Well, to me there’s a whole lot more to ‘abundance’ than what might show with only the ‘dollars’.

I believe we have what we have because of choices we make along the way. For me and my house we decided way back  in the courting days of this mom and pop that I would be a ’stay at home’ mom. We knew that might mean that there’d be times of pinching pennies and maybe doing without and also cutting back, but because I was able to stay at home there were also home- cooked meals every day, children that were home educated, and so many other riches that were experienced in the everyday moments of our lives together. I never felt ‘poor’.

But, whatever your choices as a family, absolutely, we need to have a Financial Plan so, where do we go for advice?

This first is my favorite of favs –

God’s Plan for Financial Success, by Leroy Brownlow. It’s a consise, realistic, down-to-earth workable system and also, I might add, beautifully written. You truly feel richer for the read and enabled to accomplish good things in life.

We have also attended workshops that were beneficial – for example, Steve Diggs is author of and has vibrant presentations to go along with his book, Free to Succeed. We genuinely learned a great deal that week end. Steve is a great guy and super funny too. I love his story and I believe you will too. http://www.stevediggs.com/Copy%20Free%20To%20Succeed.htm

Still one more that is an absolute must-read is by Alton Howard – Money Grow$ on Trees. It is a fun book to learn from and full of excellent down to earth advice – lessons on how to Make, Manage, and Master your Money!

I know the world right now is filled with people offering their 2 cents worth on how to be financially fit. Be careful who you follow though. Their advice really may be only worth that much.

For Teens -

There is someone to be valued in this day and time and that is Dave Ramsey. Our 15 year old son was privileged to be a part of a class last school year – Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance – you can learn more here: http://www.daveramsey.com/school/

Here’s a fabulous blog that deals with finances almost totally – he’s got oodles of information and a fabulous list of books that will be sure to help you with any and all of your financial questions.

Conquering Debt God’s Way By Bruce Ammons & Ruthie Ammons

Contagious Generosity: The Key to Continuous Blessing! By Barry L. Cameron “God loves a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).” Not only of our monies, but time, talents and abilities. In “Contagious Generosity” Barry L. Cameron shows how a lifestyle of generosity is a normal and blessing-filled way to live the Christian life. By giving generously you can become an agent of God’s blessing to others.

The ABC’s of Financial Freedom By Barry L. Cameron Is your money disappearing into the black hole of debt? Here’s just what you need to plug the leak! Offering sound advice for debt-free living, Cameron challenges you to take a hard look at your Attitude toward spending, avoid the Bondage of debt, and make a Choice to follow God’s plan for financial freedom. Paperback.

The ABC’s of Financial Success Workbook with CD By Barry L. Cameron In response to the overwhelming demand of the popular book The ABC’s of Financial Success, this workbook has been developed to compliment the book. The workbook will allow you to apply the Biblical principles taught in the book. The workbook also includes a CD to help you manage your finances and help you to become a financial success.

The Total Money Makeover, Revised and Updated By Dave Ramsey Get through all the myths and misconceptions of obtaining wealth and financial stability. Dave Ramsey takes readers through a nuts and bolts tactic to getting rid of debt and finding financial well-being. Gain hope and expose the ruse of the “American dream.” Uncover the pitfalls of cash advances and even debt consolidation. It’s a must-have guidebook for any family wanting to stay financially fit. The success stories speak for themselves and you’ll be one of them with an approach that works every time.