Showing posts with label Blessed Money. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2016

Financial Training Course (Future Project Needs Your Help)

Banking Basics - Financial Training Course

I'm considering the idea of developing a Banking Basics training course. It could consist of basic things a person would need to know to be financially successful.

I want this to be simple enough to hear once and walk away with something small to read to remember the points. Maybe 1-3 courses and if there are more than one course they should be stand alone, you don't need to take them in order and you don't need to take all three to benefit from one.

Money Management (Balancing, Budgeting, and Basics of Money as a Tool)
Savings and Investing (Buying the future one dollar at a time)(Including Retirement)
Using Credit (Maybe teach on credit if they want to build it or use it for select things)

Over the past 10+ years, I've helped people one on one with these topics. I can build meaningful material, cover it in a quick class and provide an impact to others. Let's break it down into more detail.

Money Management

Money as a tool, what's for/not for, money not bad or good. Money = Time
How a bank account works, registers, processing, posting, etc.
Overdraft Prevention NOT Overdraft Protection
Debit Card Overdraft Service
Overdraft Protection
Bill Pay
Recurring Debit Card Transactions
Envelope System/Multiple Accounts

Saving and Investing

Why pay $35,000 for a $20,000 car that looses value?
Small steps, savings, investing, purchases, time.
Property Rent V Own
15 Year Mortgage
Retirement 30-50% income boost by owning home.
IRA, 401K, Roth V Traditional

Using Credit

Best option, live without credit
IF you must or feel that you want to engage in credit, here are the things you need to know.
FICO Building
Score Breakdown
Credit Cards are Transaction Tools NOT Borrowing Tools
Buy less home
Borrow strategically

I would like YOUR help:

Do you have any thoughts on this idea?
What topics would YOU want to see covered?
Is there any question you have about money or banking basics that I have no already answered on this site? Check out the links on my Ask The Insider page to see what I've already written about.

If you have ideas, comment on the Ask The Insider page, or email me at: YourMoneyIsHis@outlook.com

The Insider

Written May 27, 2016 by Darrell G Wolfe

Banking, Blessed Money, Credit, Investments, Lending, Retirement, Savings No comments

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Goal Setting | Priming your pump for a brighter future.

Determination: a fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

Dana Lookadoo Determination

Determination: a fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

Dave Ramsey calls is Gazelle Intensity. When the Cheetah of Debt or Life is trying to run after you and kill you, the only way to escape is to RUN! Run hard, run fast, run often.

I say that because life does not tend to lean us in the direction of wealth, prosperity, or good fortune. Cars break, budgets bust, and jobs don't pay enough. There is never going to be enough month at the end of your money. If you are waiting to "Get Ahead" before you plan your life, you'll be 90 and wondering where the time went.

So now that you have all that information on banking and finances (we've discussed in previous posts), what’s next?

What are you going to do different?

You know what a checking is, how items post, and how to keep a record. You know a little more about credit and debt. You know a little more about planning for retirement and investing.

What’s next?

If you aren’t a tither, that would be the first place to start. Malachi chapter 3 points out that the devourer comes to kill our financial crops.

By tithing you stop that devourer. Non tithers often say things like: “It seems like I put my money into pockets with holes in them.” Start by putting aside the money and paying your tithe.

Open a separate account and have your paycheck auto deducted for the amount needed. That is the first step toward financial freedom.

~Goals~

You need to set goals. What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. You really don’t need to be that specific at first. Just make a list of everything you want to accomplish in life. Put a time frame next to it if you have one.

Feel free to have an unknown amount of time on large dreams. Also, don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than you planned, just keep going forward. Maybe you are dreaming of something but have no idea how long it will take, that is fine.

Just set goals.

I have a friend who once made a simple list of everything he currently wanted to see happen in his life. There were goals about marriage, jobs, places he wanted to see, etc.

Within 2 years he pulled that out one day and realized all the items had been accomplished. It’s not so much about setting out a plan to make it happen; just the act of making goals will set your mind and spirit to working them out.

You could even post the goals on the wall by your door, then everyday read them to yourself and every time you walk by just say:

“I receive that!”

~Taken Action~

Take action.

That is the most important part of making changes. If you have been overdrawn a lot in the past, or maybe you are right now, take the examples given earlier. Close out the account and deal with cash, or put away the card and checks, and deal with money orders. If you are not keeping a detailed record start one.

If you want to know more about investing, get a book, do some Google searches and learn more.

If you need to start saving; start by putting aside as little as $1 or $5 a paycheck. Use a jar at home if you can’t find a free savings account.

Once you have saved the amount needed to keep the minimum balance, usually $300, open the savings with it.

Some banks now offer plans that transfer money to your savings every time you use your card.

~Be Creative~

You should have giving goals. I want to give this item, or that amount, by the end of the year. I’ve set a goal of giving away a debt free car.

I did it once.

