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The 18 Best Jobs for 18-Year-Olds

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The 18 Best Jobs for 18-year-oldsDo you remember if you had a job when you were 18 years old? I do. I worked at a golf course doing grounds maintenance work. Being a golfer – it was a fun job to have! I got to pick out the holes for the days play and cut the greens. The only thing bad about it was starting work at 6:00 in the morning!

I’m now a step-father to a soon-to-be 18-year-old and it’s a whole new world. The Internet has changed so much about how we do things and is offering a lot of ways to make money for the entrepreneurial teenager. It’s funny to think when I was that age – there was no Internet (wow, I’m old!).

While the current job market for the high-schooler and college student looks a little downcast right now, I still believe breaks abound for those who have applied themselves and have a desire to succeed.

As a parent I think it’s important to let your teenage work (especially if they want to and have proven themselves to be responsible) in high school. I know there are many different schools of thought on this. Overall, it can be a great learning experience for them – as it will teach them the value of a dollar and stewardship. The job can also provide them with a stepping stone or a jump start on a future career.

The Best Jobs for 18-Year-Olds

I’ve compiled a list of 18 jobs that are best suited for 18-year-olds. Of course these are not exhaustive – but I hope they provide some ideas for a parent helping a teen or a teenager looking to find some work on their own.

1. Waiter/waitress

This is a great way to make extra money and is a great way for teens to learn valuable social skills.

2. Errand-runner

Typically a teen will have their license by 18, so this can be a unique opportunity for an 18-year-old to make money while setting a flexible schedule and gain experience running a business.

3. Lawn-care

Use the parent’s mower and tools and you’re all set!

4. Work at a nursing home

This has to be one of the most over-looked and devalued jobs around. I wish I would have done this as a teenager. It’s a super way to bless others in their golden years and honor/learn from those who have valuable life experience.

5. Pet-sitter

So many folks have pets today – start your own pet-sitting business! Low over-head, you could take care of the pet at their house or yours (ask the folks first!).

6. Concessions at a theater

This one has some benefits. You’ll likely get free popcorn and see the occasional flick for zero dollars!

7. Bank teller

Learn financial skills, how to deal with people, and get paid!

8. Tutor

Teach a kid who is younger than you in a subject you are knowledgeable in.

9. Vending business

May take an initial investment from the parents – but this can be a great way to make some passive income.

10. Virtual assistant

With all the new website businesses out there – many owners are looking for someone to “manage the store.” Duties could include everything from answering emails to assisting with an online purchase.

11. Warehouse work

If you like to work with your hands – you may want to check out a local distributor or warehouse.

12. Car dealership

Like being around cars? Maybe it would be a great place to get your feet wet! Duties could include car washing/detailing, driving folks to work/back when their vehicle is in repair, or setting up cars for display.

13. Positions at parent’s employer

While probably not the most popular idea – if you ask your parent to see if their employer offers any summer jobs or entry-level positions, you’ll likely be surprised. My place of work hires several 18 to 22-year-olds every summer which are referrals from parents/other co-workers.

14. Catering

Many caterers hire high school/college help for food prep and serving.

15. Coach

Your local city recreation department is likely in need of coaches for various sports and activities. Great opportunity to mentor and teach kids.

16. Tech Support

Teenagers are inherently good with electronics – including cell phones and computers. Be a local techie-on-call to your neighbors and family and soon your services will spread via word-of-mouth.

17. Personal care attendant

Another great chance to bless others and get paid.

18. Photographer

Have an eye for a good photo and know your way around a camera? You can take pics at weddings, sporting events, or even portraits for good cash.

What other jobs can you think of that would be perfect for 18-year-olds? Leave a comment below!

It All Belongs to God: A Devotional

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Psalm 50:10-12 – “For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains.”

Our Nature

For you and me it was an old worn out tool, but to a little boy it was a treasure … and it was mine! Little Aaron was playing with daddy’s tool belt left on the floor after a long day of work. Quickly he noticed the most fascinating multifunction screwdriver and took off to accomplish some minor repairs around the house. It was just an old tool, but to Aaron it was a new treasure and he had no intentions of returning it back to his father.

