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Why Living Below Your Means Unlocks True Financial Freedom

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  Why Living Below Your Means Unlocks True Financial Freedom Yesterday morning the alarm went off. I usually wake up at the alarm and get the day going, but not yesterday. I just wanted to stay in bed a little longer. Because I stayed in bed, I didn’t get my normal routine going and so my morning got thrown off. As he always does, God met me in my experiences and part of my Bible reading was Proverbs 24. It is full of verses like 33 & 34: “A little sleep, a little slumber, and little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will be upon you like a robber and want like an armed man.” Such a good reminder that in my life to not overly prioritize rest and relaxation. Proverbs 24:27 also hit home: “Prepare your work outside, get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” We seem to be reminded and instructed to prioritize work and income before planning our household expenses. God provides for us through our work that he has given us the ability ...

Why Estate Planning Can't Wait

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  Our Journey to Peace of Mind: Why Estate Planning Can't Wait Today was a day that has been in the works for almost three years. My wife and I knew we needed to complete this crucial task, and it was especially important for us as a blended family. The questions constantly lingered: If something were to happen, would our family know what to do? Would it cause unnecessary family fights? Would there be years of hard feelings? Well, today was the day! We finally had our Estate Plan notarized and put in place. A huge thank you goes out to the wonderful people at Treasure Valley Retirement Shield who helped us set up our Revocable Living Trust, Last Wills and Testaments, Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Financial Powers of Attorney. Having these documents completed as well as funding the trust, gives us an incredible sense of accomplishment. More importantly, it eases our minds, knowing that our family and the State will know exactly what to do when the day comes that we pass away....

How Coaching Can Help You: Unlocking Your Financial Potential

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  How Coaching Can Help You: Unlocking Your Financial Potential Are you feeling overwhelmed by debt? Dreaming of a secure retirement but unsure how to get there? Or perhaps you're just looking to get a better handle on your money, but the idea of budgeting or investing feels like a foreign language? You're not alone. Many individuals and families grapple with financial stress and uncertainty. While self-help books and online articles offer a wealth of information, sometimes what you truly need is personalized guidance, accountability, and a clear roadmap. This is where financial coaching steps in. Think of a financial coach not as a traditional financial advisor who manages your investments, but as your personal trainer for your money. They don't just tell you what to do; they work with you, empowering you to build healthier financial habits and achieve your goals. “In abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14) “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, ...

Where Does Debt Come From?

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  Where Does Debt Come From? Debt. It's a word that can weigh heavily on the mind, causing stress, sleepless nights, and strained relationships. For many, debt feels like an inescapable reality of modern life – a necessary evil for homes, cars, or even daily necessities. But where does debt actually come from, and why is understanding its origins so crucial for our financial well-being? To truly grasp the nature of debt, it's helpful to consider some timeless pieces of wisdom from scripture: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3) "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7) Words written thousands of years ago, remains remarkably relevant today. It's a stark warning, highlighting a fundamental power dynamic: when you owe someone money, you are, to a significant degree, beholden to them. Your choices, your freedom, and even your peace can be dictated by the obl...

Why Budgeting is Important for Individuals and for your Family

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  Why Budgeting is Important for Individuals and for your Family Budgeting. The word itself can sometimes evoke a groan, a sigh, or perhaps a sudden urge to check social media. It’s often seen as a restrictive, tedious task, a financial straitjacket that limits fun. But what if we reframed budgeting not as a constraint, but as a powerful tool for freedom, peace of mind, and even stronger family bonds? In reality, embracing a budget is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your financial well-being, both as an individual and as a family unit. It echoes a timeless wisdom found in scripture, highlighting the importance of diligent stewardship. "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats will bring the price of a field, and th...

Beyond the To-Do List: Finding True Purpose in Our Goals

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  Do you have a goal? A dream? Is it to get the ball into the net? Each of us has goals that are unique to us. Some may be similar, but all are unique. Tonight, we're going to talk about some goal-setting ideas, making sure we create SMART goals, and ways to ensure we accomplish these goals. But first, let's ground our discussion in timeless Biblical wisdom. We often meticulously plan, strategize, and visualize our success. And there's immense value in that focused intention. But have you ever poured your heart and soul into a goal, only to find the outcome wasn't quite what you expected? Or perhaps the journey felt harder, less fulfilling, or even downright futile despite your best efforts? It's a common experience, and it often points to a deeper truth about the nature of our ambitions. Proverbs 16:1-3 offers profound wisdom on this very topic: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in h...