'Financial Language' - Are You a 'Driver'?

Janice Thompson's unique approach to money matters helps women UPGRADE their perspective on finances.

"As both a financial professional and a pastor's wife who is passionate about the topic of women and their relationship to money," Janice said, "I have begun to recognize patterns in questions and responses that reflect a woman's personality and instinctive behaviors - I call this her 'financial language.'"

In her book, Managing the Money Maze (for Women), she discusses six financial languages - the Driver, the Thinker, the Partner, the Avoider, the Idealist and the Overcomer - the strengths and weaknesses of each, and their biblical examples.

Janice encourages women to learn the language of scripture regarding how they use their money. In this post, Janice explains the language of "The Driver."

She continues ...

Because of her innate self-assurance and God-given capabilities, The Driver often has to be reminded to slow down and seek out good counsel.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:22, "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

The self-starting Driver doesn't miss an emotional beat. She is resilient, strong, and has tough financial circumstances in perspective. She has learned, in God's economy, nothing is wasted!

In the book of Judges in the Old Testament we meet Deborah, a captivating example of The Driver. In this male-dominated society, Deborah surfaced as a woman with incredible status; she was both a prophetess and a judge.

Deborah gained an amazing amount of respect for her thoughtful analysis and respectful, determined leadership style. She is best known for leading the people of Israel to victory over the armies of the Canaanite General, Sisera (Judges 4:4-16), after which the nation enjoyed forty years of peace.

The Driver, like Deborah, is busy, knowledgeable, disciplined and thrives on power. Does this sound like you?

Do you readily embrace decisions that need to be made and take a back seat to no one? While you may not think of yourself as knowledgeable about the complex details of financial matters you consider yourself intelligent enough to investigate and understand such matters. With a little guidance, you then act upon them.

You are very much in control of yourself even if you have never been responsible for these areas in the past. Once you understand your choices and have evaluated your options, you have no problem making decisions and implementing them.

You react to being pushed before you are ready and you value prompt feedback from those you bring into your inner circle. The demands of your busy life make it imperative that you move forward at an acceptable pace while not feeling pressured. You want to get to the bottom line quickly but thoroughly.

It is important for The Driver to remember, "We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails" (Proverbs 19:21, The Message). We need to seek Him regarding our finances.

Do you speak the "financial language" of The Driver? How might God want you to slow down and seek wise, godly counsel regarding your finances - especially in business ventures?

Janice Thompson is the founder and president of Strategic Financial Solutions, Inc., a comprehensive wealth management firm focused on biblically-based financial solutions. Janice is a Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Life Stewardship Advisor™, and serves on the Board of Directors of Kingdom Advisors. She has two married children with one grandchild on the way. She and her husband Tom live in San Diego.

Note: Material adapted from the book, Managing Your Money Maze by Janice Thompson (Revive Our Hearts, 2009).

Photo in text: Image coutesty of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Finances: Thriving or Surviving?

Janice Thompson, founder and president of Strategic Financial Solutions, Inc., says she wants women to thrive when it comes to finances, not simply to survive. In the months ahead, Janice will share some encouraging UPGRADE Your Finances insights. But for now, she simply wants to get us thinking on the right track. She asks:

“Does the topic of money trigger within you feelings of excitement, anticipation and peace of mind, or does it bring forth feelings of fear, dread or even panic?”

Janice continues:

Women often face unique challenges when planning for their financial future. Many women who have never entered the workforce or have interrupted their careers to care for children or aging parents may ultimately earn less income than men in the same age group. As a result, they find their retirement accounts, pensions and Social Security benefits are often lower.

When you add the fact that women generally live longer than men and have to stretch those resources over a longer span of time, it can become a frightening challenge to navigate through the financial maze of life.

I take great comfort in the fact that God is neither surprised nor worried by any economic uncertainties in our world.

It reminds me of when we bought our first home and decided to move our 30-gallon fish aquarium across town without draining the tank. We carefully set the fish tank on the front seat of the moving truck. As cautiously as my husband tried to drive, it did not prevent the water in the tank from sloshing violently and splashing over the sides of the tank.

What was interesting to note, however, was that while the surface of the tank was in mass upheaval, the fish in the tank had all dropped to a water level in the lower part of the tank where they appeared to be suspended in space.

They weren't in a panic; they did not appear dazed or confused. They knew what to do and calmly rode out the turbulence, unfazed by the wild ride.

Good financial principles can help you ride out highs and lows of economic growth or turmoil.

The solution to not just surviving but thriving in any economic environment is understanding and applying God’s timeless truth. As I have often heard financial author and friend Ron Blue say, “The Bible is always relevant, always, right, and will never change.”

And that is the greatest financial principle. Begin with what God says about finances. Always turn to the scriptures, because God’s wisdom principles for managing all aspects of your financial life work!

Have you ever studied what the Bible says about finances? If so, how has God helped you in the area of personal stewardship?

Janice Thompson is the founder and president of Strategic Financial Solutions, Inc., a comprehensive wealth management firm focused on biblically-based financial solutions. Janice is a Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Life Stewardship Advisor™, and serves on the Board of Directors of Kingdom Advisors.

