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By Bob Barber, CWS^®

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

The Rule of 72 is a mathematical formula I think everyone needs to know and understand when it comes to investing. This rule is extremely powerful and can be used to determine how often a lump sum will double or compound. It’s important to know how the Rule of 72 works because it can mean the difference in having tens of thousands, or even hundred of thousands, of dollars over a lifetime of investing and saving, as well as what it can cost you when taking premature withdrawals from an investment portfolio.

The formula works like this: 72 divided by an annual “average rate of return” of an investment equals the “amount of years” the lump sum invested will double.

Examples:

1) A $10,000 investment making an average annual rate of return of 2% would double to $20,000 in 36 years:
72 / 2 (percent) = 36 (years)

2) A $10,000 investment making an average annual rate of return of 6% would double to $20,000 in 12 years:
72 / 6 (percent) = 12 (years)

$40,000 in 24 years and $80,000 in 36 years

3) A $10,000 investment making an average annual rate of return of 8% would double to $20,000 in 9 years:
72 / 8 (percent) = 9 (years)

$40,000 in 18 years, $80,000 in 27 years, and $160,000 in 36 years

You get the picture. The better the annual average rate of return you can make, the faster an investment can compound and double, and those extra doubles really mean a lot over an extended period of time.

You can use the Rule of 72 in so many different scenarios, like how much a lump sum could grow to at a certain average rate of return over many years or what it could monetarily cost you in lost returns by withdrawing money from an investment growing at an average stated rate of return to buy a depreciating asset.

Example: Let’s say you withdraw $30,000 from an investment portfolio to buy a new car. If the $30,000 you withdrew was averaging a rate of return of 6%, over the next 12 years that would lower what would have been in your investment portfolio by $60,000 or in 24 years $120,000. What would the car be worth in 24 years? I bet not anywhere worth that.

Personally, understanding how the Rule of 72 works and applying it to just about every financial decision I have made over the last 30 years has not just meant tens of thousands of dollars but tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars to my net worth. I learned the Rule of 72 when I was very young, and I still remember to this day the “light” going off in my head of what it could mean to my future if I applied it. I’m so thankful that I did and that someone taught me the Rule of 72 years ago.

My hope is that you will apply this rule to your own financial decisions as well, stay disciplined, and stick to the plan because it’s worth it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10816″ img_size=”Full” alignment=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]By Bob Barber

March brought an unexpected and unprecedented market adjustment created by fallout from the unexpected arrival and spread of the coronavirus. None of us know if the economy will have a “V shaped recovery” (it will go up as quickly as it went down) once we get past the Coronavirus, a “U shaped recovery” (it will be a much slower recovery back to where the economy was), or an “L shaped recovery” (we may not recover for many years), and we need to plan accordingly for where you are today.

We are continuing to manage and monitor our biblically responsible investment strategies and make adjustments based on current market conditions with a long term perspective. But along with investing, prudent financial planning – making adjustments and updates to your financial plan to coincide with your investments – is key to addressing the changes we have seen. In other words, your investments should never be isolated from financial planning.

I believe in planning for the worst and hoping for the best. This would mean planning for an L shaped recovery, in which the economy may not rebound, but just moves slowly ahead like a turtle, with low returns moving forward. This is why it is so important to update your financial plan now, not later, and adjust if needed, so there is a plan for a better outcome and you won’t run out of money before running out of life.

We can easily do this with our online Christian Financial Advisors^® Financial Planning System, in many cases, over a 1-2 hour online meeting. Financial planning is included for many of our clients, and it can also be acquired for an additional fee. Our financial advisory solutions and the level of planning included is based on assets under management. You can view more details here: www.ciswealth.com/solutions.

Call 830-609-6986 today or click here to set up a time for online financial planning[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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By Mary Jo Lyons, CFP^®

A friend recently asked me “exactly how does the Bible address financial planning and investment management principles?” I provided a short summary of the principles below but my response was not as polished as it should have been. I vowed to be able to answer this in a more thoughtful and concise way going forward. As both a Certified Kingdom Adviser® and a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner this message should be muscle memory. Off I went to do a little research. I know it’s in there!

