Change Maker by Compass Catholic Ministries

Money Stories: Faith and Finances with Allison Gingras

Allison Gingras shares the story about her financial journey. Allison realized the extent of her debt when the bank refused to extend her any more credit. Around the same time, she met the co-founders of Compass Catholic Ministries, Jon and Evelyn Bean. They presented her with the opportunity to participate in a Compass Catholic Bible study, which she now credits for her much of her family's financial wellness. It hasn't always been easy but now Allison can use her family's financial journey to glorify God. 

Learn more at the Compass Catholic website.

Life After the Pandemic

How has your life changed for the better since the pandemic? Have you looked for the good in the stay at home orders and the chance to stop the crazy busyness that pervaded our pre-pandemic normal?

While this situation wasn’t something anyone wanted, there is always some sort of good that comes out of any situation.  Maybe now is the time to think about the good and say a little prayer of thanksgiving for whatever bright spots you can find.

The Compass Blog has more on some of the positives that will come from our new normal.

Create, Update and Organize Your Important Information

If you are like most people, your important information is scattered all over the place. It may be in a file drawer, on your desk, in your computer or on your phone.  What would happen if you were incapacitated and your family or caretakers needed to handle your affairs? Would they know where the important information in located and how to use it? Join us to hear what you need to get organized.

The Compass Blog has more on creating, updating, and organizing all that information so your family knows where it is and can use it if needed.

Manage Your Money God's Way - You Need a Will

“Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you are about to die’” (2 Kings 20:1). Not a very pleasant thought is it?

Even if you live, your family may need to deal with your affairs in case of an accident or illness. Being prepared is the best gift you can give them. If you don’t do it, the government will make those decisions for you.

Our guest on this podcast is Vanessa J. Skinner, an estate attorney at Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A., who will share thoughts on what to consider in estate planning, which is NOT just for those who are rich.

The Compass blog has more on what to consider in your estate plan. The Compass Catholic Set Your House in Order Bible study provides forms and discussion points for you to consider when making these important decisions.

Your Financial Health Checkup

Is your financial vision 2020? You’ll never know unless you do the financial version of an eye test by performing a financial health checkup.  Figure out your current financial situation and define what’s going to change or remain the same in 2020. Match that against your short, mid and long term goals to see what you need to modify to improve your financial vision.

The Compass Money Map is a great place to start and the Compass blog has more about a financial health checkup.

Keep it Simple

Financial advice comes in so many shapes and sizes that it can be overwhelming. The simplest way to get control of your finances is to spend less than you make. It’s that simple!

Consistently spending less than you earn will ensure your financial success a lot faster than any other financial advice you can get.

The Compass Catholic blog has more ideas about keeping it simple!

Why You Should Use a Financial Planner

Financial planning can be difficult if you don’t have the knowledge and skill set to do it well. Making informed objective decisions is hard to do when you are emotionally involved with the outcome.

Join us for a discussion about why using a financial planner will benefit you in the long term and how to find a financial planner who is a good fit for you.

The Compass Catholic Blog has more on this topic.

10 Questions to Ask Your Parents

 

Do you know where your parents keep all the information you would need in case of an emergency? Here are 10 questions to ask your parents just in case you (or other family members) ever need it:

1. Where do you keep your important information, in case I need to find it in an emergency?
2. Where can I find a list of your key contacts?
3. How are your accounts registered?
4. Do you have an up to date will?
5. Have you Designated a Power of Attorney?
6. Do you have a Health Care Proxy?
7. Do you have a living will or an advance health care directive?
8. How can I access your electronic assets in an emergency?
9. How do you want to disposition your personal Items?
10. Have you documented your final wishes?

The Compass Catholic blog has more details about what to ask and why it’s so important to know where this information is kept.

Plan to LOVE Your Retirement

When people retire, many times the goal is to simply stop working. As our lifespan increases, retirement can be a time of great fulfillment if you plan well. Not planning for retirement may result in a dead end feeling when you no longer have a reason to get out of bed every morning.

Finding a passion to use your talents and skills in serving others can result in a fulfilling lifestyle and a feeling of accomplishment during this season of life.

The retirement years can be one third of your adult life. What are your plans for loving retirement? The Compass Catholic blog has more about planning for happy, fulfilling retirement years.

One step in planning is to be financially prepared. Check out our retirement calculators to review your financial readiness.

What is a Crisis Budget and When Do I Implement it?

Sooner or later almost everyone faces a financial crisis.  A job loss, illness, birth of a special needs child, or damage from a hurricane or winter storm can all wreak havoc on your financial stability.  Plan for the unplanned by having a crisis budget. A crisis budget will help you survive economic setbacks with minimum impact to your financial stability.

This podcast shares how to create a crisis budget and when to put it into action, and be sure to check out the Compass Catholic blog on crisis budgets.