Rachel’s Notes
Check back periodically for updates to Rachel’s blog or sign up for her e-Newsletter to have the latest articles sent right to your inbox. The newsletter comes out monthly and contains Rachel’s personal reflections and ideas about money along with links to other great resources on personal finance. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
|
| Most New Year's resolutions expire within 2-3 weeks, but yours doesn't have to. Accountability is perhaps the most effective tool to help you stay on track with your financial goals. |
|
|
|
Do the ancient, Biblical principles on money management still hold value for today's fast-paced, complex world regardless of one’s spiritual beliefs?
|
|
|
|  While it’s true that our economy could use a boost from holiday spending, I want to give you a couple tips to help keep Christmas meaningful, fun, and memorable, without blowing your budget. After all, even if the economy does pick up with all the extra shopping, it won’t pay your Visa bill for you. |
|
|
| Perhaps no single factor impacts your financial health more than your earning capacity. When your earning capacity is significantly altered, your entire financial life shifts. Sound financial advice from a trusted professional can be a valuable investment. |
|
|
|
 On July 1, Rachel and her husband, Chris, travelled to
Ghana, West Africa for a short-term humanitarian aid / missions project. No internet access was available during
the trip, so Rachel collected thoughts to share upon returning home while Chris
stayed in Ghana for another four weeks.
Photo: Rachel and Chris with Jim the co-founder of Operation Dignity, the Chief of Adagya, the Queen Mother of Adagya, and all of the village elders.
|
|
|
| As many of you know, I am in the midst of writing a book on personal finance. Would you believe that I was right in the middle of writing the chapter on giving when the earthquake in Haiti hit? As I was listening to the news in horror and disbelief, I began to wonder what would be an appropriate response to this disaster…specifically from a person who is writing a book about money and giving.
|
|
|
| In past years, about 35% of Americans have made getting their finances in order as one of their top goals for the year. In 2010, that number has jumped to over 50%. The recession has impacted all of us and when resources are less plentiful, it's all the more important to make the money that we do have really count. |
|
|
| "Enough" is seemingly a simple concept. Yet, in a culture where we are constantly told by the media that what we have is insufficient, it's hard to wrap our minds around this moving target. Our entire economy is built around our appetite for consumption. I highly recommend that you take 20 minutes to view the video at www.thestoryofstuff.com to better understand why this concept is so important for us to grasp! |
|
|
|
