Faith Based Investing

You probably read or hear about some “Top Ten” list nearly every day. But take a moment to read this one. This list is different, and probably not the kind of list you’d expect a Financial Advisor to write.

Reason #10: “I’m too busy”
I can’t tell you how often I hear this excuse. So many people want to plan for a better retirement, but they don’t have time. They think they’ll take care of it tomorrow, or the day after that … and before they know it, several years have gone by. The best advice I can give you is to stop procrastinating and start planning today.

Reason #9:     “It’s too soon”
I don’t know how this happened, but many people have adopted the notion that you don’t have to start planning for your retirement until you’re almost there. This is totally incorrect. The truth is, the sooner you start planning, the better chance you stand of having the kind of retirement you want. It’s never too soon. Many people start planning in their early twenties!
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The most overlooked asset

The secret to investing that most people miss is they overlook one of the most valuable assets, which is their own self! So how do you invest in yourself? The first step is taking the time to figure out what your ideal life looks like: spiritually, financially, occupationally, and otherwise. This will then allow you to create an investment, and financial plan to complement both your long-term and short-term objectives. Once you know what you really want, you are now in a much better position to create a financial blueprint by design rather than one by default. In other words, you‘ll know what you‘re doing and why. That can make all the difference in the world!

There are many different ways to invest in one’s self. A lot of people get stuck in investing ruts. They think that investing means mutual funds, or purchasing ―hot‖ stocks. But there are many legitimate traditional and nontraditional ways to invest. Different investment vehicles can be smart ways to invest, depending on where you‘re at in life, and what objectives you have. Every investment vehicle has its positives and negatives, but the point is that there is more than one way to invest, and many overlook one of the most obvious investment opportunities: Developing your own capacity to create real value in the world, in turn leads to financial prosperity. It is not so much that investment products are good or bad, it is whether they meet the objective or not. What you want is a plan that is not based on limits, but on the limitless possibilities of your own unique potential.

Invest in your own life, first!

There is more to wealth than just money. Real prosperity involves your health, your spirituality, your relationships and your overall emotional/mental wellbeing. People don‘t live compartmentalized lives.

Every aspect of life will naturally affect each other, including financially. If you want more money, realize that investing in yourself is likely to increase your wealth and happiness more than investing in someone else, or in some other company. Think about it. You‘re smart.

You have passions and ideas. Why can‘t you make a lot of money doing what you want to do? Many people do, and there’s no reason why you can’t too.

So how do you invest in yourself? One way is to identify your own natural passions, abilities, and talents, and then bringing them to the marketplace. That doesn‘t mean that you have to own your own business or be a good salesperson. Anyone can find enjoyable ways to bring value to the marketplace, which in turn naturally creates wealth.

Investing in yourself allows you to identify and obtain a view of the possibilities. People who invest in their own ideas and talents, are inevitably richer, happier and more satisfied than people who only dare invest in others talents and capacity for productivity.

KEY INSIGHT

How often do we seem to be between a rock and a hard place? We seem to be pinned against the wall. All hope is lost. You are overdrawn on the checking account, the credit cards are maxed. It is a struggle to make ends meet. Or you are about to retire and the stock market collapsed, delaying your plans for years. Any number of financial circumstances can appear to be a disaster. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. There is always hope in Christ. He can help you no matter where you are. You just need to let go and place your trust in Him.



One of my favorite songs as of late is “Out of my hands” by Jars of Clay. Get a free download here:

The lyrics are moving:
“I wasted the rescue,
abandoned the mission.
I’ve failed by my own hand
and watched it all go wrong

You said you could save me
that I couldn’t save myself
You said that you loved me
no matter what I’ve done

When the light is gone
and life is just a day we take
Still the fight goes on
to give my heart away

And It’s out of my hands
It was from the start
In light of what you’ve done for me”

How many times do we get in the way of God’s work in our lives? We try to take control when He is in control of everything.

He can save that marriage…

He can help you get that job you need…

He can cure you from that awful disease…

He can solve your addictions

On and on…

The truth is we cannot do it alone.  Your finances included.  It takes accountability: to Him, to yourself, to your spouse, to an accountability partner.  Don’t do your finances alone!   Get the help you need…

Let me know if I can help offer you a professional opinion.

