More Good $ense — December, 2007
The monthly e-publication from the Good $ense Ministry
In This Issue:Dear G$ Friends and Colleagues,
Much of what follows I wrote some years ago in this column. As I reflected on what to write this year, it seemed worth repeating. Maybe that's even good stewardship!
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"An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." –Luke 1:20-21
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News You Can Use Trouble on the Home Front
With foreclosures and delinquent mortgage payments at record highs (see related story in Market Indicators), the Bush administration has announced plans to help some struggling homeowners. As reported in the Washington Post, up to 1.2 million holders of subprime adjustable rate mortgages are eligible for assistance such as a rate freeze. The offer applies to those who took out such loans between January 1, 2005 and July 31 of this year, and whose rates are due to increase by July 31, 2010, and who are not currently behind on their payments. For more information, borrowers may call 1-888-895-HOPE.
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Trouble in the Driveway
People are not only having trouble making their mortgage payments; they're having trouble making their car payments as well. Some 12 percent of subprime borrowers are behind on their auto loans, according to the Wall Street Journal, the highest level since 2002. Even top-rated borrowers are falling behind, with September bringing the largest one-month spike in late payments among this group in eight years.
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Preachers Asked About Their Prosperity
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee wants to know how six television and mega-church preachers are spending millions of dollars in donations. According to a CNN story, those being asked for their financial records are: Creflo Dollar, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer, and Randy and Paula White. All except for Dollar, of Atlanta-based World Changers Church, have either complied or have asked for more time. Dollar said he has previously given the government his church's financial records, is not in violation of any tax laws, and makes "no apologies" for living in mansion and driving a Rolls Royce.
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The Brave New World of Budget Software
For those wanting to move past the paper and pencil approach to budgeting, Quicken, Microsoft Money, and an Excel spreadsheet used to be the only games in town. But free online budget tools are multiplying faster than an Excel macro. The ones getting the most press are Mint.com, Wesabe.com, and Geezeo.com. However, a Newsweek article said there are over 40 such sites. Each one is trying to attract some of the 65 million people who now bank online. The sites pull information from your bank and credit card accounts (all emphasize that they are as secure as possible), helping you know where you stand financially and even offering tips for smarter spending.
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In the parable of the talents, Jesus depicts God as a wealthy landowner who goes on a journey and temporarily entrusts his property to his servants. Eventually he returns and checks to see what they have done with all he has entrusted to them. (Matthew 25:14-30)
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Foreclosures are at their highest level ever, and late payments (more than 30 days past due) are at their highest level since 1986. The following slides show the states with the highest percentage of mortgages either in foreclosure or in delinquency—as a percentage of total mortgages in the state and as a percentage of subprime adjustable rate mortgages. If you'd like to see where your state ranks, you can see the full list Click here for details.
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Budget Course Participant Guides
Don't forget to take advantage of quantity discounts when you order participant guides for your upcoming courses. Click HERE to check it out.
40 Day Spiritual Journey To a More Generous Life
This best selling 40 day devotional from Rev. Brian Kluth is now available at discounted rates to your ministry. Check it out HERE.
Debt Reduction Workshop
Consider following up your Budget Course with the two hour Debt Reduction Workshop as additional help for those with serious debt problems.
Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: GIVING
For those looking for a small group study to go beyond the Budget Course, consider this seven-week study that deals with money, debt, a biblical lifestyle and developing a heart of compassion. Read more...
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