How to Talk to Your Kids about the Economic Crisis

“How can I talk to my kids about the economic crisis?” It is a common question that most parents face today. As prices on consumable goods rise, from food and gas to the cable bill, and families feel themselves pinched, even the youngest children are starting to notice that things around them are changing. Neighbors and friends may be moving away, favorite stores and restaurants may be closing, and everyone seems to have to sacrifice something they enjoy just to get through this time. Parents should see this time in our history as a teaching moment, but the lessons should … Continue reading

Understanding How You Got Into Debt

For most of us, debt comes softly. Bills sort of sneak up until you are left wondering what happened. Understanding how you go into debt is very important. This understanding will not only help you to get back out of debt, but it will also help prevent you from getting back into it. Try to trace back to a time when you weren’t in debt. What was different? Have you always been in debt? What did you learn about handling money from your parents? Common causes of debt include spending more than you make, or overspending, a sudden or unexpected … Continue reading

Do Your Finances Change Once You Have a Baby?

Once you have children your entire life changes drastically. The way you handle your finances is one way you will find yourself changing. When you are suddenly responsible for the welfare of a child, it becomes much more essential to manage your money responsibly so that you can provide for him. It becomes much more important to be able to provide the necessities of life and some of the luxuries. It is important that you set and maintain a list of priorities in your life financial. If you stick to this list, you will find that you will be able … Continue reading

Can You Handle a Financial Crisis?

Are you prepared for the worst case financial scenarios in your life? Do you have adequate life insurance? Do you have money set aside in case you lose your job? Do you currently have health insurance? Would you be able to care for your family if one spouse had to stop working or passed away? Although these are difficult questions to think about, it is important to address them. Although you may think that you are better off saving the money rather than purchasing life or health insurance, it is a risky gamble. One skiing accident or attack of appendicitis … Continue reading

Involving Your Kids in Your Finances

How aware are your children of your financial situation? Do they simply think that money is always available for them to spend? Or do they worry because they know that you do not have a lot of money? It can be difficult to find the balance of how much your children know about your current financial decision. You do not want to overwhelm them with knowledge that they are not ready to handle, yet it is important to teach them the value of things and how money works. It can be beneficial to have your children learn your monthly budget. … Continue reading

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

One of the types of insurance that my husband and I are considering purchasing is life insurance. This is a difficult one to think about, because it involves conscious decision making about financial matters related to the death of a loved one. There are many reasons why it is important to have life insurance, even for people who are young and healthy. All insurance is designed to give you some assistance in the case of a financial crisis. Health insurance covers the financial aspects of medical care, in case an emergency happens. Homeowners insurance covers the financial costs of replacing … Continue reading

A Place of Refuge: Ronald McDonald House Charities

In service for approximately 35 years now, the Ronald McDonald House Charities offers a place to stay while your child is undergoing medical treatment away from your home. The Ronald McDonald House Charities receives its support from organizations, businesses and individuals who care about others and are sympathetic to their hardships. If the family is able to afford a donation they are asked to donate anywhere from $5 and $25 per night of their stay. This is based on their ability to contribute such a donation, but can be waived if the family is unable to do so. Based on … Continue reading

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Part 2

Yesterday we saw how we need to make the most of the freedom we have to further the cause of the gospel, by taking the opportunities we have. As Paul underwent his imprisonment not only the guards came to hear the gospel message but other Christians were encouraged and trusted in God because of the faith they saw in Paul. What’s more, rather than them cowering in fear afraid to speak out, they actually grew in ‘courage to speak the word of God without fear’ Philippians 1:14. Plus, the numbers of believers trusting God was growing. That’s often the way … Continue reading

More Devoted Than He Is

Lyn recently wrote an article examining spouses and support. She was wondering about times when life throws us some whopper dodge balls that sting like mad because we absolutely cannot avoid getting hit by them. They’re defining times. Times when we’re faced with heart-wrenching challenges and changes that test our vows. Think lay-offs. Near-fatal car accidents that leave a loved one or ourselves mauled or mutilated. Unthinkable health diagnoses. In short, we find out if our spouse will indeed “do” and be by our side in sickness, for poorer, until death. Once upon a time I wrote an article elaborating … Continue reading

DIY Mortgage Repair

Unless you have your head in the sand, you are aware of the foreclosure crisis. More families are losing their homes than ever before. If you are nervous about your mortgage situation, there are some “do it yourself” solutions to consider. Your mortgage is the most important loan you have. It enables you to keep a roof over your head. You should pay your mortgage first if you don’t have enough money to go around for all your bills. The problem that often leads to foreclosure is the inability to pay that large payment each month. The first step to … Continue reading