Contact

Posted in Emotional Healing

A Money Letter…What the…

Posted on by Flourish Financial

So, I was reading an article posted by The New York Times this afternoon, and I am sitting here pondering how I really feel about this. The article is about an uncle asking his niece what she wanted as a high school graduation present and she requested money (of course–every graduate wants money, I think). Here is what he sent her instead, a Money Letter with two financial books and an enrollment in an accounting class. What do you think? Good idea or a little harsh?

He starts his letter with a quote, “If you want advice, ask for money. If you want money, ask for advice.” On one hand, I believe every child should have financial education, but I believe it needs to start early and continue throughout their growing years. Is it an uncle’s place to step in here? I almost think this letter stifles the excitement of this child hitting an important life milestone celebration. As we all know, she has her whole life to experience the joys of money management.

I’d love to hear other’s viewpoints on this. Thoughts, my friends?

Posted in Budgeting

Budgeting doesn’t have to be a chore

Posted on by Flourish Financial

Benjamin-Franklin-Money-Quotes-WallpapersBudgeting is a topic that many people hate, but it is so necessary when trying to get your finances in line with your dreams, goals and aspirations. Scripture tells us that it is important to “count the cost” if we want to build (Luke 14:28).

Let’s write some thoughts down about….

What are you trying to build? A savings account? The ability to stop living paycheck to paycheck? An education/degree? The ability to not work in a stressful, dead-end job?

What drives you? What do you wish you could change/be/experience in your life? What’s missing/lacking/insufficient? What’s working/thriving/flourishing? What do you love about your life? What would you change if you could?

The specific “what’ [you are striving for] is not as important as the how [to get there]. A plan is necessary, so let’s talk about one way to plan which is, of course, the awesome budget! (This is a rough draft budget, so don’t stress. We’ll talk next week about how to dig out, stop the bleeding, and turn this around.)

1) Don’t over complicate it, just get it written down (paper, excel spreadsheet, the note taking app on your phone).

2) Write down all of your net income (from all sources) and total it.

3) Write down all of your monthly expenses and total it.
Write down everything…don’t forget the reoccurring auto drafts..you know the ones… Netflix, gym memberships, etc).

4) Subtract and figure out the number remaining. Are you surprised? Are you happy, nervous, stressed with this number? Are you cash flow positive or negative?

If you are in financial crisis mode, you need a plan to dig out. Financial bondage kills your ability to grow into your God given purpose. Financial stress destroys relationships, hinders your ability to live in a peaceful mindset (Isaiah 26:3) and is a breeding ground for feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, insecurity and doubt.

But, guess what? If you completed the exercise above, you just took a major first step. Knowledge is key in digging out of a financial mess, so pat your self on the back!

So, what’s next? I think we pray for Godly wisdom in regards to your financial situation. James 1:5 tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Take this week and pray for wisdom and direction and see what God says.

Here are some questions I would like you to pray about (not act on, just pray about):

1) Are there any expenses I can cut back on? What is not necessary?
2) Are there additional ways I can make money?

Feel free to ask questions, tell your budgeting experiences here. I’d love to hear about you and what you’re going through and I’d love to pray for you, too!
God bless!

Posted in Identity Theft

Identity Theft…Much More than Just Your Financial Identity

Posted on by Flourish Financial

Identity theft…those words mean so much more than just your financial identity!

So, for weeks I have been writing posts in my head, but afraid to actually post them on Facebook. Weird, right? Fear is one of the biggest tools the enemy tries to use against us. Fear robs us of our ability to be the person God created us to be. I have realized that what I am afraid of is actually being successful. Even weirder, huh?

I chose to begin this journey as a Christian financial counselor and coach because once upon a time, I let the enemy steal my identity. For a period of about three years, he won the battle of keeping me wrapped up in anxiety, shame and guilt. My entire identity was who I was and what I could do professionally. Ironically, my career consisted of accounting work for small businesses and amateur financial advising. I felt alive, complete and valued when I was in rock star bookkeeper mode helping people organize and streamline their accounting departments, or work on ways to get out of debt and save money.

After closing a failing business and losing big financially, the first thing to “face plant into the concrete” was my ego. It has taken five years to get back to who I am really supposed to be. What is an even bigger trip is that the me I am today is not even close to the old me. God had to peel away many layers of brokenness, and shine a light on my true identity. Basically, He had to break me to put me back together into the person He created me to be.

I am not sure what the future holds for me, and I am okay with that for the first time in my life. My biggest mental and emotional challenge in life was overcoming fear…fear of man, fear of God, fear of self. What is your biggest mental or emotional challenge when storms arise in your life? God is our Redeemer! Let Him put your past to work for you instead of against you!

God bless!