Good financial advice has its roots in Biblical Wisdom. Money is one way we work out our belief system: values, goals and priorities, thus financial advice really is spiritual advice. The reason we stress financial stability is to encourage folks to become better stewards of their God given resources.

There are actually 2,350 passages in the Bible dealing with money and money management. Check out the Education Center on our website www.ciswealth.com for a list of Bible verses that provide scriptural guidelines for handling money. You will find passages on ownership, tithing, giving, debt, saving, investment, honesty and best of all, seeking wise counsel. Two of my favorites:

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it…

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.

The Bible provides many answers but also poses many questions including this one: Do you believe God owns it all? See the answer above from Psalm 24:1. In the Bible God has provided us with 6 transcendent planning principles and 5 observable Symptoms of Stewardship:

Transcendent Planning Principles

1. Spend less than you earn | Proverbs 13:11
2. Avoid the use of debt | Proverbs 22:7
3. Build Reserves or Margin | Proverbs 6:6-8
4. Set Long-Term Goals | Philippians 3:14
5. Develop & maintain an eternal perspective | Psalm 24
6. Rejoice in generosity | II Corinthians 8:9-11

Observable Symptoms Of Stewardship

1. Giving in proportion to income
2. Living a controlled debt free lifestyle
3. Taxes are paid with integrity and thanksgiving
4. Husbands and wives set financial goals together
5. Accountability

To help you look at your own financial situation check out “The Four Hs of Financial Wisdom”. Give us a call at (830) 609-6986 to request your free copy. Rooted in Scripture and focused on helping you live as a steward of God’s resources, this tool will help you assess where you are today and encourage you to live out biblical principles in your finances tomorrow. The four H’s include Heart, Health, Habits and Hope.

This one page document is a great tool available to us in our work as Kingdom Advisors and made available from our partners at the Ron Blue Institute. Take a few minutes to complete this exercise. Consider doing it together with your significant other, if married or in a committed relationship. We encourage you to spend time in prayer as you think about the changes that you may need to make. If you are already doing these things then be grateful that you are on the right track and pray for continued discipline and focus.

Dr. David Jeremiah was quoted for saying “Contentment is looking back without regret, looking at the present without envy and looking at the future without fear.”

Financial contentment can only come when couples work together in spousal unity. They share a “theirs” rather than a “his and hers” mentality and agree it’s better to have more cash flow than more stuff. Working with a trusted financial advisor can help you be accountable to a long term plan.

God wants us to be content. His word tells us so:

Satisfied to the point of where I am not disturbed or disquieted. – Philippians 4:11
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money. – Hebrews 13:5
A sense of inward sufficiency. – 1 Timothy 6:6

If you are looking for wise counsel to help organize your financial life in a way that is consistent with your faith, we are here to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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In Order To Get There, You Have To Know Where You Are Going

By Mary Jo Lyons, CFP®

Would you take a road trip without a map or GPS? Financial planning is the process of wisely managing your finances so that you can achieve your dreams and goals – quite simply, it is a map to get you to the financial future that you desire. Identifying financial goals and a plan to achieve them in a systematic way is the heart of financial planning.

A realistic, comprehensive plan can help you meet your goals by addressing your financial weaknesses and building on your financial strengths.

Like most people, you have hopes, dreams, and life goals for yourself and your family. Without a plan and a strategy, there can be a lot of unnecessary risk in achieving these goals; risk that can cause emotional stress and financial distress if not managed properly. You don’t have to do it alone. A qualified financial planner, such as Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) professional, can help you make decisions that make the most of your financial resources.

At Christian Financial Advisors^®, our approach to Financial Planning is a little different. We help our clients use their God-given resources to pursue their God-given dreams and goals. With our planning modules, you can pick and choose what’s most important to you now and in the future. Each module is customized to your personal situation. Our financial advice is based on Biblical principles so that you can confidently navigate financial decisions as a faithful steward of your family’s financial future.

How do you know if you can benefit from the services of a financial planner?

