50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2011

By Kimberly Palmer – Mon Dec 27, 9:15 am ET

Whether you want to ramp up your earning power, finally start a retirement savings account, or just stop feeling like you’re wasting money, now is the time to put together your New Year’s resolutions. We’ve pulled together 50 ways you can improve your financial life in 2011, based on the latest economic research and interviews with financial experts. These ideas, which focus on spending, saving, and earning, give you the tools for a complete financial makeover. Read them all HERE.

Christmas Ornament

Blank Project Ceramic Ornament
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A Boy’s Prayer

A little boy was overheard praying: “Lord, if You can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”

An Atheists’ Conclusion

Malcolm Muggeridge, the Socialist and Atheist British columnist from the 60’s said: “I have never wanted a God, feared a God, or felt under necessity to invent one. Unfortunately, I am driven to the conclusion that God wants me!”

Church Rules & Youth Ministries

“Youth ministry is dangerous. When you and I are trying to follow Jesus we’re going to get into trouble. Trouble-making is what discipleship looks like. Our role is not to create nice, compliant American citizens ready to get a good job and have 2.4 kids. Our job is to introduce young people to the life-ruining Jesus who causes nothing but trouble.

“Listen … if your church doesn’t have a rule made just because of your youth ministry (no soccer in the sanctuary, no orange punch in fellowship hall), you aren’t letting Jesus be first place in your ministry. Trouble is the yout worker’s middle name.” – The late Mike Yaconelli, founder of Youth Specialties

10 Commitments of Youth Ministry (Doug Fields)

  1. I will move slowly (Proverbs 14:15-16)
  2. I will regularly check my motives and evaluate my heart (Proverbs 20:8-12)
  3. I will steer clear of the numbers game (Matthew 18:12)
  4. I will not criticize the past (Philippians 3:13)
  5. I will avoid the comparison trap (Galatians 6:4)
  6. I will focus on priorities (Matthew 22:36-40)
  7. I will pace myself (Hebrews 10:36)
  8. I will serve (Matthew 20:26-28)
  9. I will be a learner (Proverbs 4:5; 13:20)
  10. I will pursue contentment (Philippians 4:11