Daly Focus Blog
Do you teach your children to clean their rooms?
How about to do their homework, to brush their teeth, or to match their clothes?
How about to give money, save money, and to spend it properly?
If you said no to that last one, it might be because you see your child’s allowance as simply an economic transfer instead of as a chance to develop their character.
Our guest for the next couple of programs is the money guru himself, radio host and bestselling author, Dave Ramsey.
When do you plan to retire?
Notice I didn’t ask, “When do you hope to retire?”
According to financial planner Chris Hogan, retirement is a function of our finances, not our age. And good financial strategies are all about telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
Chris helps people learn how to do that by boosting their “Retirement IQ” with these three questions:
How much money do you want to live on per month?
David Green learned how to give to others long before he founded Hobby Lobby, the well-known chain of retail arts and crafts stores across the United States. His parents never had much money, but they were two of the most generous people David has ever known.
David still remembers his dad writing someone a check for $100 even though the most he’d ever made in a week was $138. And his mom once gave a dress out of her own closet to a woman in need.
Conflict over finances can be hard on a marriage. In fact, research shows that couples who argue about money are nearly twice as likely to divorce as those who don’t.
The answer to that dilemma should be easy then, right? Just manage your finances better.
But a lot of couples are surprised to learn that poor money habits are only one part of their trouble. The other part is usually the marriage itself.
Money puts stress on fractures that already exist in a marriage.
You’ve probably heard it many times before: financial management in the home is primarily about effective budgeting and wisely using the resources you already have.
But we hear from a lot of families who tell us they don’t have a budgeting problem, they have an income problem. They aren’t living extravagantly or beyond their means, but they’re still barely getting by and have nothing extra left over to bless others.
Recent survey data shows that almost 60 percent of families with children under the age of 18 in the home have parents who both work outside the home.
When was the last time you imagined yourself wearing a coat of chainmail, wielding a sword and shield, and setting out on your noble steed through a dense forest to slay a dragon?
If it’s been awhile, you may want to consider tapping into your imagination and reaching for your trusty blade. According to statistics, a large percentage of American families are at the mercy of a foe as dangerous to their homes as any fire-breathing dragon in folklore.
You’ve probably heard it said before, but it’s as true now as it ever was: money problems are one of the most consistent reasons for the breakdown of marriages.
That fact is why we return to the topic of money again and again here at Focus on the Family, to help and equip couples who are struggling with their finances.
Our guest on our program Wednesday (Sept. 16), Mary Hunt, has been there. She knows what it’s like to crawl out of incredible financial debt.
A news summary on issues that matter.
North Carolina Law Protects Freedom of Conscience
Good news: A bill that will permit court officials to decline performing same-sex marriage responsibilities became law yesterday in North Carolina. According to House Speaker Tim Moore, the law “protects sincerely held religious beliefs while also ensuring that magistrates are available in all jurisdictions to perform lawful marriages.”
The Value of Children in an Anti-Natality Age
World magazine features an insightful article about the growing anti-natality perspective in our culture, which often pits the environmental movement against childbearing.
Note: Our hearts are breaking for those impacted by the devastating floods in Texas, Oklahoma and Mexico. Epic rainfall has crippled the area. Reports indicate that at least 35 people have been killed and scores more are missing. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed or damaged. Please join me in praying for those mourning and navigating these very difficult circumstances. -JD
————–
Well, the first of the month is right around the corner, and for many of us that means the mortgage or rent is due.
I’m sure you could tell me which of your children are introverts or extroverts, or which are morning people or night owls. Those traits reflect their personality.
It’s how they perceive the world around them and interact with it.
Well, in the same way, financial experts Scott and Bethany Palmer say children have a money personality. It’s essentially the same idea. Their money personality affects how they see money, interact with it, and deal with others who see money differently.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
