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Will There Be A Recession?
The simple answer is probably. Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States. What are recessions? When gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, declines for two consecutive quarters, many people will say the economy is in a recession.1 Typically, during [...]
Finding Contentment with Our Portion
Have you ever been tempted by envy or jealousy? I have. Have you ever experienced when others (even other Believers) were envious or jealous of you? I have, too. Envy and jealousy combat the spirit of contentment and gratitude that God wants us to have. The root causes are pride, covetousness and a “scarcity” mentality. This “scarcity” mentality even challenges those in various forms of ministry; whether pastors of churches, leaders of mission or humanitarian ministries and, yes, even those [...]
Unused Vacation Days Can Be Costly
Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion? If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to them each year.1 In survey after survey, workers consistently say paid vacation is one of the benefits they value most. Yet, many Americans fail to use a significant [...]
Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Living out our faith is often reflected in our investments. Many seek to steward their budget well, tithe for the work of God in their church, and help those in need, but they might be missing a key opportunity to have a big impact with their finances for the Kingdom of God. There are so many causes around us that it can be easy to become overwhelmed and wonder if we are making a difference at all. And though we cannot help [...]
Holiday Greeting – Labor Day is an Important Day
Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not protected by safety regulations.1 Children worked, too, in factories and mines. Conditions were harsh and unsafe for all.2 In 1882, the first Labor Day parade was actually a one-day strike. Ten thousand workers [...]
Protect Yourself in a Smart and Connected World
The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and appliances, make sure you also take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones from cyberthreats. Do you know the difference between smart and connected? Many American homes are full of smart devices [...]
10 Tips for Teaching Kids About Money
Kids learn the basics in school–reading, writing and arithmetic. But schools avoid almost any instruction about money. If they do offer a class, it may be an elective in high school, long after habits have been formed. I believe it’s important to start talking about finances early, when kids are young. You can begin to share your values and help them shape their views on money in a culture that places a premium on [...]
Lifestyle Newsletter – A Prescription for Dementia Prevention
A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good mental health all of your life? As it turns out, it may be possible to have both. There is no shortage of studies and reports indicating a healthy diet and regular exercise [...]
Traveling Safe and Smart this Summer
Ah . . . the crisp salty air brushes across your cheeks inviting you to rest in a paradise you have worked so hard to get to. As you see the perfect spot for you to rest and you lie down to read your favorite book, suddenly the bugs fly about you and your paradise becomes a place of irritation . . . that is unless you have a plan. While bug spray might dissuade [...]
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing Americans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates Americans will pay $3.4 trillion to the federal government and $1.8 trillion to state and local governments in 2019.2 If you believe you’re paying too much tax, selecting investments that emphasize tax-advantaged opportunities could help reduce the amount of taxes you owe. [...]
Holiday Greeting – Collect the Best Recipes for Dads’ Cook Book
Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration and get the men in your family to write instructions – ingredients, preparation, cooking methods, and times – for their best recipes. Get the skinny on grandpa’s renowned soup or great grandpa’s delicious [...]
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Plan
Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of random words to his wife. The words were a code that would let her know when he was in touch from the afterlife.1 In 1968, Quaker State Refining Corporation heir Eleanor Ritchey left $4.5 million to her dogs. She [...]
