TMC Financial Consulting

It's Been There All Along

If you do what you’ve always done, you will get the results that you’ve always gotten. BUT…..if you do something different you just may stumble upon a long awaited solution. I am talking about how we handle our money. Consistency is great. In fact it is necessary in order to carry out any real change anywhere in your financial life. However without reflection, the results you get for your consistency may be limited. As our lives change we tend to do things differently to accommodate these changes, except when it comes to our money. For some reason when it comes to money, what we have learned as children and what worked for us as teenagers and the habits we picked up as twenty-five year olds stick with us long into old age. We change, our lives change, even the people in them change, but how we handle money many times does not seem to change. 

 

Even good financial habits still need to be examined from time to time. We still need to take inventory of what we have, where we are and where we are trying to go financially. That is how we grow. Repetition without reflection can lead to disappointment and lack. For example, let’s say your friend Grace realized at 25 years old that she needed an emergency fund. So she started putting $50 aside per week for that purpose. Great! She has been blessed to have few emergencies and now she is 29 years old with about $10,000 in her emergency fund. So where does the disappointment and lack enter the picture? Well Grace is only saving which was great at 25. However at 29 she is not focusing on cleaning up her credit or paying down her college debt or setting aside some of that cash for a down payment on a home. That means that her dream of home ownership may stay a dream or be deferred. Now comes disappointment and lack. Grace is disappointed because after all that hard work and discipline she still didn’t get what she really wanted and she lacks the right financial equation to equal home ownership.

 

Reflection does two very important things. It helps to keep you on track with your goals and helps you to balance your spending based on your greatest life needs and wants. Reflection helps to keep you on the road to abundance.

 

The definition of Abundance is “a great or plentiful amount; fullness to overflowing and affluence, wealth.” However most of us believe that in order to have more we must earn more, not so. In order to have more we must successfully manage the money coming in, for example our paychecks. You have the ability to live a more abundant life right where you are by becoming mindful of how you use your money. Saving is one slice but it is not the whole pie. You have to decide on where you want to go in your life.  You must know in your heart and mind what abundance will look like in your life. Only then you go about financially planning for it. You money is the gas to get you where you need to go so you have to have a direction.

 

 

You can have more by thinking ahead, prioritizing and cutting the fat from your financial diet. If you don’t have a budget, develop one. If you already have one, look it over to make sure it is still meeting your needs and helping you to meet your goals. But the very first thing you need to do is pick a direction for your abundant life to take. Only then can you plan out how to pay for it.

 

Tanai M. Coleman

Your Money Is A Tool. Are You Using It Wisely?

 

Monthly Meditation: Romans 8:28-30

"And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called, them he also justified and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

I have two very important questions to ask you. Do you love God? Did He call you? If you answered yes to both of these questions you should be feeling very relieved right about now. The bible says that if you love God and He called you, then all (not some) things will "work together for good". Yeah for us!!! Now let's dig a little deeper. The word 'good' as it reads here refers to God's greater good. Many of us (including me) have read this and believed that it only meant that everything would work out in our favor. Meaning that we would get the job, house or promotion. Sometimes that is very true. Things do work out in our favor. We are believers. They are supposed to as long as we follow the leading of Christ in our actions. However sometimes we don't get the immediate result we are looking for and we end up discouraged. This happens because many of us don't understand the B side of "all things work together for good". Well here it is. God the Father knows what we truly need, want and desire. He knows the boss on that job we wanted would have been very abusive toward us. So he caused them to choose another candidate to protect us. He knows the house you may have wanted has termites and a leaky roof. He also knew no one would tell you that, so he allowed you to be outbid by another buyer. Sometimes things working together for good means that our Father has to protect us not only from ourselves but from the unknown and from heading in directions that will bring us unnecessary pain. Most parents know that love means telling your children no as well as yes. God also knows his purpose for you. He knows why he sent you here. So if you pray and ask God for permission to go in a particular direction and He says no, realize His answer is based purely on His love for you.

But Tanai, what about the other 2 verses? 

Well, you tell me! What do you have to say about the other verses? When you read it how did the Holy Spirit enlighten you? Please share with me and your fellow readers what you got out of your study of this scripture. I know I would love to here it! We are a body of believers and each one of us has a part. You read my part.......where's yours???

This post will be open for comments until next month's issue of Money Mastery News is released. If you would like to recieve this powerful newsletter in your inbox, you may subscribe here.

NEW! MONEY MASTERY PROGRAM

Christian Money Mastery Coaching Program
Brought To You by TMC Financial Consulting
Your Money Is A Tool. Use It Wisely.

This is a program I created to provide faith-based financial education that will help women to improve their money management skills in a consistent, measurable way.

Below you will find a brief outline of the topics to be covered in each session. However remember that each class is different. I will always present the information in the order that best suits the class I am teaching.

