Change Maker by Compass Catholic Ministries

Eliminate Holiday Spending Stress

Sometimes we spend money on Christmas in an effort to fulfill some requirement that doesn’t make sense if you stop and think about it rationally. Maybe your gifting is done out of guilt or obligation or competition.  But what does that have to do with the real meaning of Christmas?

Tune in and join us on the Compass Catholic blog for stories about why people feel forced into Christmas spending and how to avoid it.

Money Matters in Marriage

As a church, we need to teach people that their faith and their finances go hand in hand towards having a stronger marriage. Unfortunately, most married couples learn about finances through Trial & Terror, which mean years of conflict, pain and arguing about money.

This week the Compass Catholic blog has more on how to tackle the money monster in marriage.

Things Frugal People NEVER Do

Avoid paying interest, don’t buy things you don’t need, and above all else, don’t get caught up in trying to live someone else’s lifestyle. These are all things frugal people do to avoid wasting money.

Read the Compass Catholic blog for more on how to save money by being conscious of the things you should never do.

Is the Lottery Calling Your Name?

You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning; dying in a car accident; becoming a victim of identity theft by the age of 40; being bitten by a dog while jogging or or even hitting a hole-in-one on your birthday than winning the lottery. Yet the average American buys $200 of lottery tickets per year.

It’s interesting to note that lotteries are exempt from truth in advertising laws. What may sound like such a good deal is really a bunch of lies.

Read the Compass Catholic blog for more on why the lottery isn’t the answer to your financial problems.

Cheap vs Frugal—Is There a Difference?

A cheap person will invest a lot of time and energy in order to save a dollar or two, but the time and effort they spend may not be worth the money they saved.

A frugal person saves money in a balanced way by thinking about how saving money impacts other areas of their life. Saving money is good, as long as it is done in a balanced way so you can enjoy life and recognize the tradeoffs you are making.

This week’s podcast and the Compass Catholic blog point out the differences between cheap and frugal.

Are You Headed for Financial Disaster?

If you are experiencing financial challenges, you’re not alone. Consumer debt is at an all-time high. Credit cards, school loans, car loans, and medical bills can all pile up quickly. Whether your debt is the result of an illness, unemployment, or simply overspending, it can seem impossible to manage.

Join us for a discussion about how to tackle that mountain of debt and check out the Compass Catholic blog for more on avoiding a financial disaster.

How Much Does it Take to Feel Wealthy?

Is there more to life than accumulating money?  Join us for a discussion on a Charles Schwab survey about wealth in America. Interestingly the most common responses about what it takes for people to feel wealthy have nothing to do with money.

Read the Compass Catholic blog for more on being wealthy versus feeling wealthy.

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale

It’s time to clear the clutter if your garage is so full there’s no room for the car or your basement has boxes that haven’t been opened in years.

Here are tips for having a successful garage sale:

• Get organized ahead of time
• Decide on your advertising strategy
• Check to see if a permit is needed
• Invite your neighbors to participate
• Make your items easy to see—clothes on hangers, items on tables
• Plan how you’ll manage the money (cash box, carpenter apron?)
• Have plenty of change on hand
• Decide on a discount strategy for end of day or on specific items
• Prepare to handle leftover items

Join the Compass Catholic blog for more on having a successful garage sale.

Money and Generation Z

The post millennial generation is going their own way in how they earn and spend money. Part time gigs, flexible hours and non-traditional jobs are more important that a traditional full time career. They avoid credit cards and use debit cards instead, and hopefully understand the differences. Being digitally savvy, they prefer online banking and investing but many not realize the difference between an online bank and a brick and mortar bank that is FDIC insured. Debt avoidance is good, but what happens when there is no credit history and they try to get a mortgage?

Join the Compass Catholic blog for more on Money and Gen Z.

How to Manage Money in Your 20's

Managing money well is not complex but it can be difficult if you aren’t paying attention to income and spending. Join us for tips on how to manage money well while you are in your 20’s. Your 50 year old self will thank you.

The Compass Catholic blog has more about millennial money management.