[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by the Christian Financial Advisors® Team
Matthew 22:37-38 “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.'”
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on what matters most, and therefore, we are stepping away from our normal focus of highlighting topics from Christian Financial Perspectives, and instead share some insights into what guides our team. At Christian Financial Advisors®, we believe the start of a new year offers a valuable opportunity to remember the foundations that guide us—and to invite you to consider the principles that guide you.
When asked to identify the greatest commandment, Jesus answered with clarity and conviction. In the same way, we believe it’s important for you to know exactly what drives our work on your behalf. We’re not financial advisors who happen to be Christians; we’re Christians who happen to be financial advisors. That distinction shapes everything we do.
Our Mission is to “Provide the best Biblical advice and investment management for Christian investors to honor God during their careers, retirement, and beyond”. We believe this mission is supported by 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Financial decisions—whether large or small—present daily opportunities to glorify Him.
Our Vision is “Every Christian stewarding their resources to honor God and expand God’s Kingdom for generations”. This vision looks beyond today to the generations that follow. “Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” True biblical stewardship considers not just our own needs, but the legacy we leave behind.
Our Core Values anchor our daily work.
- First, we strive to “Love the Lord above all else”, as the greatest commandment instructs.
- Second, we “Serve others with excellence”, guided by Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
- Third, we “Seek to expand His Kingdom”, remembering Christ’s commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
As you consider the year ahead, we encourage you to reflect: What principles guide your financial decisions? What legacy do you hope to leave for your great grandchildren? These are questions worth pondering as you steward the resources God has entrusted to you. We count it a privilege to walk alongside you in that calling.
Thank you for reading![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”#999999″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]About This Communication
This communication will provide some of the highlights of the Christian Financial Perspectives show in an accessible ‘postcard type format’ each month that can be read in less than 3 minutes.
The views expressed represent the opinion of Christian Financial Advisors®®. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While Christian Financial Advisors®® believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Past performance is not indicative of future results.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
The Tenth Commandment
Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…”
In our country, comparing and coveting have unfortunately become mainstream. We are bombarded with advertisers on TV and social media trying to convince us that we are not good enough unless we have what they are offering. Examples include: needing to entirely remodel a kitchen that already functions well, driving a newer, more luxurious automobile like your neighbor may have, or achieving better returns in a portfolio, regardless of risk, Christian values, and goals.
Let’s examine the key differences and identify the flaws behind comparing investment returns.
Key Differences between individuals and families include:
- Different Financial Foundations: Time horizons, net worth, debt levels, and cash flow/income needs
- Different Personal Circumstances: Age, health conditions, family size, and specific family needs
- Different Goals and Values: Investment objectives, giving goals, moral beliefs about investing, and estate planning needs
- Different Asset Holdings: Examples, real estate, business interests, stocks, bonds, etc.
- Different Risk Tolerances: Ability to handle high volatility and deep market pullbacks
- Different Portfolios Needs: Ultra Conservative vs. Conservative vs Moderate vs. Growth vs Aggressive Growth, etc
As you can see, investment returns are only one small part of the total equation. What really matters is your probability of success in meeting ALL of your personal goals, wants, and needs.
Comparing investment returns with a friend or family member can be flawed and may even lead to envy, which is prohibited by the 10th Commandment found in Exodus 20:17. Therefore, be cautious about doing so. Instead, focus on your unique probability of success as a Christian rather than how you measure up against others, and answer these three basic and spiritual questions. All financial decisions for a Christian are spiritual ones:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763055466834{padding-top: 35px !important;padding-bottom: 35px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763055381163{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]
Who owns it all?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763055695418{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]
How much is enough?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763055741697{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #1e73be !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]
How much can I give away?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.- 2 Timothy 1:7
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.
An old financial planning adage warns: “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” Generation one creates wealth, generation two lives off it, and generation three spends the rest. The team at Christian Financial Advisors® has observed this pattern play out in many families. While this cycle has persisted for centuries, it doesn’t have to continue.
