Browsing Category Household Finance

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it is strawberry season. For most of us, that means we get to chow down on juicy berries that make us avoid the bland store-bought strawberries for several months afterward. For my daughter, it means business. Literally, business. The minute the signs go up for the U-pick strawberry field near our house she starts asking when she can sell strawberries. You see, rather than just eating them, she likes to pick them and then set up ...

Do you know your net worth? Do you know how to figure out your net worth? Do you even care? What Is Net Worth And Why Does It Matter? Net worth is basically that which you’ve stored up here on earth. It’s the tangible things that you have to show for all your work. I understand that it might seem funny, or even sacrilegious, to be discussing this with pastors. After all, doesn’t the Bible say to store up treasures in heaven and ...

While premarital counseling addresses a lot of expectations that we enter marriage with, anyone who has been married for over a day knows that there is no end to the surprises of how our spouse sees things. There are so many things in life that we take for granted and don’t even realize there is another way of viewing them. Until we get married. Personal finance is a typical area for this. Usually, we assume that the way we grew up ...

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, here is a piece for single women in ministry. I know you are the minority, but you matter and you are some of my best friends!Though geared towards women in ministry and their unique challenges, everyone can benefit from what guest writer Michal Slate has to say. A Certified Financial Planner™ with a master’s degree in business leadership from Colorado Christian University, she has more than 13 years experience working with individuals on a personal level to help them discover the best course of action for their finances. Michal is passionate about both Jesus and helping Christian women master their finances. You can learn more about her and what she does here.

Though it may seem old-fashioned, there is one thing you can do financially that is guaranteed to get you ahead, no matter your income, season of life, place of residence, or personal circumstances. View post

Being a pastor is like being a parent. Signing up for the job is akin to signing away all your privacy rights. As a parent, there are little people with big mouths following you around wherever you go. I mean, you can’t even go to the bathroom by yourself.   As a pastor, you have a whole church of people watching your every move and often judging it. They pay attention to the car you drive, the movies your kids are ...

Credit or debit? It’s a big debate in the world of personal finance, especially when well-known voices like Dave Ramsey have such strong opinions. Is it best to pay for everything with a credit card and earn rewards? Or pay with a debit card and avoid debt?   Let’s take a look at both options, the advantages and disadvantages of each (because there are both!), and discuss how to go about making the decision for yourself. View post

Clinging to familiarity to stay in our comfort zone can cost us a lot of money. We don’t like change, but it’s important to audit your expenses from time to time to see if you can get a better deal on something or completely eliminate it. View post

Romance doesn't require money. Here are some free and affordable date ideas to help you keep your marriage alive without ruining your budget. View post

Researchers have found that certain characteristics are common to those who are able to successfully build wealth over time. Let's take a look at them and what they could mean for your personal finances. View post