How to Send Money Anonymously (5 Easy Ways)
How to Buy “Throw Away” Cars
For the better part of four years, my family has been a two-car family, but have been saving money for a different car. We have done this by having one nice, reliable family car and one older “throw away” car. In fact, in these four years, I have had three such cars.
One lasted a little over a year, but I only paid $800 for it, so we feel like we got that out of it. I lost the second car in an accident. That one cost $1,150, but I got over $1,700 from it in insurance payouts (have to love that)! The one I have had now for almost two years cost $1,750.
Yes, sometimes people make fun of my cars. I am currently driving a 1998 Grand Prix, and it is easily (and I mean easily) the nicest of the three older cars I have had during this time (the other two were a Taurus Wagon and a Delta 88 with a vinal top). It has over 175,000 miles on it, but runs very well.
Each of these three cars have been bought with cash, and buying inexpensive cars has helped us stay out of debt and build up money for purchasing a nicer family car when that time comes. We have considered each of these “throw away” cars, because my plan was and is to drive them until they cannot be driven anymore, then to just sell them for parts or scrap. The $800 car brought almost $300 in parts, so we only lost a few hundreds dollars in over a year.
The second car actually made money, due to the insurance payout, but had held its value well anyway. The car I am driving now would probably still bring over $1,000, and I have driven it for nearly two years. When you buy used cars this inexpensively, there isn’t much less to depreciate!
Some people do not want to drive older cars (especially when they are not nice looking), but I am content to do so, especially while we are working so hard on building a financial foundation. If you want to look for a “throw away” car, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Be patient.
Trust me, you are not the only person looking for this type of car. It is easy to overpay just to be the first person “in” on a deal. When I bought the Grand Prix, I shopped for almost a month and we lived with one car for all that time. That patience, though, led to a good car at a decent price, and we could not be more happy.
2. Don’t shop for bells and whistles.
I have driven in Nashville, Tennessee, for a couple of summers now with no air conditioning. Another car had a heater that didn’t work. If you are willing to go without a thumping stereo or keyless entry, you can buy a much less expensive car that is still reliable.
3. Listen carefully during a test drive.
Turn off the radio (if the car has one) and really listen. Those “little” knocks might not be so little. You want a car that is reliable. Miles matter, but not as much as you might think. My car has only been in the shop one time in two years, and it has nearly 180,000 miles on it. When I test drove it, I noticed that famous “purring like a kitten,” and I knew this car would be okay.
4. Remember you are saving money in the long run.
If you buy a car for $1,200 and it only lasts one year, you have only paid $100 per month for the car (and you can still sell it for scrap or parts, so it is really less than that)! That is far less expensive than nearly any car payment, and the car you are driving has lost nearly all the value it can lose.
My $1,700 car has lasted almost two years. That’s under $75 per month (minus what I could sell it for). I’ll take that over a $300 car payment on a depreciating asset anytime.
5. Don’t focus on looks.
Unless you absolutely are forced to have a nicer looking car for your job, swallow your pride and buy a car that may not look so nice. When I am going to preach at a funeral, I take our nice car. When I am visiting someone in a hospital, or just driving to my office, I really do not care what my car looks like on the outside. People will pay a small premium just for looks, when that does not factor into a car’s performance at all.
6. Shop everywhere.
I have had great luck on Craigslist, but you can look in the classifieds, estate sales, yard sales, or just by asking around. The more places you look, the more likely you are to get a deal.
What tips would you give for buying “throw away” cars that aren’t so “throw away?” Meet us in the comments and let us know!
The 6 “R’s” of Christian Personal Finance: Important Biblical Principles
We want to honor God in all that we do. Honoring Him is, of course, commanded. The more we come to love God, though, the more it should be our desire to honor Him in all we do. That needs to be true in our financial lives as much as it is true in any other area of our lives.
Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandment was, responded that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Money can harm each of those if we are not careful. It can have our heart, weaken our soul, corrupt our mind, and zap our strength.
Or, we can use our money to honor the Lord. Here are six basic principles for using our money and possessions to God’s glory.
1. Realize it’s Not Yours in the First Place
In the Psalms God says:
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. – Psalm 50:10-11 NIV
We often speak of “stewardship,” which reminds us that we are simply managing what we have for God, since He not only created it all, He owns it all.
Psalms also says:
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. – Psalm 24:1 NIV
When I realize that, it will be the first step in using my money to His glory. After all, it’s really His money, anyway.
