My perspective on personal finance and life.

Before you read further, it is key you understand my perspective on finance specifically and life in general. First and foremost, I am a follower of Christ. My faith centers on him and the gift he gave me on the cross. I believe that God's word and teachings in scriptures forms the foundation for how we should live our life and how we should view our finances.

Secondly, I believe that the current mainstream culture leads us in directions that cause most to make personal and financial decisions that are not in our best interest. Between television and social media, the messages are tailored to get the audience to behave a certain way or think in a particular pattern. This is commonly referred to as the "heard" mentality. The company or cause that can get the "heard" moving in their direction, in the end wins the "game".

I believe for you and I to win, we need to break away from the heard. Begin looking at the information we are given and really evaluate what agenda is being pushed at us and who benefits from the population following the crowd. In most cases, you will find that the benefactor is not the individual but the company or cause. This is not to say all companies or causes are bad. I just believe each of us has the responsibility to evaluate whether the product, service, or issue we are asked to buy or support is important or valuable to me. Do we truly need that new Lexus LS at $79K or will a used Toyota Rav4 at $20K best meet my personal needs or the needs of my family? Does a donation to that non-profit truly go to a worthy cause I value or is it to fund a specific agenda or lifestyle for those in leadership?

So, I'm asking for you to take a step back when you make any financial decision and think about this:

• Is this a wise personal decision that is in line with what I value in life?

• Is my decision based on a real need in my life or is it based on how the culture pushes me in order to be fulfilled?

• What will be the consequence of my decision 1 year, 5 years, 10 years down the road?

• Can I explain it in plain terms to my spouse, significant other, or friend.

My prayer and hope is you find peace and blessings at taking a look at your personal finances from a fresh perspective.