Faith Based Investing

Many of us take advice from the wrong people. Worse yet we believe financial myths… We spread these lies from person to person like a horrible virus…

Dear Santa,
This year I could really use some help understanding my beliefs about money. I keep trying to gain better control of my money, but it is controlling me.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!

Signed,
You Click here to read more »

Back by popular demand

Many have been asking for my popular Ebook. The Santa Factor: 7 Beliefs about Money that Keep You From Getting Rich.

New updated version

What Beliefs are Holding You Back?
What if we all still believed in something that wasn’t true?

Download THE SANTA FACTOR EBOOK HERE: www.santafactor.com

Why do so few become rich, while most remain poor?

One simple reason…because of what I have coined, “THE SANTA FACTOR”. We simply hold on to beliefs that are not only false but ones that wreak havoc in our financial lives. Learn about the seven deadly beliefs that may be sabotaging your finances.

Download HERE

Smart Shopping in a Troubled Economy

Now that the US Government has bailed out the same companies who have been maneuvering to take your money, isn’t it time for your own bailout? If the Government can take $700 billion and reward the banks, insurance companies, mortgage companies, and auto makers who have long taken advantage of consumers, isn’t it time you fought and won?

It is an extremely daunting task trying to borrow your way to prosperity. As the government digs itself further into debt, you do not have to follow suit. The one silver lining from the 2008-9 financial crisis is consumers will have to rely less on debt to finance their lifestyles. As credit becomes more difficult to obtain, consumers dare I say have to pay cash for certain items.  They can no longer use their home equity as an ATM, and have to find more creative ways such as saving to buy larger items. I half joke about these points but the good news in this downturn is more and more people will have to go back to the basics: spend less than you earn, save money for a rainy day, try to avoid credit, and invest more for financial freedom to name a few. Click here to read more »

The Questions of Life

Why do so many people struggle with money? Why is it so difficult to get ahead in a time of such prosperity? Why do the rich keep getting richer while the poor and middle class seem to continually struggle? I’ll tell you the answer: Most people follow bad advice and mimic strategies of the financially unsuccessful rather than imitating those who are already wealthy.

You see, every day you make money choices that affect all areas of your life. Try going a full 24 hours without doing something that involves spending, receiving, giving, or investing money. The truth remains so many people today, even with the 2008-9 economic collapse, spend more than they make. They live paycheck to paycheck and could be one missed payment from financial disaster. This could be you. Whether your finances are in dire straight or you just want a little fine tune up, I want to help fatten your wallet so you can improve the quality of your life and have the time and money to help others. In order to do this, you need to win the battle. What do I mean by battle? This is the battle for your money. Click here to read more »

These four rules work no matter where the economy is heading, what the stock market is doing and where interest rates stand. Time-tested, biblical principles work regardless of worldly circumstances. You can get your finances under control and live your ideal life if you diligently follow these rules.

Rule #1: Spend less than you make

Whether you make $30,000 or $300,000, make it a habit to spend less than you make. It is easy to reduce expenses if you analyze your spending habits and keep a log for 90 days or more. The trends may surprise you. You may see some areas where spending is excessive and you can reduce. It’s estimated that the average person has at least 15 to 20 percent wiggle room – meaning they could cut back 15 to 20 percent of what they’re spending and see few negatives change in their life. A little can go a long way. The key here is to live within your means. I know our government gives us a bad example, but you can’t keep spending money you don’t have hoping someday you’ll be able to repay. Click here to read more »

Lottery winnings, investments, and inheritances aside, there are only two basic ways to increase your personal wealth: spend less or earn more. Ironically, spending less may be your most immediate route to having “more”–more affluence and more confidence.

Will earning more make things easier? Earning more money might alleviate your current financial pressures, but it also might bring new ones. More money gives you more psychological license to “live it up.” Instead of the reduced debt and increased savings you might logically assume would result from a jump in income, what usually happens is that you end up spending a little more on living and not so much on your goals.
In the earn-more school of thought, your career is your most important asset, more crucial than any investment. You strive for a good salary to advance economically, and your home equity and your portfolio are just “icing on the cake” compared to the “big bucks” you pull down. Click here to read more »

“A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit.” –John C. Maxwell

Why are people so quick to blame others or circumstances for their problems? Often I see people who are quick to point the finger and it rarely points back at them. Choices are made each day, and these choices have consequences. When the results come in less than favorable, somehow it is easier to push the blame toward someone or something else. This is especially true with finances. One example: Most Americans used to be able to rely on three income sources for retirement– the company pension, Social Security, and personal savings. As the futures of company pensions and Social Security hang in the balance, the pressure builds for you to save on your own for retirement.

If you do not have enough income when you retire, whom will you blame: your employer, the government, or will you accept responsibility? The natural inclination of many people is to pass the blame. You know you are not accepting personal responsibility if you blame other people for your financial problems. I see many people pass the blame whenever they are faced with difficulties. It wasn’t the credit card company’s fault you maxed the card out. It wasn’t the bank’s fault you defaulted on your mortgage. It wasn’t your employer’s fault you didn’t save enough for retirement. These life situations, hardships, character flaws, or whatever else you want to call them begin with you. Rather than agreeing that the common denominator in all your problems is you, will you continue to blame others?

Do any of the following excuses sound familiar?

* I was late because of traffic.

* I have been so busy that I haven’t been eating right or exercising so that is why I put on a few pounds.

* My company isn’t paying me enough, so I cannot save for retirement.

By taking responsibility, you admit your part in creating the problem. You could have been on time if you left earlier. You could have maintained or lost weight if you reprioritized your schedule. You could have saved for retirement if you cut back on spending. There is always a cause-and-effect relationship.

When you consistently point fingers at others, you look at yourself as a victim. Have you ever seen a rich victim? They are not very common. I have seen many poor victims. These are people who are poor and blame others. They blame their lack of financial success on circumstances and people around them.

Many people get into financial trouble because of greed, laziness, or lack of commitment. Quit blaming others. Admit you are the problem. You can always work toward improving your own bad habits, but it is very difficult to change the circumstances and the things around you. So if you concentrate on yourself and what you could do differently, you can begin to create new opportunities. Blaming the world limits your choices. You can either take responsibility or continue playing the blame game.

Harboring negative emotions and anger about your financial situation diminishes financial progress. Your financial problems can begin to eat away at you little by little. Financial stress can become overwhelming and lead to withdrawal, depression, and other dangerous behaviors.

In order to make financial progress, you also need to have an open mind and look to others for guidance. Begin to identify areas in your financial life that you would like to change and commit to finding solutions.

Take smart, calculated risks, and realize that you are responsible for the outcomes. Begin to recognize any areas in which you need financial advice and seek a professional who is able to help you begin to identify solutions you never considered. You can make progress, but you first have to claim responsibility for your actions.