Let’s Play the Blame Game!

Whether you are Democrat or Republican, you cannot blame Bush for EVERYTHING!  The economic mess that the world is in does not rest solely on Bush’s shoulders.  Here are some facts relating to the US economy:

The 7 1/2 years of George W. Bush’s Presidency:

The first six years of the BUSH years, the economy was fine.
A little over one year ago…
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) The DOW JONES hit a record high: it reached over 14,000
5) American’s were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!

But American’s wanted “CHANGE!”

So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes–we got ‘CHANGE’ all right. In the PAST YEAR:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted;
2) Gasoline hit $4 a gallon!
3) Unemployment increased to 5.5% (a 10% increase);
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS
and home prices are still dropping
5) 1% of American homes are now in foreclosure.
6) THE DOW has hit a five year low
7) Over $3 trillion dollars has evaporated from their stocks, bonds &
mutual fund retirement portfolios!

Yes, in 2006 America voted for change…..and we sure got it! …..
Remember the President has no control over any of these issues, Congress has control.
And what has the Democrat majority Congress done in the last two years?   Absolutely nothing.

Now the Democratic candidate for President claims he is going to really give us
change along with a Democratic House and Senate!!!! Just how much more ‘change’
do you think we can stand?

So What Do I Do Now?

I have been in the NH local media recently (various TV and radio shows) with the following message:   It may be a hard pill to swallow…but we all need to hear the truth:

First of all stop blaming others… It’s not all Bush’s fault.  It’s not the government; it’s not your spouse, neighbor, friend, or anyone else’s fault.   It starts with YOU!

You have to start taking some responsibility.  We cannot rely on the government, our companies (unless you’re a business owner), or others to bail us out.  It starts with your faith in God.  Give it all to Him.  Our money belongs to Him.  He is in control. While the world falls apart around us, He has a plan in here.  We are merely His money managers.  All of our possessions ultimately belong to Him.  When we die, our possessions go elsewhere.

Our country was built on faith, hope, and love!  Right now Americans seem to be abandoning all three!  Choose the Big P over the little p:    Prayer over panic!

Next take responsibility for your actions…control what you can control.  There are only 4 variables:

INCOME:  Seek to increase your income:  get a second job, start a business, change careers.  Income is a major way to build wealth.

EXPENSES:  This is the most critical area.  You could make a million dollars a year but if you spend $2 Million you’re in trouble!   Control your spending!  Essential Habit #6 (Chapter 6 of The Faith-Based Millionaire) tackles how to spend money frugally.

ASSETS: Manage and protect the assets God entrusts to you!  Yes, the markets are sharply decreasing; do you have a solid plan?     Essential Habit #4:  Establish a financial plan.  The FPA just recently did a study that those who use a financial planner are twice as likely to feel confident about their financial future.  This is discussed in Chapter three Essential Habit # 3:  Seek Wise Counsel

LIABILITIES: Seek to minimize bad and ugly debt!  In chapter 7 of The Faith-Based Millionaire, I talk about Good, Bad, and Ugly Debt.

pg 121:  “Here are the working definitions of what I am talking about:

Good debt: Good debt involves purchasing something that will gain, retain, or create value. A home mortgage is a prime example of good debt.

Bad debt: To put it simply, bad debt is any debt you incur when buying something that will lose value.

Ugly debt: Ugly debt is debt incurred when purchasing something consumable (meaning it will have no further value). This seems logical, right?”

In Conclusion

Hope in the world is hopeless, but in Christ there is hope!  Give it all to Him and He will get you through the wilderness to a place of peace and rest.   Turn off the TV and the news and turn to His Word!  You will find comfort in these troubled times.