2. Recognize Responsibility
If you are given some money and asked to manage it for someone else, you likely take great care with that money. Such needs to be true with the money God entrusts to us, as well.
In Matthew 25:14-30 NIV, Jesus told the Parable of the Bags of Gold. The master in the parable gave to each of his three servants according to their ability. Whatever you have – whether a lot or a little – is given to you by the Lord. That should help build within us a great deal of responsibility to handle that money properly.
3. Remember God First
When making out your family budget, does God have first place, or does He just get the leftovers? If you are blessed with a bonus check or some other money, is your first thought how you can spend it on yourself, or do you consider how you can use at least some of that money to further the work of the Lord? While we are not under the Old Testament law, in which the Israelites were required to give their first to the Lord, doing so is still a good way to make sure He is always the priority. Paul told those in Corinth:
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. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
4. Reign in Spending
Many articles on this site will help you here, but if you want to honor the Lord, you need to cut down on lifestyle. That means overcoming the problem of debt, and it means avoiding frivolous spending. Christians are to be people of control (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:6). One place that manifests itself is in our spending.
5. Ready Your Future
While we do not know how much time we might have in this life (read James 4:13-16), we are still to consider our future. Always remember that plans can, and often do, change, and be ready for God’s will in any area. However, think about the rainy days that will likely come. Consider your children or beyond (Proverbs 13:22). Think of how you can bless many people to God’s glory by good, solid planning.
6. Respect Others
The rich fool in Jesus’ story had some favorite pronouns: I, me, my, and mine (Luke 12:17-19). He never considered giving some of his bumper crop away, or selling it at a lower price to help those with less money.
No matter how much you might have, think of others. Bless them with whatever you have. If you don’t have much money, you can still have someone over for a meal to bless their life. But, if you have wealth, think of how you can help and bless those who are made in the image of God.
These may seem like basic steps, but they are steps you can take to be sure that your finances are handled in a Christian way.
What are some other Christian financial principles that have helped you? Leave a comment!
What Does the Bible Say about Gambling?
$37.3 billion dollars. That staggering figure represents the gross revenue for the year 2012 from what is often called “gaming” in the United States. That was up nearly 5% over the 2011 number, according to Time magazine.
What Does the Bible Say?
Obviously, Americans spend an enormous amount of money gambling, yet the issue is always controversial. Whenever a new jurisdiction seeks to add gambling, there is always a controversy. Christians are often the most vocal opponents of these measures, which usually pass anyway.
It is interesting that the Bible does not speak directly to the issue of gambling. None of the 10 Commandments state “Thou shalt not gamble.” Jesus did not address the issue in the Sermon on the Mount, and Paul didn’t write at length about it in Romans. However, we must always remember that the purpose of the Bible is not to give us an exhaustive list of restraints or “don’ts” to avoid. The Bible is meant to help draw people closer to God, not list every “yes” and “no” we can possibly dream up.
With that in mind, though, there are several Biblical principles from Bible verses that are quite clear, and help us understand that gambling is wrong.
Biblical Principles
1. Gambling can show a lack of trust.
Gambling can – though not always – be done out of a lack of trust in God. Many people run to the casino or the scratch-off ticket when they are in a bind and are not sure where this month’s mortgage is going to come from. That lack of trust is in direct violation of Jesus’ clear teaching to not be anxious, but to trust God (Matthew 6:25-33).
2. Our hearts are not to be focused on storing up treasures on earth.
Earlier in that same sermon, Jesus stated, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV) If all I can see is how this one roll of the dice or putting some money on the right horse is going to gain me this world’s riches, it is obvious where my heart is. I am not seeking God first, but I’m only thinking of the temporary things of this life.
3. We are to be content with what we have.
Remember the words of the Hebrews writer: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) It is hard to place that teaching alongside gambling and find how they compliment one another.
