21 Reasons Why People Go to Church and How it Affects Their Lives

As we all know, fame, fortune and success in itself doesn’t bring lasting happiness.  (Right?) Sure, if you are going to be miserable, you’re probably better off being depressed and long-faced in your mansion. Nevertheless, I have worked daily, over the past 12 years with some of the country’s deepest, most personal financial issues.  For many, this has become an extremely humbling, past few years laden with complexity beyond anyone’s expectation.  The good thing, a silver-lining if you will, is that when you find yourself on your knees…that’s where God speaks to you in such a profound manner. … Continue Reading

Mom Marvels at NFL Houston Texans Cheerleader Tryout and Reveals Her Secret to Success

We live in an “instant” world where many expect quick, tangible  results for their efforts.  Not so, is Sharon Pascual-Diaz who has tried out for the NFL’s Houston Texans Cheerleader squad seven straight times.  Her constant drive, passion compounded with her ability to retool and re-engage her skills year after year has finally paid off.  Money Smart listeners and our blog community can really learn a secret or two in chasing your dreams regardless of your circumstances or failures during this video…and have a little fun watching too! … Continue Reading

Job Security: Mislead From a Young Age

We have all heard the phrase from a young age “Go to school and study hard so you can get a safe secure job” right? Did you believe it like I did? I mean I must have heard that a hundred times from well-meaning authority figures like parents, grand parents, teachers and other mentors when I was young. So if that was so true why was I downsized out of 3 jobs in 4 years by the companies I was working for? I will tell you why because what we were taught is not good advice in todays marketplace. If you think you have job security working for someone else I bet you believe in the Easter Bunny. Don’t take it personally but it job security does not exist. … Continue Reading

#1 Financial Advisor Joel Wymer on Money Smart Radio

Every once in a while you get to meet someone who resonates and echoes your passion, core values and methodologies.  In the field of personal finance counselors, financial advisors and financial planners that is very tough to find.  Then comes along Joel Wymer from Akron, Ohio who has recently been voted by the Beacon Journal as the #1 financial advisor in his community.  We were fortunate enough to catch Joel at his office for an interview during our financial talk show’s podcast, Money Smart Radio…

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How to Unleash Money Smart Kidpreneur Creativity?

Does your child have non-traditional pursuits of interest? It doesn’t have to be odd interest like collecting all those single socks that come up missing in the laundry for some unknown ongoing school project. His thing could be something you don’t have an interest in, nor, do you believe it’s worth sacrificing for, like editing digital photography or developing gaming programs.

Step 1: Don’t be a dream crusher. … Continue Reading

You Don’t Need More Money – You Need Better Tools

Will a raise, a second jog or overtime grant you financial freedom? No.  Only you can create your own financial independence.

Last week, I heard an incredible interview on NPR with Peter Buffet and Renee Montagne.  Peter shared his insight on the inheritance he did and did not receive from his father Warren Buffet (one of the wealthiest men in the world).

Peter talks about his appreciation for the support and encouragement he received from both his parents as he was growing up.  Warren Buffet has stated publicly that his children will not inherit his wealth.  In fact, when Peter was 19, he was given an inheritance of $90,000 and nothing thereafter. … Continue Reading

Happy Mother’s Day from Money Smart Radio

Wishing all the Mothers out there…a wonderful weekend and especially a Happy Mother’s Day!  Here’s a quick little video of what we did at Family Christians Center yesterday to honor mothers and women…on this special day.  In case you haven’t noticed, I roll with some funny characters.  But one thing we have in common, is that we all love our moms! … Continue Reading

3 Steps to Building Money Smart Kid Character

It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you today’s guest blogger, LaRon Carter.  He is a former U.S. Marine (OOORAAAH!) and has a HUGE heart for kids.  We’ve become acquainted over social media, Twitter and Facebook, and he brings a very powerful message today for tomorrow’s leaders.  I LOVE how he integrated “Money Smart” into this post…awesome LaRon! Semper Fi, brother!!

Enter LaRon Carter:

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Can’t Find a Job? Make One!

Money Smart Guy Going Hollywood! The First Breakfast Movie directed by Christian Moffitt

Nah, no plans for the West Coast, but who would have thought I’d be in a movie?  God always has His ways…and this time it was to cross paths with Christian Moffitt.  I was introduced to him by Christian Hage of City Church Chicago who discovered him, literally on the side of a street.  This guy is SUPER TALENTED and I couldn’t believe he is only 19 yrs old!

Christian Hage, Pastors Kent and Alli Munsey arranged for a special movie production to be created for last week’s Easter service.  What a treat for City Church Chicago…church was packed Easter morning.  Below is a replay of that production, The First Breakfast by City Church Films.

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