The biggest mistake families make is dividing wealth among heirs immediately upon death instead of keeping it together and distributing only earnings—not principal—to following generations. Wealth creates wealth through compound interest, but when split up, it loses the compounding power of large sums.
Dangers of Leaving a Large Inheritance
- Rapid depletion – Inheritances are typically spent within 2-3 years, regardless of amount.
- Behavioral problems – Large unearned windfalls can trigger speculative investing, create a false sense of accomplishment, and compound irresponsible behaviors (e.g. overspending or substance abuse).
- Lack of financial wisdom – Heirs who haven’t built wealth slowly often don’t understand how to manage or preserve it, making them fraud targets and removing their motivation to work.
- Generational disconnect – Without understanding the sacrifice behind the wealth, heirs may fail to respect or properly steward the resources. If heirs don’t work or develop their own financial discipline, then their heirs will exacerbate the 2nd generation’s problems.
The Correct Way to Structure a Large Inheritance
- Establish a trust or limited partnership that distributes wealth slowly over time while keeping it together to maintain compounding power.
- Conduct family financial meetings before death to ensure heirs understand how the wealth was built and equip them with sound financial principles.
- Implement pre-inheritance experiences using Matthew 25:14-30 (the Parable of the Talents) by giving heirs portions while you’re alive to observe their stewardship.
“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” Luke 16:10 - Design incentive-based distributions and appoint a corporate trustee. Distributions should match heirs’ savings, reward sound money principles, and give at the same measured pace the wealth was accumulated. These provisions should be detailed in writing for the corporate trustee to follow.
Wisdom must be inherited before a financial inheritance.
Proverbs 17:16 Why does a fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
Wealth builders worked, saved, and sacrificed—which taught them to respect wealth. Shouldn’t heirs do the same? Wealth in the hands of a fool compounds foolishness. Wealth in the hands of the wise compounds wisdom.
Want to learn more about setting up an inheritance for multi-generational success?
Schedule a meeting online at cfa.lc/qwa or call/text us at 830-609-6986. Appointments are available in-person, by phone, and by video.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Genesis 25:30-34
He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom. ) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
Matthew 7:15-20
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Wolves know the power of words and emotions to manipulate others. They use fear to fuel insecurity, then pounce.
- Financial Wolves offer enticing free steak dinner invitations to lure you in.
- Financial Wolves claim you pay nothing for their services, yet charge massive surrender fees if you want your money back. This compensates for the large commissions they received to sell these products.
- Financial Wolves represent companies that assign fictitious values to illiquid investments.
- Financial Wolves promote products with excessive commissions and expenses that consume large percentages of returns.
- Financial Wolves offer upfront bonuses that exist only on paper because they can’t be liquidated for cash.
- Financial Wolves return your money in 3-10 percent increments over many years, promoting this as an interest rate.
- Financial Wolves promote unreasonable fixed returns (if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is) while claiming no strings attached.
- Financial Wolves promise stock market-like returns without risk, but cap your gains at low numbers like 2-5% maximum.
- Financial Wolves offer unreasonably high interest rates compared to AAA-rated bonds. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Financial Wolves use manipulative sales tactics on their prey.
Besides high commissions, many companies offer Financial Wolves significant incentives to sell their products. Examples include week-long vacations at four-star resorts, substantial year-end bonuses, and expensive gifts like golf clubs.
Don’t get sucked in by these manipulative salespeople and their unscrupulous tactics. The next time you receive one of those free steak dinner seminar invitations, throw it in the trash where it belongs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In many years of being with “Kingdom Advisors” as a Certified Kingdom Advisor, I have heard the question hundreds of times, “How much is enough?” From a secular worldview, “How much is enough?” always turns into “Just a little bit more” when you reach the next level. This is a dangerous secular theme to subscribe to for any Christian since it takes one down a path of greed and the love of money over following Godly principles. In the gospel of Luke 12:16-21, Jesus warns us about wanting more and more and more, and Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Have you ever personally thought about “How much is enough?” Christian Financial Advisors® can help you build a sound financial plan and investment portfolio for your needs by knowing your:
- Financial goals, wants, and needs
- Time horizon for investing
- Risk tolerance for down markets
- Age, health condition, and life expectancy
- Investment objective
- Real estate holdings, business interests, oil royalties, etc
- Balance sheet and net worth
- Cash flow needs
- Annual income
- Giving goals
- Moral Beliefs, such as Biblically Responsible Investing
- Number of children and individual special needs
- Overall debt responsibilities
- Estate planning goals and needs for the following generations and heirs.
