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Work It Out Questions

Connect with the Thrive Financial Team

The first step in being financially healthy is to start thinking about your finances. How you think about money can help you and your family thrive or dive. This first lesson will help you to start thinking about your finances and how to begin managing them.
<h2>Start here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two: (optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: (optional) Watch the sermon clip from Pastor Matt 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson:</h2>
“To whom much is given, much will be required” is a phrase most of us are familiar with. When it comes to your finances, do you view this as a “gift” from God that needs to be handled with responsibility and intentionality, or do you clutch to your finances as something earned or deserved? Before you watch this video, begin with this prayer: Lord, I recognize that You are a giver of gifts–good gifts–and I want to be more attentive to Your provision in my life. Help me to handle what You have given me well, so that I might honor You in my life and in my finances. Help me to clutch on to You, Lord, instead of my finances; help grow my trust in You through this process. In Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/03091819/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> : Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://youtu.be/nOjxi-bKWuc?t=282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">It’s Okay to Not Know How to Handle Money</a>  (Video Clip): It&#8217;s Okay to Not Know How to Handle Money (In his sermon on finding financial advice in the Bible, Pastor Matt Brown tells us that it is okay to not know how to handle money—but it isn&#8217;t okay to stay ignorant.) 
<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/select/why-americans-are-stressed-about-money/">90% of Americans say money impacts their stress level</a>&#8211; (Article): A survey from Thriving Wallet, a project backed by Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global and Discover, found that 90% of Americans say that financial considerations have an impact on their stress levels.
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It’s Okay to Not Know How to Handle Money

90% of Americans say money impacts their stress level, according to survey

The first step in being financially healthy is to start thinking about your finances. How you think about money can help you and your family thrive or dive. This first lesson will help you to start thinking about your finances and how to begin managing them.

Create a mindset for thriving

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Budgets are the cornerstone to thriving financially. In this lesson, we will talk about why a budget is important and how to create one.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two: (optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Choose a budget app or the worksheet to download and create a budget 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson:</h2>
Before watching this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Lord, I surrender myself, my gifts and talents, and my finances to You. Give me the courage to enter into these exercises with vulnerability, so that I can experience freedom on the other side. I invite You to challenge my views on money, and to challenge my heart so that I might embrace the fullness of the freedom You offer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/03094945/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> -(PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KVsOCCswmA9wUQS8qz7WfRe0AxNe8W_SQCnmznNplzs/edit#gid=1003589323" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Budget Tool</a> (SPreadsheet): We have attached a tool for you to build your own personal budget! Make a copy of this spreadsheet and follow the directions to input your own financial information to help you understand your own goals around giving, saving, and spending. 
<a href="https://mint.intuit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mint</a> (App): Mint is a free resource that helps you track your budget and spending from your phone. Our panel recommends this resource to help you manage the budget that you created using our Budget Tool. 
<a href="https://www.youneedabudget.com/why-were-different/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YNAB</a> (You Need a Budget) (Website):  This is a subscription-based ($99/yr) resource that gives you tools to manage your budget and make dynamic decisions about where to adjust your giving, saving, and spending. 
<a href="https://www.quicken.com/product-selector/reverse-nst" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quicken</a> (Website): This is a subscription-based resource with clear tiers to match your financial situation. This resource helps you manage your budget and spending, as well as investments, small business, and/or rental properties.

Budget Tool

Mint

YNAB (You Need a Budget)

Quicken

Budgets are the cornerstone to thriving financially. In this lesson, we will talk about why a budget is important and how to create one. 

Create a budget

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Once you have a budget, it is important to track what you actually spend. In this lesson, we will talk about some tools and practices that will help you to see visually how you&#8217;re progressing toward your goals.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two: (optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Download the Visibility Tool worksheet 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson</h2>
Before you watch this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Lord, when I consider my own personal discipline, or self-control, I know there are areas where I fall short. I acknowledge that discipline and self-control are inherently beneficial, but also incredibly difficult. Empower me, Lord, to exercise more discipline over my life–over my heart, my mind, and my finances. I surrender this area to You, Lord, and I invite your power into it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/06095426/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> (PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Is-dQ-zc-UCJwpsuSYdQA9lSOnHrD3XAkrMOUaH_Uts/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visibility Tool</a> (Spreadsheet): We have created this tool to help you have better visibility on where your money is going from each paycheck, and to help you make adjustments to your budget based on your actual giving, saving, and spending.

Visibility Tool

Once you have a budget, it is important to track what you actually spend. In this lesson, we will talk about some tools and practices that will help you to see visually how you're progressing toward your goals. 

