Change Maker by Compass Catholic Ministries

Use a Sinking Fund to Stay Afloat

A sinking fund is a way to put money aside for planned expenses.  This is different than an emergency fund which is for UNplanned expenses.

A sinking fund is putting money aside each time you get paid to fund upcoming expenses. For example, a sinking fund could be used for Christmas. Based on Christmas 2018, how much did you spend? Take that amount and divide it by the number of months till Christmas and that’s how much you need to save each month for a sinking fund which will pay for Christmas 2019. Sinking funds can be used for vacation, home upgrades, tax bills, back to school shopping or any other planned expense.

Sinking funds are a great way to get ahead of the spending curve and avoid that debt monster!

Check out our blog for more on this topic.

5 Ways to Give Yourself a Raise - Compass

Once we establish a spending habit, it’s hard to break. But stepping back and analyzing these five areas may put more money into your bank account each time you get paid.

Are you loaning the government money each month? Maybe it’s time to review that W4 form.

Have you had the same car insurance company for ages? Maybe it’s time to do some comparison shopping.

Is your credit report accurate? Maybe you should review your credit report to ensure there are no errors so you get the lowest rates possible on loans.

Are you using life insurance as a saving vehicle? Maybe it’s time to look at how much insurance you really need and get it the least expensive way.

Is money you need now mixed in with money you don’t need until months from now? Maybe it’s time to think about a separate bank account for longer term spending.

Check out out blog for more on this topic.

What is Your Definition of Financial Success?

We would all be a lot happier if we defined financial success based on our own life, resources, capabilities and progress. Judging your circumstances against other people can be disheartening. All God is calling you to do is be a faithful steward of the blessings he has given to you, with no regard to what the next person is doing

The Compass Catholic blog has more on defining financial success for yourself.

Based on a listener's question, here are the percentage guidelines for various budget categories. The link will download a spreadsheet to your computer. Use this as a starting point and customize it to fit your life. 

Is a Health Care Sharing Plan Right for You? - Part 2

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.

Congratulations on your engagement

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.

Lessons from a Financial Train Wreck

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!

Stop Funding Your Adult Child's Lifestyle

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.

Make Financial Resolutions You'll Keep - Compass

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.

Your 2019 Financial Plan - Compass Catholic

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.

Are you Headed for a Financial Disaster?

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.