As a pastor's wife, Jan also brings a unique professional perspective to those in vocational ministry. She and her husband, Tom, live in San Diego, California, have two grown children, and look forward to becoming grandparents this fall.

Spend Less and Save More

I met Ellie Kay, billed as “America’s Family Financial Expert”®, when I interviewed her years ago for The Christian Examiner. I found her insightful, discerning and fun.  I asked her to share some simple financial tips with UPGRADE readers.

Ellie writes:

How would you like to pay off your credit card, put your kids through college with minimal student loan debt, pay cash for your vacations and fund a retirement?

I believe that every family can upgrade their finances by unlocking the secrets of how to spend less and save more.

1. Develop a Plan

Go to my website tool section and find an easy-to-use interactive budget tool at elliekay.com.  

Consider making yourself accountable to another person (or couple) to stick on the budget. They will check in with you monthly and ask how it’s going, what your challenges are and what you are going to do to stick to your plan.

Then, when you go to a store or visit a website, ask yourself, “Does this purchase fit into my plan and can it help me upgrade my finances?” Knowing that you are accountable will help you stick to your plan.

2. Don’t Buy Without a Discount

In a post-recession economy, consumers demand discounts and retailers are responding. Go to RetailMeNot.com, couponcabin.com, or BradsDeals.com to get codes that can help you save even more. Or you can go to mysimon.com or bing.com to compare prices on the Internet for the best price.

Then, try to get a rebate check on items you have to buy anyway by going to ebates.com or slickdeals.net.

3. Don’t Use Credit

One of the things our family has done for years is to take out the budgeted amount for food, gas, entertainment and gifts, and put them in a cash envelope marked accordingly. When we see the cash dwindling, we’ll know we need to stop spending.

Debit cards are similar, if you are sure to keep up with how much case you have left in your checking account so you do not overspend. The point is that you do not buy on credit.

Which of these tips is your favorite for spending less and saving more?

Ellie Kay is a regular expert on national television with ABC NEWS NOW’s Money Matters and Good Money shows. She is also a national radio commentator, a frequent media guest on Fox News, and CNBC, a popular international speaker, and the best-selling author of fourteen books including her  newest release, The Little Book of Big Savings (Waterbrook, 2009).

For money savings links or to view Ellie’s blog, go to elliekay.com.

Six Financial Tips for Single Parents

Meet author and speaker Laura Petherbridge: Laura offers these tips for Single Parents … but I think her advice is good for any family!

“Single parent families are often faced with lower incomes and more stress than two-parent families,” Laura said. “With careful planning, creativity, and research, children from these families can obtain an excellent education. God wants to assure them that He has a plan—and it’s a good one!”

Here are a few suggestions from Laura to get started:

1. Learn

The most important step is to receive biblical teaching on what God says about money and possessions. Seminars and books can help, but the accountability that comes from a small group offers an incomparable dynamic. Seek a program that provides biblical instruction and practical application.

Too often we pray for God to send money to pay a bill, but haven’t sought His Word on how to properly handle what He has already given us. (1 Chronicles 29:11) 

2. Teach Your Children

Setting aside time to teach children about money and possessions has several benefits. It  provides the parent with one-on-one time kids often crave. It’s a parent’s job to teach them that overspending and debt only digs a deeper and bigger hole!

For teens and older children, use a resource that explains practical issues such as how to open checking/saving accounts, how to go on a job interview, etc. Help them plan for the purchase of a car or an item they desire—this puts some enthusiasm into the teaching. (Proverbs 21:5)

3. The Bad B Word: Budget

A budget helps a person comprehend where the money is going and what’s needed to make ends meet. Church leadership often knows of someone with expertise in this area who would be happy to assist. One word of caution … it takes time and a steady course to see results. (Proverbs 21:20)

4. Partnership with the Child

It’s crucial to instruct a child that he or she will be expected to work and save toward an education. A child should consider saving a portion of his or her allowance, birthday money, Christmas money, etc., as a contribution toward the future. As they see the money build, it should stir a sense of satisfaction and dignity. (Proverbs 12:14)

5. The Right Education

As early as age 13, look for tests and programs that help to reveal a child’s natural inclination and propensities. Choose a career guidance program that offers insight based on personality, vocational interests, abilities, priorities and spiritual giftedness. (Ephesians 2:10)

6. Financial Assistance for Education

Financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants are often available. Qualifying for assistance is often a function of the student’s academic performance in high school. An employer may offer scholarships to the child of a single parent or assistance to students who work for them. Your church may have a scholarship program.

Attending a community college or junior college can be a lower cost alternative. A career assessment may suggest a trade school, and the parent’s local state four year school may offer quality education. Most schools offer on-campus employment or a data bank that will assist students. Research co-op programs. The goal to keep in mind is not a diploma on the wall, but training for a career and a job that brings personal fulfillment. 

Are you a single parent? How have you seen God provide for your family’s needs?

Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker and author of, When “I Do” Becomes “I Don’t”—Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce, and The Smart Stepmom.

She has been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Moody Broadcasting, Marriage Partnership and Crosswalk.com. Laura has two grown stepsons and resides in Summerfield, Florida, with her husband, Steve.