Money is a training ground for God to develop our trustworthiness, Luke 16:11 1

Principle 5 Avoid Debt “The borrower is a slave to the lender.” Prov 22:7 Pay credit card balances off every month Never buy consumer goods such as clothes, furniture, or electronics on credit Don’t rent consumer good or electronics on “rent-to-own” plans It’s better to drive a clunker with a small note than a luxury car that’s “loaded” with debt 2

Learn from Your Mistakes “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Prov 28:13 Take responsibility; prayerfully ask God to help you become a better steward of the resources He has entrusted to you 3

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Benefits of Goals They provide direction and purpose They help crystallize your sthinking They provide personal motivation They are a statement of God’s will for you 5

Setting Goals for Financial Fitness Most people have good intentions or a vague idea of wanting to do something but do not intentionally and prayerfully set written goals. You have to live by goals, not only in setting them. 6

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Thoughts "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." "Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work." H. L. Hungt We must be careful not to let our current appetites steal away any chance we might have for a future feast. Jim Rohn

Goal setting is a faith process I believe God would have me ______. Spend time with God, write down your impressions, make those impressions measurable, and take action. Focus on what God directs you to do. 9

Short-term goals Next six to twelve months One to five years Level of charitable giving Taxes Living expenses Lifestyle At peace with short-term financial decision making 10

Long-term goals Fear potential financial events? Debt level? Progress towards goals Investment portfolio? Spouse’s concerns? Peace with long-term financial decision making? 11

Mistakes to Avoid Not setting goals at all Unmatching goals between spouses Setting unquantified goals – going for a ride Setting goals based on fear rather than faith – Fear of failure related to our search for significance – Fear of the future relates to our search for security 12

Review weekend agenda Pages in the textbook 13

Benefits of Faith Goal Setting If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority Lead to future capacity to attin other desirable ends Mutually consistent, step-by-step accomplishment of each one aids in the achievement of the others Are a statement of faith; Prov 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” 14

Write them in sand, watch God work. 15

Exercise 16