More than likely if you have children in your life this story sounds all too familiar to you. Have you ever sat and thought about the fact that we don’t have to teach our children how to take what is not theirs? Unfortunately, it comes naturally as a result of our fallen nature. How often do we respond like Aaron did to our Heavenly Father?

The Fall

In fact, it was a case of misplaced ownership that led to the fall of man. The Lord gave clear instructions to His first children on earth, Adam and Eve, in reference to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil by stating “You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.” Yet they gave into the temptation from the enemy and ate the forbidden fruit. Ultimately, it was a futile attempt to gain something that was rightfully not theirs in the first place and their actions created severe consequences for the entire human race.

James 4:14, states that our lives are, “just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” In 2 Peter 3:8, we see that “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” Our lives are short in the sight of an eternal God.

Everything Belongs to God

In a similar way that Aaron was entrusted for a brief time with his father’s screwdriver, so we are entrusted with a portion of God’s resources: our time, family, home, car, financial resources, gifts, abilities and everything else. They’re His and when we give to support His work, we are only returning what was rightfully His in the first place.

Malachi 3:8-9 provides a firm warning for us to consider when we are not faithful with what is rightfully God’s. It states, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, “How have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings.” “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!”

When we embrace the truth that everything belongs to God it causes us to realize that we must hold on loosely to all that God has provided us and seek His face for wisdom so that we are faithful stewards for the short time we have on earth.

Personal Application – Seeking Your Input

I think it’s important that disciples begin to discuss what it means to be a steward again.  Notice, I didn’t say “stewardship”, but steward, because a steward communicates that this is a personal responsibility and not just another topic to discuss.  We are stewards of God’s resources and must grow in that role or we will be like a stagnant pond.  Giving and generosity have become taboo topics in many churches and most pastors are not providing solid biblical teaching and discipleship in this area.  I don’t know about you, but when I’m struggling with something, part of my growth process is sharing with other disciples for wisdom and being teachable.  If we never talk about this, how can we expect to grow?

Here are a few questions for us to get the conversation started:

  1. How often does your pastor preach or teach on generosity?  Do you feel equipped in this area of your life?
  2. What has specifically helped you to transfer from an attitude of an owner to that of a steward?
  3. Is there something in your life that you have not completely given over to God?  Share anonymously what that is and allow other ChristianPF readers to pray with you.

Leave your answers in the comments below!

If you would like additional free biblical resources on stewardship, visit one of these websites below:

Larry Burkett: A Christian Financial Pioneer

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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

The Coming Economic EarthquakeWhile 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.

What do you think about Larry Burkett? Leave a note in the comments section below!

FDIC and NCUA Insurance: Which is Safer?

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fdic and ncua insurance which is safer

Whether you have an online bank or use the bank in your town, you share a common thread with almost every account holder in America.  The bottom line is that you want your money to be safe.

Obviously safety and insurance are important when it comes to the money in your bank.  That’s why FDIC insurance was created.

But what about credit unions, do they have the same protection as banks?  It might surprise you, but credit unions don’t use FDIC.  They use a form of insurance provided by the NCUA.

So what’s the difference? Is FDIC safer than NCUA?  Let’s look into both and figure out the similarities and differences between FDIC and NCUA insurance.

What does FDIC Cover?

First off, FDIC stands for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an independent government agency that was created under the Glass Steagall Act of 1933.  The purpose of FDIC is to protect account holders in the event that a bank fails.

FDIC insurance will cover deposits within an insured bank.  Just about every type of account is covered, including: checking, savings, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs).

You as an account holder are insured up to $250,000 per institution under the FDIC insurance limits.  Actually, FDIC insurance will extend to multiple ownership categories, so you may be able to have more than $250,000 insured at an institution if you qualify under these separate ownership categories.

