-per-view porn is tempting.  LodgeNet, an entertainment equipment supplier, serves 1.8 million hotel rooms with movies,  not all of them “mature-themed”, and made revenues of $486 million in 2007. Its average monthly per room revenue from movies, including mainstream releases, was $15.80 last quarter.

Such companies negotiate master contracts with hotel chains, or strike separate deals with owners, that see them install the equipment for free for 5-7 years. Franchise fees for hotel groups are driven by room bookings, not extras, and the contribution from movie commissions to an hotelier’s bottom line is seldom transparent. How valuable porn is to them may become clear if it survives in the face of adverse publicity, lawsuits and boycotts by anti-porn campaigners.

Could ethical investors tilt the balance? The Timothy Plan, a “biblically-based” mutual fund group, for example, avoids hotels that offer adult content and companies that install the equipment. But, for the moment, such investors lack muscle. U.S. religious mutual funds manage just $11 billion, according to Morningstar, in a multitrillion-dollar industry.”

Why do we lack muscle?  Shouldn’t more Christians be concerned about investing in companies producing pornography? Are you doing your part?

Here are the main categories of adult entertainment:

Adult media

The production or distribution of adult-oriented publications, motion pictures, or television productions. This includes NC-17 motion pictures, TV-MA rated television programs, unrated sexually explicit motion pictures, sexually explicit publications and the provision of sexually explicit videos to consumers via satellite, cable, or rental.

Sexually explicit Internet operations

The operation or production of sexually explicit websites (including pod casts) or hosting services for sexually explicit websites.  Adult software or video games The production of software or video games rated as Mature or Adults Only by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.

Sexually explicit live performance

The operation of clubs restricted to adults (as defined by local or state ordinance) that provide sexually explicit or nude live entertainment or the operation of live phone sex services.

So what do you do?

If you desire your portfolio to be free of pornography, it will take some effort on your part.  There are many resources to find out where you are investing.  Turning a blind eye doesn’t make it go away.  Take a stand and find out if your portfolio reflects your values.  Either use online tools to research your portfolio or seek the services of a financial professional who specializes in helping clients incorporate their values into their financial plan.  Four great online screening resources include:

www.moralmoney.com

www.evalueator.com

www.briinstitute.com

www.iwfinancial.com

To find a faith-based financial advisor in your area, you can also go to:

www.kingdomadvisors.org

www.nacfc.com

To learn more about faith-based financial planning read The Faith-Based Millionaire.  You can download the first three chapters for free on www.jayperoni.com

The Washington Post moments ago published a story about Obama’s abortion position.  According to the story “Evangelical Christian leaders of TheCall DC, a large youth prayer rally slated for Saturday on the Mall, criticized presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama on Friday for his liberal votes on abortion.

“We’re not endorsing a candidate,” lead organizer Lou Engle said. “We’re challenging politicians who say they’re Christian but have voted 100 percent for late-term abortions and partial-birth abortions.”

He added, “I don’t want to be courted by his Christianity or his charisma, but by his voting record.” (End quote)

Do you vote for politicians based on your values?  Whether you know it or not, you vote every day with your values.  You vote where you work, where you spend and donate money, and where you invest.  Many people have strong values, yet neglect to include their values in their financial portfolios.

Are you pro-life or pro-abortion? Are your investments pro-life or pro-abortion? Do you even know?  A typical mutual fund has exposure to many companies involved in various capacities within the abortion industry.   Here are eight examples:

Abortion Companies can fall into eight main categories:

1)   Companies manufacturing substances that are used to voluntarily terminate pregnancy.

2)   Companies manufacturing emergency substances that are taken within 120 hours after intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy.

3)   Companies manufacturing non-emergency contraceptives including barrier, chemical, hormonal, or hybrid contraceptives.

4)   Companies involved in the marketing or licensing of abortion related substances or services.

5)   Companies that provide voluntary abortion services.

6)   Companies providing monetary and other forms of support to Planned Parenthood.

7)   Companies doing research that involves performing fetal tissue research with tissues “harvested” through induced abortions.

8)   Companies providing insurance for elective abortions when not mandated by law.

