Articles by Jay Peroni on ArticleSnatch.com

Are You Randy Moss or Wes Welker When it Comes to Your Finances?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:35:15 -0500

Being a New England Patriots fan, I couldn't resist a blog post talking about Randy Moss and Wes Welker. How do I tie it into finances? Easy, let's talk motivation... What motivates you to succeed financially? Is it: * Your relationship with God? * Your family? * Your desire to help more people? * Your desire to have more stuff? Is your motivation strong or weak? Do you give up easily or fight hard for your goals? Randy Moss, a superstar athlete who makes playing in the NFL look easy when he wants to play. Notice I say "wants to play". The key to beating Randy Moss is get him off his game and he takes himself out of the game. A hard hit here, a hard hit there, just frustrate him and he is contained... Randy is known for going through the motions, taking a play or two off, and running "lazy" routes. In other words: He gives up easily! An opponent recently said this about Randy, "I know everyone who plays against him; they can sense that. Once you get into him in the beginning of the game, he shuts it down a little bit. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay has written The Faith Based Millionaire and The Faith Based Investor. His latest report,"How To Screen Your Investments" will show you how to keep the immoral junk out of your portfolio. You can get your free copy at http://www.faithbasedinvestor.com/freereport/

Do You Deliberately Sabotage Your Finances?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:11:16 -0500

The Kamikaze were the original suicide bombers. During World War II, Kamikaze pilots would attempt to intentionally crash their aircrafts into Allied ships. These aircrafts became human missiles laden with explosives. Sole mission: take out as many ships and people as possible. When it comes to finances, many of us too, are Kamikazes. We create havoc on our financial lives with poor choices, self defeating activities, and a lack of preparation and planning. For many, it's intentional. Like the Kamikaze pilot, they wither away any chance of success and "take one for the team". After all, they say, we become more faithful by being poor. Many mix up and subscribe to a "poverty gospel" taking a vow (consciously or unconsciously) to remain poor. I have seen firsthand, people deliberately sabotage their success because they didn't want to possess more money. I see the nobleness of trying to give everything to God, but He calls us to take care of our families and to bless others. This is difficult to do when you must help yourself. How do people deliberately sabotage their finances? * They ignore their credit score. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay has written The Faith Based Millionaire and The Faith Based Investor. His latest report,"How To Screen Your Investments" will show you how to keep the immoral junk out of your portfolio. You can get your free copy at http://www.faithbasedinvestor.com/freereport/

Will the U.S. Economy Double Dip?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:46:57 -0500

If you study U.S. economic history and go back all the way to the 1850s, you will find only three occurrences when the economy fell back into a recession within 12 months of a previous recession. The big question becomes, if a double dip is possible, how likely will it occur today? This is a great question! However, I am not so much worried about the U.S. economy being in a recession as I am about a deep, extended consumer recession. We have to separate the two. The economy as a whole can be out of a recession (growing), yet consumers can still be in a consumer recession (depressed earnings, lack of savings, lack of credit, lack of spending). The worry about the overall economy trickles down to the consumer and can cause pessimism or optimism. It takes the economy climbing out of a recession before the consumer follows suit. In other words, you can't have one without the other. So if the overall economy plays an important role for the consumer, will we avoid a double dip? Two of the previous double dips were pre-World War II (1913 & 1920) and show little resemblance to today's situation. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Despite the "concerns of mixing faith and money" by some in the financial industry, Jay has boldly written 2 books dealing with just that: The Faith Based Millionaire and The Faith Based Investor. But more importantly, he'd like you to have a copy of his latest research absolutely free. It's available in a new report titled How To Screen Your Investments that will show you how to keep the immoral junk out of your portfolio. You can get your free copy at www.freereport.faithbasedinvestor.com

Investing in Your Beliefs: Let Your Faith be Your Compass

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:43:07 -0400

It's not uncommon. Many well-educated, morally conscious, faith-based investors wind up buying shares of companies whose beliefs and business practices are far removed from their own. Why? Most investors simply have not thought about merging their personal beliefs with their investment strategies. Some may not even be aware of where and how their money is invested. I encounter people on a daily basis that have never even pondered the question, "Where does my money really go?" I routinely get the response, "I never really thought about investing from a moral standpoint." So if you have never entertained that thought, you are not alone. Is it that big of a deal? Only you can answer that. For some it is, and for others it is not. What matters to you may not matter to the next guy, and vice versa. But consider this - when you invest in a company, you own part of that company. Some investors would prefer to separate themselves from their investments, but any shareholder cannot. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

