Steve Repak's Blog - Posts Tagged "choosenow"
Don’t Believe Everything you Read when it comes to Financial Advice
2 Timothy 3:13(NLT) “But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.”
Most people are extremely trusting and that can get them into a heap of trouble. There is an old saying that goes: don’t believe everything you hear and only ½ what you see. For some reason if people read something on the Internet or their favorite social media site, they trust that information and act on it as prudent advice. When it comes to financial information, the Internet can be a great resource but it should not be your only resource. Here are a few things to consider before taking financial, or any other type of advice for that matter, from the internet or your favorite social media site.
1. Most people can spell
If you can spell “Christian” or “Finance Expert” you can call yourself one. Just because someone has a blog, website, Facebook page, etc., don’t assume they are truly an expert or that they have your best interests at heart. Take the time to verify the information and keep in mind that all credentials (the little letters at the end of their name) are not created equal.
2. If it sounds too good to be true…. RUN
There are no secrets or short cuts to being financially secure. If someone promises overnight riches or the next sure thing, RUN! People tend to make decisions with their emotions, especially when it comes to money. Two strong emotions are fear and greed. Many times financial decisions are based on those two emotions and you can find yourself making short-term decisions that might make you feel good now only to regret them further down the road.
3. Your BFF on Facebook
We usually trust our family and friends the most. That is not a bad thing but the problem is when we trust the advice they may post. It could be a stock tip they overheard from their dentist or something they read while they were searching the internet. Don’t assume information that comes from a family member or friend is good, reliable or relevant. There is nothing wrong with trusting the people you love, just make sure you take time to verify the information before you take any action.
4. One size does not fit all
A great example is when you read about how much you should save for retirement. The general rule is you need to save enough to replace 75% of your pre-retirement income adjusted for inflation. But that amount can change for each person based on their age now, their age when they retire, how long they might need the money to last, how much debt they have, pensions, security, etc. You can use information as a guide, and hopefully it can provide you with a little direction, but it might make better sense to sit down with a professional than can provide you with information and guidance that will be more specific to your situation.
Always remember the following truths about financial advice: there are no free rides, everybody wants your money and don’t believe everything you read unless of course you are reading your Bible. The internet and social media can be entertaining and there is a ton of information out there, but just because it glitters doesn’t mean it’s gold. It is ok to trust, but always verify the organization, the information, the person, etc. before making any decisions when it comes to your finances or anything else that might be important in your life!
via @ http://nicoleodell.com/2014/07/dont-b...
Most people are extremely trusting and that can get them into a heap of trouble. There is an old saying that goes: don’t believe everything you hear and only ½ what you see. For some reason if people read something on the Internet or their favorite social media site, they trust that information and act on it as prudent advice. When it comes to financial information, the Internet can be a great resource but it should not be your only resource. Here are a few things to consider before taking financial, or any other type of advice for that matter, from the internet or your favorite social media site.
1. Most people can spell
If you can spell “Christian” or “Finance Expert” you can call yourself one. Just because someone has a blog, website, Facebook page, etc., don’t assume they are truly an expert or that they have your best interests at heart. Take the time to verify the information and keep in mind that all credentials (the little letters at the end of their name) are not created equal.
2. If it sounds too good to be true…. RUN
There are no secrets or short cuts to being financially secure. If someone promises overnight riches or the next sure thing, RUN! People tend to make decisions with their emotions, especially when it comes to money. Two strong emotions are fear and greed. Many times financial decisions are based on those two emotions and you can find yourself making short-term decisions that might make you feel good now only to regret them further down the road.
3. Your BFF on Facebook
We usually trust our family and friends the most. That is not a bad thing but the problem is when we trust the advice they may post. It could be a stock tip they overheard from their dentist or something they read while they were searching the internet. Don’t assume information that comes from a family member or friend is good, reliable or relevant. There is nothing wrong with trusting the people you love, just make sure you take time to verify the information before you take any action.
4. One size does not fit all
A great example is when you read about how much you should save for retirement. The general rule is you need to save enough to replace 75% of your pre-retirement income adjusted for inflation. But that amount can change for each person based on their age now, their age when they retire, how long they might need the money to last, how much debt they have, pensions, security, etc. You can use information as a guide, and hopefully it can provide you with a little direction, but it might make better sense to sit down with a professional than can provide you with information and guidance that will be more specific to your situation.