4. We are to delight in the Lord, not in money.
Further, the tenants of gambling are clearly described in Scripture as being unwise. Even if we do not wish to say that it is sinful, several passages of Scripture make it clear that it is simply against the wisdom of God for our lives. For example, Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) states, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” The idea of “get rich quick,” which is the very allure of gambling, is called unwise by the Lord himself. Modern studies show that wisdom to be true. 90% of all lottery winners – no matter the size of their winnings – go through all the money they won in five years or less. The reason is that it is not just money that the gambler seeks. Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV) Maybe it’s the fame, or the “rush” of the moment, or what “friends” this newfound wealth will get me. But Solomon says such a pursuit is vain. By the way, David gives the solution: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NIV)
5. We should treat others as we’d want to be treated.
Finally, we need to mention the Golden Rule. Gambling is, in essence, trying to put up a tiny amount of money in order to “take” that money from someone else (either a person or a business). Knowing that, we need to ask a question. Would I want someone to try to take money from me in exchange for a tiny amount of their money? That changes the way we look at it, doesn’t it? We are trying not just to get “something for nothing.” The gambler is trying to get a lot from someone else for very little. It is hard to make that concept jibe with the Golden Rule, to do unto others as you have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12).
Final Thoughts
Thinking through this issue from a Biblical worldview, it is hard to find justification for gambling. It violates several basic Biblical principles, and the foundations upon which gambling is founded are considered unwise by the Lord. As one who is trying to see in Scripture a way to draw ever closer to God, gambling is something I will avoid at all costs, so that my heart can be drawn closer to my Father in heaven.
What are your thoughts on gambling? Should Christians be gambling? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
Larry Burkett: A Christian Financial Pioneer
To many in America, personal finance from a Christian perspective begins and ends with Dave Ramsey. If you listen to Ramsey long enough, though, you will hear him give a tip of the cap to another man, Larry Burkett. Burkett died in 2003, but his legacy as a leader in the world of Christian personal finance was secure well before his passing.
Who Was Larry Burkett?
Burkett taught many of the same principles that today are heard over the airwaves from Ramsey such as getting out of debt, having an emergency fund, and giving generously. His message was quite simple, but it resonated with millions who read his books and heard his three different radio programs (“Money Matters,” “How to Manage Your Money,” and “MoneyWatch.”). In addition, many others remember his short radio blasts called “A Money Minute,” which focused on personal finance, but covered many related topics as well.
Burkett is probably best remembered for his books, and he was a prolific author. Many do not realize (in fact, I didn’t know this until I researched for this article) that Burkett wrote novels in addition to his financial and leadership writing. All told, Larry Burkett authored or co-authored some 70 volumes, which, according to different sources, have sold around 11-12 million copies worldwide.
To house all of this work, Burkett founded a ministry called Christian Financial Concepts (CFC) in 1976. In 2000, that ministry merged with the well-known Crown Minstries, and the joint work became known as Crown Financial Ministries. Burkett was the CEO until his passing, and the work that Crown does continues to this day, following the same basic concepts Burkett used throughout his life.
Larry Burkett’s Works
While several of Burkett’s works are noteworthy, two books stand out to this author. The first was his 1991 work, The Coming Economic Earthquake. In that volume, Burkett looked at the national debt problem, and the overall economic picture of America. At its most basic level, he was arguing against a nation piling up debt without any real plan to pay it back. He believed that, if the tide was not turned soon, the “earthquake” would occur very early in the 2000s. Burkett, never one to shy away from questioning the government, asked whether or not those in elected positions of power would do anything to stem the tide, and then gave his opinion that they would not.
The other book that stands out to me is one that is along the same line of thinking: Whatever Happened to the American Dream, published in 1993. In this volume, Burkett turned most of the attention away from Washington and toward Main Street. The book was a clear call against laziness and the pursuit of easy money, and a reminder to many Americans that “the good life” does not come without some level of hard work and sacrifice. A firm believer in education (he was a campus minister before founding CFC), Burkett also used this volume to call to Americans to remember the importance of both an education and the ethics that must accompany an honest days’ work.
But Burkett did not just write about “macro-problems,” he dealt often in his works with each individual family and what they needed to do to live by God’s principles for handling money. Books such as Debt-Free Living, Your Finances in Changing Times, and the children’s book What if I Owned Everything continue to be bought and read. They continue to help families gain the proper perspective–the Biblical perspective–for handling money.
Larry Burkett’s Legacy
Burkett’s legacy is seen in sites like the one you are reading. For many years, Christians only talked about money when it came to the subject of giving. Rarely were topics such as investing, spending, or leaving a financial legacy ever discussed in Christian circles. However, the Bible speaks to each of these issues and many other money-related issues, as well. Leaders like Burkett opened many eyes to see that God cares about how we deal with our money in every way, from earning it honestly, to handling it wisely. His work lives on, both in the foundation that is named for him, and in other writers, speakers, bloggers, and personalities who have taken that same message to a vast audience.
