Coffee and Money

No one really ever says, “Hey, we should go have coffee and talk about money” for a variety of reasons. Money is personal and finances freak us all out in one way or another. Some of  us worry too much, some not enough. Some know a ton about handling money, other zilch. Either our money is bullying us around or we are the boss of our budget. But we don’t casually chat with our besties about it.

But honestly, don’t you ever wish you could sit down over coffee and get the scoop from a really smart financial friend? A sister who would share all the secrets to financial freedom? You know the kind of girl that would speak plain English and not highfalutin financial jargon that intimidates you? One that would let you know what she’s doing and what the bible says about fiscalness. I made up that word…that’s how much I don’t talk about finances.

Well, I have a friend for you.

Last summer I had the privilege of attending the She Speaks conference hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministry. It’s for aspiring writers and speakers and it was completely delightful. Especially the moment when a tap on my shoulder had me turning around to see a sorority sister from college standing before me. Emily and I had not been super close in college, likely because she had her head on way more straight than I ever imagined at that time and she was not prone to hanging out in the same places I was back then. However, this familiar face brought me such joy and peace. I instantly had a desire to reconnect and learn about what she was up to.

A few months later I reached out and learned that Emily’s aspiration to share the gospel through her gift of financial understanding and counsel had come to fruition through her new book, Faithful Finance. We swapped stories and caught up over a lengthy phone conversation, it was so sweet for my soul.  Of course I ordered her book in a fast frenzy.

I am so proud and impressed by my friend. This book is the real deal. It’s so much more than a book about money. It’s a book about life and love and caring for your loved ones and loving the Lord and trusting Him. Emily has such a sincere and non-intimidating way to set you on a journey of not only financial success, but an eternal path.

With all my heart I believe in the power we have as women when we learn how to marry our God given gifts with His purpose. Emily is a shining example.

You may be wondering why I am talking finances on a home décor/DIY type blog. It’s because I think the two go together like PB&J. So often we hold back in decorating our homes or tackling grandiose dreams because fear of finances bully us around. OR…our love of shopping and crafting cause us to overspend and get us into deep financial trouble. The freedom comes in both of these extremes with knowledge. Emily has the knowledge to help you know how much you can responsibly spend on your shopping habit each month or how to devise a plan to live out those big dreams in your head. Knowledge friends…it’s a good thing.

Here are a few Q&A’s from my chat with Emily I thought you’d enjoy!

Not only do I want fellow Believers to support God’s church financially by giving, but I also want to teach people Biblically sound personal financial planning advice.  The Bible has a lot of truth about how to handle your money so you can live a more fruitful and peaceful life.