Law # 1: “C” is for Charity. Charity gives me clarity.

Charity gives me clarity, because the most important character trait is a charitable heart. Jesus said that giving is not about earning heaven, but about keeping our hearts there. ¹

Charity reminds me I took the better offer. My devotion and trust are given to God, not money.

Giving is really another gift from God back to us, because without regular giving, our gratitude fades and we drift away from Him, deceiving ourselves with self-importance and self-sufficiency. Generosity then, is the guardian of our faith, and the antidote to materialism.

So, our life’s work and privilege are to steward God’s provision with excellence and generosity for ourselves, our loved ones, the church, and others in need.

And besides, generous living is just better! Research shows what the Bible has said all along. Generous people are happier². Does your giving stretch your faith, ignite your purpose, and multiply your joy? Learn how to give so you’ll learn how to live.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6: 17-19

You answered, “Very little” for a score of 3 out of 10.

Your score was probably lower than you’d like, but don’t worry. We’ve helped lots of clients increase their income, trim expenses, and build enthusiasm for giving. Here’s a plan of action.

First, resolve to live generously. You’re never going back.

Next, give what you can now, and make gradual increases. If you’re giving anything out of obligation, stop that right away. Start over, and get excited about giving within your means!

Finally, select, study, and implement at least 1 of the free resources below. In 6 months, schedule a free conversation, and let’s discuss your progress.

Resource #1: Call us for a free copy of Randy Alcorn’s book, The Treasure Principle.

Resource #2: Take the Journey of Giving (JOG) through www.generousgiving.org.

Law # 2: “L” is for Liquidity shows maturity.

We can all struggle with laziness. When do we truly “grow up” financially? It’s when we realize it’s wise to set aside short-term desires and save for the storms of life. Building and protecting liquidity takes more faith and discipline than any other law of financial freedom.

Key Verse: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Proverbs 6: 6-8

You answered, “None” for a score of 0 out of 10.

We understand your financial stress is high. It’s likely impacting your relationships and productivity. Here’s a plan of action.

First, resolve to stop borrowing as your reserve. You’re never going back.

Next, build up $1,000 in your emergency fund. Dave Ramsey has a proven method for getting your finances in order. As a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, I’ll send you Dave’s book, The Total Money Makeover. Click Here for your free copy!

Law # 3: “E” is for Equity builds prosperity.

Equity means ownership, and God’s best is for us to be owners, not borrowers. Financial Bondage means you depend on debt to live your life. Borrowing offers instant gratification, but like a drug, it’s really a painful trap. Pay down debts, so you can prosper, and don’t be surprised if it comes quickly. That’s when it really gets fun!

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Proverbs 22:7

You answered, “Several” for a score of 3 out of 10.

We understand you need help getting your life back. Here’s a plan of action.

First, resolve to stop borrowing any more money. You’re never going back.

Next, build up $1,000.00 in your emergency fund. Dave Ramsey has a proven method for getting out of debt. As a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, I’ll send you Dave’s book, The Total Money Makeover. Click Here for your free copy! I can also help with your “debt snowball.” Let’s go!

Law # 4: “A” is for Austerity brings stability.

Having the character trait of austerity means money doesn’t control us. Now that we’re making some money, are we pursuing leisure or generosity? Is it more about my kingdom, or God’s Kingdom? Materialism can corrupt our character and our devotion to God. So, maintain a balanced lifestyle and budget so you don’t let “the good life” ruin a great life.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1 Timothy 6: 6-10

You answered, “No” for a score of 2 out of 10.

We understand it’s easy to overspend, especially when we’re finally making some real money!  Here’s a plan of action. 

First, resolve to update your budget.  Only give yourself 60 days to get it done.

Next, get a second opinion.  Clients love our budget template and find it thorough and easy to use. Click here for our budget tool, and schedule a free conversation to discuss how we can help. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.

Law # 5: “R” is for Responsibility loves accountability.