I now have a goal of taking someone to a car lot and letting them pick the one they want. I’m not there yet, but I’m working toward that.

Have goals regarding your lively hood or calling.

What has God called you to do?

If you don’t know what your calling is yet, just consider what you are good at. It probably has something to do with it. Work toward your talents and passions.

If you are not sure what your passions or calling are, check out this article (HERE - Discovery | Finding your place in God's plan).

Make small attainable goals.

If you play guitar, learn a new song, work through a book that teaches you a new skill set or style.

If you are a computer person, buy a new program, or learn a new set of codes.

Attend a seminar or class that touches on your passion.

Whatever your station in life, take an hour, or even a day, to pray and ponder, what your goals ought to be. Make simple, attainable goals. If you have a large dream, break it up into smaller pieces.

You want to own a multi million dollar restaurant?

Great! Go get your business license, research what you need.

What is the cost of the building, the equipment the upkeep?

Take steps; don’t worry about the money to start it, at first.

If you start taking steps and working toward it, God will bring the increase if it’s His passion that has been birthed inside of you.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Go stepping.

The Insider

The Insider is a BIG fan of Dave Ramsey:

Go read/listen/watch Dave Ramsey and he'll teach you how to do it right!

Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show (HERE)

Or by his most popular book: (HERE) The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Written May 08, 2016 by Darrell G Wolfe

Banking, Blessed Money, Credit, Investments, Lending, Retirement, Savings No comments

Goal Setting | Priming your pump for a brighter future.

Dana Lookadoo Determination

Determination: a fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

So now that you have all that information on banking and finances (we've discussed in previous posts), what’s next?

~Goals~

You could even post the goals on the wall by your door, then everyday read them to yourself and every time you walk by just say:

“I receive that!”

~Taken Action~

If you want to know more about investing, get a book, do some Google searches and learn more.

~Be Creative~

Whatever your station in life, take an hour, or even a day, to pray and ponder, what your goals ought to be. Make simple, attainable goals. If you have a large dream, break it up into smaller pieces.

You want to own a multi million dollar restaurant?

Great! Go get your business license, research what you need.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Go stepping.

The Insider

The Insider is a BIG fan of Dave Ramsey:

Go read/listen/watch Dave Ramsey and he'll teach you how to do it right!

Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show (HERE)

Or by his most popular book: (HERE) The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Written May 08, 2016 by Darrell G Wolfe

Banking, Blessed Money, Credit, Investments, Lending, Retirement, Savings No comments

Saturday, May 7, 2016

BANKS | An insiders look at the things banks try to sell you...

Att: Got Credit "Banks"

Banks offer a variety of "products and services", but what do they mean by "product"?

Understanding the banking system can seem like a daunting task to the outsider.

I talked to an engineer once. He said that he held a master’s degree, worked in the field for 30 years and could build me a nuclear lab if I needed one, but just couldn’t quite grasp financial matters. I was able to demystify the concerns he had in the hour we talked. He indicated that lacking information is what kept him from making the best use of his accounts. It is not necessary for you to understand ALL the intricacies of the banking business in order to take advantage of the products and services they offer.

Simple basics will take you far.

~Case Study: Robert~

Let’s take a look at the case study of a person who did things right. We’ll call him Robert. He started working part time when he was 15 years old while going to high school. He saved up money for things he wanted. He graduated from high school just before he turned 18.

Robert was on the way to the beach with his friends to drink beer and surf on the beach. He told them to go on ahead of him so he could step into his bank and open a new account. They all laughed at him but he went on his way. As they were at the beach he went into the bank and opened a brand new product the bank was offering through the government called an IRA. They said that he would be guaranteed 10% until he turned 59 ½ years old. So he put in $2000 dollars and let it ride. Several decades latter that IRA CD is worth more than $48,000.

Robert’s next great decision is that he bought an old car for cash. He then made payments to himself until he could buy his next car for cash. When he was ready to buy his first home he made sure to shop around and buy the home that was right. He made sure the payments were far under his comfort zone. If he could afford a payment of $1200 he bought a house with a payment of $950. Then he made the $1200 payment anyway and paid his house off years early. Robert is now worth more than 3 million dollars. He now owns four homes, three are debt free and one has a small amount owed on it.

What is more remarkable about Robert is that he still works as a cashier and has never made more than $18 dollars an hour. He simply made many small and wise steps along the way that opened up a world of freedom.

What is the secret to Robert's success? He said no to something today, in order to say yes to something tomorrow. In banking we call that a “Tradeoff”. Since he didn’t borrow in order to obtain the majority of what he has, he isn’t struggling to make the payments on it all. Therefore, he is free to enjoy what he has without concern about it.

~Banking Products~

What do I mean when I say “products” in reference to a bank? Most people think of food, or clothing, or toys when they hear the word products. So what does it mean for a bank to sell a product?

