Lesson 1 - The Changed Heart
In this foundational session of Financial Boot Camp, we will explore why we need to be focused more on our heart than on our financial picture. We will also discuss what God says holds true value and how the life of a Christian should look different than the world.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 2
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Compile all financial statements (bank accounts, investments, debts) along with prior year income and giving and complete your Personal Financial Statement*
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This helps us get a view of our current financial picture. It is a helpful tool to know where we are before we try to create a plan for where we want to go. It also gives us a snapshot to reflect on as we evaluate whether our lifestyle has been characterized as one pursuing self or one that reflects our salvation.
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Track all of your expenses for the month using the Daily Expense Tracker sheet*
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Make first attempt at preparing a monthly budget for this year
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Schedule your one-on-one meeting with Brad
Lesson 2 - Spending
The Christian has been given a new heart and that should be evident in the lifestyle choices they make. Rathern than seeing their spending choices as an opportunity for self-enjoyment or impressing others, they will now see them as an opportunity to invest the money God has provided for the purpose of bringing Him honor and glory. However, sin and temptation are always lurking around the corner, trying to convince us that God is withholding something good. This lesson will explore some of the ways sin will attempt to corrupt our spending decisions.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 3
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Track all your expenses for the month using the Expense Tracker sheet* (see Lesson 1)
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Start to review and evaluate your spending.
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Is any of it sinful?
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Is any of it dangerous or feeding temptation?
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Do any expenses presume upon God’s blessing to pay for it in the future?
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Is there waste that could be cut out to make room for better investments?
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Try to cut $100 per month in spending by eliminating your least important expenses.
Apply those savings to something more important. That could be spending, saving,
or giving.
Lesson 3 - Debt
"Understanding the Biblical View of Debt" - In this lesson, we’ll explore what the Bible has to say about debt and build a scriptural foundation for answering the following questions: Is it a sin to take on debt? Did God forbid us to borrow money? Is it ever wise to borrow money? What are the risks of having debt?
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We’ll explore the principles of debt taught in scripture as well as getting out of debt and avoiding it in the future.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 4
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Track all your expenses for the month using the Expense Tracker sheet* (see Lesson 1)
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Make a personal commitment to take on no new debt
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Establish a separate emergency fund
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Create a list of larger anticipated future expenses (e.g., car, college, vacation) so you can start to plan for future needs. List expense, amount and timing.
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Run your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
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Follow up on any errors you find on your credit report
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Consider freezing your credit to reduce the risk of identity theft
Lesson 4 - Giving
In this lesson, we’ll explore what it means to honor God through our giving—a discipline that uniquely requires faith and a heart aligned with God’s purposes. While spending and saving often focus on ourselves, giving shifts our perspective outward and becomes a powerful reflection of our faith. Drawing from Scripture and real-life examples, we’ll examine how joyful generosity flows from a deep understanding of the Gospel: that we give because we have first received. Whether you’re learning to trust God with little or much, this study will encourage you to live with open hands, investing in an eternal kingdom where our true inheritance awaits.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 5
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Track all your expenses for the month using the Expense Tracker sheet* (see Lesson 1)
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Review your giving and see if it matches your heart
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If your giving is not where you would like it to be, come up with a plan to get there over time. If you are not currently giving, start with an amount you know you can commit to on a regular basis and build the habit. You can then work to grow it from there.
Lesson 5 - Stewardship
Stewardship goes beyond finances and not only brings glory to God but also witnesses to our salvation. The Gospel is the greatest treasure we’ve been given with instructions to take it to the ends of the earth. We will be measured by our faithfulness while God produces the results.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 6
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Track all your expenses for the month using the Expense Tracker sheet* (see Lesson 1)
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Review beneficiaries on your retirement plans and insurance contracts; update as necessary
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Complete an estate plan if you don’t already have one. If you have one, review it to see if it needs updated
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I recommend reading the optional reading article on Estate Planning
Lesson 6 - Saving
We can glorify God in our saving when we do it with an open hand and a heart desiring His will for those savings. Peace and contentment are only found in trusting God for our daily needs.
Homework
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Read articles posted under Lesson 7
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Track all your expenses for the month using the Expense Tracker sheet* (see Lesson 1)
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Update your Personal Financial Statement after the end of the quarter* (see Lesson 1)
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Review to see if there are any assets you would struggle to give up
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Review your savings with your spouse and assign a purpose to every account