Session 1: Are You Holding Yourself In Contempt

Session 2: Understanding Your Statements

Session 3: Assessing Needs Setting Goals (Individual Consultation)

Session 4: Reading and Understanding The Fine Print

Session 5: In Whose Interest Is Interest?

Session 6: Who Are You Paying and How Much?

Session 7: Insurance 101

Session 8: Does Your Money Have A Mission?

Session 9: Saving 101

Session 10: Budgeting 101

Session 11: A Winning Budget Needs A Winning System

Session 12: Goal Review and Revision (Individual Consultation)

Session 13: Graduation (provided at no charge)

General Information:

The program includes 10 group classes, 2 individual consultations and 1 graduation for a total of 13 sessions at a cost of $25 per session / per student with the exception of graduation. This is a celebration of the students' accomplishment and is gladly offered at no cost to you. Sessions take place every other week. Sessions may also be scheduled monthly in order to more easily incorporate them into your church calendar.    

Here Are Some of the Details:

The students' $25 per session / per student tuition covers all materials.

Payment is always due before the beginning of each session. I prefer to deal only with the group leader for the collection of tuition.

At least one week's notice is needed to reschedule a class session. If less notice is given I reserve the right to reschedule the session based on my availability and convenience within reason.

Arrangements can easily be made to teach this class via webinar and conference call for groups that are out of state. All materials can be downloaded and printed by students in the comfort of their home. I can also send class textbooks to each student if this is a more convenient option for your group. Please be aware that with this option, there is an additional fee for postage and handling.

Next Steps:

By now I hope you are excited about the Program and what it can do to help the women in your church prosper financially. So what's the next step you need to take to bring this program to your church? It's easy. Just call or email me. I would be delighted to discuss working with you.

Tanai M. Coleman
(914) 502 - 7120
TMCFinancialConsulting@gmail.com

Still Not Sure? Keep Reading............

1. Click Here to check out Who I Am

2. Click Here to check out My Teaching Method

Prayer For Financial Change

This is a prayer for those of us who know in the quietness of our hearts or by the results we have seen that we have not handled our money properly. I encourage you to take a moment to receive God's change and everlasting love into your life. Remember, before you are a minister or business owner, you are your Father's child. If you can't go to your Father and tell Him you need help then the relationship itself needs repair. Know that your Dad is not angry with you. Remember God loves you and and wants the very best for you.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" 3John 1:2

Lord,

I love you and I need you. I lift your name on high and I thank you for the opportunity to come before you and lay any and every issue financial or otherwise on your altar. I lift my finances up to you at this moment and I ask your forgiveness. I have not successfully managed my money and I admit that to you oh Lord. I know you forgive me Lord but help me to forgive myself. Help me to learn from my mistakes and move on. I am choosing today Lord to try again to succeed and honor you with my finances. Help me to be a faithful tither. Help me to be a cheerful giver. Teach me how to use money as the tool you intended it to be. Help me Lord not to be afraid of money or the power you gave me over it. As my Lord and Savior you have given me dominion to rule within my sphere of influence. Help me to be a wise ruler. Lord I pray that you would give me the confidence to share the wisdom you have allowed me to gain from the mistakes I've made. Don't let me keep it to myself. Use me to help others avoid the financial traps I have fallen into. Lord I ask that you would restore my finances and help me to change any bad financial habits I have picked up over the years. Thank you Lord for loving me and helping me walk step by step through this process. I praise you in advance for my breakthrough and my new beginning. I match my faith with your power and I expect change.

I pray all these things in the matchless name of Jesus Christ who lived, was crucified unto death, rose again with all power and now sits at the right hand of the Father making constant intercession for me and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is in his mighty name I confidently pray,

Amen

Wedding Budgeting: Where Should I Begin?

First things first. If you are the bride to be then CONGRATULATIONS  on your recent engagement!

 

Now let's get down to business. Weddings differ as much as people do. It is an event that most women have dreamed of since being a child playing dress up. However like anything else, the dream can be very different from the reality. Every bride wants the best but unless their day job is bridal event planner, they don't necessarily know what that is. There is a distinct difference between what is best and what's best for you. The "best" location may be St. Patrick's Cathedral however the best for you may be the church you've been a member of since childhood. That's just one example. The "best" cake decorator may be someone who is featured in all the magazines and on television but the best for you may be a local small business owner who is creative as well as professional and punctual. Before you make any snap judgments, take a moment and really think through what is most important to you about this event. What matters to you the most? You may be surprised at what your own answer is.

 

I strongly suggest you get a notebook and begin to write out the answers to some of the following questions:

 

1. What kind of wedding is going to make me and my groom the most satisfied and fulfilled?

 

You may think you want to get married in a big church with every person you've ever met looking on but if making that happen makes you and your groom stressed out and snippy toward each other until the day of the wedding, is it worth it?