The list of categories from FDIC website include:

What FDIC Does Not Protect

Just because your bank has FDIC insurance, it doesn’t mean that every account type will be covered.  There are quite a few investment products that are not insured, which include: mutual funds, life insurance products, stocks, bonds, and annuities.

What Does NCUA Cover?

While credit unions aren’t covered by FDIC, it doesn’t mean they are any less safe.  In fact, the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) is also an independent federal agency that deals with insuring credit unions.  Backed fully by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the NCUA provides protection through the NCUSIF (National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund).

Account holders at credit unions enjoy the same amount of protection ($250,000) as FDIC protected bank depositors. Established in 1970, the NCUSIF is funded solely by the credit unions and not U.S. tax payers, a characteristic that is shared by both NCUA and FDIC.

Like FDIC, the coverage of NCUSIF reaches to insure savings accounts, share draft (checking) accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts.  Likewise, securities like mutual funds, stocks, bonds and insurance products are not covered by NCUA.

Are All Banks and Credit Unions Insured?

The surprising answer is NO.  Not all banks are required to be FDIC insured.  In the same way, not all credit unions decide to be covered by NCUA.  While some institutions may have other forms of private insurance, it’s important to ask your bank or credit union if they are insured by FDIC or NCUA.

FDIC vs. NCUA: Which One is the Safest?

It’s pretty clear to see that both banks and credit unions have the protection you need to know that your money is insured.  Both FDIC and NCUA are fully backed by the U.S. Government and both provide protection up to $250,000 per account holder per institution.  While a bank failure may be unlikely for the average depositor, it’s important to know that your money is insured. If you trust the U.S. Government to back your dollars, you’ll be okay!

Would you ever bank somewhere without FDIC or NCUA insurance?  How important is deposit insurance to you?

How Much to Pay a Pastor for a Wedding

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How much to pay a pastor for a weddingMany of you who plan to get married in the future can think right away of the pastor you would want to do your wedding.

Even if you don’t, nearly every state requires a member of the clergy to officiate a legally recognized wedding.

Since this is the case and because budgeting is such a key component of planning a successful wedding, how much should you pay a pastor for a wedding?

What are other key factors should you keep in mind when you contact your pastor?

What is the typical compensation range for a pastor who does your wedding?

Total compensation can vary based on the amount of time and effort you receive from your pastor.  For example, some pastors require as many as four to six pre-marital counseling sessions prior to that special day. If you are receiving that counseling from another source, then it will obviously require less time, although the officiating pastor will want input from those sessions.  Regardless, most pastors won’t simply “show up” for that special day without some preparation involved.  Here is a suggested pay scale for pastors depending on the circumstances:

  • Greater than $300 – A generous gift
  • $300 – A wedding with advance preparation and pre-marital counseling
  • $150 – A wedding with some advance preparation but no pre-marital counseling
  • $100 – A small wedding with little preparation

I can speak from personal experience of the value of pre-marital counseling.  God used that time to confirm many things about our decision but also revealed areas we needed to be better equipped and prepared for as a couple.  One pastor that has conducted numerous weddings states:

Couples come to the pastor thinking that they know everything when they are ignorant of what they don’t know.  Here is a “Questions for Better Communication” sheet that I use to send couples out on a date to simply talk about those questions that they haven’t asked each other yet.  I have yet to have a couple come back that says, “We have already talked about all of these before.”

(Still not sure how much to give? Here are some giving quotes for inspiration.)

How much notice is recommended?

Every pastor I spoke with stated, “The sooner the better”, but all indicated that the ideal amount of lead time to officiate a wedding is six to nine months.  Most pastors have a very busy schedule and anything less will make it difficult to work into their ministry plans for the year.  Also, a six to nine month notice provides the necessary time to schedule and complete any pre-marital counseling.  Notices two to three months or less will most like find the pastor’s schedule already filled.

What questions should I be prepared to answer when I call the pastor?