Are you heading in the right direction?

Are you off course and need some guidance?

Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.
There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

He tried to outsmart God…

A man prays to God, “God, what is a million years to you?” God replies, “To me, it‘s like a second” The man then asks, “Well, How much is a million dollars to you?” to which God replies, “it is like a penny.” Thinking he could outsmart God, the Man prays for a penny. God says, “Sure, just wait a second”.

Our perspective of money determines what it means to us. In a day and age where divorce is as trendy as the iPad, it isn’t exactly earth shattering when we learn that most marriages are a result of financial problems. Money can be a blessing or a curse depending on where you are in your relationship with money. Money is a necessary for day to day living, but when the relationship is abused, it can become a great source of evil. When I speak about marital problems, it does not mean that money is always the root problem. It is often merely a symptom of deeper underlying issues that may be unconscious and unspoken.

If you are prepared to handle money, more of it will lead to more money. Why do you think that most lottery winners end up broker or back where they started before the won the lottery no matter how much they won? They were not prepared for the responsibility and made the same mistakes they were currently making only multiplied the mistakes because they had more money.

When you look at a person‘s views on money, it impacts many other areas of their life: how they view God, their spouse, their children, their other relationships, and even their career. The motives behind why someone wants money become a root question.  What does money mean to you?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on why money is or isn’t important to you…

The Winner’s Brain – 8 Strategies Great Minds Use to Achieve Success is a ground-breaking book by Jeff Brown and Mark Fenske reveal 8 key traits that great minds possess. How many of these qualities do you possess? How many need to be improved?

Let’s look at 8 traits of a “Winner’s Brain”?

Win Factor #1: Self awareness – Those who are self-aware not only realize how they relate with the rest of the world but also how the rest of the world relates with them.  If you are confident, authentic, and aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you will be more long-term focused and effective in all areas of your life.  Ask yourself: What does money meaning to me and why do I want more?

Win Factor #2: Motivation – Have you watched Daniel Pink’s viral video on the surprising science behind what truly motivates us?  In his book Drive, Daniel looks at how money and material “things” rarely motivate us.  It is a greater sense of purpose and greater passions that catapult us to success.  Do you let obstacles in challenges get in your way or are you fully committed and dedicated to your cause? Weak motivation is often a key crippling factor that stands between you and success. Ask yourself: Do my financial goals have deep meaning to me or are they generic impersonal goals?

Win Factor #3: Focus – Let’s face it: in a world of emails, phone calls, Twitter, Facebook, IMs, texting, and so on, so many items are competing for our attention.  It’s easy to develop A-D-D!  You may say, “I Don’t Have A.D.D., I just… Hey look! A squirrel!” You could be In denial that you have Attention Deficit Disorder or maybe it’s not that severe, but still you let “life” get in the way. Do you focus on what’s most important and the key activities you need to accomplish in your financial life to be successful?   Ask yourself: Will I focus only on those things that will make me financially successful or will I allow each crisis to consume me?

Win Factor #4: Emotional Balance – Successful people adjust their emotions to remain balanced during the highs and lows that come along.  They tune out negative thoughts and focus on what they can control. Focus on what you CAN do, instead of what you CAN’T do! Ask yourself: Will I allow emotions like greed and fear to influence my decisions or will I instead focus on making sound financial decisions?

Win Factor #5: Memory – Our past can either be helpful or harmful.  Failure and past mistakes can either consume us or build character and become “teaching moments”.  Those who are financially successful learn from past mistakes and don’t let previous failures hold them back. Ask yourself:  Will I make progress financially, view the past as useful history and now look to the future?

Win Factor #6: Resilience –How we react during the bad times is more important than what we do during the good.  It’s easy to stay on track when things are going according to plan.  The bumpy roads of life often create quitters. Those who succeed get knocked down but they get back up again -more times than most people. They embrace failure because it means they are one step closer to success.  When Thomas Edison was asked about how he viewed all his failed attempts to invent the light bulb. He responded, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Ask yourself: At what point will I give up or will I press on no matter what the cost?

