Question: Reverend Bob, I’m a pastor. Quite often members of our congregation give us junk and then write it off on their income taxes. We get worn-out cars, worn-out clothes, and other items that we have no use for. I have a real problem with this. Could you give me some direction. Response: I often ask Christians who are content to give junk to God–if they would like to get junk back from God. I suspect not. I don’t believe that a church should be a refuse dump for unusable items. Larry Burkett used to counsel that “If you can’t use, refuse it.” Consider setting up a screening committee to evaluate all non-cash gifts. If you don’t have an actual use for the item, or it’s not readily convertible into cash, don’t accept it. Groups like the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries refurbish used furniture, clothing, appliances, etc., and turn them into assets. Refer your donors to them.
Monthly Archives: March 2017
Children and Credit Card Offers
Question: Rev Louder. My teenagers are starting to receive credit card offers. I’m really concerned that they will get trapped by easy credit. HELP, what can I do? Response: You have good reason to be concerned. Youth today, particularly college students, are one of the major targets for credit card companies. What can you do? I suggest you teach your older children (16 and older) how to handle credit cards by letting them have and use ONE card of their own (regular credit card or a pre-paid credit card) while they are still at home and under your supervision. I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with credit cards. Data shows that it’s the way the cards are used that causes the problems. Now, what do i mean by “supervision”? Set firm rules and stick to them. For example: (1) Require your teens to have and use (and have your constantly review) monthly budgets. (2) Don’t let them charge anything that’s not on their budget. (3) ENSURE that they pay their credit card bill in full each month. (4) The FIRST month they can’t/don’t pay off their card bill in full, destroy the card, cancel the account, and don’t allow them to get another. (5) Let your teens know that these are the same rules you follow and why. It’s important to explain (no debate) these rules in advance. Then, stick to the rules. You will be helping your teens form habits that will serve them well when they are no longer under your roof or under your authority. Remember Proverbs 22:6–“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Like Larry Burkett used to say, “Establish fair rules, enforce them consistently, and be firm”
Should our children know about our finances?
Question: Dr. Louder. My husband and I are middle-class parents. We have a nice income, no debts, and money in the bank…praise the Lord! Here’s our question: How much should our children know about our finances? We are concerned we might create the false impression that we are rich. Response: This is truly a matter of personal opinion. Basically, I believe it’s best to be totally honest with your children…age appropriately honest–probably best in their teen years. If you are earning, giving, saving and spending according to God’s plan for your life (which appears to be the case) then why not show them your plan and help them develop and start to live on plans of their own? Help them develop positive expectations of what can happen if they learn and apply biblical financial wisdom. Honestly, wisdom is a blessing at any age. As it says in Proverbs 16:16, How much better to get wisdom that gold, to get insight rather than silver.