I am not an expert in this week’s topic — personal finances. But I think that’s why it’s important for me to share my perspective. There are some basic ideas about ways we think about and manage our money that can apply to all of us – even those of us who are not financial geniuses or Dave Ramsey graduates. The ideas I share in today’s show are:
Snippet from the Show
“Connection is more important than perfection.”
Shownotes
Remember that God is the source of every good thing, and everything we own, from our homes to our cars to our clothes, comes from him and belongs to him.
Shownotes
My new book, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, is still available for pre-order! We will be hosting a mini book club, right here in the podcast, beginning in June. I hope you will join us!
5 Personal Finance Rules for Everyone
- Get the facts.
You need to know where you stand financially. How much debt do you have? How much do you make? How much do you spend? Don’t avoid finding out basic information out of fear or insecurity.
- Ask for help
If there are things you don’t know how to manage, there is no shame in that. Find out who can help you solve your financial problems and ask for the help you need. One educational resource I especially recommend for family finances is Compass Catholic Ministries.
- Talk with your husband
What are your goals? What are his? What is he worried about? Do not avoid this conversation because it stresses you out. You are a grown up. Talk about your money situation like a grown up, and get on the same page with your husband.
- Acknowledge ways you are wounded
Money can be an emotionally-laden topic for many people because of experiences in their childhood. How were you raised to think about money? How were you raised to think about people who are poor or people who are rich? In what ways does your upbringing influence your habits and attitudes today?
- Give it to God
Remember that God is the source of every good thing,and everything we own, from our homes to our cars to our clothes, comes from him and belongs to him. Learn to turn to God in all your needs and trust in his providence.
I have received so much feedback from all of you about my book and the first chapter that I shared with you at the end of episode 210. Giving Thanks and Letting Go: Reflections on the Gift of Motherhood is a book in which I share from my heart about the very real changes, challenges, triumphs, and joys of being a mom in an “emptying nest.” You can read that sample chapter at Ave Maria Press.
My book, You Are Enough: What Women of the Bible Teach You About Your Mission and Worth, is available for order! Use the code, GIRLFRIENDS to receive ten percent off your order. Don’t miss out on this special available exclusively to listeners of the Girlfriends podcast.
Have feedback or an idea to share? I would love to hear from you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join our Girlfriends Podcast Facebook group!
Check out the Catholic Momcast featuring Lisa Hendey and me, available on iTunes!
RETREAT
The You’re Worth It! Retreat for Women
Find out more about bringing this unique event for women to your parish, group, or community. Read more and request more information here.
Or find out more about having me come speak at your parish or conference.
Contact:
Rate and Review Girlfriends in iTunes
Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer
Megan Madden
Megan Madden is a homeschooling mother with a passion for writing and speaking on authentic femininity and virtuous womanhood. In 2017, she began graduate studies in marriage and family at the International Theological Institute in Austria. After moving to Kraków, Poland to work with university students, Megan more personally continued her research on the complementarity of man and woman, particularly on the question of what it means to be a woman. She delved into the study of renowned Catholic writers on women such as St. Edith Stein, Gertrude von le Fort, Alice von Hildebrand, St. John Paul II, and St. Teresa of Avila.
The results were the development of Megan’s online ministry A Mother’s Lace, as well as speaking opportunities and her book with Ascension: Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter.
Megan lives outside of Oxford, England with her husband, who is a lecturer in theology, and their five children.
