Money Life (Money)

During the last 15 years of Larry Burkett's life, one of his primary concerns was the ever-growing national debt. As a Crown cofounder, and as one who had taught fiscal responsibility around the country in seminars and on the radio, Larry was understandably worried about the out-of-control spending he saw in Washington. There has been little focus on the national debt in the past several years, but an organization known as the Peter G. Peterson Foundation is working to bring the issue to the...

On March 19, 2008 a shocking headline appeared in an article posted on CBS's financial Web site, MarketWatch: The Great Unwind Has Begun, Citigroup Warns. Avoid leveraged companies, countries and consumers, bank's strategists say. Robert Buckland and his colleagues on Citi's global strategy team wrote in a note to clients, Easy money encouraged many to buy a bigger house, a bigger car or a bigger speculative position. But now, any behavior that relied upon continued access to easy money is...

Mary Elizabeth was strolling down the cookie aisle with her three-year-old daughter, Sarah, riding comfortably in the shopping cart. Suddenly, Sarah spied a box of sugar cookies, coated with pink icing and decorated with multi-colored sprinkles. Her eyes brightened with enthusiasm as she put on her best cherub face. Mommy, she said, pointing to her find on the shelf. I want those cookies. Sarah, replied her mom, we don't need any cookies today. We have plenty at home. Maybe another time. Ten...

I graduated from college with a dual degree in zoology and religion. What am I doing now with my life? Web programming and design. Was my college degree even worth it? Undoubtedly, yes. According to the numbers, a college education and advanced degrees are one of the best investments you can make with your money. The U.S. Census Bureau says that adults with advanced degrees earn four times more than those with less than a high school diploma. Workers 18 and older with a master's,...

I recently received notice that my tax rebate check will be issued shortly. The $1,500 my family expects to receive is just a tiny portion of the over $100 billion stimulus package signed by President Bush in February with distribution beginning in April. Its objective is to prevent, or at least minimize the impact of, an economic recession. The stimulus plan is not designed to cause the economy to grow. That requires that the national savings rate rises. The goal of the rebate is to prevent...

One couple's journey led to a new community of families called Tapestry, woven together to share God's blessing of adoption. PART 1: CHOSEN FAMILY For Michael and Amy Monroe, the adoption journey began with a pre-dawn phone call. Was this a dream? Or was the voice on the other end of the line really saying, You don't know who I am, but I have a baby for you. The Dallas, Texas couple had struggled for a year with infertility before deciding against the usual medical options, instead moving...

An article in the June 16 issue of USA Today says that in the midst of the housing slump, real estate agents hope to increase sales by targeting 28-and-under buyers, also known as Generation Y.1 To reach this group, the real estate industry is using different strategies, including agents in their 20s and the Internet sites Facebook and YouTube. People in Generation Y are considered good targets because they typically don't have houses they need to sell before they buy. However, many people in...

The level of economic concern in our nation is high. If we used the warning system devised by the Department of Homeland Security to give a ranking to our economic problems, I would rate us at Orange. I don't think I'll get much disagreement from anyone on that; only those who think we are at Red might disagree. The division comes regarding the solution: Some look to the government, some look to the Federal Reserve, others look to OPEC, but I think the real issues lie within us, not in our...

College's career/job placement services ranked among the best in the nation Ten years ago, Grove City College in Pennsylvania began using Crown's Career Direct assessment to help its students determine God's calling for their lives. Jim Thrasher, career services director at Grove City, says the school's decision to choose Career Direct was the result of extensive research for a biblically based assessment. And this year, Grove City's career/job placement services have been listed among the...

A few years ago I became guardian for my parents. The court required me to take a training session. When the magistrate looked over the schedule of classes to see if day or evening would be more convenient for me, she asked, Do you work? I confidently gave the replay I have used for years. Yes! I am just not gainfully employed. A wave of laughter drifted across the room. She smiled and knew what I meant. Many young women today might have felt comfortable in responding, No, I am a full-time...

It's quite possible that saving lives and transforming far-away nations were not at the top of your list of things to do when you woke up this morning. Most of us believe our actions here have little or no connection to the rest of the world. Many times this is true, but one curious group of people is finding out that God can use them well beyond their expectations or capacity. For the last three years, people like you have been helping or encouraging the missions programs of their churches...

In 1987 I was working in a corporate job that I really enjoyed, when I discovered I was pregnant. My husband was in ministry and our finances were tight. I thought, No problem! After my leave of absence from work, I'll find a good daycare for our baby and go right back to work. But, after nine months of pregnancy, after 12 hours of labor, when the doctor handed me this beautiful angel, something happened inside. I thought, Uh oh! Big problem! During my three-month leave I prayed and I cried...