Win Factor #7: Adaptability – Those who succeed are willing to change and not set in their ways. Apple Computer revolutionized how we listen to music with one device – the Ipod, Netflix changed how we watch movies.  Ask yourself: what small, incremental, and big changes can I make today that will positively affect my future?

Win Factor #8: Brain Care – We all know proper sleep, regularly exercising, and eating right, are the keys to proper health.  Yet, we look for “magic diet pills”, “radical diets” and a host of weird solutions that will instantly erase years of overeating and under-exercising.  The fact remains if you want to improve something, it takes time, hard work, commitment and  new habits! Ask yourself: will I spend time educating myself, learning more about proper financial solutions, and regularly spend time reviewing my financial plans?

How did you do?  Are you a winner?

Have you ever done something you regretted? Maybe you said something you wished you could take back or you made a mistake and wished you could go back in time for a do over.  Are you bitter about your past financial mistakes?  Do you regret some of the financial choices you made?

I am sure someday, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will have one of those regret moments. What a bonehead! Like a bitter 13 year old boy mad at his girlfriend for breaking up with him to go out with another guy, yesterday Dan sent a pathetic letter to Cleveland fans.  Did he get a second opinion BEFORE sending this?  If so, they should be FIRED!!!

Here is a sample:
“Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. ”

Bitter isn’t better!

I could go on but it only gets more pathetic from here. Talk about poor leadership coming from the majority owner. He even goes on about how Cleveland will get revenge. I sure hope the letter was intended to “lighten” the  mood in Cleveland. But given that the fan favorite/NBA superstar just took the fast road out of Ohio, I highly doubt it!  Dan should have paid more attention to damage control and less attention to childish banter.  What happened to customer service?  Is the customer still always right? Fans are likely disappointed and upset…  It also shows that no matter how much money you have, you can still act like a child!   What are your thoughts?

Help…I surrender!

When it comes to spending, people often become their own worst enemies by following pooradvice, making bad decisions, and backing themselves into a corner. After all, isn’t that today’s American way of life—live, spend, and die broke? The American Dream has turned into the American Nightmare for many families. You can either learn to master your money or become a slave to it. Which would you rather be: slave or master?

Many people don’t choose to become slaves to money, but it occurs because of their spending habits. Think about your spending habits. Are you using your resources wisely or do you spend money like there is no tomorrow? For many, money burns a hole in their pockets. How often do you go out and spend money on an impulse, leading to buyer’s remorse?

How many things are in your garage or basement that you at one time just had to have and now sit around collecting dust? Instead of buying dust collectors, what if money w as used wisely? I know there will be times when spending gets off track, but with a plan and some focus, you can minimize the damage.

Today, many people live beyond their means. Often people buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t even like. Most people would agree that they have overspent on occasion but do not fall victim to impulsive or compulsive shopping. There are others who cannot say the same thing.

Do you have a plan?

Put pen to paper and write down whatever you, your family, and the Lord decide is appropriate in every budget category (housing, transportation, food, entertainment, medical, clothing, etc.) Why? Because, having no written plan is the same as having no plan.

According to God’s Word, not to plan is slothful. God wants you to be disciplined, organized, and yet not legalistic. One way to become disciplined and organized in your planning, especially in budget planning, is to write down your plans.  Too many play “god” and get in His way!  They fail to identify needs versus wants and fly by the seat of their pants!

Well thought out, prayed over and written down plans help strike a balance between slothfulness and legalism.

Identify your needs, wants and desires.

Let’s add some definitions to start:

Needs: are the basic material necessities of life. Needs are the minimum amounts it takes to provide housing, food, clothing, medical care, etc.

Wants: cover the same budget categories but at a higher quality or quantity level.

Desires: cover the same budgeting areas but at a level where price is no object.

Perhaps God is providing the resources to live at the wants level. If so, and the resources are available to stay at this level, great. Sometimes, after all your obligations have been met, you can use some of your surplus funds to reach for some of your desires. Many times God will give you the desires of your heart. Once you identify your needs, wants, and desires it will be much easier to change your lifestyle if you have a hard time paying your bills. It is hard to cut much from the needs level. It can be easier to move from wants to needs or from desires to wants or needs.