Financial Coaching for Kingdom Men

A couple years ago, when I was in high school, I played tennis.  Ok, Ok, it was actually a few decades ago.  Playing singles tennis was fun.  If the ball came over the net, it was up to me to return it.  Run up to the net or back to the base line, it was all up to me.  When I played doubles it was a different story, the boundaries were bigger.  I had to pay attention and not run into my partner or worse hit them with my racket or the ball.  One of the fun things to do though was hit the ball right between the partners playing on the other side of the net.  Many times neither one would hit the ball, even though it would be easy for either one to hit it expecting the other would either get the ball or wouldn’t want to hurt the partner.  We called it the “Hubby Wife Area” lack of communication was a real issue.   This simple game of tennis reveals a profound truth about relationships. When it comes to a couple’s finances, that same lac...

As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to have fulfilling lives and to achieve their dreams. But are the financial messages they're receiving—both from us and the world—truly preparing them for success? Our kids are bombarded with commercials and social media feeds that equate worth with what you own. They see a culture that prioritizes instant gratification, from expensive cars to luxury vacations. We might have built our lives and wealth over many years of hard work, but are we inadvertently teaching them that they should have it all right away ? The Homeownership Trap A common piece of advice many of us have heard is, “renting is just throwing your money away.” While the desire to own a home is a wonderful goal, encouraging a child to buy before their finances are in order can be a recipe for disaster. Owning a home isn’t just about the mortgage payment. It's about property taxes, insurance, and unexpected repairs—costs that fall to someone else when you...

  I recently heard a friend describe what she had learned about love and struggles. She described a wonderful 40-year marriage that started with a few bumps when it came to finances. She and her husband had to learn how to communicate and use money together, because they came from vastly different family backgrounds. She grew up in a family that would save and plan for trips and vacations, always looking for cost-saving opportunities. He, on the other hand, grew up in a family that would say at 5 p.m. on a Friday, “Let’s go camping!” and by 9 p.m., they would be out at a campsite—no planning, no thought to the cost, just enjoying their time. Read more about Getting on the Same Page for Money Conversation here . We all come from different financial backgrounds, and we learn a lot about money by watching our parents. As another friend reminded me recently, “More is caught than taught.” Have you thought about what you are teaching your children or grandchildren by your actions? What...

  A "money date" doesn't have to feel like a tedious accounting session. In fact, when done right, it can be one of the most productive and enjoyable times you spend together as a couple. Here are five ways to infuse some fun into your next money date: 1. Set the Mood (Seriously!) Don't just plop down at the kitchen table with a stack of bills. Treat your money date like a real date! Pick a relaxing time and place: Maybe after the kids are asleep, or a quiet Sunday morning. Create ambiance: Put on some mellow music, light a candle, or grab your favorite beverages (coffee, tea, or a celebratory drink). Order in or make a special snack: If your budget allows, order your favorite takeout. If not, make some popcorn or bake cookies. The idea is to associate the money discussion with something enjoyable and comfortable. 2. Gamify Your Goals Turn your financial objectives into a friendly competition or a collaborative game. Debt Payoff Race: If you're tackling debt,...