StewardshipofWealth.com Blog

What You See Is What You Get

I enjoy listening and playing 70′s R&B soul music. One of my favorite R&B groups, The Dramatics, performed one of their many hit songs entitled; What You See is What You Get. We believe through the power of the God’s Spirit inside you, you can become committed to being a person of integrity. You must become a “What You See Is What You Get” person.

I heard one spiritual leader Pastor Benjamin Jones say “Your career ends when you die, but your character goes on for eternity”. Gods truly wants to develop your character. He sent his son Jesus Christ to be your earthly example of true integrity.

It Takes Commitment & Character

Level 4  stewards are people of integrity. They follow through with what they say they’re going to do. Level 4  stewards are people whose word is their bond. Level 4  stewards are good examples and good leaders. They are an extremely positive witness to those who are in their circle of influence.

How you spend and relate to money has more to say about your character than anything else. Have you ever spent money you don’t have, for something you don’t need, to impress people you don’t know? Many times, money will reveal our inner selves, our true hearts. My financial coach Dave Ramsey says” Marriage is a partnership, couples can’t win with money unless they budget as a team.

Meaningful Relationships Are Built On Trust

You are either a faithful steward or an unfaithful steward, a good example or a poor example. There is no in between. I clearly remember speaking at a community of faith empowerment session on the topic of financial stewardship. When I completed my presentation, I sat down next to Ardella and whispered “How did I do Honey?

Ardella looked dead into my eyes and asked, “Why are you talking about something you are not doing yourself?” Ouch! Yeah, that hurts, but I made up my mind that day not to stand in front of people and talk about something I was not practicing in my own life. I heard a still small voice in my spirit say that I would become a husband, father, and man of integrity.

When Jesus Christ returned to heaven to be with his father, he sent you a Comforter to empower you to become generous, truthful, honest, transparent, and benevolent so you can walk in His love, freedom, and favor. You can become a person of integrity.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord help us to live authentically.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency.  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the International Pathfinder Club a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 4 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Proverbs 21:20 TLB

 The Struggle to Save

Many of you only dream of saving money. Here’s a quick snapshot of America’s finances. The Wall Street Journal indicates that 70% of all Americans live from paycheck to paycheck. The Oprah Winfrey Show indicated on an online survey that 70% of responders has no savings anywhere. You almost have to pull a gun on Americans to get them to save.

Preparing For The Storms of Life

We have learned in Financial Peace University (3) key reasons to save money; for emergencies, for purchases and to build wealth. With Ardella and I having careers in the academic and risk management arena for over 25 years, we label emergencies in 5 categories we call the 5 storms of life or the 5D’s.

1Disasters – Car accidents, weather related perils, any unexpected incidents.

2Disability – Any physical condition that prevents your daily living activities.

3Downsized – Loss of employment, bankruptcy or divorce.

4Death – The loss of a person who contributes to your financial well being

5Deployment- Active& reserve military called to serve 6 or more months away

If you want to become a faithful steward you must begin the process of saving money. Moving to a higher level of stewardship requires dedication, discipline and diligence. Living the life of surplus and overflow takes wisdom.

If You Are Saving, You Are Succeeding.

Many of you have struggled so long in your financial lives you get comfortable with a life of stability. Now is not the time to rest, keep moving. There is so much God have for you to learn, experience and become. You must choose to make saving a top priority. The choice can change your family tree.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord, help us to become savers.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of a podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and co-founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vance’s have been married well over three decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  John 15:7  KJ

A Life, If Well Lived, Is Long Enough 

Level 4 Stewards realize the importance of time and manage their time wisely.  Staying connected to the Source is always their first priority. Level 4 stewards are aware that the choices you make today will impact future generations.  So staying connecting to the Source is critical to the success of your life legacy.

We agree with what President Barack Obama says  “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential”.

We have discovered in our spiritual journey, when we allow God lordship over our will, dreams, and ambitions we experience more peace, love and happiness in our world. God’s blessings in the life of  the Level 4 Steward will also be a blessing in the life of others. We believe God blesses the lives of Level 4 Stewards so they can be an example of  what He can do in a life that is connected to the Source.

Does Your Life Empower Others?

We have developed the daily practice of investing time in prayer.  This allows us to say no to the good in order  to say yes to the great.  For example, in order for us to live a healthy life style we say no to certain foods that may taste good and yes to foods that gives us proper nutrition to support our goal of healthy living.

Here’s another example, in order for us to live a life style of financial freedom we avoid debt and say yes to investing to support our goal of building generational wealth. The tension for Level 4 Stewardship is the ability to stay connected to the Source when you can have, do, and be anything you desire.