If you desire your portfolio to be pro-life, it will take some effort on your part.  There are many resources to find out where you are investing.  Turning a blind eye doesn’t make it go away.  Take a stand and find out if your portfolio reflects your values.  Either use online tools to research your portfolio or seek the services of a financial professional who specializes in helping clients incorporate their values into their financial plan.  Four great online screening resources include www.moralmoney.com, www.evalueator.com, www.briinstitute.com, and www.iwfinancial.com.  To find a faith-based financial advisor in your area, you can also go to www.kingdomadvisors.org or www.nacfc.com.

To learn more about faith-based financial planning read The Faith-Based Millionaire.  You can download the first three chapters for free on www.jayperoni.com

I wanted you to be the first to know that Dan Miller has written the foreword to The Faith-Based Millionaire!  This is great news as I am proud and honored to have such a respected and admired author write the introduction to my book.

Dan Miller is the best-selling author of 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Mondays.  As a career and business coach, Dan is a firm believer in the positive possibilities that exist in today’s marketplace. Dan believes in focused living and the importance of personal and corporate Mission Statements. He believes that a clear sense of direction can help us become all that God designed us to be. His unique clarification of how God gifts us will introduce you to a new sense of freedom and fulfillment of your life’s calling.

Dan has been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’ 700 Club’s ‘Living The LIfe’ and TBN’s Praise The Lord’…to hit some highlights. Dan is also a frequent speaker and guest on such popular Nashville TV and radio programs such as Talk Of The Town, Chris Clark’s Open Line, The Dave Ramsey Show, and CH39 Bridges.

Am I missing Something?

Gotta love the media.  I just read this story on the news wire about religious voters preferring Obama to McCain.  According to the article: “The poll, which shows Obama ahead of McCain 43 percent to 34 percent among likely voters, also finds Obama leading in 18 of 19 different religious faith communities defined by the survey’s strict standards. McCain leads in only one–evangelicals. In that category, however, the Republican has a huge lead, 61 to 17.”

The article goes on to say that religious voters who vote based on “moral values” prefer Obama over McCain.  Obama was voted the most liberal senator in ALL of the Senate.  My question to you:  Does Obama represent your values?  If so why?  I would love to get a better understanding of what values conscious people would see in him?  My take on Obama is that he is someone who strongly supports abortion rights in all circumstances, homosexual marriage, higher taxes, limiting free speech, opening the doors on embryonic stem cell research..just to name a few.  Please let me know your thoughts…  Am I missing something?

Faith-Based Investing

Now when it comes to investing, what values are most important to you? What issues or causes would you like to make sure you are not supporting in your investment portfolio?  Have you ever thought about this?  Do you want to invest in companies involved in the pornography, abortion, alcohol, tobacco, or any other industries?   There are 3 free chapters of The Faith-Based Millionaire available now on www.jayperoni.com.  Learn more about investing with your faith in mind.  Grab these free chapters while they last!

I just got back from a trip to one of my favorite cities – Chicago, “the Windy City.”  There is so much to do and see from the Zoo and architectural tours to Navy Pier and all the famous ball parks.   This city has something for the young and old. One of the highlights of my trip was listening to, meeting, and speaking with Chris Gardner.  In case you missed the movie The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith, the movie was based off Chris’ true life story.   In the rags to riches book and movie, Gardner’s life is chronicled as we see his long and painful journey from inner-city Milwaukee to ultimate success on Wall Street. Now at the ripe age of 54, Chris can look back at his life and laugh.

Growing up life was no joke:  he grew up poor and fatherless.  This life ignited a passion within him to break the cycle of deadbeat dads.  After a brief stint in the Navy, a failed medical career, and a tough sales job in the medical devices industry, Chris eventually landed his first job on Wall Street.  If the story ended there, it would be simple.  Chris’s story became increasingly complex as he almost simultaneously became a father and homeless at the same time.  His ability to rise from poverty to multi-millionaire is what makes his story so unique.

In The Faith-Based Millionaire, I talk about finding that burning inner passion needed to make changes in your life.  If you do not have motivation, you will not change. Chris found the inner passion because he wanted his son to know his daddy. He wanted to break the cycle and find a way not only to make ends meet but provide a different life for his child. Becoming broke; homeless, fighting for your next meal, moving from homeless shelter to shelter, and caring for a 14 month old while working 70 hour work weeks will quickly help you find the inner passion.

