Step # 1: “C” is for Charity. Excel in it.

Clarity starts with charity because it’s a daily reminder of Financial Fact #1:  In this life, learn how to give, and you’ll learn how to live. 

 Jesus taught 3 things about money.  First, we all have two lives: the short one (this life), and the long one (in eternity), so live for the long one.  Although we cannot earn Heaven, our heart and treasure can be there! ¹   Next, it’s better to give than receive, so there’s something wrong if we’re not living generously. ² And, finally it’s not about the amount, it’s about a lifestyle of generosity and our “measure” of doing business. ³

“17 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. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 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”

Your score was probably lower than you’d like. We’ve helped lots of clients increase income, trim expenses, or 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.

Call us for a free copy of Randy Alcorn’s book The Treasure Principle, or check out http://bit.ly/BuyHappinessTedTalk, or take the Journey of Giving (JOG) through www.generousgiving.org.

Step # 2: “L” is for Liquidity. Master it.

Liquidity shows maturity. Financial Fact of Life #2: In this life, laziness leads to poverty. The first skill for financial success is knowing how to build and protect liquidity. It takes faith and plenty of discipline to set aside short-term desires and save for the storms of life.

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Proverbs 6: 6-8

You answered, “None”

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 $1,000.00 in your emergency fund. Dave Ramsey has a proven method for getting your finances in order. As a Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, I’ll send you a free copy of Dave’s book, The Total Money Makeover. Click Here or email us at info@clearmoneypath.com to request your free book.

Step # 3: “E” is for Equity. Build it.

Equity Builds Prosperity. Financial Fact of Life #3: In this life, the rich rule over the poor, and they do it through lending. Borrowing offers instant gratification, but it’s really a painful trap that holds you back.

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

You answered, “Several”

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, so call our office for a free copy of Dave’s book, The Total Money Makeover.  As a Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, I can help with your “debt snowball.”  Let’s go!

Step # 4: “A” is for Austerity. Live it.

Austerity Brings Stability.  Financial Fact of Life #4:  In this life, avoid materialism, because it can corrupt our character.  This is where life can fall apart.  Master your money and your budget so you don’t let “the good life” ruin a great life.

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13: 5

You answered, “No”

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. For our budget tool visit http://bit.ly/CMPBudgetTool, or schedule a free conversation to discuss how we can help. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today. 

Step # 5: “R” is for Responsibility. Embrace it.

Responsibility Loves accountability.  Financial Fact of Life #5:  In this life, you cannot succeed on your own.  Carrying your own weight is good, but isolation is not.  Great providers are humble enough to ask wise advisors to speak into their lives.

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

You answered, “Just Me” or “One”

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.

Step # 1: “M” is for Manage the Risks

Make no mistake, Wall Street firms don’t manage risks, they sell investment products.  Don’t risk your life savings on packaged investment solutions.  You can know the wise amount of diversification, with the highest historical odds of success…for every stage of life.  

“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,” “Haphazard,” or ”Standard Report”

You shouldn’t have to wonder if you’re getting the whole truth about money.  Don’t settle for packaged Wall Street solutions.  Schedule a free consultation and proposal today.

In the meantime, get my monthly strategy update, “Buy Sell, or Hold” on our YouTube Channel.

Step # 2: “O” is for Own Your Values

You should never have to wonder if your investments are harming others.  Leave Wall Street solutions 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”

You deserve to feel excited about your investments.  Anyone can upgrade their portfolio with values-driven investments.  Click the link for a free copy of the Clear Money Path Values-Driven Approach*, which gives you a simple and gracious way to promote and defend your Christian values.  Here’s how:

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

Next, schedule a free consultation that includes the “A-C-T” Business Rules, custom reports from Evalueator™ and BRIInstitute™ software, and a complete moral audit of your portfolio.

Finally, implement your new portfolio with award-winning man

Step # 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.

Step # 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.

Step # 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

Step # 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. 

Step # 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.

Step # 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!     

Step # 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. 

Step # 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!