The Practicality of Faith-Based Investing

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:47:09 -0400

In the book of Mark, this question is posed: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" (8:36 nasb). Through the effort to find solutions to address the issues that go along with this question, faith-based investing was born. This movement seeks to align a person's faith, moral beliefs, and ultimately God's Word with the investment community. When one invests according to his or her faith, it seems like the logical and holy thing to do. Yet many are quick to find reasons why faith-based investing isn't right for them. After years of advancement, you would almost expect faith-based investing (which is also referred to as biblically responsible investing), would have been mainstream among the Christian community a long time ago. After all, why wouldn't you want to screen companies involved in immoral activities out of your investment portfolio? Yet, still today, many of the most influential Christian leaders fail to recognize the merits of faith-based investing. Confusion between SRI and BRI And many who consider what they are doing faith-based investing end up taking more of a social rather than a moral approach toward investing. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

And You Thought the Odds Were in Your Favor

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:11 -0400

When it comes to investing, most people who lose in investing do so, not because of ability, knowledge, or skills, but rather due to a series of poor decisions, bad advice, and critical mistakes. Many of which were completely avoidable! I have seen so many people take big losses, pay exorbitant fees, pay too much in taxes, and buy and sell at the worst possible times. If you have been unsuccessful at investing, chances are it's not completely your fault. Don't hear me wrong! I am a huge fan of personal responsibility and accountability. However, with bad advice being the norm, it is very difficult for the average investor to cut through the noise, to discern fact from fallacy, and make the correct choices. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

3 Stock Market Investing Traps to Avoid

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:41:20 -0400

If we all knew the exact time to buy and the exact time to sell we'd all be rich and there would be no point talking about investing. Few people, if any can know exactly when to buy or sell with any degree of accuracy. Most investors get it completely wrong. Need proof? If you analyze data from the Investment Company Institute (ICI) and look at the all time highs of the stock market (such as October 2007: Dow 14,000), you'll see the greatest number of people buying and when you look at some of the lowest points of the market (such as March 2009: Dow 6,600), you'll see the highest number of people selling. This confirms that most people buy high and sell low. This is the exact opposite of what they should be doing! Let's look at three investing traps that lead to buying high and selling low: 1. Following Investment Fads Since 1990, we've seen investing fads come and go. In the 1990s it was technology stocks, followed by real estate, and then it became oil and gold, then emerging market countries like Brazil, Russia, India, and China. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Beat the Index or Beat Your Goals?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:53:43 -0400

Many people place too much importance on trying to beat the stock market. How much of our society compares everything about investing to the Standard & Poor's 500 index? When you beat the market you're happy and sad when you underperform. Why is this? Are your goals really tied to the stock market? This perspective is flawed from the beginning. For example, would you have been happy at the end of 2008 if your investment accounts were down 35%? The market, as indicated by the S&P 500, was down 38.5%. You beat the market by 3 1/2%! Somehow, I don't think you or your spouse would think this was great news. That is why "beating the market" should not be your goal. The true purpose of investing is to help you accomplish your goals. The rate of return you need to achieve should be independent of stock market returns. The market returns only enable you to see if your goals are realistic. For example the need to send children off to college, or purchase a home, or obtain financial freedom, using the S&P 500 as a benchmark has no importance to your personal goals. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Never Show up to a Gunfight with a Knife

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:03:47 -0400

Why do so many people struggle with money? Why is it so difficult to get ahead in a time of such prosperity? Why do the rich keep getting richer while the poor and middle class seem to continually struggle? I'll tell you the answer: Most people follow bad advice and mimic strategies of the financially unsuccessful rather than imitating those who are already wealthy. You see, every day you make money choices that affect all areas of your life. Try going a full 24 hours without doing something that involves spending, receiving, giving, or investing money. The truth remains so many people today, even with the 2008-9 economic collapse, spend more than they make. They live paycheck to paycheck and could be one missed payment from financial disaster. This could be you. Whether your finances are in dire straight or you just want a little fine tune up, I want to help fatten your wallet so you can improve the quality of your life and have the time and money to help others. In order to do this, you need to win the battle. What do I mean by battle? This is the battle for your money. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Roadblocks, Pit Stops, and Detours