As I surveyed pastors, four common questions surfaced:

  • When do you want to get married (date and time)?
  • Where do you want to get married?
  • Do you have someone doing pre-marital counseling with you?  If not, are you willing to go through that together?
  • When can we meet together to do some initial talking and planning?

What are other important considerations will a pastor take into consideration?

  • Plan early and often – Most pastors will want the couple to think through what they want and not look to the pastor as a sort of pseudo-wedding coordinator.
  • Similar spiritual convictions – Pastors will want to determine if both the husband and wife recognize that the basis of authority for their marriage is the Bible.  In addition, he will dig deeper to determine if both view marriage as a partnership and are on the same page.  For example, are future plans, mutual plans?  Are both sensitive to each other’s needs and desires, and how they will do life together, etc.?
  • Be honest and forthright – The officiating pastor will need this to know where they stand and to serve you effectively.  Important questions need to be addressed, such as are you marrying in opposition to your parents’ will? Are you pregnant and trying to hurry things along?  Have you been married before?  Some of this will come out in your pre-marital discussions but you should not allow for any surprises. Get the whole story out there and allow the pastor to make an informed decision about participating with you in your blessed day.
  • Follow-through – Determine up front if you are willing to follow through with the recommendations of the pastor, such as timing, issues that arise in pre-marital counseling, and other observations that may surface from an outside person looking in at your relationship.
  • Enjoy the journey  – It is far too easy for couples to get caught up in trying to please numerous people, manage budgets, etc., and miss out on the joy that can be experienced leading up to the big day.  Purpose up front to not become overwhelmed and to enjoy each moment together.

If you’re married, share your experience with the readers.  How much did you pay your pastor for your wedding?  Leave a comment below!

How to Say “Thank You” to a Pastor: 20 Great Ways

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If someone were to ask what is the toughest job in the world, what answer would you give them?

Right away, one can find several of the most common answers that we would think of.  Firefighter, police officer, crab fisherman (thank you, “Deadliest Catch”), or oil rig worker, for instance, tops the list.

20 ways to say thank you to your pastor!

The Toughest Vocation of All

What if I suggested a vocation that may be as tough – if not tougher – than the list above?  The job that I’m referring to is that of a pastor.

Really, a pastor?  Absolutely!  I would imagine that after making such a bold assertion, the average reaction that I would get might be scoffing, and possibly even laughter.  However, this is one profession that is just as tough and as messy as the jobs listed above, and the number one reason why is because it involves dealing with the toughest, yet most priceless, product of all: people.

(Related: What vocation are you interested in? Here are some jobs of the future.)

What Do Pastors Deal With?

In the April 2008 edition of Willow Magazine, Christian researcher George Barna and his team published some staggering statistics that peeled back the veil of the minds and hearts of many pastors.  It asked them to honestly and objectively answer questions dealing with many of the toughest issues that they face.  Obviously, the results generated are merely black and white facts on a page.

As you read each statistic, allow yourself the freedom to think about your own pastor or anyone in your life that you know who may have affected your life in some way, big or small, by remaining faithful to the ministry to which God has called them to.  In fact, maybe for the first time ever, put yourself in their place as you read what they have revealed.  You might just find the following data hitting uncomfortably close to home:

  • 1500 pastors leave the ministry every month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or conflict in their church.
  • 90% of pastors work more than 46 hours per week.
  • 81% suffer marriage problems due to insufficient time with their wives.
  • 80% of seminary and Bible college graduates will leave ministry within the first 5 years;
  • 80% of pastors believe their ministry affected their families negatively;
  • 70% of pastors don’t have someone whom they consider a close friend – someone they can confide in.
  • 60% of pastors’ wives hold full-time jobs or are involved in careers to meet family needs.
  • 50% of pastors would leave if they believed they could make a living doing something else.
  • 33% believed ministry was a hazard to their family.

In the face of all of these statistics, the question that begs to be asked is, “Why would anyone enter into a vocation with so much adversity against them from the start?”

