Category: Finances

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Finances Home Parenting

5 Lessons to Teach Our Kids About Debt

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t learn about debt until I was 21 and knee deep in it! Even worse, I didn’t have the urgency to pay it off until I was 28 and ready to do more with my money.
Many of us grew up in tight financial situations where debt seemed inevitable and paying it back, impossible. But we now have the opportunity to frame the mindset of younger generations toward debt. So if we’re serious about breaking the “owe money” cycle, here are 5 lessons we can teach our kids about debt.

Lesson #1: You can’t afford it if you have to make payments

It’s so easy to swipe that credit card or get that loan, that many of us think we’re affording, when we’re really borrowing.
We borrowed for that car we’ll have to pay on for 6 years, even though it loses it’s value significantly after 1! We borrowed for that house with a mortgage payment that’s almost half our monthly income. We even borrowed for clothes, groceries, and anything else where credits cards were accepted. And with all of this borrowing, we lose money each month because of the interest lenders collect.
We shouldn’t do so much borrowing for items that end up costing more money in the future (like a car), or for items that don’t give us a return (like anything that’s not an income-generating asset).

Lesson #2: The minimum monthly payment is your enemy

Borrowing costs money. That’s what interest is, the cost of borrowing. Each month that you owe, the lender collects this interest. It’s how they make money. To maximize their profit, they break your total debt into monthly payments. It’s NOT so that you can “afford” it, it’s so they can make as much as possible in interest.
Here’s an example: You buy a pair of shoes on your credit card for $400. Let’s assume your credit card has an annual interest rate of 12%. Using a simple debt calculator, you’ll see that your minimum monthly payment is $16, and that it will take 2 years and 8 months to pay it off (assuming you don’t make other purchases).
This means after 2 ½ years, you would’ve paid over $500 for shoes that you probably don’t even wear anymore. And even if you still wear them, they’re likely worth less than $50, let alone the $400 the store asked for!
We should feel a sense of urgency to pay our debt as quickly as possible. This money can then be put toward items that will help us create wealth in the future.

Lesson #3: Once you’re in debt, forget the past…

Some of us fell into debt when we were younger or just didn’t know about its implications, but we have to let it go. Even if you knew better, let go of that regret. Don’t condemn yourself for decisions you made in the past. It only makes it that much harder to take action and break free in the present.
How you got into debt doesn’t matter. What matters is your plan for getting out.

Lesson #4: …& persevere toward the future

No debt is too large to fight your way out of. Seriously, google “how I got out of debt” and look at all of the success stories. Here’s one of my favs.
Nothing is stopping you from being your own success story!
How do you get out of debt? You do whatever it takes to pay more than that minimum monthly payment we talked about above. You get the second job, you cut back your spending, get rid of seem expenses, and you promise to pay that extra amount each month.
And hold yourself to it! You can use a debt calculator to see how long it will take you to pay off your loan with this new, higher monthly payment. Once you have that date, post it to your mirror, make a countdown, encourage yourself to stick to your plan!

Lesson #5 Make it so you don’t have to borrow again

With all of the work, effort, and sacrifice it takes to get out of debt, set yourself up so that you don’t fall back into it. Spend frugally, set financial goals, so that you can save for things our society has told you you have to borrow for. You don’t have to borrow for a car, you don’t have to borrow for a house. You don’t have to borrow for school. Together, saving and going for less expensive items can limit or completely eliminate the amount you have to borrow.
Strive to not have to borrow. That is our lesson for our kids! 🙂

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Finances Marriage

3 Ways To Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

When I graduated from college, I made $30,000 a year, owed $60,000 in student loans, and was not able to make ends meet. I graduated top of my class in high school, went to a top university, and there I was…young and broke. You know the saying, “…when you find yourself with more month than money”. Yea, that was me. I was in that paycheck to paycheck rut.
But by the grace and favor of God, I learned to break the cycle and master my money. I make more now than I did as a recent grad. But more money alone didn’t break my paycheck to paycheck cycle, and it won’t break yours. The 3 steps below will.