In the financial industry every account or service is a product. A checking account is a product and an ATM card is a product. Unbeknownst to some people, there are various types of products offered by the banks. Most banks offer more than one type of checking account for example. One checking may come with free check orders, or discounts on other services offered by the banks. Some checking accounts earn interest. Usually the more money you keep in the bank the more benefits you will receive on other products and services such as: free checks, discounts on fees, and more. The banks typically reward a commitment on your part. Sometimes the bank may be more likely to give you a loan if you’ve been with them for 30 years, than if you’ve never worked with them before, because they are able to prove your established history.

Let’s take a look at some of the various products that are offered by the banks and a short description of what they do.

~Checking~

The most basic of all banking products; the checking account is for the daily or frequent withdrawals, bills, and shopping. Some people even keep one account for bills and a second for shopping to keep expenses separate, or to keep better track of their spending. Many keep one account for personal use and another for personal but business related expenses. People who own property may keep a special account just for the deposits of rent checks and rental expenses. Too many accounts and you may just confuse yourself. However it can be nice to keep certain things separate so you don’t spend your bill paying money at your favorite clothing store!

~Savings~

The Savings Account is typically where you want to keep anything beyond your monthly used budget. This is an account that usually, but not always, earns a higher interest than the checking.

There is really a more important reason to keep money here than interest though. Primarily the principle of “out of sight, out of mind” is applied here. Experts typically agree you should work towards keeping 6-9 months of income set aside in a savings account. This would cover you if you were to be laid off, or experience an injury, or any number of unexpected circumstances.

For the believer we expect the favor and protection of God at all times. However wisdom will help us recognize that we are not always at the top of our game, and can sometimes open the door for an attack of the enemy to slip through. Being prepared for what may come your way is an act of faith as well.

Save don't store. Another even more important reason to save, as believers, is to have a seed bin. We must have a place where we have dedicated money aside to sow into the Word of God and the Lives of Others. S.O.W. Strangers Orphans and Widows, need us to look out for them (Deut 10:17-19). We as believers are their salt and light. We are their preservative and warmth in a world out to take them down.

~CD~

There is another type of savings account called a CD. CD stands for Certificate of Deposit, it’s also known as a Time Account. Whichever term the bank uses the idea is the same. You put money in, and commit to leaving it there for a specific amount of time; in return the bank pays you a higher rate of interest.

This is where you want to keep any of the savings you plan on not touching for 6 months or more. I’ve talked to more people than I can count who have let $60,000 or more sit in a savings account for years on end earning 2-4% LESS than a CD would have at the same bank. Don’t ignore your financial matters. It’s harder to work money than it is to work for money, but keeping it serving you rather than you serving it will pay off in the long run.

~Debit Cards~

There are two ways to use your card. If there is no VISA/Master Card logo on your card then it is called an ATM card. You may use it at ATM’s to withdraw cash. You may also use it as stores or merchants that take debit cards. When you are at the grocery store and the machine asks you to press “Debit or Credit” you will select debit and enter your P.I.N. Your P.I.N is your Personal Identification Number. This type of transaction is known as a Point Of Sale Purchase, and may post to your account with the description of POS. These will nearly always post to your account the same business day you do them.

If you have a VISA or Master Card Logo on your card than you will also have the option of pressing Credit. When the card has this logo it is called a Check Card. When you press “Credit” at the machine at the grocery store the purchase will still come from your checking account. Instead of that purchase going to a charge card account to be paid later, it will come directly from your checking account. It’s a replacement for writing a check.

~Checks~

Paper checks are the oldest form of payment. You typically get a box of checks that hold about 100-200 checks, separated into smaller pads.

You write the person you are paying, the amount both as a number (1) and as a handwritten amount (one), then you sign the bottom.

Depending on how it’s processed this check once deposited by the person you wrote it to may take anywhere from 0 to 10 business days to clear, not including weekends or holidays.

*Check 21 _Confusing for check writers: There is a new law called Check21. All banks must take an image copy of the original check and typically then destroy the original. This makes all checks electronic. Because that image is then sent to clear the check. Merchants, especially Credit Card companies, don’t usually bother depositing the check you mail. They “convert” the check to an electronic item and send it through. This has become a hybrid between a check and a card purchase. As time goes on it will become increasingly less likely you will be able to retrieve an image copy of the checks because companies find it faster and cheaper to convert the checks and send them through as “converted checks”. This way instead of being sent through the normal process they are sent through an automated process known as ACH.

~ACH~

This is an electronic check. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. This is when items are submitted electronically rather than by paper. This includes checks that are “converted checks”. It also includes “Pay by Phone”, “E-Pay” and “Auto-Pay”. It also known as a “Pre-authorized debit.” Companies obtain, hopefully from you, your routing and account number and submit an electronic draft from your account. You may have asked them to take payments automatically, by phone, online, or on a form you filled out.