But, once we have done all this and find you have enough in investment returns and your portfolio to sustain you and your goals, the question comes, “If I have enough and I’m making enough, then what?” Christian Financial Advisors® can help guide you down the following path to having a financial focus on “Kingdom Building” using financial tools available like setting up a “Donor Advised Fund”, an Estate Plan that includes charities, looking at all your financial accounts, and including ministries you love as contingent beneficiaries after your spouse’s need are met, etc.
A few other questions concerning this topic for a Christian include:
- Who owns it all? Refer to Psalm 24:1
- Are the next stewards/heirs chosen prepared to inherit wealth? Refer to Luke 16:10. If wealth is earned slowly and methodically, it should be given to the next generation similarly.
We are here to guide you in answering these many questions and following a Biblical Worldview for finance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
written by Bob Barber
What is a Steward? The definition
A steward is responsible for managing anything entrusted to their care. This includes managing property, resources, finances, planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and making wise decisions.
Christian Stewardship?
Christian stewardship is the understanding that God owns everything and that we are managers of His creation and resources. It is the belief that everything we have, including our time, talents, resources, finances, investments, possessions, and relationships, is a gift from God to be used responsibly and for His glory rather than only for personal gain, knowing we will be accountable for how we use them.
Four Examples of Stewardship:
- Stewardship of Finances: Using money wisely, giving generously, and investing with biblical principles.
- Stewardship of Time: Prioritizing God’s work and using time effectively to serve others and advance His kingdom.
- Stewardship of Talent: Using our abilities and skills to serve God and others.
- Stewardship of the Environment: Caring for the earth and its resources, recognizing that we are responsible for protecting God’s creation.
The Biblical Basis for Stewardship:
Stewardship is rooted in many biblical teachings, such as the command to “work the land” (Genesis 2:15) and the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
Christian Stewardship and Investing, known as Biblically Responsible Investing
One form of Christian Stewardship is in how we invest God’s resources. Examples include investing in companies that demonstrate Christian values while avoiding companies that support services or produce goods that violate them, regardless of how good the investment returns may or may not be with Biblically Responsible Investing.
Hundreds of scriptures find the Biblical basis for Biblically Responsible Investing and Stewardship. A few of them are:
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in itHaggai 2:8
‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.2 Corinthians 6:17
Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.
Christian Stewardship and Investment Returns
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Christian Stewards need to be extremely careful about investment returns becoming idols. In the biblical context, idolatry is giving divine honor or reverence to anything other than God and following biblical guidelines. If we obsess over investment returns or a lack thereof and become fearful, Investment returns can quickly become idols.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.Ephesians 5:5
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
God cares much more about how we invest and our hearts than the returns we make on this earth, whether good, bad, or average. Investments should be viewed as tools for stewarding God’s resources, not as objects of worship.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
In this passage, the “love of money” can easily be replaced with the “love of investment returns” because it creates more money.
The question is always, “How much is enough? Is it 7% over 6%, or how about 8%? At what point might we ‘sell out’ our Christian values for possibly a better return if available? Not that it has to be this way with Biblically Responsible Investing.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Again, replace “love of money” with “love of returns,” as it is the same thing.
Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us about where to store our treasure and why. In verse 21, it states: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Obsessing over investment returns reflects a materialistic, secular worldview that aligns with the world’s priorities, not God’s. Matthew 6:24 warns, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Pursuing wealth above all else leads us to neglect God’s Kingdom and justice.
Pursuing better investment returns over proper stewardship of God’s resources can cause us to forget that the eternal value of our lives is not found in wealth but in the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:19-21 teaches that we should store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, where they are temporary.
