We have been focusing these last couple of days on debt and how it is not God’s plan for anyone’s life, especially His children. Mr Ramsey has so much good wisdom on this topic, that I really hope you all will check out this book. Today, I will only briefly touch on the next too chapters.
Chapter 5 is called “Credit Sharks in Suits: understanding credit bureaus and collection practices”. The major thing I want us to get out of this is the crucial paradigm shift we must make when it comes to the almighty FICO scores. Listen, “The credit score is NOT a measure of winning financially. It is 100 percent based on debt. The credit, or FICO, score is simply, an ‘I love debt’ rating. No part of the credit score calculation ever hints at how much wealth you have.” (p107) It does show how much debt you’ve had in the past. If you have a high score, that means you have had debt in the past which you have paid off regularly and on time. That’s wonderful, but that still means you have had debt in the past…are we getting it? Do I have to remind us what Pr 22:7 says about borrowers? FICO is NOT our friend. Don’t fall for that lie anymore.
Chapter 6 is called, “Buyer Beware: the power of marketing on your buying decisions”. Here’s a truth that will only increase with time: “We are living in the most dramatically marketed-to society in history, and if we don’t keep our eyes open as we go through life, we’ll always be flat broke with a garage full of garbage and toys we don’t need but couldn’t resist. We’ve got to learn to open our eyes to the intense marketing that’s going on all around us.” (p129) It seems like everyone is trying to get our information so that they can know what to sell us. Advertising is coming at us from every angle and every business out there, most especially big conglomerates, are counting on us drifting through life, not paying attention and just mindlessly purchasing whatever they are selling. If we really want to get, and stay out of debt, then we need to be aware of their tricks and tactics. It is our hard earned dollars they are after, don’t mindlessly give it to them!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
<>< Peace, Diane
