Biblical Principles

How does God’s financial advice compare to the world’s?

Few people see the Bible as a financial guidebook but the Scripture is full of spiritual and practical advice.  Here are the top three lessons where the Bible differs from all other financial advice.  So let me ask you, whom are you serving? Are you serving your husband, your wife, your children, your boss, your

Basic business minimums for Christians

Basic business minimums for Christians A business is a tool that can be used by God to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel. In James 1:22 we are told to be “doers” of the Word. A business is the perfect environment for living Christ’s truth. Purpose of a business To determine whether a business is

Advice for lifelong singles

The Census by Statistics New Zealand in 2018 identified that 23% of households in New Zealand consisted of one-person. The proportion of one-person households declined between 2013 and 2018 despite an increase in the number of single households consisting of people aged 65 years and older. Statistics New Zealand noted the decline in the proportion

Financially Helping Your Adult Children

It is never too late for parents to begin teaching their children about finances, particularly God’s principles of handling money. If parents find that their grown children are having financial difficulties, this may be a good opportunity to help them get good counsel. Parent’s financial help should be contingent on the children establishing a workable

Managing time with a home business

Managing time with a home business Working at home provides flexibility and freedom, but discipline is necessary to complete the work required.  Proverbs 6:10-11 notes “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you

Annual gambling losses pass $2.6 billion

Annual gambling losses pass $2.6 billion The Department of Internal Affairs latest gambling statistics show a 9% increase in gambling expenditure between 2019 and 2021. Gambling expenditure was nearly $2.7 billion in the year ended June 2021 (gambling expenditure is the amount lost by gamblers – the difference between the amount gambled and the amount

The good and bad of oil prices

The good and bad of oil price rises Oil prices have significantly increased recently, impacting household budgets and pushing the rate of inflation higher.  However, is an increase in the price of oil always a bad thing? Prices rises are “good” when they accurately reflect need and scarcity. Prices rises are “bad” when they do

Help me get our spending under control

Help me get our spending under control If your spouse is spending too much money, there are some key steps you can take. Some of the obvious ways to reduce spending include eliminating the big expenses.  This might be a car payment or rental/living costs in excess of 40% of your net spendable income. Look

Why understanding your money philosophy could save your marriage

Why understanding your money philosophy could save your marriage Ask married people about their financial problems, and you’ll likely hear a list of issues: “I’m not sure I’ll ever be debt-free” “I’m sick of living from one week to the next” “I will never have enough savings to buy a house” “If my husband (or

Should I buy an electric car?

Should I buy an electric car? The government is promoting the purchase of electric cars, providing cash rebates for purchase of new or second-hand imported cars. A rebate of up to $8,625 is available for new electric cars costing less than $80,000. Up to $3,450 is available for used electric cars which have been registered