HOUSEHOLD LINKS:
EXTENDING GOD’S GIFTS WITH LEGAL TOOLS AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES.
ABOUT GIVING TO FAMILY
Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money to your Children without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue. Offering seasoned advice and practical tools, Blue helps you navigate the legal issues, tax issues, and relational issues concerning your estate. One could use this book as a decision tree. How much money will you leave when you die? All of it! But how and to whom you entrust it may have eternal repercussions. Communicate your desires clearly and bless your heirs wisely.
The Ultimate Gift is both a book and a film. When his very rich granddad, Howard “Red” Stevens (James Garner) dies, Jason (Drew Fuller) discovers he must complete 12 separate assignments within a year to get his inheritance. Returning from finishing the first task in Texas, Jason finds everything taken away from him – luxury apartment, his restored muscle car, and all his money. Jason—a spoiled, self-centered, single playboy finds himself homeless. Working through the twelve tasks, his attitude alters and he receives some extraordinary non-financial gifts.
ABOUT GIVING TO GOD
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn unearths a simple yet profound truth that may radically change your concept of stewardship. Short on guilt, Alcorn illuminates the liberating joy of giving and its impact, not only for today but for eternity as well.
Nineteen Questions to Ask Before You Give to Any Organization by Randy Alcorn is a download. In The Treasure Principle, Randy strongly advocates that God’s people invest in eternity. However, there are charlatans claiming to be serving God, and there are simply poor stewards. How do we best direct our contributions to God’s kingdom? Nineteen Questions helps us to do our research and be conscientious stewards ourselves.
Giving Wisely by Jonathan Martin addresses the perplexing array of potential recipients. A former missionary who knows the needs of those on the mission field, Jonathan establishes criteria to help you discern how to empower lasting transformation. It is Martin’s observation that unwise giving can wreak havoc or even hurt people.
ABOUT FINANCIAL COUNSELORS & ESTATE PLANNERS
Financial Peace University. Connect to a network of financial counselors who operate in line with the biblical principles taught in Financial Peace University, a 13 week course offered by churches across America. Look for a financial counselor, tax planner, or accountant with “the heart of a teacher.” FPU also offers the Legacy Series, a video series whose content nicely supplements Heritage of Hope materials.
Charitable Estate Planning Northwest, represented by Gene Christian in the Heritage of Hope video series, contracts with churches and non-profits to do estate planning for their members. Although these organizations will benefit from the pre-planned giving of their members, CEPNW’s estate planners do not use pressure tactics. Instead, Gene and his team offer wise counsel in navigating the complexities of estate planning on an individual basis or in group presentations.
ABOUT BUILDING A GOD-HONORING ESTATE
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. One testimonial: Since starting Dave’s program about 5 years ago, my husband and I no longer fight about money, ever! We have no debt except for our house, two paid-for cars, a 6 month emergency fund, and the true peace that comes from not worrying. We’ve chosen to be wise stewards of the money God has entrusted to us, and he has blessed us over and over.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason is a parable offering a solution to financial problems. Contrary to the human inclination to assess one’s well-being according to the amount of material goods one possesses, Clason reminds us that a simple life is a good and happy life.
Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton. Trusted finance specialist Howard Dayton shows you how to manage your personal finances in a highly practical, Bible-based way. You’ll be amazed at the impact that proper money management (from establishing a budget and getting out of debt to long-term investing and charitable giving) has on your relationship with God.