FPU Reflections

Last Sunday evening we finished our most recent Financial Peace University (FPU) class. As always, it was good for us to go through the material. We are constantly learning and growing along with the class each time we coordinate. Just like a good novel or Scripture, the is gold to mined for our lives each time that inevitably applies directly to whee we are in our current journey.

This class is harder than most for me to say goodbye to. Believe me when I say that I am happy to reclaim the hours back into my schedule. Yet, the diversity and insight that these class members brought was very enjoyable. I know that these families will do well. And the Kingdom will be better for it. Here's a snapshot of the couples involved:

• There always seems to be a level of attrition for any FPU course. This couple was unable to continue do to childcare issues and concerns over pregnancy complications. They were really growing. They are starting a home based business. My hope is that they will build in the foundation of the first 4-5 weeks and jump into another class when life settles for them a bit.


• This couple in their late 40's came because her mother and father paid for then to do it. They were reluctant and missed several classes but you could tell that they were seeing the benefit of the material. The mother who paid the way passed on during the course which I think helped them want to honor the gift. They too I hope will build upon what they have and return to it again.


• My third couple are remarried and just beginning the "empty nest" stage. They came into the class looking to learn each week and you could see it in their reactions and looks to one another as the videos played that it was sinking in and they were "getting it". They are type A personalities and they are going to kick down their debt and begin to pass the baton to others, you can just tell.


• The next couple is in their 20s and yet to have their first child. They fire me up because they are starting out on a road that will involve a much smaller hole to dig out of and the building process and winning will come more quickly. They are bright and gifted and I can see them free to do the work they are wired to do and never have to have a plain old "job" just to make the ends meet -- VERY COOL


• The last couple is by no means the least. This pair included a very reluctant spouse. The husband came (barely) to the opening classes because his wife dragged him along. After the budgeting lesson they put the wheels in motion that have revolutionized their finances, and I believe their marriage and lives. He works independently and travels a lot. He mentioned Sunday that the ability to not have to worry about where the money is coming to cover the week's expenses has given him peace. They killed all of their credit card debt during the class and their debt snowball is really rolling. The extra cool thing is that they did it while she is not working. This stuff works!

I'm not sure at what point we will be offering the class again but I encourage everyone, no matter how well off you are, to get into FPU and explore God's and grandma's way of handling your finances.

FPU - Off and running

Haven't had much time for blogging this week. Seems like life is running at a bit higher speed for some reason.
We met for the first FPU (Financial Peace University) class last Sunday evening. There were 11 in attendance. 4 of us were at least second timers. There were 2 couples that did not make it. One returning and one younger married couple. Two things that excite me about this group:

1. There are some in this group who have never done anyting in the church outside of attending worship. This is a HUGE step for them to grow.
2. There is the biggest diversity in ages of all the classes I have hosted. This will lead to good things as we continue our accountability and discussion portions of the class.

This group seems as serious as any of the groups I have led to date about winning financially. I have already had some honest discussions about the regret that some have over their past decisions and the hope they have in doing right from here on out. God is preparing to do some awesome things in these people's lives!

I am heading right now to prep for the next session. It is about learning how to relate to money and how to start preparing a monthly zero based budget. This is vital to those who have just made the decision to stop losing with money. I'll be honest, the monthly budget is our personal weakness. We tend to deal in generalities at our house. We need to get better at this so our winning process gets accelerated. I am already excited for Sunday evening.

What steps have you taken recently to win with finances?

Financial Peace University - Week 1

We were scheduled to have our first class this past Sunday evening. Unfortunately, the temperatures dropped to around 0 degrees with blowing snow and awind at 50 MPH. This obviously caused some unsafe conditions and forced us to postpone the first lesson. This was adissapointment because I am pumped about this class. When I look at the group who are going through, I cannot wait to get together and begin, and continue in the case of the returnees, working the plan to financial life change. I am VERY anxious to get at it this Sunday.

It's Finally official -- FPU is ready to start again

I had to wait to get the final details in place but Financial Peace University (FPU) is a go beginning February 10th. We have a group of at least 14 going through this time (a few are returnees). We hope to pick up a few more, actually a TON more would be ideal. I am fired up that we can get this going. If you are in the Central part of Northern Indiana or Southern Michigan go HERE for the finer details. If you live anywhere else check out the FPU site and find a class near you. You will never regret it!

I can't wait to post updates and hopefully some major success stories from this class.

FPU Week 11

Only two more lessons left. It has been a fun and rewarding group so far. This week's lesson was about Careers and Extra Jobs. Too many of us assume that we will never have to look for another job. We are comfortable where we are, we don't like change. Time for a reality check! The real world stats indicate that many of us will have 18 jobs in our lifetime. The hard fact is that as long as you are some one's employee you could show up in the morning and find out that your job no longer exists. This lesson gives great advice on how to approach the world of getting a job. Dave also talks about the possibility that for a period of time in our lives we may need to explore the possibility of an extra job. Not as a way of life, but as a temporary way to boost your income to pay off debt or save for something special. Great resources in this lesson!!
Almost everyone made it to class. I suppose we should extend an excused absence to they guy who had an emergency appendectomy.

FPU Week 10 -- Real Estate & Mortgages

Understanding how real estate deals and mortgages is vital to winning at the game of finances. This is another area that we need to destroy some myths that have us beilieving that we wil always have payments. If you want to keep from being normal; do something weird. Here are a few suggestions from the lesson:

1. Consider the 100% down plan for your home!


2. No more than a 15 yr mortgage; if you have a 30 at good rate, pay it like a 30


3. when buying learn to look past the cosmetic flaws and get a deal (you can replace that shag carpect and avacado oven if you get a deal on the home.)


4. NEVER, EVER get a loan that involves an ARM (you better know what that is as well)


5. hiring a GOOD realator is usually worth more than the money they cost

FPU Week 9 -- Caveat Emptor

The Buyer Beware lesson is powerful. Once you realize how things are marketed to you and the mental and physiological responses you have to these presentations, you are empowered to make better consumer choices. Taking away "impulse"purchases is a sure way to help you win financially.

I am proud to see that our group is "getting it". The concepts are hitiing their mark and every week stories are shared of how the tools are being applied to their families' lives. Fininacial freedom allows us to make decisions in the light if what we know we should do rather than always fighting the little financial fires that pop up around us.

4 lessons left in this class, I;m hopeful to offer the course in the fall or winter small group semester again. More finaincially free families in the church = a much healthier body!!!

FPU -- Week 8

Week 8 (Retirment and college planning) is in the books. We ahd a few missing but those that were in attendance really seemed to connect with the message. Many times the thought of saving for retyirement and college funds is mind boggling when you cant seem to find out there is too much month at the end of your money. The key is HOPE. You must believe that you will not live in the land of perpetual debt and payments forever. I have gone through this lesson 3 times now and it has never resonated more than this one.

Has your hope been stolen by the lie that you will always live with debt/ payments?
Do you systematically save anything monthly for your retirement?
If so, do you understand how those investments work and where they go from your pay?
Do you think that this is too lofty a goal?


Maybe it's time for you to take a serious look at your financial picture and go to Financial Peace University

FPU Week 7

Week seven is in the books. The numbers were a bit low; I think Spring Fever caught a few people. It was the lesson on understanding insurance. Now that's an area that I know very few people can explain. Can you pull out any of your policies and explain what they mean? If not, you are violationg one of the biggest rules of money:

If you are spending more than $300 for something you need to know and be able to explain how it works.

If you just apply what is learned in this lesson it could literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.

I am excited to see how some in our class are doing. They are excited that they get to get their debt snowball rolling and I am excited for them.

FPU Week 6

As we hit the halfway point of FPU we went through the "Understanding Investments" lesson. I love to have a lesson where you see the "light go on" for people. This one is always one of those. My hope is that people will take the knowledge and use it for their benefit.

The challenge: Can you explain how a mutual fund or an annuity works??? If not you should be looking for an FPU class near you.

FPU week 5

It was another good night. The lesson on Dumping Debt. It is great to see familes get excited about the prospect of getting out of bondage. So many of us have lived with the myth/ lie that we will "alaways have debt" that we never even entertain the thought that they coud be financially free. This lesson gives that hope and a plan to get there. It's time to build some debt snowballs and create a freakin' avalanche! If you or someone you know needs finaincial peace, CLICK HERE

FPU Week 4

Monday night was week 4 of FPU. Just wanted to post some highlights/ wins from the session.

• the lesson was "Buying Big, Big Bargains". I love this lesson because it is both fun and practical. Let's face it, we're gonna buy some stuff. Why not at least get a deal!!
• we celebrated a birthday
• some great discussion on what happens when the budget doesn't work like we planned or an unexpected large repair, etc. comes up. Especially when we are starting out.
• one family has found a great deal on getting a $2000+ car for $1000 off. Now thats a deal!! and they will be paying cash.

It is never too early or too late to start taking charge of your finances. Why naot get started today?