A Person Striving To Become Better, Leads By Example

We believe connectivity to God is the source of all blessings.  Connectivity to people is the how the blessings flow from the Source into your life. We love what Mary Kay Ash  said “Don’t limit yourself.”

Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far a your faith takes you. What you believe through Christ,  you can achieve.  Level 4 Stewards are determined to stay connected to the Source and intentionally practices the process of connecting to others.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord keep us connected to You our source.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of a weekly podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking In God’s Favor: Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn’t be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 GW

Only By Giving Are You Able to Receive More Than You Already Have

Why would God say He loves a cheerful giver? Giving is an emotional experience that involves the heart.  The Word of God says that where your treasures are, that’s where your heart will be also. You must make giving a part of your day-to-day Christian experience. Here’s how to start.

• Pray…Ask for God’s power to change your heart. David asked  God for a clean heart. Only God has the ability to change hearts. God can transform your thinking if you give Him permission.
• Seek…Discover God’s wisdom in His Word. Turn off the TV,  iPad, cell phone and unplug. Get into a regular Bible study group. How can you walk in God’s wisdom if you rarely read His divine road map?
• Fellowship…Rub shoulders with people who are generous givers of their time, talents, treasure (money) & temple(body) in honor of God. Hang around people who live a stewardship lifestyle and are great examples of faithfulness.
• Share…Tell your experience to others of how God has blessed your faithfulness. Many times, you do not realize God is all you need, until God is all you got.

Real Giving Happens When You Give From The Heart

People can give more when they are not in bondage to debt and credit cards. People can give more of their time, talents and financial resources to organizations that positively impacts their community. It is difficult to give cheerfully to the Kingdom when you have overextended yourself financially. Learn to say “No” to the person in the mirror and “Yes” to the Giver & Creator of life.

You are welcome to download our free Stewardship of Wealth (SOW) Money Guide. In our SOW Money Guide, you will find links to several resources to inspire you to become a better steward of your wealth. We are truly thankful for you and the 3,927 fans who follow our Stewardshipofwealth.com blog. We pray that God continues to bless you and your family richly in 2023.

Michael will lead a financial discussion at “The Game Of Life” Male Youth Conference. You are personally invited to bring young men you love and deeply care for to become saturated with wisdom, financial principles and life lessons that matter.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord, teach us to give from our heart.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the Better Husband Father Man Podcast a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and founder of Stewardship of Wealth. Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vance’s have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor:  And, of course, it is very good if a man has received wealth from the Lord and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and to accept your lot in life—that is indeed a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 TLB

Wealth is having more then you need, and wanting less than you have.

Our definition of wealth is holistic and different than most people. We define wealth as certain things money cannot buy such as good health, loving relationships, peace of mind, creative abilities, wisdom, freedom and a spirit-led life.

Having a fat bank account,  strong investment portfolio, or family trust fund, doesn’t necessary mean you are truly wealthy. If you have a million dollars net worth and you are always worrying about losing it or someone trying to scam your money, you aren’t truly wealthy.  You have a scarcity mentality.

You can truly only enjoy your wealth, if you are in good health.

The first truly wealthy person I was able to observe up close and personal over the years was Ardella’s father the late Howard T. Williams. This barrel chest, quick to laugh man was always willing to share a smile and words of wisdom with anyone who crossed his path.

Mr. Williams was a loyal employee for  Chrysler Corporation for 32 years and valued long-term relationships. He was married to the same woman for 42 years. He gave back to his community by serving as a member of the Detroit School Board for 13 years.

Mr. Williams saved money in a college fund for all (5) of his children.  Paid off his home mortgage early, avoided debt & credit cards, and had an emergency fund for the unexpected. On the day of his death Mr. Williams had a will and his burial arrangements in place. He was a man ahead of his times and a great example to me of personal stewardship.

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

In the world’s economy it says wealth is measured primary by material possessions and the things money can buy. In God’s economy true wealth is measure by certain things you cannot necessarily see and by certain things you cannot necessarily buy.

Prayer of Blessings: Lord, give us health to obtain true wealth.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the Better Husband Father Man Podcast a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is the financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency . Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate  about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Phillippians 4:11 NLT

Love Is Your Greatest Gift And Contentment Is Your Greatest Wealth

Queen Latifa stars in a movie titled, Last Holiday. She is mistakenly told by her doctor that she has a terminal illness and has a very short time to live. Believing that she is dying and her days are numbered, she decides to do the one thing on her bucket list that she has dreamed about her entire life; travel to Europe.