What is it going to take for you? How do you find your inner passion? People who achieve great things often do so because they have a good idea of where they want to be. Think of some of the most successful people you know. Did they get where they are today because of luck? Or because of hard work and knowing what they wanted and where they wanted to go?

Many people have a dream life that they would love to see come to fruition, but often they sell themselves short. They have preconceived notions that to get what they want in life will be too hard and too much work. Have you ever looked at someone who emulated what you wanted for yourself and thought it could never happen to you? If there were no constraints and you could simply make it happen overnight, you would most likely do what it takes to make it happen. Your goals must be compelling and motivating enough to get you excited about achieving them. They must be powerful enough that you think about them constantly. This includes trying to live your ideal life: where you work or volunteer, what activities you participate in, what charities you support, and any other personal goals. These goals should be specific and easily defined. They should be tangible so you can feel, touch, see, smell, and hear them. They should excite all of your senses and drive you toward success.

In order to create the vision, you will need to uncover exactly what excites you. This involves a self-assessment. By examining how God designed you, it is easier to look around at all the opportunities that are right in front of you. You need to make success the only option

When I look at helping a client create a vision or plan for their financial future, I advise them to focus on five important steps that need to take place for success to happen:

1. Clearly define your beliefs and values.

2. Identify your interests and passions.

3. Define your financial purpose.

4. Learn from past mistakes.

5. Take responsibility for your actions.

In the hope that Gardner’s story will inspire others to achieve financial independence and to take greater responsibility for the welfare of their families; I pray that his story will awaken the passion within you.  You may or may not be struggling financially but you can always improve upon your results.   Don’t just go through the motions in life.  Work hard, find a motivation for change, and strive to leave this world a better place than when you were born.

Do you believe just because you are a Christian and have a need, God will always intervene supernaturally? If so, this is an incorrect assumption. Look at the world around us. Many Christians are in need and go without help every day. There is a line between what you can do on your own and what God can help you with.

After obeying God’s principles and reaching the end of your abilities, God provides supernatural assistance apart from anything you could ever do on your own. Even when we defy God’s Word, He is a loving and graceful God that still intervenes as an act of mercy. We should not expect this, but know that He is always there.

Are you struggling financially? Are you finding it difficult to make ends meet in this troubled economy? Have no fear, rely on God’s strength. His supernatural power can take you places you would never reach on your own.

Supernatural is that which occurs beyond what is natural. This phenomenon is above natural laws and beyond verifiable measures. This occurs once we have maximized natural laws – our abilities. Many Christians pray for financial miracles, but instead should be praying for God to provide opportunities. Miracles are not necessary in order to achieve natural success. This form of success comes when you apply God’s principles to your finances. The supernatural is only necessary when you are limited in your natural abilities. You can do more than you are currently doing. Don’t use God as a crutch, use Him to propel and maximize your strengths and help you overcome your weaknesses.

Remember when Jesus was faced with a dilemma of how to feed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish? God supernaturally multiplies the loaves and the fish so that not only is everyone fed, but food is left over. God intervenes when needed. Is there anything in your financial life where you have done the best you can but your best is not enough and you want God to step in and perform a miracle for you? This is a good time to trust Him for supernatural assistance. How do you tap into God’s supernatural assistance when it comes to your finances?

The keys to tapping into God’s supernatural assistance are:

1. Maximize your natural ability – Do all that you know to do. Seek wise counsel when you get stuck. If you lack knowledge, find someone who has experience and knowledge. Do the best you can and trust God for what you cannot do. Need financial help? Seek a faith-based financial planner. Go to www.kingdomadvisors.org or www.nacfc.com to find a qualified advisor. Read The Faith-Based Millionaire. Learn all you can about finances so you can become a wiser steward.

2. Live a life that glorifies God – How can you expect God to supernaturally assist you when your life contradicts His principles?

3. Obey God’s instructions on giving – If you are not tithing and generous with money how do you expect God to show you mercy or bless you?

4. Pray and seek Him always – There are certain walls we hit that cannot be moved without a commitment to prayer and seeking God. Prayer enables you to release everything to God and tap into His power. He is able to help you beyond human comprehension. Seeking Him and communicating with Him is essential.

Are you in need of a financial miracle? Whatever your circumstances or situation, ensure that you are actively incorporating these four areas into your financial life. Do all you can, seek wise counsel, and trust God for supernatural assistance to aid you in realizing the goals you trust Him with.