1. Let’s get started 2015 Finance Conference Dan Nagelkerke | Curt Gritters

2.  You, and your expectations for tonight  Presenters Dan Nagelkerke dan@ferriscoffee.com 616-292-1532 Curt Gritters CurtGritters@gmail.com (616) 856-1278

3.  Recognize Context: What, Why, Who, When  Tools into Toolbox: How  Plan and Get Started

4.  Author Larry Burkett observed, “When we acknowledge God’s ownership, Every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision. No longer do we ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do with my money? The question is restated, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do with Your money?” When we have this perspective, spending and savings decisions are equally as spiritual as giving decisions.

5.  The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer, fewer than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,350 verses on money and possessions.  Following God’s financial principles draws us nearer to Christ.  Possessions can compete with the Lord.  Scripture teaches there are two distinct parts to the handling of money: the part God plays and the part we play.

6.  Church  School  Any/all debts  Everyday items (utilities, food, clothes, etc.)  Emergency fund  Savings / Retirement  Leisure / Vacation

7.  What? A plan: includes giving, saving, spending  Why? Goals: ◦ 1. Faithful stewardship of GOD’s resources ◦ 2. Balanced cash flow ◦ 3. Heart-check: contentment & joy ◦ 4. Healthy relationships  Who?  When? Annually & with changes; review monthly

8.  Tips: buy with brain, not heart  Don’t try to keep up with Van Jones’  Pleasers of God, not men ◦ Standard of living  Start simple, realistic  Direct deposit into few bucket accounts

9.  Keep a careful record of all expenditures for 30 days to determine your current situation.  This should be a team effort. Husband and wife.  Almost every budget starts out with expenditures in excess of income. But a solution exists.

10.  Our expenses. What are absolutely necessary? What can I do without.  Reducing cost tips:  Lower the cost of utilities by limiting the use of heating, A/C, Lights, and Appliances.  Shop carefully for furniture and appliances. Use garage sales, Craig’s list, Thrift Stores.

11.  Food. Prepare menu for the week. Shop once.  Bring lunch with you.  Figure expenses / expenditures for the year. That daily cup of coffee cost?  Healthcare cost. Practice preventative medicine. Perrigo outlet store.  Control impulse buying. Stay away from malls etc. Each time you have a urge to buy put it on a impulse list. Pray about it. Often the impulse will pass. 

12.  Irregular expenses  Look at W-2 and divide by 12  Big ticket items (save on the front end)  Unplanned Expenses  Once you start. Don’t stop budgeting.

13.  Just Do It.