Christian stewardship and Biblically Responsible investing are very different from the world’s ways.
It’s a clear choice: God’s ways or man’s?
Biblically Responsible Investing is a Christian Steward’s way of aligning their finances with a Biblical Worldview.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Biblical Financial Principles are timeless, true, and transcendent. I’ve never met anyone who has been harmed by following them, but I have seen the financial destruction of many who haven’t.
With over 2000 scriptures on biblical stewardship, picking only 10 subjects to cover in this month’s newsletter is challenging. But, from my experience of teaching Biblical Financial Principles for over 30 years, here are some of the best ones.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #6 – Paying Taxes Fairly
Matthew 22:19-21 “’Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”
We should never cheat by taking cash for services and not reporting it as income. Paying taxes is a part of God’s provision.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #7 – Honesty
Proverbs 10:9 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Exodus 20:16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
Just one dishonest act always requires another dishonest act. Just one lie requires another lie to try and cover it up. Never get caught in the vicious cycle of dishonesty and lies that can destroy you. It’s always eventually exposed.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #8 – Freedom from Coveting
Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male slave, or his female slave, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Someone will always have more, and comparing brings frustration, disappointment, sadness, and misery. Learn to be content with the things you have, NOT with what you don’t have.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #9 – Freedom From Hoarding
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
A life built on constantly accumulating more things will never find contentment. A question to ponder throughout life is, “How much is enough”? If the answer is always “just a little bit more” it will never be enough.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #10 – Investing With Wisdom and Integrity
Ecclesiastes 11:2 “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
God greatly cares about how we invest HIS RESOURCES and requires us to do so with wisdom, diversification, integrity, purity, and freedom from the love of money and returns at any cost. We should never invest God’s money to support companies that we knowingly violate biblical principles, no matter what the return is. 1 Timothy 6:10 indeed warns us of the love of returns and greed[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Biblical Financial Principles are timeless, true, and transcendent. I’ve never met anyone who has been harmed by following them, but I have seen the financial destruction of many who haven’t.
With over 2000 scriptures on biblical stewardship, picking only 10 subjects to cover in this month’s newsletter is challenging. But, from my experience of teaching Biblical Financial Principles for over 30 years, here are some of the best ones.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #1 – Ownership
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” Psalm 24:1
This scripture is the foundation for all scriptures on stewardship, that God owns everything; yes this means our saving and investment accounts. You miss the true meaning of this one, and you miss them all.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #2 – Debt
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Debt is not a sin, but irresponsible debt makes us slaves to lending institutions. I’ve never seen anyone hurt by being debt-free, but I’ve sure seen a lot of people hurt by debt. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #3 – Giving and Tithing
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10
Nowhere in scripture does it say we can test God except in Malachi 3:10 with our tithe. Giving is by far the most powerful tool for releasing selfishness.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #4 – Working and Saving
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23
“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
Work is good, provides a purpose, is Biblical and before the fall in the garden, God called for us to work and take care of it.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]
Biblical Financial Principle #5 – Overspending
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Proverbs 21:20
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Luke 14:28
Many marriages, relationships, and lives are hurt badly by irresponsible overspending.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness?”
For decades, a financial advisor was often chosen based on how close their office was, with little regard to experience, skills, specialization, or whether they had a qualified team to serve. In my 30-plus years of experience, I’ve seen local financial advice shift to online financial advice to now personal financial advice, which I see as the next wave. Technology is 100% behind all these shifts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]
Five Reasons a local financial advisor may no longer be the best choice
1. They may not have the experience or qualifications needed.
2. They may not specialize in what one needs, such as Biblically Responsible Investing or Christian-based financial advice.
3. They may not be able to get well-experienced qualified staff if they are limited by location.
4. They may not be the most technologically advanced.
5. They may be commissioned based only, which creates a conflict of interest over fiduciary-based advice.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]
The Shift: Why Location No Longer Matters
1. Face-to-face online meetings. Meeting face-to-face online with an experienced, well-qualified advisor for personal financial planning is easier than ever.