1. Know where your money goes

One of the worst things you can do is fall behind on your bills and obligations, especially when you’re young. Late fees and interest (on debt) will make sure your paycheck stays consumed by bills. And when all of your money is spent on bills, you won’t get ahead. So your first priority is to make sure you don’t fall [further] behind.
But many of us don’t even realize that we are behind, and you won’t realize it until you know where your money is going.
The concept is simple: subtract your monthly bills from your monthly income. What’s left is your “free spending” money. If what’s left over is negative, you owe more than you actually make each month! You’re in the hole and need to do whatever necessary to dig yourself out. For me, this was getting a second job to help close the gap, until I could figure out a longer-term solution. Back then, that solution was to make more money, but I quickly found that more money wasn’t the answer.

2.  Aim to spend less, while working to make more

More money helps, but if your spending grows right along with it, you’ll continue to live paycheck to paycheck. I’ve been there! Within 6 years of graduating my salary more than tripled, but so did my expenses and debt. Needless to say, I saw the same struggle.
Breaking out of the struggle is less about how much you make, and more about what you do with what you have. If all of your money is going toward bills, or groceries, or entertainment, or any other item not helping you break out of your struggle, you need to cut back. Cut down to those items that you truly need. Ask yourself what are you willing to sacrifice now for a better future?
If you know where your money is going (from step #1), it’s easier to know where you can cut back. Track your “everyday” spending in addition to your monthly bills, and you will be surprised at what you find. You’ll see how those trips to Target and McDonalds add up!
For me, this was getting rid of cable, cutting back on other entertainment, hair products (#teamnatural!), and food, food, and more food.

3. Put the extra money towards things that will keep the cycle broken!

Cutting back is not fun or easy. I get it. But it gets easier when the money goes toward a better future. Getting rid of cable, so you can pay the light bill isn’t as fun as getting rid of cable, so you can build up your travel fund.That’s why #2 is so important. Minimize your bills so that your money can go toward things that allow you to do more, without being set back.
I cut back severely to save for our wedding, and we paid for it in full. I’m still on a tight budget to pay off student loans. I’ve set goals to make my future easier, but it requires I sacrifice a little right now.
As we get older, we want to do more stuff and enjoy life more. Think now about some of those things you’ll want to do in the future. Reward your future self with an emergency fund, a shopping fund, investments, and other financial goals that will make your current financial struggle temporary, breaking the paycheck to paycheck cycle.

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Dating/Courting Finances Home Parenting

6 Tips for Single Mothers to Maximize a Small Income

As a single mother, money can be a challenge when you have another life or lives to account for and you take on the bulk of the responsibility financially. Recently, I’ve been being challenged by God to not panic but to take a step back and really look at what I have to see how I can get the most out of it.  My job doesn’t pay the best but I’ve found that it is doable and it is teaching me a few things about my perspective(s) on money. Here’s what I’ve been learning so far:

1. More doesn’t necessarily mean better off. Yes, increase is great but more money can possibly create more problems if you have not mastered financial discipline. It is best to assess and be honest with where you are and what you can handle financially. Sometimes it’s not about having more to work with; the beauty in learning to maximize the small can be of great value to your future.

2. Work with what you DO have. With wisdom you can really make any amount of money fit your needs, trust me I am a witness. I’ve found that the key is prioritizing what is most important, eliminating or doing without things you want but don’t necessarily need right now, and using wisdom with how you spend what is left over.

3. Steward well over what you have. In Matthew 25:21, we see that Jesus gives the parable of the talents: The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! Please know that God sees our irresponsibility and undisciplined practices with money, He cannot trust us with more if we do not steward or manage the little that we have properly.  I’d like to believe that God delights in increasing us but not if we will use it to cause more damage to ourselves financially.

4. Tap into resources that can help generate income.  And I don’t mean a get rich quick scheme. What is in your hands to create that can be a stream of extra income and potential wealth? Do you have a niche, a talent or hobby that can produce income? Or, can you learn to create something that can stream income into your home? Think of the Proverbs 31 woman who built her home, went out into the marketplace and generated income for her household (YouTube and the internet are full of DIY projects and crafts to learn). Find your niche and work it!

5. Spend your money with your FUTURE in mind. That will eliminate poor financial choices when you think of it this way. Everything we do or don’t do today inadvertently effects our future, especially when dependents are involved. Don’t cause for those depending on you financially to suffer at the expense of your poor spending habits. Again, assess and be honest with where you are. Do not try to live above your means to keep up with the Jones’, know your limits and stick to them.