* Note on ACH: Companies are notorious for creating havoc on accounts through ACH. It’s only a matter of time before they take the wrong amount, on the wrong date, and cause overdrafts and find a reason to call it your fault. Don’t expect your bank to be MUCH help here. They MAY be able to fix it, or may not. I strongly recommend either staying clear of these types of payments entirely or opening an account JUST for these type of payments separate from your normal accounts. I don’t care how long you’ve been with them or how nice they are, it only takes one error to create months of work and headache for you. Don’t do it if you can help it.

~Online~

Internet banking is the safest, easiest way, to keep track of your finances. Due to bad media and urban legends online has gotten a bad rap. People often think that by signing up for online they are more open to hacking. The fact is that most hackers aim at large data computers, like the banks computers, which your information will be on whether you ever sign up for online or not.

Numbers and statics vary constantly, but on average today less than 5% of all bank fraud is through information obtained electronically. More than 90% of fraud is committed electronically, but this is after getting your information through a physical means. Some ways your information is usually obtained are: Stolen checks, or finding your lost checks, stolen wallet, car broken into, or scams to trick you into revealing your information causing you to participate in the information leak.

Online is the safest, fastest way to keep a hold of your banking. Most banks offer Bill Pay, Online Statements, Spending Reports, and more.

~Bill Pay~

This is an online service intended to help you pay your bills. It’s the new version of check writing. You input all the people you pay whether it's a one time payment or every month. The bank sends the payment for you and even pays for the postage. You can make a payment to a person or a business. You can make payments just once, or you can set them up to send automatically every month. This is usually free for most accounts at most banks.

~Insurance~

Almost everyone knows about Auto Insurance because in most states you cannot register your car without having it. There are many other types of insurance. Renters and Home Owners both cover your belongings in case something should happen to your home/apartment. Life covers your family in case you pass away.

They even have Pet Health insurance now, to cover your pets’ hospital/vet bills. Often times the insurance provider will offer discounts for having more than once policy with them. For example having Auto and Renters may give you free or “like free” life insurance. “Like free” means that the discount by adding it offsets the cost of it so you pay nothing more so you may as well add it.

~Investments~

Brokerage firms help you invest money. Typical investments include but are nowhere near limited to: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CD’s bought from multiple banks, and more.

~Credit and Lending~

Lending is the true purpose of any bank. To use someone else’s money to lend to you and make you pay the bank and the other person for it. Loans, Lines of Credit, and Credit Cards are the primary vehicles by which they lend the money out. But the details can vary wildly within those categories.

~Key~

Remember our case study: Robert? He learned a small but powerful key to living in financial success. That key was doing things right, conservatively, and taking time to research decisions. He learned over time the various products the banks offered and used them to his advantage.

They key to using a bank to your advantage is taking the time to understand the products available and compare products between banks and within a bank. Make informed wise decisions. Don’t go ahead with anything until you've taken the time to understand what you are doing. On the other hand, once you have decided on a course of action go forward with it. Each step toward your goals will lead you to another step. The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

The Insider

The Insider is a BIG fan of Dave Ramsey:

Go read/listen/watch Dave Ramsey and he'll teach you how to do it right!

Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show (HERE)

Or by his most popular book: (HERE) The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Written May 07, 2016 by Darrell G Wolfe

Banking, Blessed Money, Credit, Investments, Lending, Retirement, Savings No comments

BANKS | An insiders look at the things banks try to sell you...

Att: Got Credit "Banks"

Banks offer a variety of "products and services", but what do they mean by "product"?

Understanding the banking system can seem like a daunting task to the outsider.

Simple basics will take you far.

~Case Study: Robert~

~Banking Products~

What do I mean when I say “products” in reference to a bank? Most people think of food, or clothing, or toys when they hear the word products. So what does it mean for a bank to sell a product?

Let’s take a look at some of the various products that are offered by the banks and a short description of what they do.

~Checking~

~Savings~

The Savings Account is typically where you want to keep anything beyond your monthly used budget. This is an account that usually, but not always, earns a higher interest than the checking.

~CD~

~Debit Cards~

~Checks~

Paper checks are the oldest form of payment. You typically get a box of checks that hold about 100-200 checks, separated into smaller pads.

You write the person you are paying, the amount both as a number (1) and as a handwritten amount (one), then you sign the bottom.

Depending on how it’s processed this check once deposited by the person you wrote it to may take anywhere from 0 to 10 business days to clear, not including weekends or holidays.

*Check 21 _Confusing for check writers: There is a new law called Check21. All banks must take an image copy of the original check and typically then destroy the original. This makes all checks electronic. Because that image is then sent to clear the check. Merchants, especially Credit Card companies, don’t usually bother depositing the check you mail. They “convert” the check to an electronic item and send it through. This has become a hybrid between a check and a card purchase. As time goes on it will become increasingly less likely you will be able to retrieve an image copy of the checks because companies find it faster and cheaper to convert the checks and send them through as “converted checks”. This way instead of being sent through the normal process they are sent through an automated process known as ACH.

