Money Talks. How Often Are We Able to Put It on Hold?

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cinder

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2014
4,425
2,416
113
#23
I like to think I was both fortunate and wise in how I set up my life with money. Once I finally got off the short term missions and short term work cycle (which was great for instilling in me the mindset of have to make the money I have last as long as possible since there was a near future coming up where I didn't know what my income would be), I very deliberately looked for the cheapest safe and decent place I could rent so I could save up money and get a handle on how my budget would work and what things would cost. And though I wanted to be in a house by now, I'm committed to being patient and wise about that decision to. There is a downside to that though and that is that I have a hard time spending money on just doing fun stuff or buying stuff just because I want it, but from a financial stability point of view that's one of the better problems to have.

Some people (in the US it's only some) have an impossibly small income, but a lot of the people who "don't have enough money" really just don't have enough discipline in their spending (up against a billion dollar advertising machine uses every trick in the book to get you to spend) and / or understanding of how to get the most out of their money. Bottom line is it's much easier to adjust your lifestyle to your income rather than adjusting your income to your lifestyle. You just won't have lots of flashy new stuff. In fairness I think the pressure is much worse on parents because we've gotten to this crazy world where if the kids don't do 7 extra curruiculars starting as kindergarteners then they'll be behind all their peers and lose any chance of a good and successful life. It's not true, but that's how childhood is marketed and framed these days.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,236
9,297
113
#24
"...that's how childhood is marketed..." That is one of the saddest phrases I have ever read. It is true, but really sad.
 

Princesse

Active member
Feb 16, 2020
259
123
43
#25
I love sink or swim environments. I thrived in finance for a reason. But God had different plans. When I moved over to real estate a conversation with my boss changed the trajectory of my life. I was sprinting up the ladder and in line for another promotion. But a casual comment about her companion changed everything.

He’d retired at 40 after a career in finance. There was a twinkle in her eye and I never forgot it. I knew I’d leave. i didn’t know how or why. But I knew I had to go. My gut was telling me the same and I trusted it. I realized there was nothing left to pursue. Something was pulling me away. That something was God. And I bolted.

I didn’t have the answers for awhile. But slowing down was important. That’s how I heard the still small voice beckoning me. I learned to channel and redirect my creativity and killer instinct into other areas. But for a time, He restrained my gallop. I served and labored for others.

But one day, He let me loose. And the high octane go-getter was unleashed. She hadn’t lost her fire or the thrill of accomplishment. But it was yielded to Him in pursuit of purpose. It isn’t devoid of accolades or spoils. But He’s the prize and fuel which enables me to soar.

There’s a principle of strength under submission that’s an important part of my life and influences my behavior. Just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should. I look for corroboration from the Holy Spirit.

When you’re business or money savvy it’s important to use those gifts as He directs. He’s aware of the consequences of surplus we can’t imagine. The idea of causing someone to stumble is disconcerting.

You’ll have a lot of people suggest you do this and that. But that’s flesh talking. Not Him. I view money from a position of stewardship and servanthood. It’s a tool. It can enhance someone’s life or destroy it.

But there’s a greater matter that gets ignored or overlooked. Money isn’t solely about meeting our needs or making us comfortable. There’s a missional side many miss and you need to consider the whole of your life to grasp it.

The people we’re meant to influence need the wisdom and grace which hails from our experiences and where we’ve been planted. Some counter with mistakes and forget He could have prevented the consequences or lessened their sting if doing so would manifest His will.

As we know, most don’t have the perfect environment, upbringing and circumstances. Who will minister to them? Who can understand their plight and empathize? I learned to view my life through intentional lenses and recognize everything had a purpose. It wasn’t for naught or a coincidence. I sought useful ways to glorify Him through all of it and bless others in return.

We’re told to whom much is given much is required. But we forget that bigger levels bring greater hardships and warfare. It’s important to make certain He’s authored your effort and goals. If He didn’t anoint it you can’t expect His keeping. And you need it.

More comes with greater responsibilities. Not solely the necessity for balance and charity. But the job that follows. Not the one you’re in now. But the one your position and plenty will allow you to address in ways others could not. You get assignments like Hollywood, Washington, or Wall Street. And that’s a different scale of evil.

My preparation included nine years of spiritual warfare. My own and laboring for another. I’m entering my second year of peace after a lengthy period of battle. No amount of money would make me sign up for that. You’d have to be rooted in something bigger than yourself. I think the best approach is like Elijah’s.

Go wherever He sends you. Stop diminishing your mistakes and experiences. You’ve got more in your tank than you realize. He has numerous ways to fill our coffers. Sometimes it’s with our hands. Other times it’s through benevolence or another method.