6. Don’t despise small beginnings. It won’t be this way always. Instead of seeing this season as a struggle, see it as a small beginning. As you grow in wisdom financially, your finances will in turn grow. It is all about diligence, hard work, prioritizing and discipline.
Contirbuting Guest Writer Bio:
Shevante Walker is a woman of God, mother, daughter, sister and friend aspiring  to touch many lives with her testimony. Currently seeking her Bachelors  of science in Psychology, she has hopes of one day becoming a counselor  to aid in the healing of people’s minds, lives and spiritual well-being. It is her desire to allow the healed parts of her to heal the  brokenness in others. She is a liberator who longs to see people break  loose from the condemnation of their past and living in the freedom of  their future! 

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Engaged Finances Home Marriage

How to get a Designer Bedroom for Less

This clean, mid century modern bedroom was designed by the amazing, world renown, Interior Designer, Kelly Wearstler.
This room probably costs in the range of  $10,000 – $20,000 to create. I have pulled some resources together to give this look for a price that is substantially less than $10,000. Interior Design does not have to stretch your wallet and affordable design does not have to look cheap.
I have attached the links to each item that I believe gives a similar look to what Kelly used in this bedroom.

Items you will need to recreate this look:

1. Area Rug
2. Gourd Lamps
3. Side Tables
4. Bedding
5. Mirror
6. Self Adhesive Accent Wallpaper
8. Ikat Pillow

9. Headboard

10. Bench

Do you have a room that you would like me to recreate for less? Send me an email at skiptomyrue@gmail.com. Your submission could be featured as another blog post.

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Finances

3 Necessary Changes to Handle Financial Increase

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Engaged Finances Marriage

3 Ways to have a Financially Blessed Marriage

Being financially blessed is a desire of all couples in order to provide for their families, enjoy life, and prepare for the future.  Here are 3 ways to have a financially blessed marriage.
1. Pay God First
After watching my mom pay God first each Sunday at church my entire childhood, I was so excited to do it once I started making my own money. God has shown Himself faithful in this area of my life more times than I can count. I remember my first time seeing my older brother ride his bike without training wheels. It was so cool, and I instantly wanted to do the same. I jumped on it and crashed.
My dad came over to me and said, “Jamal you need to learn how to ride on the training wheels before you move on to the big boy bike.” I would practice every day until I felt I was ready to do it again. This is the same with paying God first.   He has set it up that we learn how to pay Him first in order to preserve our hearts from money becoming our god which results in us crashing with bad finanical decisions.
 Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other or else He will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.  
My goal was not to stay on the training wheels, but to one day be able to ride freely without any assistance. Which is living a generous lifestyle. I believe with all of my heart the reason my wife and I have seen our finances blessed is because we have faithfully paid God first.  
Pay God first by setting aside 10% out of each paycheck and  giving it at church! 
From full college scholarships, vehicles paid off, promotions at work, supernatural wedding, and much more. Have there been hard times? Absolutely. But, those hard times simply remind us of who are source of happiness is, His name is Jesus.
 
2. Give Generously 
I remember a dear friend of mine was getting married and I had a sincere desire to pay for his honeymoon. I believed by faith that sowing into his honeymoon, I would reap it when my time came.
Well, majority of our wedding was covered through generous blessings, but our honeymoon came fully out of my pocket. Not being ungrateful, but the thought did come to my mind to why my seed sowed didn’t reap a harvest there.
Well, fast forward to almost a year later (the present). A few weeks ago a friend of mine called me asking if we were planning our one year anniversary to which I replied, “yes!” He then said, God laid it on my heart to pay for you and Natasha’s 1 year anniversary vacation. I almost did two back flips because not at all was I expecting him to say that!
Sowing and reaping is a biblical principle you can be sure God stands by, but He doesn’t do it on your terms.
I encourage you and your spouse to develop the passion for giving generously which is over and above your 10% given to your local church to others and watch God work on your behalf.
You’re blessed to be a blessing!
2 Corinthians 4:12, “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”
3. Spend Righteously
You do not own your money, and I pray your money doesn’t own you. God is the one who enables you to wake up each morning, go to work each day, and come home to enjoy the work of your labor.   If you agree, then you are not the owner, but a manager of your income.
“The Earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the World, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1  
With the understanding that your money is God’s then we should spend it the way God desires for us to spend it. Spending righteously simply means spending wisely. According to the parable of the talents, God illustrates His desire to cause increase to those who are good stewards of what He entrusts them with.
When you have been faithful with few, God will then entrust you with much. How are you and your spouse spending after you have paid God first, paid your bills, and paid yourself? Are you tracking where your money goes, investing in wise investments, and preparing for the future?
My wife and I have two different relationships with money. She spends on small things constantly, and I spend on big things once in a while. We’ve had to learn how to work as a team in order to live the life we desire to live and be a good steward of what God has given us.
 