~ACH~

* Note on ACH: Companies are notorious for creating havoc on accounts through ACH. It’s only a matter of time before they take the wrong amount, on the wrong date, and cause overdrafts and find a reason to call it your fault. Don’t expect your bank to be MUCH help here. They MAY be able to fix it, or may not. I strongly recommend either staying clear of these types of payments entirely or opening an account JUST for these type of payments separate from your normal accounts. I don’t care how long you’ve been with them or how nice they are, it only takes one error to create months of work and headache for you. Don’t do it if you can help it.

~Online~

Online is the safest, fastest way to keep a hold of your banking. Most banks offer Bill Pay, Online Statements, Spending Reports, and more.

~Bill Pay~

~Insurance~

~Investments~

Brokerage firms help you invest money. Typical investments include but are nowhere near limited to: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CD’s bought from multiple banks, and more.

~Credit and Lending~

~Key~

The Insider

The Insider is a BIG fan of Dave Ramsey:

Go read/listen/watch Dave Ramsey and he'll teach you how to do it right!

Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show (HERE)

Or by his most popular book: (HERE) The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Written May 07, 2016 by Darrell G Wolfe

Banking, Blessed Money, Credit, Investments, Lending, Retirement, Savings No comments

TITHE | Do more with 90% than you ever did with 100%

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther King Jr.

Celestine Chua "Giving"

Tithing is the best thing I ever did with my money... here's why:

In order to start on the right foot we must talk about the tithe.

Simply put tithe is 10%.

The key verse to look at when discussing the tithe is Malachi 3:8-12. God says here that not tithing is equal to robbing God. It is interesting to note that this is the only place in the bible God offers man a test or trial of his goodness.

Go ahead, God says, test me… try me out… see if I’m faithful to my Word.

God knows that money is tied to core matters of the heart. Jesus said that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34).

~Gross VS Net~

What about this 10%? Is that gross or net?

Malachi also answers this for us.

Bring in the WHOLE tithe. Deut. 14:22 tells us to tithe on all your increase.

All means All and that’s All All means.

For a moment consider what you are really asking in this question.

Should I give God 10% of the money I made before or after the government took their cut, and I sent some to my 401K, and I paid for medical deductions, etc etc…

Does the government come first or does God? If God is first, that means first. Before anything is removed, God is first.

~Law~

But that is old covenant law, we are not under the Law?

Right?

Yes we are not under the law.

No tithing is not limited to the law.

Actually the tithe predates the law. Genesis 14:20 shows us that Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek after being blessed by God through Him. The law didn’t come until Moses who is a distant descendant of Abraham. Moses did not come for well over 400 years later.

In fact Hebrews tells us that Jesus himself receives our tithes. (Hebrews 7:8) The only thing Jesus ever commended the Pharisees on was paying the tithe. (Matthew 23:23).

~God First~

In case you still felt there was room for doubt let us take a look at the very first sin.

Genesis Chapters 1-3. God places Adam and Eve in the midst of a vast and fruitful planet. He plants a Garden in the east with instructions to then take the seed and reproduce the Garden on the rest of the planet.

He blesses them with Dominion and Authority.

All they put their hand to will prosper.

He asks one thing in return.

He reserves one tree and its fruit.

He asks for this to remain His and His alone. This is Adams tithe. He is to take its fruit to God and God alone. He is not instructed not to touch it; that is Eve’s twisting of God’s words. He is instructed not to eat it.

Essentially, one could determine through looking at the commands given later in scripture, God’s plan was for Adam to bring him the fruits of this tree as tithe, offering, and love.

God would fellowship and commune with Adam over this and take time to instruct him in matters of life. Truly God didn’t mind Adam knowing the difference between good an evil.

He created and wanted Adam in HIS own image. God wanted Adam to learn from HIM and not through his own experience of good and evil.

Had Adam left the serpent, stopped Eve from talking to him (since he was there with her), and gone to God… Adam could have asked God about good and evil and He would have told him.

Not tithing is always a matter of not trusting God to meet EVERY need, want, and desire.

Not tithing is saying: “I’ll do this on my own… for myself... I’ll be my own provider.”

~God’s Lease~

Jesus makes this interesting comparison regarding mans lease over the things of God.

God the Father, in this story, is likened to a vineyard owner. He sent servants to the vine dressers who turned to beat and kill them. Then He sent his own Son, who was also killed. Jesus tells us that they will be thrown out, and God will lease the vineyard to others. (Matthew 21:40-42)

Adam’s first sin is touching that which belonged to God. God created this planet for mankind. He didn’t need a planet.

In fact, He has many of them. He created this earth for man. The tithe is man’s mortgage or lease on the planet. This gives man the rightful use of this property. God is the landowner or Leaser. Man is the renter or lease. When a man or woman fails to bring God His fruit first he is in danger of breaking lease. God serves notice that only curse and death will follow this course of action.

