The Acadia Lagniappe

Asticou Azalea Garden, just outside ANP (by Adrian Klein)

Fresh Perspective

Welcome to spring and, in some ways, a "new year."  Although January 1st was three months ago, spring is held as a time of new beginnings and a fresh start.  Similarly, the Easter celebration reminds us of the new life we have in Christ.  

This season of renewal can also be an opportunity to think anew about your personal finances.  To help with this, I've collected some words of wisdom from Kingdom Advisors that provide a fresh perspective on how to think about money.  I consider these "lessons" to be unchanging financial truths that are practical, timeless, and always relevant.

The Most Important Financial Lessons You Will Ever Learn:

1. God owns it all, therefore we are stewards

2. Spend less than you earn; meet long-term goals through short-term savings

3. Avoid the use of debt because debt always mortgages the future

4. Financial priorities are simultaneous, not sequential

5. Give generously, because giving breaks the power of money

6. Pay taxes with gratitude because they reflect God's provision

7. Pass wisdom before passing wealth

8. Contentment is a choice, not something that can be purchased

9. Lifestyle choices will impact your financial health more than any other financial decision

10. Seriously consider the benefits of working with a financial advisor. 

Pay taxes with gratitude?  That lesson always generates a reaction, but it is true.  It is wonderful measure of how much you have received in the past year.  I'm not saying the process of doing your taxes is filled with gratitude, but you get my point.  

These lessons stand outside of time and turmoil.  They will withstand any market fluctuation, economic surprise, or news flash.  Simply put, they are keys to success and provide answers to most of life's financial questions.  

There is a lot here to consider, reflect upon and discuss.  What do you think?  Respond to this email or contact me directly at [email protected], and let me know what you think.

Laissez les bons temps rouler

I’ve assembled a few recent articles that I found interesting and informative. I also added a little light diversion.

• Retirement: The five decisions that can assure you of adequate income in retirement.
• Interest Rates:  Are you concerned about rising interest rates and how it's impacting the markets?  Consider these four positive results.
• Bogle Heads:  People who follow the "inventor" of the index fund, John C. Bogle, are called Bogle Heads.  I'm one.  He has passed, but this link takes you to a series of interviews where he shares great insight on "The Perfect Portfolio."
• Blowing Bubbles:  Are the financial markets in a bubble?  Seeing bubbles through the lens of index funds provides perspective.
• Final Courtesy Call?:  Who's making those annoying 'Your Car Warranty Has Expired' calls, and why won't they stop?
• Huh?:  To many of our ancestors, the word "yesterday" used to mean "tomorrow."