1.  How do you and your spouse manage your finances in your home?
2. What are somethings you and your spouse have done to have a financially blessed marriage?

Categories
Finances Marriage

5 Ground Rules for Money Management

From the desk of the Modern Day Cindi:
One of the core values of a healthy marriage should include healthy finances. Even more importantly, although the marital bed should be kept warm and undefiled, it can indeed become cold, unsafe and distant—the space between spouses during times of financial unrest can feel like a deep, dark, bleak abyss.
Of course, the coolness of the mattress can happen for several reasons, but studies have shown that increasing distance between spouses is often due to the misunderstanding or misalignment of goals and/or intentions of how to manage current and future uses of money in the household. And this, by far, could be one of the worst things that could happen in the marital bed.
When I first got married, money was consistently at the center of most discussions. Whether in agreement or working through differing views, the discussion of finances never went away…in fact, the conversations became more and more detailed as each of us had to peel back layers of who we were to come to a common understanding that created a workable foundation.
During those communications, I learned that it was important to set ground rules so that the frustration around the money pot would not taint the sweetness of the honey pot. Here are a few of those ground rules:
Ground Rule #1: Transparency is key
Have open and honest communication. No Secrets! Be honest about your past and current state financially including salary/income, number of bills, outstanding debt, etc.
Ground Rule #2: Create a safe space
the environment should be such that it is easier to discuss finances and possible past mismanagement so that neither or either spouse feels condemned, judged, or alone.
Ground Rule #3:  Never stop communicating
Have the hard conversations, not only the easy ones, but the tough ones as well. These talks should occur frequently and early on in the relationship.
Ground Rule #4: Establish roles and responsibilities early-
lean on the stronger partner. For purposes of this discussion, stronger does not mean better or more dominant, it just means the person who is more equipped. If you are that spouse, be able to give without regret or retreat. In the event neither is capable, it is wise to enlist the help of a financial advisor, especially to manage the collective goals of the household.
Remember, the collective goals should also align with individual goals because a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Ground Rule #5: Have a game plan and revisit it often.
It is not enough to have good intentions, but it is best to create a plan together and work on it as a team (this includes prioritization of uses of money and paying off debt). Make the discussions fun and be realistic about the goals that are set. Establish milestones and designate celebrations for reaching goals.
Final thoughts: Our past and everything that was attached to it (and us) comes up when we get married—Our finances, financial practices and preferences, as well as our personalities including pride, rebellion, insecurity, lack of prioritization, being disorganized, family teachings, etc. are not exempt.
Know this: Management of finances can reflect who you are, where you are from, and what you value. Therefore, as a commitment to the marital covenant, value, protect and nurture this part of the marriage as an equally important component of establishing a partnership pleasing unto God. And again remember, a house divided against itself cannot stand.

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Dating/Courting Engaged Finances Home Marriage Parenting

Ask Dr. Faith: 7 Keys to Balancing Marriage, Motherhood, Ministry, and Marketplace

In the last 2 years of my life, which have included marriage, motherhood, ministry, and marketplace, I have learned that balance is not achievable, but there is a way to do all four. I have been in ministry for 15 years, married for two years, a mother for one year, and a business owner for 9 months. Is it difficult yes, but I believe it is doable. Today, I will share the 7 most important things I have learned about each of these areas and how I balance them. Most people ask me “how do you do it,” and my answer is chaotically but gracefully. A lot of people have ideas about what a life full of marriage, ministry, motherhood, and business looks like.  But the truth is, you really don’t know until you get there. When I was pregnant I took 5 months off and that was incredibly hard for this busy beaver, but it was really important to recognize the necessity in doing so. That leads me to my first point:
 