2. Convenience. Online Financial planning meetings can be conducted from home, the workplace, or anywhere with a decent internet connection.
3. Communication. Text messaging, email, and cell phones make it easier than ever to communicate with a financial advisor or their team.
4. Easy documentation. Digital, secure documentation has replaced paper forms that require wet signatures, reducing the risk of lost information.
5. Direct deposit and withdrawals. Account-to-account transfers have eliminated the need for in-person transactions. Many firms also offer free ATM access for cash withdrawals from anywhere.
6. Electronic storage. Digital vaults store all documents securely with 24/7 access from anywhere.
7. Secure Online account access. Investment accounts and values can be viewed online anytime.
8. Ease of Appointments. Appointments can be easily scheduled through an advisor’s website with real-time availability.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Conclusion
Today’s technologically advanced Financial Advisory firms provide the personal touch through:
- Online Documentation
- High-tech Phone Systems
- Instant chat and text communication
- Face-to-face online meetings
- Real-time document collaboration
Financial advisory firms are not limited by location. They can also recruit qualified employees nationwide. Choosing a firm solely based on location could mean missing out on superior expertise and service.
Christian Financial Advisors® serves Christians with Biblically Responsible Investing and Christian-based financial advice, regardless of location. We also serve many local believers and are New Braunfels, Texas’ oldest financial advisory firm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”123763″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Written by Bob Barber
Research has shown that around 60 percent of people make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 8 percent successfully achieve them. A famous Harvard Business School study from years ago found that 83% of people do not have any clearly defined goals, and of the 17% that did, only 3% wrote them down! When Harvard concluded the study, the 3% who had written goals earned ten times more income and tended to be in better health with happier marriages.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
I love the Christian Men’s Fraternity mission statement, started by Pastor Robert Lewis many years ago: Reject Passivity, Accept Responsibility, Lead Courageously, and Invest Eternally. No one should aimlessly go through this life God has given them without clearly defined goals they have prayed about. I have many times seen one person excel over another with the same intelligence, physical attributes, and upbringing simply because they had written goals while the other person didn’t. It’s like the old saying: Aim for nothing, and that’s precisely what you will get, but aim for the stars, and you might just hit the moon.
I know that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Life is like this: humans expect different results from repeatedly doing the same thing. One of the ways to avoid this insanity is by writing goals you put in front of you daily.
Most people never set solid goals for different areas of their lives, where they write them down and see them daily, but 2025 can be different. I have many categories for goal-setting, from spiritual to mental to physical to relationship to financial goals, that I have been setting for over twenty years. I am always amazed at how many of them I reach. The key is to make your goals S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant to you, and Time-bound.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=””]
Examples of Financial Goals can be:
1. Giving more to worthy causes
2. Saving more for an emergency fund
3. Getting out of debt(credit card, auto, mortgage)
4. Investing more for the future-retirement
5. Getting a complete financial plan in place[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=””]
Examples of Spiritual Goals can be:
1. Enrolling in a Small Group Bible Study
2. Spending more alone time with God in Prayer and meditation,
3. Getting back involved in your local church if you’re not in one,
4. Reading the bible daily
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=””]
Examples of Physical Goals can be:
1. Taking a daily walk
2. Doing something aerobics 3-5 times a week
3. Playing pickleball or golf 2-3 times a week
4. Weight lifting 2-3 times a week
5. Eating healthier meals
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”30px” bottom=”30px”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Other areas where you can set goals include relationships, professionalism, charity, and giving goals.
You must write down your personal goals on paper where you can see them daily. I put a copy of my written goals on my closet mirror, another on my bathroom mirror, one in my Bible, my desk drawer, and, lastly, a copy in my car, by my instrument panel. Seeing them so many times daily reminds me to try to reach them. I use a goal form I developed years ago to fill in and print in ¼ page sizes and laminate.
MY GOALS FORM
Spiritually – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Physically – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Financially – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Relationally – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Mentally – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Professionally – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
Charitably – What I will do to accomplish this goal –
I conclude with this: It’s 2025 and a New Year. Make this year INTENTIONAL!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]