If you wish to read more about Larry Burkett, here are some additional resources. Each of these was used in preparation for this short article.
- Larry Burkett: 1939-2003 (Crown Ministries biography)
- Larry Burkett (Wikipedia)
- Amazon.com Larry Burkett home page
- Meet Larry Burkett (ChristianBooks.com bio page)
What do you think about Larry Burkett? Leave a note in the comments section below!
Get Out of Debt: 20 Things You Can Sell To Pay Down Debt
Time to get out of debt. Time to not only make a budget, but time to sell something! What should you sell?
Things You Can Sell!
Here are some ideas of things you can sell or downgrade in order to get your debt payment going. Selling stuff is just one of many ways you can make money!
1. A house.
This is the biggest – and hardest – thing to let go of, but if you can do it, it will help the most in many cases.
2. A car.
You can downgrade in car, or sell one and live on one (or none!). Most of us would make great headway financially if we would step down in car, even just slightly.
3. Furniture.
When getting out of debt, a card table works as well as a fancy wooden dining room table. Do you really need 4 TVs in your house?
4. Clothes.
Many people have helped themselves get out of debt by selling clothes, especially children’s clothing. My wife and I had two garage sales where we sold almost nothing but our children’s clothing that they had outgrown.
5. Toys.
Besides helping with debt, this is a great teaching tool for kids. One toy in, one toy out!
6. Plasma.
Okay, selling parts of our body may be a little extreme, but plasma could save someone’s life and you get a few bucks, so, why not?
7. Books.
Unless you must keep books for work, you can sell older books online or in yard sales. Also, the library will help you save money on getting books. It’s free.
8. Cable/Satellite.
We turned off our DirecTV three years ago and have never missed it. We have since subscribed to Netflix.com, but we are still spending over $60 per month less than we did with DirecTV. Check out Hulu Plus, Netflix, and other online resources. Sports fans (like me) can watch tons of games online for free now.
9. Internet.
Okay, so you don’t want to go to dial-up, but could you downgrade your speed just a bit to help out? Most of us could, unless you do a lot of graphic work online.
10. Old Gadgets.
Why do you still have five old computers and three old cell phones lying around? Clear off your personal data, and sell them. If they no longer have market value, give them away, and you’ll at least have more space and peace of mind!
11. Your Own Creations.
Do you bake? Do you can fruit? Do you make scrapbooks? Can you sew? Paint? Are you a woodworker? Web designer? Why not sell some of your own creations! Today, you can sell most of them online and it will cost you very little, if anything.
12. Your Own Services.
Maybe you have small yards in your neighborhood. Why not offer to mow a couple of them on your day off? Or you could walk dogs, clean gutters, rake leaves, shovel snow, pressure-wash driveways, prune trees, paint rooms…the possibilities are nearly endless.
13. An eBook or Download.
Got an idea for a how-to book or just some information that is too long for a blog post? Create an ebook or a pdf download that people can purchase. This is a great way to earn a few extra dollars each month, and it can go on for as long as you leave the information available online.
14. Produce.
Sell some of those prized tomatoes from the garden.
15. Online Games.
Do you really need to be paying for all those online role-playing games? Maybe keep just one going, and use the extra money to pay off debt, and the extra time to talk to people–in person!
16. Magazine Subscriptions.
Which ones do you actually read? Which can wait until you are out of debt?
17. Gym Memberships.
Most people can get much of the health benefit by working out at home, and it will cost far less.
18. A Storage Unit.
Now that you are selling stuff, do you really need that extra “pod,” shed, or unit across town?
19. Rental/Vacation Property.
When you are out of debt and have tons of money, you can buy again. While you are in debt, you are asking for trouble from extra real estate.
20. Non-retirement Savings/Investments.
Do not – I repeat, do not – cash out a 401(k) or other retirement account to pay off debt unless you are literally facing bankruptcy or foreclosure. But, if you just have a $10,000 account out there that you built up a few years ago, sell it and pay down debt. You’ll get your $10,000 back soon enough!
Obviously, this list could go on and on. The idea is help us all see that it is just stuff, and there are nearly endless ways to help our budgets by selling things or downgrading a bit in what we use. When you do, that sound you hear will be your financial wheels finally getting some traction.
What are some things you have sold to help you get out of debt? Leave more ideas in the comments!