EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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  Each year, the cost of living goes up, prices of basic commodities rise, and stretching your monthly income often seems harder. Not to mention those unseen, unavoidable expenses like health emergencies, car maintenance, home repairs, your child’s school project, and the list goes on. As they say, budgeting is the single most important part of financial management and good financial stewardship. The Investopedia website gives a very accurate definition of budgeting, “It's making sure that you're spending less than…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Many people do not realize that their identity—or in some sense, their personality—is more powerful than they think. In fact, Rock Thomas in his book, “The Power of Your Identity” says that “these beliefs form part of your self-image (identity) and ultimately affect how you behave and the decisions you make. Can you start to see that your identity is the nerve center or control tower of your actions?” Your identity or personality, of course, includes the way you deal…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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If I asked you whether you would insure your car, I suspect like the majority of people, you would respond ‘of course’!   But ask someone whether they have insured their biggest asset, that is their income, you’ll often hear silence. Most people think of their biggest asset as their house or car or perhaps their retirement fund, but your greatest asset is actually your ability to earn an income.   Imagine you are no longer able to earn an income from…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Are you hiding money from your wife? Do you make purchases without your husband’s knowledge? Are you keeping financial secrets from each other? If you answered “yes” to any of these but think it’s no big deal. Think again. Financial experts say “financial infidelity” can hurt a couple’s relationship as much as a sexual affair. Whether a spouse is just keeping a small jar of cash under the bed or covering up a huge credit card debt, research shows that…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Good financial management necessitates that you get control over your spending. There is no lack of things to distract us and to spend our money on! I recommend that you become a “master” of your spending rather than its servant, in order to: get your finances in good shape; and use your resources to advance God’s Kingdom. The achievement of the majority of your financial goals will depend on your ability to save, and therefore, your ability to control your…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Expect the Unexpected The one thing you can guarantee in life is the “unexpected.”We like to convince ourselves that nothing serious will happen to us, but the unexpected happens surprisingly frequently. At some point in your life, whether it’s losing a job, your car breaking down, paying for a funeral or having to visit a sick family member in a distant location, you are going to need access to a reasonable sum of money very quickly. Invest in seven ventures,…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Many times in the Bible, the Lord reminds His children never to fear. A classic example is through the prophet Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Paul says the same thing to the Philippians but adds that they pray when they feel anxious, “Do not be anxious about anything,…

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Alex Cook

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Goal setting is nothing new, but when it comes to managing personal finances it’s essential to wise stewardship. It is difficult to make good financial decisions if we have no parameters or objectives. We will just be blown around by the wind and all the latest fads. Goal Setting is about: Building a vision for your finances; and Determining what God wants you to achieve for his kingdom, using the resources which he has given you. Structuring your Money Goals…