She goes to her bank and withdraws all her life savings. She intends for this dream vacation to be an experience of a lifetime. Queen Latifa’s character in the movie books  her plane travel first-class in order to feel once in her lifetime, what the rich people enjoy when they travel.

She books her hotel reservation in a five-star hotel where the rich people stay and picks the high-rollers’ penthouse suite, which includes the luxury pamper package only for the rich people. She dines out every night at the finest five-star restaurants where the rich people eat. She lives on the financial edge as if there is no tomorrow.

Contentment Shines In The Spirit Of Those Who Are Grateful

Many of you live your financial lives pretty much the same way during the holiday season.  You spend as if there is no tomorrow. One of the definitions of  maturity  is learning to delay pleasure. If you struggle in your spending during the holidays like many Americans, here’s 5 tips from Financial Peace University  www.fpu.com to help you make wise choices when buying items over $150:

1) Wait over night before buying. Sleeping on it takes the edge off you.

2) Consider your buying motives; why and why now?

3) Don’t buy things you don’t understand or can’t explain.

4) Consider the opportunity cost. Would the money be better invested or saved?

5) Seek the counsel of your spouse. If single, seek the counsel of a mature Christian you know and respect.

Changing Future Generations’ Mind-set

If God blessed some of you with money with your current character traits and mind-set, your desire for instant gratification, your impulsive  tendencies that are out of control, and your media-driven consumer mentality would cause many of you to blow most, or all of  God’s financial blessings. Our mission is changing future generations’ mind-set.

When God opens the doors of heaven to pour out financial blessings on you, spend that money wisely.  Learn to make a plan, give to God, give to yourself, and have some fun. Register for the free online financial literacy course. We will walk you through basic retirement and estate planning.

Prayer of Blessings:  Lord, we will honor You in our finances.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host for the Better Husband Father Man Podcast  a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is the financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency . Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath  fulfilled the law. Roman 13:8 KJV

Creating Wealth Starts By Eliminating All Possible Debts

We believe overcoming financial bondage is one of the greatest struggles for those of you seeking financial freedom. Many of  you only dream of saving money. In many instances you do not experience financial health because you are trying to borrow yourselves into wealth. You want to look rich to cover your raggedness. You desire to appear prosperous to hide your poverty. You feel that wealth can heal your wounds.

Some People Go Into Debt, Just To Keep Up With People Already In Debt

Many of you do not see anything wrong with living in debt. The more you can borrow the better. We didn’t either at first; just like the story of the frog . I’m told if you put a frog in a pot of water on a stove with no lid, and gradually turn up the heat, the frog will remain in the pot until it is cooked alive, even though the frog has the ability to easily jump out of the pot at anytime.

Initially we felt debt was a good thing; just a financial tool. It allowed us to obtain things we felt we needed  now and we could pay for it later….WOW! That sounded like a good deal… Just like when the serpent lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden. He told Eve if she ate of the tree of good and evil she would not “surely die”. Listen to me people, if you play with snakes you will get bitten.

The Borrower Is A Slave To The Lender

Debt has been successfully marketed by banks and financial institutions in the United States as your pathway to prosperity. As a result, many of you have found yourselves in financial bondage with little or no hope of ever experiencing financial freedom again.

If you are in bondage because of debt, your first step into financial freedom is to admit your finances are out of control. If you continue to live in denial, you won’t seek help and you won’t break free.  The Bible says that “the borrower is slave to the lender”. Ask God, in prayer, for the power to break free of debt. With God, and a made-up mind, you can experience financial freedom.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord, give us the desire to live debt-free.

Michael J. Vance the founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com. He is the financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency and is the co-host of a weekly podcast Better Husband Father Man.  A hub for all things, parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders  Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people.  The Vance’s have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook  ”Stewardship of Wealth.”

Walking In God’s Favor: Romans 13:8 Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. (MSG)

The Borrower Is Slave To The Lender.

We believe overcoming financial bondage is one of the greatest struggles for anyone seeking financial freedom. Many of you only dream of saving money. In many instances you do not experience financial health because you are trying to borrow yourself into wealth. You want to look rich to cover your raggedness. You desire to appear prosperous to hide your poverty. You feel that wealth can heal your wounded-ness.

Many of you do not see anything wrong with living in debt. The more I can borrow the better. I didn’t either at first; just like the story of the frog. I’m told if you put a frog in a pot of water on a stove with no lid, and gradually turn up the heat, the frog will remain in the pot until it is cooked alive, even though the frog has the ability to easily jump out of the pot at any time.

Freedom From Debt Is Worth Any Amount You Can Earn.