The answer is clear: it’s their calling.  It’s their passion.  Seeing lives changed because of Jesus Christ’s redeeming work on the Cross drives them to persevere another day.   And at night, most pastors don’t lay their head on their pillows and ask themselves, “Was today too difficult?”  Instead they ask, “Was it worth it . . . was one more life changed today?”  The resounding “yes” is what keeps them going.  Although some may classify it as a tough, thankless job, most pastors would undeniably admit that it is definitely the most rewarding.

So, with over 450,000 churches throughout the United States alone, one question remains: how do you adequately say “thank you” to someone who gives so much of themselves, laying aside their own lives for the sake of serving and caring for the spiritual health of others?  Depending on the level of forethought and creativity, there are many ways to thank a pastor!

Before diving into the list below, take a few minutes to watch this video that talks about an awesome new movement called Bless Your Pastor – I pray it encourages you!

20 Ways To Thank Your Pastor

  1. Simply Say “Thank You” – While blatantly obvious, sometimes weeks go by for a pastor without someone verbally saying thank you.
  2. Provide a Vacation – Without a doubt, there is one thing that every single pastor absolutely needs no matter who they are: rest.  Whether this is a dubbed a vacation, trip, or sabbatical, all of the above allow for your pastor to break away from life for a set amount of time for the purpose of rest, relaxation, and recovery.  Consequently, this period usually serves to restore fresh passion and vision as well, decreasing the likelihood of pastoral “burnout.”
  3. Handwritten Notes – These are always special to receive, especially if you highlight something that “struck you” from a recent message or sermon.
  4. Photo Book – This is an inexpensive way to show your appreciation by gathering photos and notes from members that showcase special moments in the history of your church.
  5. Prayer – This may not seem like much of a thank you, but there is no greater way to support your pastor and encourage or appreciate them than forming a prayer group that prays regularly for him and his family.  This can also be done as a group during a prayer meeting/breakfast or a special night of prayer involving the entire congregation.
  6. Gift Certificates – This can range anywhere from restaurants to bookstores to movie tickets.  The possibilities are endless and the pastor usually gets to include his wife on this one as an added bonus!
  7. Lawn Care – This is a unique gift where you can arrange for free lawn care, whether you do it yourself or arrange to pay a service to do it.
  8. Special Acts of Service – You can ask families in the church to do something creative or special, such as provide a meal with dessert, wash their cars, etc . . . 
  9. Remember Special Dates – Everyone, no matter who they are, loves to be appreciated.  Show your pastor how much you love him by remembering special anniversaries, such as his birthday, the date that he came to this church, or his wedding anniversary.
  10. Lessons/Gifts For a Hobby – Many pastors love to golf.  Some like to read while others like to fish. No matter what their hobby is, you can always find a way to appreciate him by paying for lessons or going along with him to “play” and not talk about church!
  11. Plant a Tree – This is a great way to say thank you in honor of your pastor.
  12. Video Interview – Be creative!  You can record video interviews from members of the church sharing how they have been blessed by his ministry to them.
  13. Cards/Crafts – Ask members of the church to send cards or gifts that they’ve made to his home.  Remember to include the pastor’s wife and her supportive role!
  14. Special Service – Hold a special celebration service to pray and thank God for the lives of your pastors and their families.
  15. Kid’s “Thank You’s” – Have the kids design and create posters with their handprints/footprints and hang them around the church.
  16. Money – Many pastors take a pay cut to serve in this role.  The gift of money, given by members during a special appreciation event, can help to pay for car repairs or any other financial burdens that are unexpected.
  17. Gym/Health Club Membership – This is always a great investment for your pastor!
  18. Free Repairs – Organize a group that is willing to say thanks by helping the pastor take care of any repairs around the church or their personal home or car.
  19. Child Care – If your pastor is younger, you can offer to say thank you by helping to watch their children while they have a night out or go to a Bed and Breakfast for the weekend.
  20. Thank the Pastor’s Wife – Remember the statistic: 60% of pastor’s wives work full time to support the home.  Thanking your pastor’s wife for all that she does to support her husband and God’s church can be an incredible lift to her spirit and, consequently, your pastor’s spirit as well.

Although the list above is not exhaustive, it’s a great start to some innovative ways to thank your pastor!  My personal favorites include any ideas that help the pastor to get time away in order to get refreshed and refocused and also any ideas that show sincere appreciation to the pastor’s wife.

Do you have another creative way to say “thank you?”  Meet me right now in the comment section by sharing any additional ideas and insights that you have for thanking our pastors!

When Should You Write a Will?

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When I was a little kid, I was a bit of a snoop. And on one such snooping occasion through my father’s office, I came across my parent’s will. It was in the top drawer of his desk, in a white envelope with the label “WILL” on it. And although I didn’t open it – I had to find out what a “will” was all about. And, when I did, I was saddened to realize that one day my parents wouldn’t be around. At the same time, I felt comforted by the envelope and its contents. I sensed they cared enough for my brother and I to think ahead to when they may not be around for us.

After the discovery, I soon drafted my own will. I think I probably had about $20 to my name, my favorite set of golf clubs and my pet hamster, Skeezer to bequeath.

When should a will be written?

The Bible speaks about being prepared. And, it also speaks to the unpredictability that surrounds our life.

According to an AARP survey, 2 out of 5 folks over the age of 45 do not have a will. And you can imagine that figure to be higher for those younger.

So when is a good time to write a will? Here are a few questions for you to answer first:

  • Do you have family and close friends?
  • Do you have any type of asset?
  • Would you like to be in control of your where your assets end up when you pass away?

If you’ve answered yes to any or all of these – now is the time to write a will.

How do I go about writing a will?

Thinking about and planning for our own mortality is never high on the weekly to-do list. We all like to keep our minds busy with the task at hand and there always seems to be plenty in daily life to occupy us.

But writing a will doesn’t have to be time-consuming. And, it’s easier than you probably think.

In the age of the internet, there are plenty of resources to help you out. Among those is RocketLawyer. This site walks you through the process of writing tedious legal documents – including creating a will. And, it’s much cheaper than paying lawyer’s fees (which can start at $500/hr).

I created my will there a couple years ago and it was a very quick and easy process.  And if you follow a couple simple steps you can do it completely FREE!  Basically they charge a monthly fee of $39.95, but they offer a free trial that allows you to cancel at anytime.  So just go create your will and then make sure to cancel your account within a week and you won’t pay a dime!

RocketLawyer can help you create your will for FREE.

Before writing a will, you’ll want to have gathered the following:

  • Main beneficiaries
  • A list of all assets
  • A desired Executor (person who executes your stated wishes)
  • A person who will care for your children should you and/or your spouse pass
  • A designated witness (or a “disinterested witness” – someone who is not included in the will)

Final thoughts

One thing to keep in mind as you begin writing a will is that each state has its own probate laws (probate is the process of transferring property of a deceased person to heirs). So, you may need to be sure that your will adheres to your states rules.

Also, it’s suggested that you will want to update your will every 2 or 3 years. But, this depends on your situation and life events that may transpire. For example, if you get married – you’ll want to create an entirely new will. Likewise, if a benefactor dies or you gain more wealth/assets – you‘ll want another update.

While a will may not seem urgent to you if you are young and healthy – we’ve all been witnesses to life’s fragility. Creating a will can give you peace of mind – as well as your loved ones who will be left behind to grieve your passing.

If you need a will, don’t put it off! Get started today!









What does the Bible say about Co-signing loans for others?

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Co-signing loans for others What the Bible says
What does “co-signing a loan for others” mean? The free dictionary gives this succinct definition: “Assuming responsibility for someone else’s payment obligation in the event that that party defaults.”