You may not have the expertise, time or desire to actively plan and manage certain aspects of your financial life. You may be the type of person that needs help to get started. In addition, most people will benefit from an objective, third-party perspective on what are often emotionally difficult decisions. Life events often trigger the desire for professional planning guidance.

These events may include:

• Making sure your money will last during retirement
• Taking control of a retirement plan from a previous employer
• Handling an inheritance or other financial windfall
• Facing a financial crisis such as a layoff, serious illness or natural disaster
• Caring for aging parents or a disabled child
• Funding education
• Developing a strategy for planned giving
• Determining how to create a stream of income in the most tax sensitive way
• Creating a will and estate plan to wisely disperse assets

Without prior planning, funding these events can result in additional debt, creating financial hardship. Anticipating these events in advance, developing and implementing a savings strategy can help to reduce risk and make financial burdens more manageable. Having a solid financial plan in place can help you weather these storms without putting your financial future at risk.

Most Christians strive to give generously. We want to help you discover the joy of generosity and create a plan to live a more generous life expanding God’s kingdom and achieving the dreams and goals of your family.

Contact Christian Financial Advisors^® at 830-609-6986 to begin planning for your financially fit future!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”july-aug-2017″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7564″ img_size=”Full” alignment=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]The rise of automated “robo-investment” platforms—online services that use software programs to determine the user’s investment style and computer algorithms to manage and rebalance investment portfolios—have many investors wondering if this approach may be right for them.

For certain investors, including young people just beginning to save, automated investment platforms can offer a lower-cost alternative to working with a full-service wealth advisor.

However, it’s important for investors to understand that many of the core services they rely on from an experienced wealth advisor are typically not offered on automated platforms including:

• Comprehensive financial planning aligning financial strategies and life goals
• Holistic approach to tax, insurance, retirement, and estate planning
• Active portfolio management focused on managing risk vs simply mirroring an index
• Risk management/asset protection strategies extending beyond investment planning
• Access to a full array of investment products and financial solutions including insurance, mortgage banking, business-owner retirement plans, and alternative investments
• Advanced planning strategies for managing cash flow, debt reduction, retirement income, Social Security claiming, executive compensation, & business and estate planning
• Personalized financial education and advice
• Coordination and implementation of advice from all your professional advisors such as your CPA, attorney, and insurance agent

Clients that work with us benefit from our experience as independent wealth advisors because we build unique and personalized strategies based on our clients’ goals.

We can do this because we take the time to get to know you as a person, not an account number, and understand your current situation, goals, and aspirations.

We can help you develop a comprehensive, long-term action plan to pursue your specific objectives; monitor progress toward your goals; and provide the proactive advice and guidance that leads to the outcomes you and your family desire.

To learn more about how we will place your needs first, give us a call at 830-609-6986.

* This communication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For specific professional assistance, the services of an appropriate professional should be sought.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”july-aug-2017″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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1. Get my will and estate plan updated

2. Help the kids understand their potential inheritance

3. Get completely financially organized with all my financial documents (wills, trusts, real estate deeds, insurance documents, titles to vehicles, etc)

4. Review my retirement accounts and see if I’m on track for retirement

5. Update my budget plan and track all expenditures

6. Come up with a long term plan to get debt free as quickly as possible

7. Review my home and auto insurance for possible inadequate coverage

Don’t worry! We can help you accomplish all of these goals and more. Contact our office at 830 609-6986 or email us at info@ciswealth.com

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[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6405″ img_size=”Full” alignment=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]October was one of the busiest times for Christian Financial Advisors^® in its history as many of us, especially Bob and Pat, were invited to attend all the surrounding annual Baptist Association meetings across Central and South Texas.

Each regional association is made up of 70-200 surrounding Baptist Churches. Christian Financial Advisors^® was the exclusive financial firm that had a booth at the meetings for the Burnet/Llano, San Antonio, Bluebonnet (New Braunfels and surrounding area), Gonzales, Gambrell (South Central Texas area) and Corpus Christi Baptist Associations.