  1. I have learned that every season and every role is important and sacred. I do not rush through taking care of or being with my son to get to the next task even though I want to sometimes. When I do, I just get frustrated and I rob myself of precious time that could be spent with him. So with that lesson learned I began to work around his naps and when he goes to bed. There are many times I still get frustrated trying to answer emails while he is pulling on my dress or asking to play, but nowadays I catch myself and let whatever I am doing go and give him my attention. I have learned that sometimes I can only do one thing at a time and that is fine.  I have learned not to feel guilty for putting my work aside and playing with my baby. I know as I honor my role as a mother, God will honor me as a work at home mom. Raising my baby is just as important as making the money to contribute to my family.  It helps that my husband is in graduate school and has several classes at night, which allows me to work and then focus on him when he returns. That leads me to point two.
  2. Manage your time wisely. When you are in multiple roles time can be your best of friend and the worst of friend. Learn to categorize things in your head and write down a block schedule. Whatever you do, try to have a clear map of how you are going to steward your day. Yes there are always surprises, but try to get back on track as soon as you can. I intentionally work hard to create time for my service to God, my husband, my son, and my career. Create spaces in your schedule and designate chunks of time for each task. Put first things first: Jesus, husband, children, and ministry/work. Sometimes you may feel like you are drowning in water and what you are giving is not enough, but if you do it out of a heart of love, it is enough. Give yourself Grace.
  3. Everything is not always going to be perfect and that’s okay. Life as a wife and working mother is nothing like the magazines. My house sometimes is not as clean as I would like, my prayer time not as long, my productivity not as much, but I give my best to all I have been given to steward. Do your best and get help. Find a friend who loves to clean, someone who can occasionally watch your baby so you can work, or someone who could plan meals. Plan systems and creative ways to keep your home and life running smoothly. However, the sooner you realize there will be a lot of times where things won’t run smoothly, and the sooner you become okay with that, the happier (more peaceful, settled, content)  you and those around you will be. Do not fall under the trap of perfection―do what works for your family. I pray you have a supportive husband, split chores, share in responsibilities and you will be just fine. When you fall short, repent and keep moving. Remember there is always tomorrow.
  4. Learn to understand the season you are in. I have been very eager to finish writing the books that have been hanging in the balance for awhile now, however book writing requires prolonged moments of quietness which are currently nonexistent in my life. I was so frustrated, until I realized this was not a season for books but for blogs. Using blogs I could still get out what I had to share with the world just in a shorter form. It does not mean I will not write again, it just means it is not a season for novels. Understanding the season I am in helped me release the pressure I was putting on myself. When I was single, or even before the baby, I could “go, go, go,” but seasons have changed and some things will just need to wait.  Be realistic with the goals for all areas of your life. What you can do―do it now. What you can’t do now― you can do it later.
  5. Family first. Since I am on the road quite a bit I decided that I would take my family with me as much as possible. Ministry is family. I do not believe that your calling or assignment ends just because you become a wife or mother. Instead, your calling enlarges and you are given a different sphere of influence. As a woman preacher, my heart is to include my husband and children in the work of the Lord, so much, that it all merges together. Serving Jesus and being a family should just be as normal as breathing. Care first for your husband’s emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, then your children, and then everyone else. This sort of prioritizing will be a model for others to see and follow in a ministry settings. Read the Word and pray with your husband, have family Bible reading times, dream together as a family, and always make God the center of everything. As you honor your commitments to your husband and children, I believe God honors your commitments to those you have been called to serve.
  6. Have Fun. As tiring and difficult as this season can be for some, it is also wonderful and beautiful. Life is all about perspective. The way we see the world effects what we will receive from it. Look at the not so funny moments of life, and remember you will laugh about them later. Take it easy on your spouse and children. Find time to go on vacations, have family fun nights, and laugh, laugh, laugh. Jesus came so you could have this kind of abundant life. When you want to complain remember there are so many other women who wish they had a husband, children, work, or ministry. Be GRATEFUL. Ungratefulness breads discontentment. Rejoice in who you are, what you have, and where you are going.
  7. Take care of yourself. This is an area I am working on constantly because my schedule just seems impossible. But now that it is warming up, I take a 20 minute walk with the baby in his stroller twice a day. It is good for him to get out, the mental break helps my creativity, and the walking serves as my exercise for the day. I am very protective of my time. I make sure I spend at least two hours a week watching a movie or favorite show. It is hard for me to put the iPad down, or the phone, but I remind myself that my productivity is based on my level of rest. I get my hair and feet done often, and I really push for those alone times even if it is only several hours a week!

