Hey Bestie!
Fear holds no power over me, except for my reverence for God. Yet, for the longest time, money loomed over my thoughts—fueling worries and uncertainties. The moment I stepped out of my four-year college, diploma in hand, I was told I was ready for the real world. But how could I be, when I had no clue how to read my paycheck, invest in retirement, negotiate a salary, manage my 401(k), or tackle the mountain of debt I had accumulated, which dwarfed my income?
The real shock came with tax season—never having been taught how to file taxes, reduce taxable income, or even understand what constitutes taxable income. Does everyone know how to do this? Then, I realized I wasn't alone; many of my friends and peers shared these knowledge gaps and uncertainties.
With a background in business finance, I felt compelled to delve deeper into personal finance. Yet, it was through reading the Bible that I confronted a profound truth, encapsulated in Matthew 6:24:
"No one can serve 2 masters. Either you will hate the one & love the other, or you will be devoted to the one & despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
I had allowed my financial worries to overshadow my faith and relationship with God. Instead of dedicating time to prayer, worship, and scripture, I found myself ensnared in a cycle of worry, work, and stress.
I refused to let finances dictate my happiness, time, and energy. Money would no longer be an idol in my life. Instead, I chose to master personal finance, driven by a commitment to ensure it no longer controlled my fate or well-being. My journey into personal finance is not just about navigating my economic reality; it's a mission to empower others. By owning our finances, we maximize our lives, gain financial literacy, and teach our bloodline to build generational wealth.
This realization marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Recognizing that money, while a necessary tool in our daily lives, should not consume our thoughts or dictate our actions to the detriment of our spiritual well-being. The biblical principle that we cannot serve both God and money serves as a guiding light in this journey, reminding us of the importance of aligning our financial decisions with our deeper values and beliefs.
The path to financial literacy, therefore, became intertwined with my faith. It became evident that true empowerment and wisdom in personal finance come from understanding that money is a means, not an end. Our financial decisions should reflect our commitment to living a life that honors God, supports our families, and contributes to our communities.
To navigate finances with intention and purpose, we must first establish a foundation of trust in God’s provision. This trust allows us to approach financial planning and decision-making with confidence, not fear. It encourages us to seek knowledge, understand our financial situation, and take proactive steps toward financial health—be it through budgeting, saving, investing, or giving.
Moreover, integrating faith into our financial lives prompts us to consider how our financial actions affect others. It challenges us to be stewards of our resources, to invest in ways that are not only profitable but also ethical and aligned with our beliefs. It inspires us to give generously, recognizing that through our giving, we can reflect God’s generosity towards us.
Empowerment comes from this holistic approach to personal finance—one that combines knowledge with faith, and action with prayer. As we learn to manage our money wisely, we also learn to live more fully, embracing the freedom that comes from financial literacy and a deep, unwavering faith.
In this confluence of faith and finances, we find not just the wisdom to manage our money but also the insight to navigate life's challenges with grace. By placing our trust in God and using money as a tool for good, we can ensure that our financial decisions enhance, not hinder, our spiritual journey.
The mission to teach and empower others to navigate their finances with intention and purpose is ongoing. It’s about creating a legacy of financial literacy and faith that will endure for generations. By mastering personal finance through the lens of faith, we ensure that money serves us, not the other way around, allowing us to lead lives that are rich in every sense of the word.
As we continue on this path, let us remember that our worth is not measured by our wealth but by our faith and the richness of our relationship with God. Let this understanding illuminate our financial journey, guiding us toward decisions that bring peace, prosperity, and purpose to our lives and the lives of those around us.
xoxo,
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