Faith & Finance 5 Signs You May Need a Certified Christian Financial Counselor With Art Rainer
Art Rainer is Director of the Institute for Christian Financial Health, which administers the Certified Christian Financial Counselor program.
WHAT DO CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL COUNSELORS DO?
Christian financial counselors aim to integrate God's design into financial decisions. They guide individuals and couples through making wise financial choices, establishing healthy financial habits, and increasing biblical and financial literacy.
- They help you understand and pursue God's design for money.
- They guide you in wise decision-making and developing sound financial habits.
- They increase your understanding of both biblical and financial principles.
WHO NEEDS A CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL COUNSELOR?
We actually have a list of signs that may indicate you would benefit from a Christian Financial Counselor:
1. Your finances feel out of control. Your finances feel like one big mess. Every month, you are just flying by the seat of your pants. There is no direction, only disorganization. And it stresses you out. You know something must change. A Christian Financial Counselor can help make sense of the mess. They can help you develop financial goals and organize your finances.
2. You need to know what financial step to take next. It feels like you are, financially, just existing. There seems to be no progress in your finances. This is mainly because you have yet to learn what progress looks like. A Christian Financial Counselor can look at your financial situation and suggest wise next steps.
3. You need help creating and maintaining a budget. Most of us know that budgeting is a good idea. However, many don’t know how to craft a reasonable budget or have struggled to stick with one. This is one of the top reasons individuals and couples seek out a Christian Financial Counselor. A Christian Financial Counselor educates clients on how to craft a budget and keeps them on track.
3. You are loaded with debt. The Bible says that debt is a burden. Anyone who has carried debt would agree with this. And as time goes on, the burden of debt feels heavier. A Christian Financial Counselor will review a client’s debt and craft a debt payoff plan. Having this plan in place and providing regular check-ins motivate clients to pay off debt more quickly.
4. You are regularly arguing about money with your spouse. God designed married couples to operate as one, even in finances. And you want this, but you need help to get on the same financial page with your spouse. Money is not a point of unity but a point of division. A Christian Financial Counselor can help a couple get on the same financial page. They can help couples understand one another money personality and how their past experiences with money are influencing their decisions today.
5. You need accountability. You know what to do, but this knowledge only sometimes leads to the right action. You are still tempted to spend money you should save. You still give out of your leftovers. You still add to the credit card balance. Regular meetings with a Christian Financial Counselor can create accountability around your finances.
Those feeling overwhelmed or disorganized with their finances might consider seeking a Christian financial counselor. Signs include feeling out of control, struggling with budgeting, being burdened by debt, marital discord over money, or needing accountability in financial matters.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL COUNSELING?
Typically, Christian financial counselors charge an hourly session fee, similar to other counseling services. This investment often leads to significant returns, as clients are more engaged and committed to following the advice given.
- Most counselors charge an hourly rate, encouraging client commitment.
- The fees help ensure clients are engaged and complete necessary steps.
- The return on investment from counseling typically outweighs the cost.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE INFORMATION OR SEEK COUNSELING?
Visit ChristianFinancialHealth.com. The site offers a directory of certified counselors and information on certification programs.
ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:
- I am in my 70s with term life insurance and substantial debt; is it wise to drop my life insurance to pay off the loans?
- I've recently upped my company contributions to 10% for my 401k and am considering a Roth option; should I diversify more outside the company for better returns?
- I own an older car with some issues and high mileage; when does it make sense to drop the comprehensive part of my insurance?
- I have $100,000 in an annuity nearing the end of its term; should I reinvest it at a fixed rate or look into online CDs for potentially higher returns?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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