I know I have so much more to learn, but one thing I know is that this is doable. There is no balance, but there is a way. Be all God has called you to be and live a fulfilled life. For a consult on how to balance your life better email me at info@askdoctorfaith.com.

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Engaged Finances Marriage Parenting

When the Favor God Promised in Marriage is Tested

As I was spending time with God a few weeks ago, I was lead to write in my journal.  When I began to write I hear the Holy Spirit say that the next 3 months would be very pivotal months of our marriage because God is preparing us for greater level of exposure and increase.  Yes, I got very excited at the thought of productivity and more opportunities, but not at all did I consider what needed to happen in order to make us ready for it.  I sit down with Natasha and discuss with her what I believe God had spoken to me.  She agreed for us to begin to prepare every area of our life for increase, which includes: time management, finances, relationship with Jesus, and relationships with others.
 
As we moved into the month of February, a domino effect of events began to occur from my car breaking down costing us $700.00 to fix, which thank God we had a emergency fund to cover that.  Then, the next week I get a call regarding a financial situation that hadn’t been taken care of that now was costing us over $1,500.00.  At this moment I was like, “Really God?”  As a husband, I stand on Proverbs 18:22 which states, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord”. I know many quote this, but I stand on it as a promise from God.  Well, that verse had me scratching my head saying, “Where’s that favor at?”
 
Marriage is under attack in the body of Christ for a reason, and I believe its because the enemy knows the greatest display of the work and love of Christ towards His people is found in a God centered marriage! God desires to bless those who enter into this covenant, which we agree that anything God puts favor upon, testing will follow.  We had to adjust our spending drastically to make up for the set back. This caused Natasha and I to turn to God to get His perspective, as we knew these situations were testing our faith in God’s ability to turn this thing for His good.  As we set our hearts to trust Him during this trial God has strengthen our dependency on Him.   Our times of prayer together has erupted something within us towards one another causing a recommitment to love one another no matter the circumstance.
 
I want to encourage you whether you are a husband or wife in the middle of a moment where you don’t understand why it’s happening, but you trust God to turn it for your good. Do not be dismayed and allow this season to discourage you ultimately affecting you, your spouse, and your family. Be strong in the Lord and declare His goodness is better than any earthly trial or gain. As we go through we are praying for YOU to make it through with us.
trials < Jesus

 Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

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Dating/Courting Engaged Finances Home Marriage Parenting

2 Things That Will Make Your Marriage Thrive

Do you know that the decisions you make today will affect your future as well as the future of your offspring? This does not just relate to married couples, but to the engaged and unmarried as well.  I am learning on a whole other level the power of prayer and planning! Prayer and planning has been key for me during this new season of marriage. Before I said I do, and even after I remember women from every age and background were telling me how essential prayer would be to my marriage and family. 

1. What should I pray about? 
Pray for your husband of course, but don’t stop there. Pray over your household’s finances, your job, extended family and your children whether born or unborn. God hears your prayers. He is a God who lives in the future! He loves talking about the future with you and enjoys the process in which you discover those plans through prayer and quiet time with Him. As you are faithful I’m praying, watch the temperature and presence of your home exude love, peace and joy! Yes. You have the ability to be a conduit in which God will use to bless your house now and the houses of your offspring.
2. What do I need to plan? 
It says In the word of God for us to write the vision and make it plain, so that whoever reads it may run with it and understand for it will be released at an appointed time. (Habakuk 2:2)  Planning and casting vision for your future as well as your family’s is something I believe every woman should partake in.  I’m learning that absolutely nothing is too big for God! Create a vision board, journal it or discuss with your spouse your plans and vision for the future and watch God bless you beyond your wildest dreams.
At the end of the day it is not about you. It’s about those who are before you and those who will follow after you. Pray over them now and cast vision over your life and the lives of your family. You have the power to change, rearrange and restore with your prayers, words and vision!