Bring visibility and tracking your goals

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Having money set aside will help reduce the stress of a rainy day. In this lesson, we will talk through how and why it is vital to create an emergency fund as well as saving for big purchases.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two: (optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Download the Savings Tool worksheet 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson</h2>
Before watching this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Lord, I admit that sometimes it can be difficult to delay my gratification, especially since life can be so difficult, and especially because I work so hard. But Lord, You modeled delayed gratification through the life of Jesus, and I want to learn to live the kind of life He did. And while You give us areas of responsibility, inviting us into personal discipline for freedom’s sake, You also ask that we trust You with all of our hearts. Help me strike a balance between those two: personal responsibility, and deep trust in You. I invite You into this area in my life, in Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/06095527/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> (PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15NYsjl9wpcWGCmN3r4WzaxgMvnr7D6PMIqjKyo3a_90/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Savings Tool</a> (Spreadsheet): We have created this tool to help you determine what you need to save for (emergency fund, retirement, vacations, etc.) and put a plan in place to begin contributing to these savings categories. Simply make a copy of the spreadsheet and follow the instructions to input your own financial information.

Savings Tool

Having money set aside will help reduce the stress of a rainy day. In this lesson, we will talk through how and why it is vital to create an emergency fund as well as saving for big purchases.

Saving

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No one likes paying for fun you already had. Eliminating debt is an essential part of managing healthy finances. In this lesson, we will discuss how to pay down and pay off your current debt.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two:(optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Download the Debt Reduction Calculator worksheet 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson 
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson</h2>
Before watching this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Dear Lord, at my core I desire freedom. Freedom from addictions, freedom from struggles, but also freedom from the consequences of poor decisions. I confess that I don’t have it all together, showing my need for You all the more. So Lord, rather than avoiding the consequences of poor decisions, give me the strength to endure them, to learn from them, and to grow in character and wisdom as a result. And as I grow in character, may I experience the freedom that You offer–the freedom from addictions, freedom from poor thought patterns, and freedom from bondage of any kind. I invite You to mold me into the person You see me; fill me with Your wisdom and character as I walk with you in these areas. In Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/06095629/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> (PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17qVMBqbTx4SO_YoRhJCyLi0tokf3raId5wdwRBH7g2A/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Debt Reduction Calculator</a> (Spreadsheet): We have created a tool for you to use to get better visibility on the debt you have and to build a plan to pay it down. Simply make a copy of this spreadsheet and follow the instructions to input your own financial information. 
<a href="https://sandalschurch.com/debtreduction/">Debt Reduction Campaign</a> (Website): We are committed to helping our church get out of debt this year! Click here to learn more, or join us in pledging to pay down your own debt.

Debt Reduction Calculator

Debt Reduction Campaign

No one likes paying for fun you already had. Eliminating debt is an essential part of managing healthy finances. In this lesson, we will discuss how to pay down and pay off your current debt.

Eliminate your debt

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Rather than working for money for the rest of your life, investing is a way to make your money work for you. In this lesson, we will look at how to begin investing and some helpful practices to protect your investments.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two:(optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Download the Investment Tool worksheet 
Step Five: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson 
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson</h2>
Before watching this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Lord, You show us time and time again in Scripture that You are a multiplier. When we are faithful with what we have, offering it to You rather than keeping it for ourselves, You multiply and You increase. We recognize that this is ultimately a way of demonstrating Your glory, but also a way that You use our faithfulness to bless others. May I honor You with what I have–my time, my talents, and my finances; may You multiply it, and may it bless others abundantly. In Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/06095715/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> (PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/124zdXdpDu2VwK833zGxE-d9Gcmkg-up-LLqgqd3L7vY/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Investment Calculator</a> (Spreadsheet): We have created an investment calculator that will estimate the future value of your savings account with optional periodic deposits. It also includes a yearly table that lets you add specific annual deposits that may be different from year to year.

Investment Calculator

Rather than working for money for the rest of your life, investing is a way to make your money work for you. In this lesson, we will look at how to begin investing and some helpful practices to protect your investments.