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:52:56 -0400

On the journey of life, there are many things that can quickly detour or sidetrack us. There are often financial barriers that create obstacles in our lives. They can sometimes be a tiny pothole in the road, possibly a quick pit stop, a small detour, or even a large roadblock. I remember one time I took a long trip from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania for a wedding. I had the route mapped out perfectly. I knew the exact number of miles, the length of time it was expected to take down to the minute. I had a list of freeways to avoid and left at the most opportune time - after the morning rush hour spree. My goal was to make it to New York before evening rush hour and coast right into the Philadelphia area. I calculated and tracked my time methodically. Things could not have been going any better. I even started to envision making it there early and having a little time to myself before the rehearsal dinner. There was no traffic. It was like everyone knew I was coming and I was the only car on the road. A little exaggeration, but you get my point. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

7 Essential Steps to Find the Right Financial Advisor

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:17:57 -0400

How do you avoid the Bernie Madoffs and the Allen Stanfords? Recently, we've seen two supposed financial wizards revealed as charlatans. Given recent headlines about Ponzi schemes and fraud, you may be wondering - how can you avoid getting duped by an unscrupulous financial advisor? 1. Do a little legwork online If you want to check out an investment advisory firm, visit the website at AdviserInfo. That is the website at which the Securities and Exchange Commission keeps Form ADVs - the forms which reveal disciplinary actions taken against that advisory firm and/or its key employees. You can also make sure a firm is properly registered there. If you want to check up on a specific investment advisor, go to the FINRA BrokerCheck website tool. Here you can learn about the professional backgrounds of advisors and firms through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Now that we've mentioned that, let's accentuate the positive. Visit the websites of the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. Search functions on both sites will allow you to find a respected independent financial advisor near you. 2. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Stewardship: Just Another Buzzword?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:52:12 -0400

The term stewardship is tossed around like a buzzword. Because it is used so often, the word's true meaning has lost a lot of its relevance. Let's look at Merriam Webster's definition of stewardship: 1. The office, duties, and obligations of a steward 2. The conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care. Stewardship is one of the most common themes in the Bible. I refer to stewardship as being a faithful manager of the time, skills, and financial resources that God has provided you. How you manage these three elements of your life affects every other area. When you apply God's principles regarding stewardship, you will begin to enjoy freedom and fulfillment that can be found nowhere other than in Christ. God owns it all? What we possess is not ours. The Bible tells us God created everything between heaven and earth. He owns everything. We are responsible for managing our lives, our money, and our possessions on God's behalf. Because everything we possess is ultimately His, we are essentially God's managers. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

4 Money Rules to Live By

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:52:10 -0400

These four rules work no matter where the economy is heading, what the stock market is doing and where interest rates stand. Time-tested, biblical principles work regardless of worldly circumstances. You can get your finances under control and live your ideal life if you diligently follow these rules. Rule #1: Spend less than you make Whether you make $30,000 or $300,000, make it a habit to spend less than you make. It is easy to reduce expenses if you analyze your spending habits and keep a log for 90 days or more. The trends may surprise you. You may see some areas where spending is excessive and you can reduce. It's estimated that the average person has at least 15 to 20 percent wiggle room - meaning they could cut back 15 to 20 percent of what they're spending and see few negatives change in their life. A little can go a long way. The key here is to live within your means. I know our government gives us a bad example, but you can't keep spending money you don't have hoping someday you'll be able to repay. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Is Your Financial Plan on Track?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:36:36 -0400

You may think, "I cannot succeed financially; there are too many obstacles." You may not be able to succeed on your own, but with God by your side, anything is possible. He can make things happen that seem impossible. He can open doors that you never thought could be opened. Do you have faith that the Creator of life can supernaturally turn your financial life around? He can make a way for you even when the odds are stacked against you and there appears to be no way. Don't see God as a small-sized God but rather a God who can help you accomplish anything. Do you know people who are always negative? Even if something good happens to them, they still find something to complain about. You know the type: poor me, nothing good ever happens to me, this is just my luck, etc. It is hard to be blessed when you cannot recognize a blessing when it comes. Turn your negative thoughts into positive responses. Things can always be worse. With God by your side, you can get through whatever you face. Ron hits rock bottom Ron was at rock bottom. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Sorting Out College Funding Options

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:48:21 -0400

With college tuition prices still on the rise and the economy in shambles, how does an average family meet college costs? The answer is they save early and often! Remember when a college education was reasonably priced? Those days are gone, and that's why college planning is so important. Between 2001 and 2006, the average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities increased by 35%. The average tuition for private colleges increased 32% between 1996 and 2006 (according to the College Board). How soon is too soon? It is never too soon to begin saving for your child's education. Many parents start as soon as a child is born. Some parents begin planning before children arrive. If you're planning on having a family "someday", start planning now. If you have a child on the way, start now. If you have an infant, toddler, grade-schooler or teenager, start now. Notice a theme here? How late is too late? If your child is already in high school, you may feel it's too late to start saving for college. But think again. ANY pre-planning and saving you can do is better than nothing. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Financial Defeat or Failure is Not an Option