FPU Week 3 is in the books

We went through lesson #3 last night, "Relating with Money". Great discussion about no matter if youre a man, woman, nerd, free spirit, married or single, we all look at money in different ways. Great reminders for me as a husband and father.
I am so glad that we have changed the format to a small group on a night when there are no other services. I didn't realize how much we rushed through the first two time through the course. Not that we are pushing past our 2 hours, in fact we were done a few minutes early last night!
The thing that I am the most proud of is that every family in the group is participating in discussion ahs accomplished that first month's budget. That's a huge step!!! Everyone has been willing to be open about their situations and it gives a support network as each family works their plan. It also gives us things to pray for. This is real world stuff!!! I can't wait to see what these families do as they walk their way out of financial bondage, God is good.

What is your weakness??

As we began our journey of FPU this week an interesting point came to light. It seems that ech family/ person has something that trips them up regularly. For some its going out to eat for convenience, others just like to shop, one was a weakness for ice cream. We will be working through these issues as we develop plans to win. It got me to thinking that it seems that we all have that thing/ things that are consistent problems for us. It also occurs to me that our biggest problem as Americans is usually discipline. That is the way that we will be able to overcome these issues. We too often try to get through these things on our own instead of remembering that we can do ALL things THROUGH Christ. A lot less self and a lot more Jesus in all areas of our lives will help us win financially, spiritually, physically, emotionally, with family, in friendships, in conflicts, and any other area we can ever encounter. Time to stop viewing accountabilty and discipline as negatives.

Today is the day

Apart from it being my daughter's birthday (happy BDay Bethany!!), tonight is the first week of FPU. I am excited to get started with 13 weeks of families putting together a plan to win financially. There will be lots more updates on this class as it progresses. Time to change some family trees...

T-Minus 4 days...

A few facts about our upcoming FPU class:

• It begins in 4 days
• there will be at least 13 participants
• 10 of these are 1st timers!
• God is opening the door for some families to change their lives forever
• One of the couples are old friends of mine. He calls me yesterday and says that he and his wife were just talking that they should try and find a FPU class because he had been listening to Dave on the radio. He goes to the site to find a class and voila, my name pops up. And they can do Mondays!!!
• I am fired up about it!!!!
• It is still not too late to join in.

6 Days to FPU

FPU starts in six days. Do you know where your money is??????

FPU is 10 days away

10 days until our newest Financial Peace University (FPU) class begins. I am excited to see what can/ will happen in the lives of the families that are participating. Micki and I always get more out of it each time we go through. It also helps with our motivation and discipline to "work the plan". Arrangements can still be made for ayone who wants to participate. Give me a call, send an email, call the church, respond to this post, send a carrier pigeon, whatever you need to do.
This class will arm you with the information and discipline to become the master of your finances. You can win! This is one of those things that I am convinced will not only change families for generations to come but will change churches as well. When was the last time you were able to respond to the promting of your conscience to meet a need rather than thinking "I wish I could help, but..."?
We have 11 people confirmed for this class, not including anyone who may be a return student, and I would love to make it 20. I borrowed the following list from Joseph Sangl:

Top 10 Signs That You May Have A Money Problem

1. You sold your child on E-bay last week to pay off the dog you bought with 90-days same as cash.
2. When you plug your expenses into the INCOME - OUTGO = EXACTLY ZERO budget form, INCOME - OUTGO actually equals "Microsoft Excel Gives Up"
3. Check Into Cash holds a ceremony in your honor
4. You have eaten ramen noodles for eight straight weeks, but your pet is eating Eukanuba Reduced Fat dog food for $20.29/bag.
5. You cringe every time that the phone rings
6. When the credit card companies actually believe that you have too much debt and stop sending you credit card applications
7. Your hand suffers a 3rd-degree burn when you write a check
8. You are afraid to discuss debt with your spouse
9. When your child tells you, "Man. We sure have a whole lot of debt!"
10. If you can not imagine or remember what it was like to NOT have debt.
    

Let me say first off that I am far from perfect in the area of finances; but I have found a plan that helps me win as long as I stay with it. What are you waiting for???

Financial Peace

Do you have it? If not I urge you to join us for Financial Peace University. It is a 13 week class that will change your outlook on finances and arm you to tell your money what to do. Contact me at neelp@bethelcollege.edu if you are interested. I'll leave you with the following taken from www.josephsangl.com/ :

Phrases that will KILL your plans for achieving financial freedom
"I am so stupid, I will never be able to do that."
"I do not make enough money to win financially."
"My spouse will never do this with me."
"You just don't understand what has happened to me in the past."
"I can't live without my car."
"I needed it." (an obvious WANT)
"I don't want to seem like a nerd."
"My family will think that I am wierd."
Guess what? You CAN do it! I would point toward your current financial condition and ask Dr. Phil's question, "What you have been doing … How's that working for you"
I KNOW that every single person on this earth can have financial freedom. I KNOW that there is ENOUGH for everyone. You CAN do this - especially if you live in the richest country on the planet. All it takes is you!