Always remember the following truths about financial advice: there are no free rides, everybody wants your money and don’t believe everything you read unless of course you are reading your Bible. The internet and social media can be entertaining and there is a ton of information out there, but just because it glitters doesn’t mean it’s gold. It is ok to trust, but always verify the organization, the information, the person, etc. before making any decisions when it comes to your finances or anything else that might be important in your life!
via @ http://nicoleodell.com/2014/07/dont-b...
Thanksgiving Money-Saving Tips
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
With November upon us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on the many blessings for which you are thankful. And because we are also entering what most of us find to be the most expensive season of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips to help you save a little money while still enjoying Turkey Day with your friends and family.
Thanksgiving Money-Saving Tips
Tip #1. Plan for the meal in advance
Maybe you have always served both turkey and ham. Try sticking with one protein this year because we all know that good meat ain’t cheap! Also plan to keep things simple. For example making a pot of mashed potatoes is much less expensive than a scalloped potato casserole. You also want to plan on shopping in advance. It seems like a no-brainer but many people wait until the last minute to find out the items or food that they need have sold out, or yes, grocery stores are indeed closed Thanksgiving morning. If there are items that you can freeze ahead of time, get them now so you can experience less stress with last minute grocery shopping and maybe save some money at the same time.
Tip #2. (BYOF) Bring your own food
Have others bring food and drinks. Not only does this help the person hosting the event because they won’t be spending the entire day slaving over a hot stove, but it is also a great way to reduce the large financial burden of having to buy everything yourself. If you completed Tip #1 and planned your menu you can now ask friends and family members to be responsible for some of the items. For example, you can ask someone to bring a side dish such as a vegetable or maybe you know someone who loves to bake that can bring a dessert. Even folks that can’t cook can help by bringing drinks, napkins, disposable storage containers or other supplies. Sharing the joy of cooking has many benefits beyond the financial and most guests are happy to contribute.
Tip #3. Show your thankfulness by serving strangers
To be reminded of how truly blessed your life is, consider showing how thankful you are by serving others. There are many organizations, soup kitchens, and shelters that are desperate for people who not only can volunteer food but also volunteer their time to help out others in need. It is a great way to spend time with your friends and family and Galatians 5:13 (NLT) says “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love"
courtesy of ChooseNow Ministries and Steve Repak
http://nicoleodell.com/2014/11/thanks...
With November upon us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on the many blessings for which you are thankful. And because we are also entering what most of us find to be the most expensive season of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips to help you save a little money while still enjoying Turkey Day with your friends and family.
Thanksgiving Money-Saving Tips
Tip #1. Plan for the meal in advance
Maybe you have always served both turkey and ham. Try sticking with one protein this year because we all know that good meat ain’t cheap! Also plan to keep things simple. For example making a pot of mashed potatoes is much less expensive than a scalloped potato casserole. You also want to plan on shopping in advance. It seems like a no-brainer but many people wait until the last minute to find out the items or food that they need have sold out, or yes, grocery stores are indeed closed Thanksgiving morning. If there are items that you can freeze ahead of time, get them now so you can experience less stress with last minute grocery shopping and maybe save some money at the same time.
Tip #2. (BYOF) Bring your own food
Have others bring food and drinks. Not only does this help the person hosting the event because they won’t be spending the entire day slaving over a hot stove, but it is also a great way to reduce the large financial burden of having to buy everything yourself. If you completed Tip #1 and planned your menu you can now ask friends and family members to be responsible for some of the items. For example, you can ask someone to bring a side dish such as a vegetable or maybe you know someone who loves to bake that can bring a dessert. Even folks that can’t cook can help by bringing drinks, napkins, disposable storage containers or other supplies. Sharing the joy of cooking has many benefits beyond the financial and most guests are happy to contribute.
Tip #3. Show your thankfulness by serving strangers
To be reminded of how truly blessed your life is, consider showing how thankful you are by serving others. There are many organizations, soup kitchens, and shelters that are desperate for people who not only can volunteer food but also volunteer their time to help out others in need. It is a great way to spend time with your friends and family and Galatians 5:13 (NLT) says “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love"
courtesy of ChooseNow Ministries and Steve Repak
http://nicoleodell.com/2014/11/thanks...