Investing with wisdom

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achieving-financial-contentment-and-joy_-cultivating-a-heart-of-generosity

Achieving Financial Contentment and Joy_ Cultivating a Heart of Generosity

As you take control of your finances and have begun to thrive, the natural outcome is generosity. In this lesson, we will talk about why giving is important and how to use the blessings God has given you to bless others.
<h2>Start Here:</h2>
Step One: Click the arrow above to watch the video 
Step Two:(optional) Read the prayer below 
Step Three: Download and go through the Work It Out questions 
Step Four: Click the link to the Tithe calculator tool 
Step Five: (optional) Watch the sermons and clip from Pastor Matt Brown and Claude Hickman 
Step Six: Mark complete, and you are ready for the next lesson 
<h2>A prayer for you as you begin this lesson</h2>
Before watching this video, we invite you to pray the following prayer: Dear Lord, as I’ve gone through these videos and lessons, I admit that I have been challenged, that I have been stretched, but also that I have seen You grow me, my character, and my awareness of Your goodness. You are an incredibly generous God, and so I ask that You would grow my heart to be increasingly more generous with all that You have given me. I let go of any and all kinds of stinginess, for it imprisons me, and I embrace generosity in its place. Help me see the incredible value of giving to Your Church, Lord, and I confess any obstacles that might stand in my way of doing that. Help me to continue to release, to grow in my generosity, and to live a life filled with the joy that comes from imitating You, Lord. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
<h2>Giving to Sandals Church</h2>
When you give to Sandals Church, you join God in changing lives and helping people become real. Sandals Church exists because of normal, everyday people who have chosen to give and in doing so have created a place where we can all be real with ourselves, God and others. Support what Sandals Church is doing at <a href="https://give.sc">https://give.sc</a> or use the Sandals Church App <a href="https://sandalschurch.com/app">https://sandalschurch.com/app</a>.
<h2>About The Resources:</h2>
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/06095808/22L020u-Thrive-LMS-Content-PDF-7.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Work It Out Questions</a> (PDF): Questions for you to work through individually, as couple, or in a group. 
<a href="https://assets.sandals.church/cms/uploads/2022/12/27124015/Achieving-Financial-Contentment-and-Joy_-Cultivating-a-Heart-of-Generosity.pdf">Achieving Financial Contentment and Joy </a> (PDF): If you would like to know more about what the Bible teached on generocity and giving, check out this article by Pastor Dan Crowley. 
<a href="https://sandalschurch.com/give/">Tithe Calculator</a> (Website): Use this tool if you need help figuring out what your tithe would be based on the percentage of your income. 
<a href="https://youtu.be/k7gcrcCpiuE?t=565" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Have the Life Everyone Wants</a> (Video Clip):(Pastor Matt shares a message from the book of Romans 11 about how jealousy can rob us of life, but when we put God first in our decisions, He will bless us—including financially.) 
<a href="https://youtu.be/t-tvt6wini0?t=1024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biblical Generosity</a> (Video Clip): Claude Hickman explains the six traits that distinguish biblical generosity during his sermon on giving to God.

Tithe Calculator 

Sermon Clip: How to Have the Life Everyone Wants

Sermon Clip: Biblical Generosity

As you take control of your finances and have begun to thrive, the natural outcome is generosity. In this lesson, we will talk about why giving is important and how to use the blessings God has given you to bless others. 

Orient your life & finances around generous, consistent, and joyful giving

<h1>About This Course</h1>
This course about financial wisdom was created by our pastors and presented to you by members of our church who have learned—sometimes the hard way—how important it is to live responsibly with your money. You can take this course on your own, with your significant other, or even in a small group of friends. We have also created tools to help you apply what you learn in each short video to your financial situation.
If you have any questions as you make your way through this course, we have incredible financial mentors who are ready to help you navigate your unique situation.
<h1>What You Will Learn</h1>
<ul>
<li>Creating a mindset of thriving financially</li>
<li>Budgeting</li>
<li>Having visibility and goals around your giving, saving, and spending</li>
<li>Saving for the future</li>
<li>Getting out of debt</li>
<li>Investing your money</li>
<li>Giving back to God</li>
</ul>
<h1>How to Get Started</h1>
<ul>
<li>Step One: If this is your first time here, start by clicking <a href="https://api.sandals.church/authorize.php?redirect=https://learn.sandalschurch.com/">Sign Up</a> 
If you already have an account, click <a href="https://api.sandals.church/authorize.php?redirect=https://learn.sandalschurch.com/">Login</a></li>
<li>Step Two: You are all set for your first lesson. Just click on the start course button above or select the first lesson from the list below.</li>
</ul>

At Sandals Church, we want you to thrive in all areas of your life, including your finances.  We have created this 7-lesson course to provide you with some tools and good practices to help you build or regain a solid financial foundation.

Thrive Financial

About This Course

What You Will Learn

How to Get Started

What to expect