News From Carla B.

An Inspired Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence

While sitting in an office the other day, waiting for assistance, I was watching the local TV news station here in Charlotte. Like everywhere else in the world, the reporter was talking about the rising prices of coffee, gas and several other necessities that consumers would have a hard time living without.

For a brief moment I was moved toward worry, along with the others in the room with me. I could tell by their faces and hear some of their comments of fear about out future.

I could hear the voice of the Holy Spirit that I should not be anxious like the world. But, through prayer and supplication, make my request be made known unto God (Phill. 4:6).

That scripture reference immediately became "Good News" to me. Again I was reminded that I am called the spread the God News of the Gospel, to the rest of the world, so that they too could find comfort in God's plan to sustain us in and through this uncertain economy.

I have written "6 Values of a Inspired Financially Confident Woman"

1. Gratitude- Express this value by giving to others

Share what you have with others (Give and it shall be given to you.. Luke 6:38) - If you look hard enough, you will find that your situation is not as bad as compared to others. Find a way to give to others within your own community.

Look around, someone may need their electric restored, A ride to an interview, a day out of their home away from their everyday worries. Take a family who has lost their income out to the park for hot dogs and ice cream.

Invite someone to your House of Worship, where they too may receive a word of encouragement. Better still, start a bible study with a family who is struggling to maintain their faith, who is looking for a ray of hope.

2. Financial Independence- Express this value by saving.

Save for the future (Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! -Prov. 6:6)

We really can learn a lot from an ant. They work all summer long, while conditions are right to prosper. However, they are not sitting around around eating up all of their hard earn moola, they are storing up for the winter season. They know that seasons change, they understand that they are responsible for themselves and their, family, and community.

Ants are fearless, the work hard, they work together. They have plenty. They sit back and vacation in the winter. They do not have to come out in the winter suffering the cold weather.

3. Financial Freedom- Express this value by becoming debt free

Pay off all unsecured debt as soon as possible( credit cards, student loans, car loans) ( Those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders. -Proverbs 22:7)

Credit card companies now put on your bill the amount of time it would take to pay off you bill if making the minimum payment and if adding a few dollars extra. There is a difference between 21 years and 3 years.

Who wants to spend 21 years paying of $ 2000 worth of credit. I do not even want to take three years. Find a way to double up on your payments if possible. If not add an extra $5-20.

Choose to not be a slave to the lender. Find creative ways to pay down debt. Save your snack money each day in a piggy bank. Take that money at the end of each month and add to your first debt you plan to pay off. That alone can cut a few years of of that debt.

4. Family- Express this value by getting your family finances in order.

Your( and your spouse if married) are the financial planner for your household. I it takes wisdom to build a profitable house. (Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts- (Prov. 23:3-4)

Be a wise planner, take care of your family by taking care of your finances.

5. Creative- Express this value by making creative use of your talents

God have given each of us talents ( I believe talents are desires that are in line with our unique gift). )( The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. "Master, you have entrusted me with five talents. See I have gained five more"- Math. 25:20.

Make use of the gifts that you have been given. Work toward your desires with faith, and with purpose. I if you do this, according to scripture, you will increase.

6. Education- Express this value by growing in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding

Education is a tool for growth. ( A wise man will hear, and increases learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. -Prov.1:5).

A down time in our economy is an opportunity to grow and learn. Do not sit by idle and let life determine your future. Learn something new each day.

You may not need or want to go to college at this time, but there are numerous opportunities to learn.

Coaching Challenge

Consider incorporating some of these values into your financial plan.

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