 

2. Do we want a honeymoon? If so what kind and where?

 

Different couples have different priorities. Those couples that want to go all out on their honeymoon accomodations need to plan for that when budgeting for the wedding. If a honeymoon is not that important to you and your fiance, then that could be money put toward your wedding budget or a savings account for after you are married.

 

My 5 Rules That Will Keep You In The Black After The Wedding

Rule #1

 

Save, don't borrow. We take out loans for homes and college, not weddings. Why? Because a loan should only be taken out when that money is going to be used for something that invests in your future. For example, a home provides equity, a car provides mobility and an education provides the knowledge needed to reach higher in life. 

 

Rule #2

 

Think ahead. Plan ahead. Anything last minute always costs more. Airline tickets cost more at the gate. Most events usually cost more at the door and new products usually have a discount for early birds. The earlier you begin to plan the happier you will be with the result. Be the early bird. You get better service for your money and there may be out of season price breaks that you can take advantage of to save money.

 

Rule #3

 

Pace Yourself. Remember why this wonderful event is taking place. Whether the napkins are folded into the shape of a dove or a canary is less important than your sanity. Take a break when you need a break because making financial decisions when you are in a rush, frustrated or pressured to respond is likely to lead to disapointment.

 

5 Financial Principles To Live By

1. Put God First

It may sound strange and unrelated but it's true. We give honor to people in various positions all the time without even realizing it. Our Supervisors, Pastors, Police Officers and the like, get our attention and cooperation fairly easily. Why not honor the God who created everything, including us. He only asks for a tenth. Give it to Him. What God gives you in return is so much more.

"Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe."
Numbers 18:26

2. Put Yourself Next

You've paid your tithes, now what?

Hip Hip Hooray! Common Sense Saves the Day!

You may not know the name Frank Fedie, but he is making history. You may not have ever heard of Wisconsin Dells High School, but their administrators are considering a very important decision. Frank teaches personal finance to high school students and the school administration is considering making the class mandatory.

"The personal finance class at
Wisconsin Dells High School is already popular, but administrators now
want to make it mandatory.  The school board is considering the idea
starting with this year's entering freshmen class. The course covers banking, budgeting, loans, stock markets, and more."

In american high schools we are taught to dissect frogs, we are taught about events that happened in history, we are taught latin and even complex geometry.I find it a little silly that we are not taught to use one of the most powerful resources we as everyday people  will have  to use until  the day we leave this earth.  I am happy to see  that this school  is taking the initiative to incorporate  this crucial subject into the mandatory curriculum. 

As children I think we all vaguely remember being taught how to count money, however that's where most of our formal education about money stopped. Since then we've been on our own. What has happened in recent months in our economy and in our own homes should be a wake up call to all of us. Merely hoping that things will get better is not enough. Crossing your fingers and hoping you won't lose your home and/or your present way of life is not going to make it so. As adults we have to begin to educate ourselves and make different decisions on how we are going to handle our tomorrow. As parents we have to begin to communicate the good reasoning behind those decisions to our children so that they can become wiser.

Ask yourself, what is one thing you can start doing or stop doing TODAY that can help you and your children live better tomorrow?

What Keeps You From Saving?

Is it Bills?

Is it Unexpected Expenses?

Is it Lack of Planning / Budgeting?

Is it Lack of Discipline?

THINK ABOUT IT............

LEAVE A COMMENT ON IT................

THEN COME BACK NEXT WEEK TO SEE A WAY YOU CAN...............

START SAVING NOW!

What Is INTEREST Anyway?

THE TERM INTEREST IS DEFINED AS......
 

 

1. The charge for the privilege of borrowing money, typically expressed as an annual percentage rate.
2. The amount of ownership a stockholder has in a company, usually expressed as a percentage.

Notes:

• Lenders make money from interest, borrowers pay it.
• Someone who holds more than 5-10% of the stock in a company is said to hold significant interest.

(The above definition and notes were taken from The Free Dictionary. Please feel free to click the icon above and visit to check out your own words)

So basically, when you open a savings account or cd at a bank, the interest they pay you is not a favor. They are paying you for the "privelege" (I like that word) of borrowing your money. The more you lend them, the more they pay you. I bet you'll think twice the next time you ask what the interest rate is on a savings account and the reply is .025%! Conversely, when you borrow money from the bank, the interest you pay them is for the "privelege" of borrowing their money. Yet somehow they always seem to charge you a lot more than .025% (go figure).

Interest can also refer to an investment. For example, if you bought 25 shares of Google stock and there were only a total of 100 shares in existence, then you would be said to hold a significant interest. You would also own 25% of Google and therefore be a Kabillionaire (that's probably not a word...but you get the idea).