Why?

This lease agreement is an agreement of blessing. To remove yourself from the blessing is to enter the curse by choice.

The entire planet is under the curse due to Adam’s disobedience. It is the flow of the world’s system.

It is the blessing, through contact and contract with God, that shields and protects you from the curse. Jesus redeemed us from the curse (Galatians 3:13). It is His blood that keeps us redeemed. He permanently reestablished a covenant between God and Man.

This covenant is between God and Jesus so it cannot be broken. It is entered through believing in and on Jesus. Once entered, however, there are terms and conditions.

Obedience, will bring greater degrees of the protection of the blessing.

Failing to love your brother may not keep you from heaven when you die, although it could progress to that. However failing to love is a failure to obey and it will cause the curse to operate in your life.

So it is with the tithe.

It is a connector to God’s ways of doing things. It connects you to His blessing.

Tithing is a heart matter. The tithe connects you to trusting God for ALL your provision.

Failure to tithe is failure to trust.

God’s not asking you to give so he can take 10% from you. He is asking you to give so he can bless the 90% and bring more to you by increasing the 90%! (The 90% will keep getting bigger for a tither).

~Promise of Blessing~

What is God’s promise if we obey him in bringing in the tithe?

God says that he will open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessing we cannot contain.

This is the same blessing he gave Adam in Genesis 1:28.
It is the same blessing then given to Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.
It is the same blessing listed in detail for us in Deut. 28. The curse is listed there also, but only as a result of disobedience.

God’s heart and passion is to bless us. Only when we disobey are we forcing ourselves to enter and live under a curse.

What happens to a person who fails to pay the rent? I can tell you. I once chose to pay my car note over my rent. I thought the car was more important. I ended up living in that car for about 6 months.

Did God want me to live in a car?

No He didn’t.

Was it His will?
Was He trying to teach me something?
Was He trying to humble me?
Why was I tight on funds at that time?

I was living in disobedience to principles. You don't pay for an apartment, you don't get an apartment.

God isn’t out to cause bad things to happen to teach you a lesson. He laid it out plain and simple.

God gives us a clear choice in life. He tells us that there are blessing and cursing, life and death. Then He gives a hint, which is His choice; “Choose Life” (Deut. 30:19). Sounds like a no brainer, but this choice often means obeying God when it doesn’t feel like it’s good. Tithe is a major area for many, but it brings the Blessing.

~THE Blessing~

The blessing of God is the power to get wealth, among other things.

It is the power to prosper: spirit, soul, body, mind, financially, socially, etc… In all areas of life, the Blessing invades and creates fruitful environments.

The blessing on Joseph saved two nations from starvation. (Genesis 41)
The Blessing on Isaac caused him to sow during famine and reap a 100 fold return. (Genesis 26)
The Blessing was on Jesus who multiplied fish and loaves for over 5,000 men plus women and children, on two occasions. (John 6 and Matthew 15).

Over and over God used blessed people to provide for others. Hebrews 11 lists a hall of fame full of people that obeyed God and operated under the blessing.

The tithe connects you to the blessing. The tithe is only the beginning. God also promises special blessings for those who gives to the poor (Proverbs 19:17), and He has a special place in His heart for those in need. (Deut 10:17-19) We say that those who give to these classes of people are sowers. S.O.W. = Strangers, Orphans and Widows. In Philippians 4 we learn that giving to an anointed ministry doing the Work of God in the earth connects us to their anointing and increases our account with God.

~Heavenly Accounting~

This brings up another interesting point to consider when tithing and giving. We have an account with God. Jesus referred to it when He talked about storing treasure in heaven. Paul referred to it in Philippians 4.

In banking; a checking or savings account is known as a “Demand Deposit Account”. This means you have placed money in deposit there but expect to be able to place a demand on that money at any time. This is how it is with God.

We add to that account through every act of obedience and giving to God. We place a demand on that account by asking and believing. We place our treasure there through giving and sowing of our time, talent, and treasure. Jesus told a rich young ruler in Matthew 19 that he should give to the poor… the young man didn’t stick around to hear that there was a 100 fold return on that investment. There is no way to ever drain the heavenly account you have because it is increasing beyond the earth’s capacity to use it. This is why God said he could open up the windows of heaven and pour out the blessing which you cannot contain. It is however, available for use at a moment’s notice and with the demand slip called Faith.

~Obedience~

Tithing may be hard at first. I had given off and on throughout my life. When I had rededicated my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior, I decided that I was going to take Him seriously for the first time in a long time. I found in the Word that tithing was not optional. I started by giving ten percent of what I had. I noted that within the first month I went from constantly negative in my accounts to having a little left over. I thought that this was quite remarkable.

