Tag Archives: tithing

A Charitable Route to Wealth

Wealth, , , , , , ,

Many years ago, while I was searching for strategies to eliminate my money problems, I read a book by financial guru Suze Orman which opened my eyes to an interesting principle that promised to help me achieve a better relationship with my money.

In The Courage to Be Rich, Orman opined that it was important for us to connect to the world with our money, and that charity should be a part of our financial plan. Orman noted that giving money away had many benefits that could not only change people’s lives, but improve our own finances.

HOW GIVING BECAME A PRIORITY EXPENSE

I was determined to fix my money woes, so I usually followed the advice of the experts without question. However, the concept of giving away some of my inadequate income to others left me perturbed. How was I going to survive on less money when I couldn’t even pay my bills? Continue reading A Charitable Route to Wealth →

How to manage tough money problems

Money & Your Mind, , ,

“I’m desperate and I don’t know where to turn. I’m over my head in debt and my salary isn’t enough to pay for my basic needs much less pay down my loans. Every day prices increase, but my money only stands still. No matter what I try, I can’t seem to dig out of my financial mess; sometimes I feel like just giving up. Help!”

Everywhere you turn, people are complaining about their money problems. Food prices are skyrocketing, consumer debt is spiraling, utility costs are rising; everything is going up except our incomes! Many people are definitely getting anxious about money or their lack of it.

As a financial advisor, one of my biggest challenges is how to help someone with a tough financial problem that has no obvious solutions. Some money problems can’t be fixed with the regular smart advice of how to earn more and spend less. In reality, some people have money troubles that only get more depressing as you try to find a workable way forward.

So what can you do if you’re in the middle of a really tough financial mess? Give up? Not an option! Continue reading How to manage tough money problems →

Have a Charitable Christmas

Money Reflections, , ,

“To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind – this is a choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for. – Henry Van Dyke

In just a few days, Christmas 2007 will be here. All too soon the day will be done, leaving behind piles of torn wrapping paper which once hid secret gifts; overflowing fridges stocked with left-over ham and rice and peas; brown pine leaves on brightly decorated trees; and the fading sounds of happy Christmas songs.

The 24 hours that comprises Christmas day disappears as quickly as any other normal day, and I sometimes wonder if all the hype and frantic preparation for this one day is overdone. On the dawn of December 26th, will the world be a better place for us? Will we be more financially, spiritually and emotionally fulfilled?

For many people, there is no improvement in the quality of their lives after Christmas. Real life returns, ushering in a January filled with bills that give testimony of holiday excesses. Unfortunately, all the commercialism that surrounds Christmas can sometimes make us forget the reason behind the season.

The story of the baby born to make a difference to the whole world makes a nice, heart-warming tale – but can it leave a life-changing impression in our hearts?

Continue reading Have a Charitable Christmas →

Are you too generous with your money?

Money & Your Mind, , ,

“I’m trying to turn around my financial life – I’ve paid off my credit cards, and I’ve stopped overspending. However, there’s still one problem that’s preventing me from building up my savings.

“Every time I have a little extra cash, someone turns up with a hard luck story and I end up lending them the money. Although I don’t usually get paid back, I can’t seem to stop giving away my money. Help!

There are universal and biblical laws that point to the benefits of charitable giving. Those who believe that money is abundant and donate freely to worthy causes usually find that their own personal fortunes increase as their giving grows.

Many of the world’s wealthiest people like Andrew Carnegie, Bill Gates, and Jamaica’s own Ferdinand Mahfood, have established foundations that have helped millions.

Although we are told that “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” or “In charity there is no excess,” is it possible that you can be too generous with your money?

Continue reading Are you too generous with your money? →