To learn more, visit the Church section of our website under the Services Tab or our Churches and Ministries page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1479495174975{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

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[vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6017″ img_size=”Full” alignment=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Financial planning is a key part of wealth management and one of the services offered to our investment clients as a benefit of doing business with us. For those who do not have investment accounts with us, our financial planning services are offered for an hourly rate. We have a list of 20 Financial Planning Modules that cover the most common issues one encounters, but we also handle unique situations.

We look at all areas of your finances to help you create a plan based on your personal circumstances and the dreams that you want to achieve. Next, we give you actionable steps to help make your dreams a reality. We are there along with you as your advisor, guide, and coach the throughout the entire process.

We also offer our Christian Financial Advisors^® System as a hands on tool for your personal financial planning. Not only can you view your investment account balances with us, but you can also create a complete picture of your financial situation, quickly generate numerous financial reports, create and manage a budget, and store your most important documents in one secure, easily accessible location and more.

If you are not taking advantage of our financial planning services or our Christian Financial Advisors^® system, contact us to set up a meeting to begin your plan![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”10px” bottom=”10px” bg_color=”#163463″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1472147374664{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”]

Check out other articles from our September 2016 Newsletter

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Personal Financial Planning

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6017″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”/2016/09/01/personal-financial-planning/”][vc_column_text]Financial planning is a key part of wealth management and a service offered to our clients as a benefit of doing business with Christian Financial Advisors^®.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”custom” custom_background=”#163463″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” link=”url:%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fpersonal-financial-planning%2F|title:Personal%20Financial%20Planning|” add_icon=”true” button_block=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1472146248708{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1472147104787{padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Planning For Retirement

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6019″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”/2016/09/01/retirement-planning/”][vc_column_text]Did you know that Christian Financial Advisors^® offers a variety of services when it comes to retirement planning? Learn more about these services![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”custom” custom_background=”#163463″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” link=”url:%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fretirement-planning%2F|title:Retirement%20Planning|” add_icon=”true” button_block=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1472146369748{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1472146473497{padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Investment Management

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6018″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”/2016/09/01/investment-management/”][vc_column_text]We work hard to tailor the most appropriate portfolio strategies to our clients’ situations without using a “one size fits all” approach.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”custom” custom_background=”#163463″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” link=”url:%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Finvestment-management%2F|title:Investment%20Management|” add_icon=”true” button_block=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1472146586889{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”20px” bottom=”10px”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1472147169952{padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

BRI – How It Is Just Like Voting

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6016″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”/2016/09/01/biblically-responsible-investing-just-like-voting/”][vc_column_text]Learn more about Biblically responsible investing and how it is similar to the way that we choose to vote.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”custom” custom_background=”#163463″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” link=”url:%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fbiblically-responsible-investing-just-like-voting%2F|title:Biblically%20Responsible%20Investing%20-%20Just%20Like%20Voting|” add_icon=”true” button_block=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1472146712516{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1472146951796{padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Tips & Tricks From Athena

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6015″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”/2016/09/01/financial-tips-and-tricks-from-athena-savings-tips/”][vc_column_text]See what financial tips and tricks our favorite chocolate lab has to offer when it comes to advice on saving![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”custom” custom_background=”#163463″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” link=”url:%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Ffinancial-tips-and-tricks-from-athena-savings-tips%2F|title:Financial%20tips%20and%20tricks%20from%20Athena|” add_icon=”true” button_block=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1472146983766{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

We All Have Different Gifts

God gives all of us different gifts and strengths to help one another. Some of us are teachers, doctors, nurses, carpenters or mechanics. Others are architects, artists, entertainers, pastors, engineers or protectors (police, fire, military). While others are veterinarians, managers, leaders and everything in between. And let’s not forget about some of the unappreciated jobs that are not in the limelight like those who maintain our homes, offices, automobiles, etc., who do the jobs that make life so much easier for us all. (more…)

Almost weekly I speak with someone who believes diversification means using multiple financial advisory service firms to get a diversified portfolio. Upon further examination, I find that more often than not the exact opposite of this assumption is true. Let me explain. (more…)