I noticed that on months I did not tithe, the devourer came and what I thought I kept I lost. Those months I did tithe, things just went smoother. I later went on to learn about tithing on my gross income and not my net. This required more thought, because I actually had to look at each paycheck to determine what I had made before taxes and deductions. This had the side benefit of knowing what was really happening on my checks and taking control of it. I found out that I could put money in my 401K and less would go to taxes. Essentially I could pay myself instead of the government.

I also started to increase in income. I got better raises. I found money in the oddest places. I also found it easier to stay at one job longer. In one instance I really needed money to register a car and God brought more than enough just a week before it was due.

Tithing will not always be easy. But it doesn't belong to you. It is God’s. Make up in your mind right now that tithe comes first no matter what.

~Challenges to Obedience~

For some people that may not be possible. Suppose you are a woman who has just learned about the tithe and you want to obey God. Your Husband (Or wife if you are a man) is not in agreement with this. Find something to give. If you get an allowance, or certain amount to spend for groceries, tithe on that. If you have $5 in your pocket, give some of it to God. Start where you are. You could even challenge the spouse. “We do this for three months. And if we are not better off than we stop.” Many have given this challenge to faithless spouses to have the spouse then say at the end of three months:

“Whatever it is… keep it up!!”

Whatever your situation, God knows your heart. Start with what you have. Show yourself faithful and God will do the same. This is a heart matter more than a letter of the law matter.

~Proper Tithe~

There is actually more to tithing than dropping money in a bucket. God actually lays out a method to the tithe. You could say it comes with an instruction manual. This is found at length in Deut. 26:1-15; Specifically in 13-15.

13 then you shall say before the LORD your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. 14 I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. 15 Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us, just as You swore to our fathers, “a land flowing with milk and honey.”’

This was written to the physical people of Israel. What application does this have for those in the new covenant who are the spiritual Israel?

~Remove the Tithe~

First of all we must remove the tithe! This means don’t wait until last minute, after the bills are paid and hope there is some left over to tithe with. The tithe comes first before anything else is paid for or paid on. One great way of doing this, and something I have been doing for a while now, is actually set up a separate account for the tithe and offering. If your payroll department will allow split direct deposit you can have 10% or more automatically sent to this special purpose account. You won’t even have to think about separating for yourself. You can write a check, take out cash, or use your card, however you normally give from this account knowing the money has already been separated unto God for the work of God in the earth.

You may want to try doing 12% or 14% as the direct deposit will only use after tax money for the percentage. If you are tithing on your gross you will need a higher percentage to come out right. A little too much is good too because tithing is the starting place of giving not the max. You may want to allow this account to build up so that you can use the excess as an offering amount. Maybe the church has a building project, or maybe you will meet someone God wants you to reach out and bless. You have already set yourself up to participate by letting this account build up on the side.

~Obey God~

We also see that the tithe must also be accompanied by obedience to other areas of God’s Word. Walking in strife, unforgiveness, or any other area of sin will cancel out the benefits of the tithe. Again looking to Jesus’ words to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:23); He said you ought to have done these (tithe of the first fruits of all their increase) without neglecting the other more weightier matters (Justice, Mercy, and Faith).

~Don’t Eat It~

Do not eat your tithe. This will come as a hard saying, but yes the tithe comes before groceries too. This means you cannot allow a tight month to dictate to you whether or not you will tithe by saying: “Oh well, things are really tight this month… we cannot afford to give this month… God knows our hearts… He understands… we’ll just start again next month.”

This sounds logical but it is certain death to next month’s finances. Saying this is exactly the same as saying: “God, we don’t really trust you to meet our needs, which includes feeding us. We believe you religiously, but not in practical matters where it counts.” Acting in fear, which is what not tithing is caused by, always connects you to the curse and you will find that next month will be tighter than this month. I know from personal experience that when you feel like you cannot afford to tithe; the truth is you cannot afford not to tithe.

~Confess the Tithe~

This passage also shows us the most important and most overlooked matter in the tithe: Confession. God is not just asking for us to put money in a bucket. That alone doesn’t connect you to the blessing. In fact you can put 10% of your income in a bucket and still not see any blessing. Tithing is a covenant matter. It connects you to the covenant blessing. You didn’t get married without using your words to connect you to marriage. You said some things.

If you open a checking account you will sign a document saying that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. Confessing your tithe to God is a way of connecting you to His blessing through tithing. Say some things about it. You may even want to take communion with your family, which is another covenant rite. Take a few minutes together either before church or on pay day and talk about the tithe. You could say something like the following modern version:

“Jesus; thank you for your sacrifice! Thank you for the cross. Your blood and broken body redeemed us from the curse. Thanks to you we are free from the bondage of sickness, disease, poverty, lack, sin, and death. We were once under a curse which rules the world’s system. Thanks to you, Jesus, we are free! We accept everything you redeemed us from and redeemed us to. We plead your blood over our household. We say we are blessed going in and blessed going out. We are blessed in our bodies and in our bank accounts. We thank you for using us to be a blessing to countless others. We declare divine encounters this month. The windows of heaven are open to us and we are free from the devourer. Thank you. Glory to God!”