We cannot succeed on our own. In the beginning, God said it was not good for man to be alone³, so we shouldn’t think otherwise. Carrying your own weight is good, but isolation is not. Great providers embrace responsibility and understand the benefits of seeking wise counsel.

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22

You answered, “Just me” or “1” for a score of 2 (or 5) out of 10.

Your score is too low, and you know it.  Here’s your action plan.

First, resolve to embrace the benefits of coaching.  Never go back to the easier way out. 

Next, build an advisory board who will speak into your financial plan and decisions. 

Including yourself, select an odd number (3 or 5) so there won’t be votes that end in a tie.  Include your spouse, trusted friends, and financial, tax, or legal professionals.  Vary the ages and backgrounds of the group, and include people willing to disagree with you.  People who “push our buttons” can be good for us.  Meet at least annually as a group, and sprinkle individual meetings as necessary. You have 60 days to get it done. 

Finally, schedule a free conversation with me for tips to maximize the impact of your board.

Law # 1: “M” is for Manage risks, not the market.

Life is full of risks and misfortune. And history shows that nations and financial institutions don’t handle power very well, so corruption ebbs and flows. Just like we can’t predict the future, we can’t time a market full of thousands of companies. We shouldn’t even try. The wise approach is to manage the risks through active diversification.

“Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” Ecclesiastes 11:2

You answered, “Not Sure” for a score of 2 out of 10; or “Haphazard” for a score of 4 out of 10; or “Generic” for a score of 7 out of 10.

Make no mistake, Wall Street firms don’t manage risks, they sell investment products. If you follow their advice; you’ll eventually be stranded in a crisis…one they likely created! Don’t risk your life savings on packaged investment solutions. Schedule a free consultation today. In the meantime, get my monthly strategy update, “Buy Sell, or Hold” at our YouTube Channel.

Law # 2: “O” is for Own Your Values.

Values matter. The Bible sounds the alarm that if we profit from immoral business practices through our investments, our very life and character are at stake. Investing is an extension of your life’s work. Leave Wall Street behind, and join thousands of investors who’ve made the switch to award-winning investments that promote and defend their Christian values.

“Such are the ways of everyone greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.” Proverbs 1:19

You answered, “No” for a score of 3 out of 10.

You deserve to feel excited about your investments. Anyone can upgrade their portfolio with values-driven investments. Here’s how.

First, resolve to upgrade your portfolio. You’re never going back.

Next, schedule a free consultation for a complete moral audit of your portfolio. In the meantime, click here for your free copy of the Clear Money Path “Values-Driven Approach,” a simple and gracious way to promote and defend your Christian values. Finally, implement your new portfolio with award-winning managers from the values-driven investing industry! Don’t miss your calling to a better investing life.

Finally, implement your new portfolio with award-winning managers from the values-driven investing industry! Don’t miss your calling to a better investing life.

Law # 3: “N” is for Nail Down Your Income.

Most investors need a sophisticated retirement income strategy.  Don’t risk your life savings, because It can be tough to getting work after you’re retired.  You can know the right distribution strategy with the highest odds of success.

“So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90: 12

You answered, “No”

There’s nothing like feeling prepared.  The best investment you will ever make is in a rigorous financial analysis of your situation.  We use the #1 planning tool in the industry (11 years straight!)  Join hundreds of our clients who know their strategy gives them the highest historical odds of success.  Here’s a free sample link from Money Guide Pro. Here’s a free sample link from Money Guide Pro.

Law # 4: “E” is for Expose the Hidden Fees.

You should never have to wonder if you’re wasting money on your investment firm. A sophisticated, institutional-grade structure is worth every penny. But most investors are settling for high fees and cookie-cutter solutions.

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28

You answered, “Not at all,” or “Moderately”

Most people, including investment advisors, don’t know how much they pay for an investment portfolio.  You might want to reconsider.  Our clients are glad they did.  Here’s a helpful starter article for evaluating mutual fund fees.