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:54:50 -0400

There is a Viking legend, backed up by actual historical data, that long ago a great warrior faced a situation where surrendering in battle was not an option. Yet he and his armies faced a very powerful foe. They were significantly outnumbered and "had no chance". After sailing to the enemy's country, the warrior chief unloaded his soldiers and equipment, and then had every one of their ships burned to ashes. Addressing his men before the battle, he is reported to have said, "Do you see our boats going up in smoke? There is no retreat. We win-or we perish!" Legend has it that each soldier fought harder than he ever had before in his life, and they won against great odds. Many of us have ideas for change in our lives. There are dreams we want to follow. Yet, it is much easier to become comfortable in our daily lives, and put our dreams on hold for "someday". Unfortunately, "someday" never comes. As long as you cannot imagine it, your dreams will never come true. Self-defeating thoughts and self-imposed ceilings limit your financial progress. Your thoughts and attitudes will determine your success. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

5 Simple Ways to Save Even in Tough Times

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:31:43 -0400

"A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Proverbs 27:12 (NLT) Christians are not exempt from trials and struggles in life and should be prepared in advance for both feasts and famines - the good and bad times. As wise stewards entrusted with all that God provides, we should seek to plan ahead but not plan so much as to insulate ourselves from Him. There is a fine balance between saving for emergencies and saving to shelter ourselves from every possible emergency. Even in tough economic times, savings should be a part of nearly every budget. The purpose an emergency fund is to have resources available in the event of unforeseen circumstances (car troubles, prolonged injury or sickness, roof leaking, furnace troubles, etc.). An emergency fund shows preparation and planning for when the inevitable "trials of life" come your way. Having an emergency fund shows proper planning and a wise use of the resources God has provided. Do you have an income or outgo problem? **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> wealth creation]]> investments]]> savings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Stop Making Excuses for Financial Failures

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:34:28 -0400

Why are people so quick to blame others or circumstances for their problems? Often I see people who are quick to point the finger and it rarely points back at them. Choices are made each day, and these choices have consequences. When the results come in less than favorable, somehow it is easier to push the blame toward someone or something else. This is especially true with finances. One example: Most Americans used to be able to rely on three income sources for retirement: the company pension, Social Security, and personal savings. As the futures of company pensions and Social Security hang in the balance, the pressure builds for you to save on your own for retirement. If you do not have enough income when you retire, whom will you blame: your employer, the government, or will you accept responsibility? The natural inclination of many people is to pass the blame. You know you are not accepting personal responsibility if you blame other people for your financial problems. I see many people pass the blame whenever they are faced with difficulties. It wasn't the credit card company's fault you maxed the card out. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Finding Investments You Can Be Proud to Own

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:16:00 -0400

This week I was reminded of Jacob's Dream found in Genesis 28. "When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: "I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying." As I reflected on this passage I was reminded God is always with us. He always keeps His promises and will remind us. We have the choice to make a promise to serve and love God in all that we do - finances included. God is the owner of everything and we can either honor Him or not when it comes to where and how we handle the money He entrusts to us. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Spend Less or Earn More?

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:19:02 -0400

Lottery winnings, investments, and inheritances aside, there are only two basic ways to increase your personal wealth: spend less or earn more. Ironically, spending less may be your most immediate route to having "more" - more affluence and more confidence. Will earning more make things easier? Earning more money might alleviate your current financial pressures, but it also might bring new ones. More money gives you more psychological license to "live it up." Instead of the reduced debt and increased savings you might logically assume would result from a jump in income, what usually happens is that you end up spending a little more on living and not so much on your goals. In the earn-more school of thought, your career is your most important asset, more crucial than any investment. You strive for a good salary to advance economically, and your home equity and your portfolio are just "icing on the cake" compared to the "big bucks" you pull down. The Secret Life The day Janet came to see me she appeared to have it made: years into retirement, she had a few hundred thousand in various savings accounts, a house that was paid off, and financial freedom. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> spending]]> investments]]> budget]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Are You Prepared For Super Inflation?

