Finances

A Gift That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime

Our passion for gift giving does not end with gifts to our loved ones.  According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Independent Sector, 89 percent of American households give to charity.  Another study by the Giving USA Foundation revealed that 8 percent of all charitable contributions in 2004 were by bequest, which is a gift made through a person’s last will and testament.

Crown Financial Ministries has several excellent resources available to provide education regarding financial matters. We recommend for your perusal: Money Matters – Deluxe, which is a budgeting software package that helps in the management of your personal finances. Benefits and features of this product are:

• How to build a budget following biblical principles from Larry Burkett and Crown Financial Ministries
• Learn how accrued budgeting frees you from debt and begins to build wealth.
• Keep track of your bills and pay them on time.
• Understand and manage debt reduction as you pay down your credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

• God’s definition of wealth
• Short- and long-range planning
• The dangers associated with the burden of debt
• How to handle a surplus.

• How others broke free from financial bondage
• How to pay off debts and deal with creditors
• How to recognize and counteract the personality traits that lead to debt
• How to live within a financial plan
• How to understand credit and consolidation loans

Set Your House in Order is a workbook that contains practically everything a person needs to effectively create, plan and organize ones estate documents. Sections include financial advisors lists, asset inventory forms, insurance details and more. This will help you keep all of your important estate documents organized in one place is one of the best gifts to those that remain after your passing. For ordering information go to: www.crown.org/store

Advance Medical Directive Checkup

In light of the controversy surrounding the Terry Schaivo case, every senior should make sure they have considered the following...

Catching the Coupon Fever!

Whether living on a tight, fixed income or prosperous pension checks, it is important to be good stewards of financial resources. One innovative and fun way to save money is by using coupons. Many people believe that buying generic or no-name brands is still cheaper than using coupons. This is often not true. By using coupons, you can substantially reduce grocery bill! Coupons also introduce products that you would not normally use; so with the savings coupons provide, how can you go wrong?

QUICK TAX FACTS FOR SENIORS

If you have a gain from the sale of any home, you can exclude $250,000 ($500,000 on a joint return) of gain from taxes. Generally, you must own and use the home for at least two years prior to the sale.

PYRAMIDS, SCAMS, AND SCHEMES AIMED AT SENIOR ADULTS  

Financial schemes consistently pursue the body of Christ and especially senior adults. While the wolves may slightly change their sheep’s clothing, certain themes always emerge. Seniors must be alert to protect themselves from these “can’t miss” investment schemes. Almost every scheme aimed at seniors promises high returns without risk and contain some of the following components:

When mom and dad can't care for themselves
Deciding the kind of care needed for an aging parent can be an emotional and financial burden for adult children with families of their own. But when that time comes and for whatever reason your loved one can no longer live independently, are nursing homes the best answer or are there other alternatives? “Today” contributor and consumer lawyer Alan Kopit has some advice…

Crown Financial Ministries has the vision of teaching 300 million people internationally to handle money from God’s perspective by September 2015. Their mission is to teach God’s financial principles in order to know Christ more intimately and to be free to serve him. Crown is a marriage of Crown Financial Ministries and Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts and is Christ-centered, Word-Based and Prayer-Driven. Visit their site at http://www.crown.org/ to learn how to be better stewards of God’s blessings.

AG Financial Solutions was organized in 1998 to provide growth and development of the financial-related ministries of the Assemblies of God: Ministers Benefit Association, Assemblies of God Loan Fund, MasterPlan Stewardship Services, and Assemblies of God Foundation.
http://www.agfsg.org/

FREEDOM FROM OWNERSHIP 

PYRAMIDS, SCAMS, AND SCHEMES AIMED AT SENIOR ADULTS  

Financial schemes consistently pursue the body of Christ and especially senior adults. While the wolves may slightly change their sheep’s clothing, certain themes always emerge. Seniors must be alert to protect themselves from these “can’t miss” investment schemes. Almost every scheme aimed at seniors promises high returns without risk and contain some of the following components:

Deathbed Perspectives on Wealth
You have heard the clichés.  “You have never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” “Being of sound mind, I spent it all.” “Only two things are certain—death and taxes.” “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

A LEGACY OF STEWARDSHIP
Depressed stock returns and low fixed income options have created a double jeopardy for those nearing or in retirement.

Annuitize and Protect Your Future Investments
Depressed stock returns and low fixed income options have created a double jeopardy for those nearing or in retirement.

Investing in the Great Commission
Why not invest in the Great Commission rather than in corporate America?

The Building Blocks of Estate Planning
Consider the seven building blocks of a solid estate plan.

Tax-Free College Savings—A Great Option
While tax-advantaged savings plans designed for educational expenses have been available for some time, recent changes to the tax code make one option too good to miss, especially for grandparents. This option is the 529 College Savings Plan.

Leave a Living Legacy
Consider these lifetime legacy opportunities through the Assemblies of God Foundation.

"The Greatest Generation"
It has been stated that nearly 80 percent of the wealth in the United States is held by those over the age of 65. How did this happen?

Suddenly Alone
When a spouse dies—whether the death was expected or unexpected, you find yourself suddenly alone. The person with whom you have shared so many years is gone. What next?

Stretching Your Income
Have you ever faced the situation when there was just too much month left at the end of your income? Seniors know that living on a fixed income presents many challenges.

Shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance
If you decide you need long-term care insurance, consider these suggestions.

Countdown to Retirement
It is extremely important to plan for retirement. If you are age 60 or over, you need to accelerate your preparations.

Have You Had A Checkup?
Estate planning, that is!

When Do I Need A Revocable Trust?
As you enter those transition years of retirement, it is appropriate to locate that old will and see if it reflects your current family circumstances and planning desires.

Keeping Out of the "Ditch" with Your Retirement Funds
Changes in the financial world happen at a breakneck pace these days, and with them come roller coaster stock market rides. Consider Christ's long-term investment strategy as a critical element of your investment and estate planning.

Long-Term Investment Strategies in a Turbulent Market
Changes in the financial world happen at a breakneck pace these days, and with them come roller coaster stock market rides. Consider Christ's long-term investment strategy as a critical element of your investment and estate planning.