Keep your eyes on the prize. The rest will follow. Don’t get distracted by the pursuit. He can download the idea and know-how. You don’t have to strive or compromise your convictions.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#26
everyone is going a bit crazy this weekend as theres a $50 million jackpot in lotto.

For some people, $50 million is not even very much but for most people here thats an absolute fortune.

I could probably run a small country on $50 million...although people from bigger countries seemed to laugh at that idea and estimate you need at least several billion.

the former prime minister claim to fame was that he went to america to make his fortune in investment but when he got into power he just spent it on himself and his business cronies. The poor, the elderly, children etc the ones who really needed the money got nothing.
 

Princesse

Active member
Feb 16, 2020
259
123
43
#27
everyone is going a bit crazy this weekend as theres a $50 million jackpot in lotto.

For some people, $50 million is not even very much but for most people here thats an absolute fortune.

I could probably run a small country on $50 million...although people from bigger countries seemed to laugh at that idea and estimate you need at least several billion.

the former prime minister claim to fame was that he went to america to make his fortune in investment but when he got into power he just spent it on himself and his business cronies. The poor, the elderly, children etc the ones who really needed the money got nothing.
Barring serious illness (some plans have caps on certain conditions) and prudence in lifestyle and investments; it would be enough to live comfortably. The lump sum amount in the US is less than the pot. Taxes are taken out immediately. And you’d need legal and financial assistance.

Sudden wealth has different challenges than money accumulated over time. The majority have to make it last. Lottery winners are publicized and hounded for donations and business schemes. Not to mention friends and relatives.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#28
I dont think its a good idea to publicise winners. Most people would keep it quiet.

They would go to work as normal if they are working then after a few months mysteriously hand their resignation in I think and say they need a sabbatical. And then not go back, or just go back to volunteer.

I think the temptation would be to splash out immediately. Suddenly you have a new house and car, wardrobe, people would start to notice. You would take more holidays...you would probably get dental treatment now you could actually afford it lol. that is if its was only spending on yourself.

The Bible says dont let the right hand know what the left is doing..I think thats referring to acts of kindness, you dont want to suddenly say Im giving a million to such and such charity, see if you can match me.

I would probably set up something like a trust or scholarship scheme for children. Or invest in education, or buy a whole lot of Bibles or something like that. Something that would give people a better life. I would pray and ask the Lord first.

Im not buying a ticket though...if my dads ticket does win, Im sure he would tell me or I would guess if he won when he starts acting a bit strange. lol
 

Princesse

Active member
Feb 16, 2020
259
123
43
#29
There’s no choice in the US. They hold a press conference and the person appears on a morning talk show the follow day. There may be additional publicity before they leave you alone. You must agree to it to receive the winnings.

Ideally, the person hires a great team and fields requests for funding to them instead. People will make ridiculous requests to the winner but the spiel falls short on the professional. Their knowledge and requirement of credentials and details explaining the need or venture can minimize depletion.

A weekend binge of IDT.V is eye opening for most. They don’t assume they’d be swindled or harmed for their money. But a few viewings quickly dispenses their naïveté.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#30
There’s no choice in the US. They hold a press conference and the person appears on a morning talk show the follow day. There may be additional publicity before they leave you alone. You must agree to it to receive the winnings.

Ideally, the person hires a great team and fields requests for funding to them instead. People will make ridiculous requests to the winner but the spiel falls short on the professional. Their knowledge and requirement of credentials and details explaining the need or venture can minimize depletion.

A weekend binge of IDT.V is eye opening for most. They don’t assume they’d be swindled or harmed for their money. But a few viewings quickly dispenses their naïveté.
what?!

so if you do buy a ticket, even if its for someone else, you have to appear on TV? what a scam! Dont they realise how publicity might harm those winners? There ought to be a choice if they want to disclose or not.

Anyway the draw is over and 2 people won the jackpot so they got $25 million each.
 

Princesse

Active member
Feb 16, 2020
259
123
43
#31
what?!

so if you do buy a ticket, even if its for someone else, you have to appear on TV? what a scam! Dont they realise how publicity might harm those winners? There ought to be a choice if they want to disclose or not.

Anyway the draw is over and 2 people won the jackpot so they got $25 million each.
If you plan to claim the winnings, that holds true. I researched it in the past. Our Powerball jackpots can get really big. I agree it’s harmful. But the fantasy sells tickets and brings ratings elsewhere.

Kidnapping is a big possibility for larger winnings. Protection doesn’t come cheap. One person at your side around the clock is $1M per year. The formation you see with celebrities (4-6) is over $6M annually.

With everything being computerized, it’s difficult to hide. But Thomas Stanley’s Millionaire Next Door is a good resource for someone trying to build wealth. The most important choice is who you marry. And he includes lifestyle advice to make your money stretch.

Hopefully, the money will be a blessing to the winners.