Investing

We seem to have developed a "pawn" and debt mentality about life, in general, here in the US of A.  I've been contemplating a few theories about different types of money management and mismanagement.  Of course, I prefer my own method of management and my perspective of money, but then I guess most of us do, or we'd make changes.  I've come to realize, even those who say they want help don't actually want to change their method of management, they just want an increase in funding.  Fortunately for many, our society has a great many safety nets available, but rather than use these agencies for emergencies, the supply has become a way of life . . . being subsidized is budgeted in, if you will.

As I've shared here, previously, my expenses are pretty minimal.  I receive questions about financial management almost daily.  Often those "questions" are really veiled requests for funding.  Most of the time I share information, rather than funds, but when Abba leads me to offer financial assistance I do it.  I am an enabler by nature, so I have to hear Him before I just hand out cash, because I've done that in the past, only to realize that really didn't help the individual at all.  

As I listen to various management practices, I sometimes struggle to understand the mentality.  I struggle, especially when it comes to believers and our responsibility to Abba in the way we should manage our money.  There are four kinds of people and it becomes apparent in financial matters as well.  There are three types of folks who save.  Those who designate a set amount from every paycheck, those who are always afraid they won't have enough, and those who simply don't spend as much as they earn.  Of course the fourth kind of person is a non-saver.  When it comes to professing believers, I've actually heard some of them say saving and investing is a lack of faith . . . and some of those same folks aren't afraid of hard work, while others have no shame in begging.

I know people who always take care of their bills and finances, but don't necessarily believe in savings accounts or funds.  I got out of the stock market, I think in '06, maybe '07, before the crash.  I never went back.  My only stock investment now is four-legged in the pasture, rather than paper on Wall Street.  I don't have a huge savings account, but things in this world do break and do wear out, and sometimes an opportunity is presented that I just don't want to pass up, so I like to have a little nest egg.  I want enough to buy a good milk goat or a used tire, if need be.

I've been hearing a lot lately, about selling things that I consider an investment . . . For example, many folks in my circle of influence raise various breeds of livestock.  My goats and chickens are an investment, and some years I do better than others, but the point is, I plan to own a milk goat and laying hens over the long term.  I'm not getting rich here!  I do buy and sell bucks seasonally, but rather than sell a milk goat when prices are high, I figure she'll produce so much milk and so many kids . . . Yah willing, and she's much more valuable to me in production than in a one time sale.  I have one milk goat, I paid $100.00 for, over two years ago.  I've been offered $200.00 for her, but she's worth so much more than that!  So far, she's given me four kids and milk to feed bottle calves, which means meat in the freezer.  Usually the young doelings bring about $75-$100 and the bucks at least $50.  Right there is more than the $200.00 offer.  Then there's all the milk, and we all know the price of beef.  I truly do not remember any returns or dividends from Wall Street investments that can match this in a year or two.  I know I never owned any stock that doubled in value in two years, while also paying "daily" dividends.

If America returned to an agrarian society, I know we'd be healthier, but I also believe our economy would be stronger.  Flocks and herds are a safer investment than paper . . . and caring for flocks and herds means we'd have more exercise, need far less entertainment, and have much less stress!  An agrarian society invests in life, instead of possessions. 

Management and Priorities

Have you ever heard someone talk about how generous they would be if they ever "hit it big?"  I've heard people talk about how much they'd donate if they win the lottery or how much they'd give to charity if they ever became wealthy.  Then there are those with a steady income, always in some sort of financial crisis, regularly relying on the kindness of others, who basically have the same income.  The problem is really not in dollars and cents, but in management and priorities.  I'm not preaching the trendy prosperity message here, but there are a number of Scriptures that do state our Creator will provide.  I realize there are many who are perpetually in need that believe He uses their circle of influence to make that provision, but I'm not so sure I agree with that, especially when it appears to be perpetual.

My monthly income is not large, but as a rule, my expenses are not large either.  What I have noticed is when Abba brings someone my way for assistance, the provision is available.  Another factor that is really becoming plain, is the number of folks who really wouldn't need financial assistance if they were open to learning financial management and realign their priorities.  Our nation has cheated at least three generations from good old fashioned money management skills and encouraged debt beyond what anyone can repay.

Not everyone is waiting for the powerball or an inheritance.  Some folks are just sure when they get a raise, everything is going to suddenly fall into place.  I've even heard folks tell me when they get a raise, then they'll be able to afford to tithe and save . . . A tithe is a percentage.  I realize the current religious jury is out on determining just what we need to do in the area of tithing, but when someone thinks they need to make more money to have 10%, their base thinking is skewed.  It is completely possible with US currency to have and give 10% of a dime . . . it's called a penny.  A dime is 10% of a dollar, so if financial tithing is enough of a priority to mention "when it's affordable," it's time to reconsider the perspective, and factor in that perhaps the lack of giving is the cause of the financial strain.  I'm not talking about a mega church building fund here, either; but giving for the glory of YHWH.

The people who are the most giving, simply give of what they have.  The most generous people don't usually have the most in life, but are content with what they have.  I'm reminded of the poor widow's mite.  She didn't say, when she was as wealthy as the Pharisees or the tax collectors that she'd give, NO, she gave what she had.

There are a number of folks, myself included that get taken in with the idea that if we regularly help our grown kids, it's somehow righteous.  Ninety percent of the time, we're operating in guilt and/or control, rather than righteous servants of the Most High.  If our grown kids regularly need to be subsidised and bailed out, then we didn't teach them properly, and if we continue to subsidise we're enabling.  Even with all the tithing debate, there is no way on "G-d's green earth" to even remotely label the subsidizing of grown children as ministry.

A man who made a very nice living, but was still struggling told me if he could just make so many more dollars an hour, he'd be set.  When he shared the amount of his current income, it was all I could do to maintain a poker face.  I couldn't imagine someone just blowing through that kind of money every month.  I literally could not wrap my mind around it.  It was in my moment of shock and silence, I heard the still small voice telling me.  "those who are faithful in the little things will be given much."  I was then able to look at him with compassion and simply state.  "G-d won't give you more of what you are already struggling to handle."

For those who are hoping a windfall or a raise solves the problems, it won't.  For those with "big plans" if the ship ever comes in, it likely won't.  There are actually sad statistics for those who have received a windfall of one kind or another who are now bankrupt.  Stewardship is almost a forgotten word in spiritual teaching, but it needs to come back.  Financial management and G-dly priorities are part of our witness.  Paying our bills is part of our witness.  I don't believe prosperity comes from the lottery or from donating to a televangelist, but from obedient stewardship, conscientious management, and being content with what we have.

As for being a financial hero when the big money comes in . . . Yeah right.  What are we doing to improve our little corner where we are with what YHWH has given us?
Whether it's entitlements or just constant complaining about one's income, it boils down to one of two things.  Either G-d isn't providing or we're wanting what someone else has.

 Thou shalt not covet . . .