Law # 5: “Y” is Yearn for Conviction.

Where do you go with your serious money?  Most investors are settling for generic solutions and don’t even know it.  You deserve to know when to stay the course and when to take shelter.

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

You answered, “Shaky,” or “Good/Okay”

Your retirement is on the line.  Research shows the best performing managers have BIG personal money in their own strategies, the willingness to go against the crowd, and they don’t run mega-sized mutual funds.  Does your portfolio compare?  Schedule a free proposal today.  In the meantime, here are some examples of the award-winning managers in our portfolios.   Www.Eventidefunds.com, www.avemariafunds.com

Law # 1: “P” is for Pass Along Wisdom Before You Pass Along Wealth

We’ve all seen it.  Inherited wealth provides great opportunities, but it can also create harm for those without experience.  How do we pass along wisdom before wealth? 

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

You answered, “No,” or “Unsure”

The first step is to have your heirs take the Money Test™.  Schedule a free consultation and let’s evaluate where they are, and the services they need most.  In the meantime, ask us for a free copy of Spitting Heirs by Ron Blue to build your insights as a mentor. 

Law # 2: “A” is for Avoid Unnecessary Taxes

There are too many preventable stories of smart people needlessly allowing Uncle Sam to inherit large portions of their hard-earned estates.

“…sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.” Ecclesiastes 2:21

You answered, “No”

Step #2 is to make sure your assets pass efficiently with little taxation as possible.  Here’s a quick reference guide, and don’t forget to keep reading Splitting Heirs by Ron Blue.  Of course, you can always reach out to a local estate planning attorney, but do some reading first to save some money.

Law # 3: “T” is for Treat Children Uniquely, But Love Them Equally

We serve several families with special needs children. Their struggles stretch our love, and bring tremendous joy at the same time. Their needs typically require more financial provision than the other children, yet family members have no hesitation understanding why the amounts are unequal. We need to take the same approach with our estate plan and financial mentoring.

“So, from now on we no longer view anyone from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” 2 Corinthians 5:16

You answered, “Not at all” or “Moderately.”

Our estate plan is always being refined.  It’s easier to divide shares equally, yet there’s no rule saying you have to do it that way.  Teach your heirs to understand you have the right to bless them in any manner you choose.  Let’s modify your plan to love them equally, but treat them uniquely.  Don’t forget my offer for a free copy of Splitting Heirs by Ron Blue!     

Law # 4: “H” is for Hand the Baton Early

Most seniors struggle trusting the younger generation. In a recent survey, 64% of affluent Americans admit they have disclosed little or nothing to their heirs about their wealth. It may be for good reason, because studies show that it takes the average recipient of an inheritance 19 days until they buy a new car. Furthermore, baby boomers spend or lose 50 cents for every dollar inherited. It’s no wonder almost 80% of affluent families say the next generation is not qualified to handle their inheritance. What can we do?

“…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2: 22

You answered, “Not at all” or “Moderately.”

We help clients develop family mission statements, structured meetings, and retreats that foster understanding and wealth management continuity.  Let’s build your communication strategy.  For some specific ideas in the meantime, request for your free copy of Creating A Thriving Family Legacy by a friend of mine, Jeff Rogers. 

Law # 5: “!” is for High Importance!

Avoid the tragedy. Don’t see your hard work and financial blessings squandered away. Only 10% pass wealth to 3rd generation. It doesn’t have to be that way.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1: 4

You answered, “No”

Perhaps some of our heirs won’t embrace sound management because they are lazy.  Perhaps others will be foolish.  Or perhaps we foster a distain for wealth, because they see a love for money in our lives.  We need to be open that it may start at the top. 

Don’t give up.  No excuses.  Finish well.  Let’s design your mentoring strategy to take your loved ones through the Money Test™, and let’s seed the future with a tradition of sound money management in your heirs.  Schedule a conversation today!