Initially I felt debt was a good thing; just a financial tool I could leverage. It allowed me to obtain things I felt I needed now and I could pay for it later….WOW! That sounded like a good deal… Just like when the serpent lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden. He told Eve if she ate of the tree of good and evil she would not “surely die”. Listen to me people, if you play with snakes you will get bitten.

Debt has been successfully marketed by banks and financial institutions in the United States as your pathway to prosperity. As a result, many of you have found yourselves in financial bondage with little or no hope of ever experiencing financial freedom again.

Every Time You Borrow Money, You’re robbing Your Future Legacy.

If you are in bondage because of debt, your first step into financial freedom is to admit your finances are out of control. If you continue to live in denial, you won’t seek help and you won’t break free.  The Bible says that “the borrower is slave to the lender”. Ask God, in prayer, for the power to break free of debt. With God, and a made-up mind, you can experience financial freedom.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord, help me to become wise with money.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of a podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and co-founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vance’s have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for his answers. Philippians 4:6 TLB

Living a Stewardship Lifestyle

We were introduced to stewardship principles by Elder Harold Lee, as a young couple with 4 kids, while I was serving in the U.S. Navy at Rough & Ready Island in Stockton California. Our life’s spiritual journey has never been the same.

We discovered that God has placed in each one of us more potential then you will ever develop. You must choose to or not to develop your God Given gifts and talents. After practicing and living stewardship principles for over three decades we teach 4 levels of  stewardship in which you are living  consciously or unconsciously each day of your life.

Level 1 Stewardship is a life of struggle. The Level 1 Steward is trying to survive; to keep the lights on, food on the table and gas in the car. I remember as young father being so concerned about paying bills and meeting my family financial obligations I could not think about my higher purpose. Something was missing. Why did I want to become wealthy?

The Level 1 Steward can become so overwhelmed trying to survive, you can not hear God’s voice calling you. The Holy Spirit speaking to your heart is drowned out by the immediate needs in front of you.

You Cannot Be Spiritual Liberated Living In Financial Bondage

The first life lesson you must learn in Level 1 Stewardship is that God is the Creator Owner and you are only a manager, apprentice or steward.  This spiritual truth must be the foundation of your life.  You can become a billionaire and be a billion miles away from God if you do not internalize this truth.

The second life lesson you must learn in Level 1 Stewardship is to put your faith and trust in God.  God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. The better steward you become, the more God will trust you, because he knows you can handle it.  Level 1 Stewards walks by faith and not by sight.

When riches dominate your heart, God loses preeminence over your life

Why is it when God blesses you with a good education and you worship the education? Why is it when God blesses you with a successful business and you worship the business? Why is it when God blesses you with money and you worship the money? Instead of worshiping the Gift Giver you worship the gift.

The Level 1 Stewards worship God as Creator Owner and have faith in God’s sustaining power. Stewardship is not just about giving money, it’s about giving everything, your heart, mind and soul to a loving and faithful God. Stewardship is a way of life.

Prayer of Blessings: Lord we worship You.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the International Pathfinder Club; a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vance’s have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.

Walking in God’s Favor: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,  so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.     2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV

The Blessings of Generosity

Giving From A Biblical Perspective

Why would God say He loves a cheerful giver? Giving is an emotional experience that involves the heart.  The word of God says that where your treasures are, that’s where your heart will be also. You must make giving a part of your day to day Christian experience. Here’s how to start.

• Prayer…Ask for God’s power to change your heart. David asked  God for a clean heart. Only God has the ability to change hearts. God can transform your thinking if you give Him permission.
• Seek…Discover God’s wisdom in His Word. Turn off the TV,  iPad  and iphone.  Get into a regular Bible study group. How can you walk in God’s favor and wisdom if you rarely read His divine road map?
• Fellowship…Rub shoulders with people who are generous givers of their time, talents, treasure (money) & temple(body) in honor of God. Hang around people who live a stewardship lifestyle and are great examples of faithfulness.
• Share…Tell your experience to others of how God has blessed your faithfulness. Many times you do not realize God is all you need, until God is all you got.

A Lifestyle of Generosity

People can give more when they are not in bondage to debt and credit cards.  It is difficult to give cheerfully to the Kingdom when you have overextended yourself financially. Learn to say “No” to the person in the mirror and “Yes” to the Giver & Creator of life.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord help us to give cheerfully.

Michael Vance is the financial and benefits risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates a locally owned Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agency. http://www.battsandassoc.com Ardella Vance is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. http://www.gcyoouthministries.org The Vance’s have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog weekly from their financial workbook ” The Stewardship of Wealth“.