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:39:24 -0400

With all of the reckless government spending, many are becoming concerned about the potential devastating effects of inflation. Significant inflation is not only feasible, it is very likely. I wanted to take a few moments to update you on what is going on in the economy, how inflation can be dangerous, and provide several investment ideas that will help us fight inflation in the upcoming days. Why is inflation inevitable? With Democrats and Republicans alike agreeing deficits are necessary to fight our current economic crisis, Obama and his party have no constraints on how much they are willing to spend! "Sky's the limit! Heck, they have already committed to spend over trillion-plus dollars over the next two years alone. So how will we pay for it? We really only have two ways to pay for the spending: 1. Printing more money, which causes inflation, and/or 2. Hiking taxes, which kills investment, businesses and jobs. Why is inflation dangerous? Inflation simply means rising prices. But in addition to retail price inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index, you also have monetary inflation - the growth of the money supply, or the total amount of money in the economy. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> inflation]]> investments]]> stocks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Faith Based Wealth: A Blessing or a Curse?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:57:02 -0400

Many people assume that any book that has the word "millionaire" associated with "Christian" is one that promises health and prosperity to those who are Christians who adhere to the Bible. Nothing could be further from the truth. God does wish to bless us but He does expect us to be good stewards with the blessing he bestows upon us. God doesn't need our money. He uses it as a tool to help His people. Those blessed with wealth have a greater responsibility. I have found the wealthy: * Can treat wealth as a blessing or curse * Can use wealth for good or evil purposes * Can allow wealth to come between them and God or use wealth to grow closer to God through wise stewardship principles. Make no mistake about it, Jesus warned us about riches: "Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). He also said, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6:9). **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

It Is Not What You Earn; It Is What You Keep

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:33:31 -0400

How many times have you heard, "it's not you earn, it's what you keep"? I sure wished my grandfather had paid attention to this principle. However, if he had I may not be a financial advisor today. You see, I got into this industry because of my grandfather, who was quite possibly, the hardest working guy I ever knew. Willis worked three jobs to put food on the table for his wife and seven children. He retired with nearly $500,000 and a pension. He put his life savings into CDs and then inflation, taxes, and eventually the nursing home took everything he worked for. I saw this as a teenager and got into the financial services industry to make a difference. Today, I treat each client like a part of my family and give advice based on the best available information and options available. It breaks my heart to see so many people allow the "three great enemies" to attack their life savings. What are those three enemies? * Time: will we have too little or possible too much time (outliving our money)? * Taxes: will we pay too much in taxes to Uncle Sam? **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

Does Do It Yourself Investing Really Make Sense

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:04:49 -0400

Many investors choose to handle their own finances. Typical reasons why people choose to invest on their own include, but are not limited to: * Lack of trust in financial professionals. * Cost issues-don't want or cannot afford to pay for advice. * Expertise in the area of finance. * They enjoy and have time to do the proper research. Money can be a form of power, but the ultimate financial power is education. With the proper knowledge of how money works, you will enable yourself to make wiser financial decisions that foster a greater financial well-being. Commit to learning more about stocks, bonds, investing, and other financial topics. You can either continue working for money or find a way to make it work for you. One of the most important things to learn is not how to make money, but rather what to do after you make it. Always evaluate your decisions by asking, "Does what I'm doing make financial sense?" Keeping up with the Joneses and following the crowd is like a sheep being led to the slaughter. Dare to be different. Learn what it really takes to build wealth. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.Values FirstAdvisors.com a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.

The Moral Side of Investing: Do Your Investments Reflect Your Values?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:54:38 -0400

Over the years I have met many people who are shocked to realize where they are investing. A few months ago I met a guy we'll call Robert. Robert was a minister in a growing church in New England. He had been a dedicated Christ-follower for nearly thirty years and a quite active investor. Before he met me, he had never put much thought into his investments or the values it reflected. After an analysis of his portfolio and exactly where it was he was investing, he was shocked to say the least. His face turned white as he read the names and what activities each company was involved in. The companies he owned were involved in: * Producing pornographic videos and magazines * Actively donating and lobbying for pro-abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood * Producing abortion-related products and drugs * Operating casinos and gambling facilities * Manufacturing and distributing alcohol and tobacco Here Robert was making conscious decisions not to support unfavorable companies that did not reflect his values. In spite of these conscious decisions in his consumer life, the end result showed that some of Robert's investment purchases had slipped through the cracks in his portfolio. **End Summary** Topics: financial planning]]> certified financial planner]]> faith-based values]]> investments]]> financial investme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jay Peroni, CFP, and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire and The Faith-Based Investor. Jay is also the founder of http://www.FaithBasedInvestor.com , a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of http://www.ValuesFirstAdvisors.com, a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning.