God's Plan For My Financial Freedom

http://on.mktw.net/2z4JJzc

Where Is Your Treasure?

Bob Deffinbaugh, "Where Is Your Treasure?" from the series Studies in the Gospel of Matthew.

http://bit.ly/2DF8rNN

Americans Set To Take On More Debt in 2018

Maria LaMagna, "One Sure-Fire Prediction for 2018: Americans Will Take on Even More Debt" MarketWatch, January 6, 2018.

Romans 7:18-19 NIV

7 Bad Financial Habits You Need to Break

"Bad money habits are more difficult to steer out of than other automated behaviors like driving a car. Why? Financial peace of mind is a much more subtle reward than the satisfaction of navigating a half-ton piece of metal through city streets without death or injury. Still, every person who is good at money learned good habits, which means you can, too. 'What we know from lab studies is that it’s never too late to break a habit.Habits are malleable throughout your entire life,' says Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit.” –Kevin Voigt, "7 Bad Financial Habits You Need to Break Right Now" NerdWallet.

https://nerd.me/2qsUxqO

1. Live…

1. Live below your means.

"How Much Home Can You Afford?"

"Maybe you could buy that 'dream home' if you drained your savings account and squeezed every last penny out of your monthly budget. But if your finances change, that dream could turn into a nightmare. It makes more sense to leave a bit of breathing room in your budget. That way, if food or fuel prices go up, it won’t stretch your budget to the breaking point. If you run into a major expense, such as replacing your furnace, you’ll have the money to pay for it. And if you lose your job or part of your income, you won’t necessarily lose your home as well." —Amy Livingston, "How Much House Can I Afford? – Home Affordability Calculator" MoneyCrashers

http://bit.ly/2GoC8An

6 Tactics of a Used Car Salesman

"6 Tactics of a Used Car Salesman" Dave Ramsey.

http://bit.ly/2FofSFN

Matthew 6:19 NIV

The Millionaire Next Door Book Summary

"The Millionaire Next Door is a fascinating examination of the common characteristics of the millionaires living among us. Authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko debunk the myths and will give you a detailed view of what real millionaires look like." —Paul Minors, "The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley [Book Summary & pdf]"

http://bit.ly/2nesJ5Q

For Reflection/Discussion: Do you tend to live within, beyond, or below your means? Why do so many people live beyond their means? In what ways are we encouraged to spend as much as or more than we earn? By whom? For what reason?

2. Set…

2. Set up a systematic saving plan.

Proverbs 21:20 NLT

The Secret To Saving Money

"Saving money isn’t a matter of math—it’s a matter of priorities. We often tell ourselves we’ll start saving once we reach a certain milestone, like when we get a raise, we pay off the car, or the kids move out. But without healthy money habits, you won’t save money when you get that salary bump, when you own your car, or even when the kids are grown. You’ll only start saving money when you develop healthy money habits and your future needs become more important than your current wants. It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. Yes, it requires dedication. But with a few tweaks to your spending priorities, you’ll be on the fast track to saving money in no time." Dave Ramsey, "The Secret To Saving Money" Read more…

http://bit.ly/2CgD34l

For Reflection/Discussion: Why is saving so difficult for many of us? Why is it important to have a systematic saving plan? Does your employer offer a match when you contribute to your retirement saving account? Are you taking full advantage of it? Why or why not?

3. Practice…

3. Practice tithing.

Malachi 3:8-10 NIV

The Habit of Tithing

Message notes on "The Habit of Tithing: Honoring God With My Giving," Saddleback Community Church.

http://bit.ly/2jIFMto

The Promise, Purpose, Place, and Day for Tithing

"Where should you tithe? Do you tithe to United Way? Or do you tithe to your brother who’s been out of work for three years? No. That’s charity. Tithing is an act of worship. It goes to God." —Rick Warren, "The Promise, Purpose, Place, and Day for Tithing" Read more…

http://bit.ly/2DO3otZ

For Reflection/Discussion: What does the Bible teach about tithing? Why do some people get upset when the topic of tithing comes up? Malachi 3 teaches that we are to first to bring our whole tithe to our place of worship. Why do some people want to include giving to other causes as "tithing"? What does our tithing tell us about how much we do or don't trust God?

4. Eliminate…

4. Eliminate debt ruthlessly.

Proverbs 22:7 NIV

The Damage Debt Does

• Debt is dumb.

• Debt creates worry and stress.

• Debt ties up our resources.

• Debt robs us.

• Debt wrecks our relationships.

Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

25 Ways To Get Out of Debt

"25 Ways To Get Out of Debt" Dave Ramsey

http://bit.ly/2wVdQMA

The Debt Snowball Plan

"How to Get Out of Debt With the Debt Snowball Plan" Dave Ramsey.

http://bit.ly/2xvN8rg

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University is being offered at StoneBridge starting Sunday, April 8th. You can register online using this link.

http://bit.ly/2Bz3zE4

For Reflection/Discussion: Consumer debt has hit a record high in America. Why? What are some of the problems and consequences of carrying credit card and other kinds of consumer debt? Do you have a plan to eliminate your debt? Have you taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University? Is it time for a refresher?

5. Don't…

5. Don't get discouraged and don't give up.

Galatians 6:9 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Why do we get discouraged about our finances? What does Jesus have to say about worry in his Sermon on the Mount? How does Galatians 6:9 speak to you about your financial situation?