Co-signing: What the Bible Says

Whereas the bible never uses the term “co-signing”, there are several verses on money and it gives plenty of advice about assuming responsibility for another person’s loan. Most of this advice, appropriately, comes from the Book of Proverbs … a book of wisdom.  I would categorize these passages under the following headings:

Co-signing a loan is a bad idea

One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.  Proverbs 17:18 (ESV) Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?  Proverbs 22:26,27 (ESV) Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.  Proverbs 11:15 (ESV)
Enough said?  We learn from these three cosigning bible verses that the co-signer lacks sense for good reason: he puts his household belongings (his bed) at risk and will surely suffer harm. However, one who hates the idea of co-signing is secure.

One who co-signs for others makes himself a poor risk.

Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. Proverbs 20:16 (ESV)
Co-signing is bad enough, but one who is so reckless as to co-sign for strangers and foreigners makes himself a bad risk. Lenders will require more collateral (even his clothing) for whatever credit he is requesting.

One who has co-signed should request to be out of it.

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth,  then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor.  Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.  Proverbs 6:1-5 (ESV)
Even after co-signing a loan, the co-signer, realizing how he has jeopardized his own financial well being, should immediately ask to have the contract voided.

Why do Christians co-sign?

If co-signing is clearly frowned upon in scripture, why do Christians do so anyway?  My guess is that they do so with the best of intentions.  After all, the Bible admonishes us to care for the downtrodden, to give generously to the poor and help those who can’t help themselves. Therefore, it seems only right to help a struggling relative or friend get that car loan or mortgage or even a payday loan.  “After all”, we think, “if I demonstrate my confidence in this person, he will surely respond to that confidence by stepping up and making his payments.”

The hard data on co-signing loans for others

In 2016 there was a survey done of over 2,000 respondents who had co-signed a loan for others. Nearly 40% of them ended up being fully or partially liable and had to actually pay because the co-signer wasn’t able to. More noteworthy stats from that survey:
  • Credit damage: 28% experienced a drop in their credit score because the person they co-signed for paid late or not at all.
  • Hurt relationships: 26% of respondents said the co-signing experience damaged the relationship with the person they co-signed for.
And if you need more inspiration to NOT co-sign for someone read this article.

Why is the bible so negative about co-signing loans?

Solomon, who is credited with writing most of the proverbs, was considered a very wise man.  Therefore, we should ask why not co-signing is a wise thing to do.  I can think of three reasons:
  1. It doesn’t really help.  The reason the person needs a co-signer is because the lender doesn’t have confidence he/she can pay.  Could it be that we perpetuate the problems of poor credit or money management issues by co-signing?   Wouldn’t wisdom tell us that saying “no” could be the best help we could offer?
  2. Co-signing is implicitly agreeing to debt.  Whereas the Bible never says “Debt = Sin”, it does portray debt as being a type of bondage.  Wise Solomon, who disdained co-signing, also said, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)  Could it be that he wants us to help others avoid slavery by saying, “no” to their co-signing requests?
  3. The relationship is jeopardized.  If we assume that the lender who originally turned down the loan was correct in doing so, there is a very good chance that the co-signed loan will not get paid.  At that point, the one who co-signed will be required to make those payments, which, in most cases, will strain or even break the relationship with the borrower.

How do I handle co-signing requests?

Because scripture gives clear guidelines about co-signing for loans, my wife and I have agreed to a policy of always saying “no”.  This policy gives us a solid benchmark for such decisions and has come in handy when, on rare occasion, someone will ask us to co-sign a loan.  We can simply respond with, “Our policy is to not co-sign loans … for anyone.” This being said, if we think someone is doing his very best to make ends meet, but is going through a tough time, we will give him money – no strings attached.  We have done this many times, almost always without being asked and often anonymously.  A gift requires no payments, no debt, no third parties and no danger of jeopardizing the relationship. Giving, for Jan and me, has been more than a great way to bless others; doing so has sensitized us to those needs while teaching us discernment about when, why and how much to give.  As a result, we too are blessed.

Linda and I continue this conversation in the video below.

Related: Check out some quotes on giving and giving Bible verses too!

Have you co-signed loans?  What has your experience been?  Leave a comment below!