Change Maker by Compass Catholic Ministries

Health care sharing plans are gaining popularity in the face of the rising cost of traditional health insurance. Both traditional insurance and health care sharing plans have pros and cons, so be sure you know the difference.

For an overview of health care sharing plans, check out last week’s podcast and blog, which also provides links to the major health care sharing plans. This week we’ll focus on what health care sharing plans do not cover and what questions to consider asking if you are making a decision on which to buy. Be sure to check out the related blog on this topic.

Increases in the cost of traditional health insurance have driven many people to participate in health care sharing plans. Sharing plans are usually based on Christian ideals where like-minded people help each other. If you are considering a health care sharing plan, listen in for how this differs from traditional health insurance.

For links to the major healthcare sharing plans, check out the Compass Catholic blog which has more details on this option for health care. And join us next week for Healthcare Sharing Plans - Part 2 where we’ll share some questions to ask before participating.

There are lots of things to think about and plan for as you approach your wedding day. Unfortunately, most couples who are engaged to be married talk more about the flavor of their wedding cake than about their marital finances. The cake cutting ceremony takes about 10 minutes but finances are something they’ll deal with every day of their entire married life.

The Compass Catholic blog has more about why the “Money Talk” is so important to a strong healthy marriage.

Here’s a family who has made, and continues to make financial mistakes. They admit the error of their ways but just can’t seem to grow up enough to stop the madness. The Compass Catholic blog has more about this couple who are in the middle of financial train wreck, but won’t make the effort to escape.

Take this as a warning and examine your own finances!

A 2017 study from CreditCards.com found that 74% of parents reported helping adult kids with expenses and debt. But once your child is an adult, there is a difference between lending a hand and providing them with a lifestyle they can’t afford.

For more on this topic, join us on the Compass Catholic blog if you are supporting your adult child financially.

Christmas spending was fun—lots of gifts, decorations, plenty of food and traveling to see the family. And now the bills are starting to roll in for all the spending fun. Make 2018 be the last year you get into debt for Christmas.

The Compass Catholic blog has more on staying out of debt for Christmas 2019.

Resolutions are popular on January 1, but by now most of them have been abandoned. Join us on the Podcast for some ideas about how to set resolutions you will actually keep. The key is making them part of a large important life goal and managing the daily activities you need to accomplish so you eventually reach your life goal.

The Compass Catholic blog also has some Bible verses for you to reflect on as work on your financial resolutions.

There are three things you should do to review your 2018 finances and get prepared for 2019:

• Review your budget in 2018 and make the necessary changes for 2019. Which categories will decrease or increase in the new year?
• Review where you are on the Compass Money Map. Which destinations are complete and which still have open items?
• Calculate your Net Worth. Do you owe more than you own? Or is your net worth positive?

The Compass Catholic blog shares more about these three important steps to get ready for a successful financial year in 2019.

Financial problems can creep up slowly until they suddenly feel overwhelming. If you have an inkling that your finances are headed for trouble, address the issue as soon as possible to avoid long term financial harm. Join us here and on our blog as we talk about how to handle a looming financial issue. If you are experiencing financial challenges, you’re not alone. 

How much money do you need to feel wealthy? Is money the key to a wealthy lifestyle, or is there more to it than simply accumulating more and more? Join us as we discuss a Charles Schwab survey about wealth in America. Our blog has more on the topic.  Interestingly, the survey results indicate money has nothing to do with feeling wealthy.