The Word of God is the foundation of our lives as financial professionals, and we draw our own guiding principles as a firm from what God has to say about money management.
Did you know there are over 2300 verses in the Bible and that 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables were about money and possessions? There are many deep truths to apply to our finances from scripture about stewardship, generosity, contentment, and wise planning.
These six guiding principles serve as the anchor for all our advice.
1. Understand that God owns it all
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
2. Spend less than you earn
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 (NIV)
3. Avoid debt
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
4. Build liquidity (margin)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard: consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)
5. Set long-term goals
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity), because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (AMP)
6. Live generously
“But since you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” II Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)