Finance

Financial Worship Antidote

2025-05-29T09:50:31-05:00June 26th, 2025|Tags: , , |

When we catch ourselves putting too much focus on our finances, scripture recommends generosity as a way to restore balance. The apostle Paul told the Corinthians to be a conduit for giving to others as a form of service and gratitude.  “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity ...

Fleeting Wealth

2025-05-26T12:06:43-05:00June 16th, 2025|Tags: , , |

I was excited when I reached the savings milestone that I had pursued for years. Accumulating those funds felt like fulfillment of Psalm 128:2: “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”  But the month I reached that milestone, a significant market drop caused a big loss in my portfolio. Proverbs 23:4-5 came through: “Do ...

Hidden Fees

2024-08-09T11:12:53-05:00August 26th, 2024|Tags: , , |

If you’ve ever rented a vacation home, you’ve probably experienced the lack of price transparency. You see a reasonable nightly charge, only to discover that as you go through the process, they begin adding hidden service charges and cleaning fees.  Last month, the state of California passed a law that requires more transparency in lodging and restaurant fees. The ...

Listening Before Answering

2024-08-09T11:40:31-05:00July 31st, 2024|Tags: , , |

When my wife, Kathy, and I work together on a project we’re a good team. Kathy’s a great catalyst to get a project going, while I make sure all the details and pertinent information is gathered.  When we were receiving bids on a home project, Kathy secured multiple bids. But before the final selection I asked to see all ...

the Coming AI Bubble: Part II

2024-08-09T11:50:22-05:00July 23rd, 2024|Tags: , , |

In the mid-1990s, I started a consulting practice. I started hearing about this new sensation called the internet.  Everyone began talking about “websites.” Having America as my prospect list instead of just Kansas City seemed like a great idea.  Eventually, I hired a company to build a website for my business. I lost my investment in that website when ...

Small and Steady Growth

2024-10-12T15:11:34-05:00May 29th, 2024|Tags: , , |

As a young impatient professional, at times I strived to get rich quickly. This led to foolish decisions that set me back rather than forward.  An activity that exceeded my expectations, however, was when a stockbroker talked me into investing $25 per month into a mutual fund. As a teenager, it was painful at times, especially during college. But, ...

God Never Wastes a Minute

2024-10-12T15:45:41-05:00May 14th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Justin left teaching to pursue a career in financial services but soon discovered that financial services was not a good fit. Despite Justin’s brief time in financial services, God found ways to use Justin’s abilities.  One day, Justin met a widow who had been praying for help with her finances. The account was too small for most financial advisors, ...

Costly Consequences

2024-03-22T22:05:13-05:00April 9th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Just when inflation was subsiding, California announced their plan to increase the minimum wage from $16 per hour to $20 for most fast-food restaurant employees. When payroll taxes are added, this will increase restaurant labor costs over 27%.  Because businesses exist by making a profit, employees will be laid-off and menu prices will increase. The people impacted the most will ...

Residential Real Estate Changes Are Coming

2024-03-01T20:25:59-06:00March 13th, 2024|Tags: , , |

When a Kansas City jury delivered a $1.8 billion verdict against the National Association of Realtors’ longstanding commission practices it started a chain reaction. Lawsuits against real estate brokerage firms are surfacing nationally, requiring the real estate industry to take a fresh look at its business model of how buyers and seller’s agents are compensated.    In any business, dramatic changes ...

Five Considerations Before Closing a Business: Part IV

2024-10-12T16:13:44-05:00February 8th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Deciding to close a business is a tough decision. One factor that needs evaluation is your financial return on your investment.   When you own a business, you deserve to get paid for the time you work and a return on your investment in the business.   Jim left his $100,000 a year job and invested $200,000 to start his business. ...

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