Keeping up with the Joneses is an idiom referring to the comparison to one’s neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods. But what if the Joneses are broke? That means if you try to keep up with them, you will be more broke.
It’s always amusing to me when people say all we ever speak of in the Church is money. I heard it again a couple of weeks ago after discussing the Capital Campaign. I do speak about it maybe three times a year, but there are over 800 references in the Bible about money which makes it at the top of Jesus’ discussion list.
A man and his wife had about $33,000 of debt in 2009. Then the couple applied principles they learned in Financial Peace University – a nine-week course – and were debt-free by 2014. "We were financially fit and able to do what God had called us to do which was buy a home, raise a family and get involved in the Church," the husband said. "So, I'm a proponent of the program just because of some of the attitude changes, behavioral changes and principles that would be beneficial to us
all as we seek to navigate money."
I’ve decided to bring the course to our parish so others may learn how to change their behavior and succeed financially. I know it works, and I believe in it also because it is Bible based and teaches God’s plan for money. The program created by financial expert Dave Ramsey aims to provide families and individuals with sensible tools to get control of their finances and set them up for long-term financial success. Included are lessons on budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing.
"FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life," Ramsey stated in a news release. "This isn't a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information."
More than 5 million people have gone through Financial Peace University over the past two decades. Nearly 94 percent of participants say they maintain budgets.
The course costs $99 and includes access to online video lessons, financial coaching, digital tools and a one-year subscription to the EveryDollar Plus budgeting tool. If you don’t think you can afford the $100, Prince of Peace also has some scholarships available to offer the materials for free to 4-5 households, or more.
Another example of what can happen if we trust in God’s plan for us, even our financial gifts.