Money, Purpose, Joy.

Book Review

Bell, Matt. Money, Purpose, Joy. The proven path to uncommon financial success. NavPress. 2008
M.B.- a popular personal finance speaker and writer.

Comment. Henry
Matt has presented a helpful resource for those who find themselves on a financial treadmill or worse as they struggle with the challenge of not living beyond their means. He becomes very specific with the ‘how to’ of his teaching. The numbers and examples are (made in U.S.A.) but they reflect transferable concepts. This could become a personal self help resource and/or a great guide for a group study.

The financial focus of our culture is to make consumers of each and every one of us to the point that puts us in serious financial bondage. We live from paycheck to paycheck and at the same time accumulate debt. Things ought not so to be.

Avoid the trap of symbols of professionalism, e.g. new car, new house, etc. Purchases don’t provide happiness. It is not our responsibility to prop up the economy. Those who target us as customers do not have our financial best in mind. Know your financial identity. Being debt free has a positive impact on relationships. Look for opportunities to make a contribution with your life. It is worth sacrifices.

Our basic desires arise out of a fundamental desire for God. This is an important assumption. The world’s values undermine that desire. The biblical concept of being a steward focuses on building not consuming.

Giving, “a seemingly irrational act” (70) brings financial freedom. This has been accepted as a business principle, i.e. give away 10 percent, save 10 percent, and live on 80 percent. It was first a biblical concept. Giving must be motivated by gratitude. Generosity and happiness are connected.

A consumer culture does not focus on saving. Saving must be connected with hope (better times). “If, when, and why” (86) are three aspects of saving that must be understood. The removal of consumer debt has to be one of first goals of saving. A great number of very specific, practical ideas are presented to help people with actually saving.

There is great value in a budget that is part of gaining freedom. It is basic to knowing where your money is going and a helpful tool to become accountable.

When marketers are your major financial influencers you are in trouble. Living within your means is described as “teaching money to dance”. (145) Learning how to save is part of that dance.

Living a life that reflects financial responsibility can result in an opportunity to ‘give a reason for the hope that is in us’. Financial success can be a part of our spiritual life.