Then pray some. Praise God. Sing some songs or worship. Adore Him. Do this every payday, if not more often. This time of confession, prayer, and praise will open up your mind and thought life to meditate on his word and promises. When disaster strikes and the enemy attacks you will have spent time building in yourself a fortress of trust in God. You will be able to say like Paul: None of these things move me (Acts 20:24)! His promise is a land flowing with Milk and Honey. He tells us that land will require faith and fight[1]. It will not be given to us without a fight. There will be enemies to our progress and increase. We will move on in faith. From time to time people will come along trying to move us off of our land and rightful place. We must stand strong in faith. Temptations, trials, and other distractions will not move a true tither, connected to the covenant of blessing. The money could drain and houses fall down and the tither knows, as God did with Job, that double is coming!

~Offering~

You may also want to consider in addition to your tithe a set offering amount every month. Many long time tithers have gone on to make a 20% or more their minimum. 10% to the church and 10% to ministries and work of God elsewhere. God blesses giving. If you aren’t there yet you could start with $5. Choose, through prayer, a place you want to begin sowing/giving to. Maybe there is a minister that you learn from that isn’t at your church, sow the $5 into that ministry. Maybe there is an orphanage or elderly home that you feel a strong attachment to. Find a place to start, let God lead you.

Suppose you feel that having too much is a bad thing. It isn’t, God wants to overflow your cup according to psalms 23. But suppose you do. You see the world hurting and feel bad for wanting too much. Go ahead and believe god for a $1,000,000 a year. Then live on $50,000. That leaves you $950,000 a year to meet the needs of other people. Who told you that you had to keep it? That way you are GIVING 95% of your income and living on 5%! How’s that for Godly math? According to the pattern God shows in the bible, you would not be able to do that long without seeing a significant increase in your income. Go ahead, believe God for TOO MUCH. That is the only way you can participate in meeting the needs of others. That is the principle of 2 Corinthians 9:8. Have too much so that you can have to give.

Now don’t take this to mean that you should go give your entire paycheck away today… God may require obedience but He also requires wisdom. Faith comes in the form of seed. You start with the faith you have and work it. Like a muscle or plant, time and patience will cause it to grow. Start where you are, give what you have to give, and watch it multiply over time. Challenge yourself to give more over time, according to your faith. Romans 12:2 says to take time to renew your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God’s will. This includes His will in the area of Giving. Verse 3 tells us to not think that we are beyond where we are. We should not think we are higher or lower than we are, but judge ourselves soberly. This way we can operate at the level of faith we have, practice it, and push through it like working weights in a gym. This causes us to know where we are in our faith walk with God and it allows us to know where the next level is too.

If you work 10 pound weights and they are hard at first, work them awhile. In time you find the weights become easier to lift. Soon you can work 20 pounds, then 50. So it is with God. You may find that committing to tithe takes all the faith you can muster. Soon it becomes easier, then routine. Eventually you don’t question it or even think about it, it’s just natural. At first you may find that sowing an extra $5 is hard, but as you pray God begins to show you that you spend $20 a month on random things you don’t need and maybe even didn’t want that much. Maybe the whole $20 is spent on one thing or several things.

Over time God will ask you to push yourself in this area of giving. Over time he will ask you to set goals for your giving. Just like working weights in a gym; the goals will seem tough at first and become easier over time. I know one man who committed to giving in every church service he attended, even if it was just $1 he gave every service. Soon he was giving Sunday and Wed and special events. He progressed to a set amount, say $5 each service. Last I heard he was sowing $100 each service and was looking to increase that. His life and business has increased exponentially over time and there is a direct correlation between his increase in giving and his increase in life at every turn. The increase in giving always came before the increase to his financial life.

Decide for yourself where you are in life. Pray it out. Remember that there is no condemnation in God (Romans 8:1). So if you feel bad for not being able to give what you want to, you are on the wrong track.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says:

7 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.

So pray it out, find what you have peace about in your heart, not your head! Give cheerfully. Every time the offering basket comes by your hand, even if you are not giving in that service, you may even want to practice saying: “I LOVE to give!” It will help build inside of you the heart of a giver.

~Tithe Reminders~

So remember, tithe is not optional, giving is a connection to the blessings of God.
Giving causes increase in your life.
Tithe on your gross income, put God first; secure your lease and connection to the blessings of God. Fill your heavenly account.
Remove the tithe immediately and separate it from your other money.
Walk in obedience in other areas of life.
Don’t eat the tithe.
Confess the Word of God over your giving.
Finally pray about what God would have you to do in order to participate in giving over and above your tithe.

The Insider

[1]Joshua 1, 1 Timothy 1:18 & 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7