Joe Porter

The Bible is packed full of verses about financial lessons.  For example, did you know that the Bible talks about money over 2,000 times?  Pretty crazy huh?  It’s evident just from my last Bible study that money is an important subject to our Lord. It’s so important, God even says that it’s the hardest thing [...] - Joe Porter

What you are about to hear is nothing new. Sometimes hearing nothing new is good though.  After all, it takes quite a few times to hear something before it “sticks”. So don’t be so quick to brush this advice off as old news.  I recommend we seriously consider if we are applying these strategies.  If [...] - Joe Porter

Two years ago when the iPad came out, there was nothing like it.  Even today, it’s still amazing to see what you can do with one.  My wife actually uses one for medical school and views hundreds of notes through an app that’s incredible to use. While we really enjoy using our iPad, we’ve noticed [...] - Joe Porter

It’s 2012 and you’re still eating donuts?  Put that croissant down and get serious about your fitness goals!  Yes, I did just call you out.  You set a resolution this year and you’re not about to fail, that’s why I’m writing this article! If you tell me money is holding you back, well that’s a bunch of [...] - Joe Porter

Bad credit can happen to anyone. It does not mean that you are a bad person or that you are irresponsible. There are any number of reasons that you can find yourself with negative marks on your credit. Lenders, however, see bad credit as increased risk. You are far more likely to be rejected for [...] - Joe Porter

Before you rush to the grocery store to pick up another cheap bunch of flowers (you know who you are) take a look at these homemade Valentines Day gift ideas.  Forget the idea that Valentines Day gifts needed to be expensive?  Whether you’re looking to make a thoughtful gift for your girlfriend/wife or just need [...] - Joe Porter

Following several years of very strict lending, several lenders and banks across the country have begun to open up their wallets and make it simpler for consumers to get approved for unsecured personal loans. According to SmartMoney.com, TD bank has reported a 6% increase in the amount of personal loans issued in 2011 while SunTrust Bank reports a 25% increase! In [...] - Joe Porter

A cosy country cottage with a thatched roof is a very appealing buy if you’re looking for a rural home. Before you fall in love with one, it’s wise to think about how to maintain and insure such a special house. Fortunately, some specialist Home Insurance policies do cover unusual properties such as those with [...] - Joe Porter

I used to be the person that jumped at an excuse for my reasons not to coupon.  “It’s a waste of time.”  “You can find good deals without coupons.”  I’ve said it all. It wasn’t until last year when my wife and I saw how foolish we were being.  We were leaving so much money [...] - Joe Porter

Are you under the impression that consumers all over the world generally adhere to the same consumer banking practices? If so, you are way off. And By comparing consumer banking practices in the United States and Australia, you will quickly see that there are some major differences. This does not mean that one country is [...] - Joe Porter

As fall begins to fade and hints of frost can be seen on the ground each morning, it’s time to think about winterizing your car. Regular car maintenance can increase the life of your vehicle and save you a lot of money over time. Check out these four simple ways to ensure your car makes [...] - Joe Porter

I remember hearing a statistic in on the podcast ‘Freakonomics’ that said over half of Americans would have trouble coming up with $2,000 if they needed it in 30 days.  That’s a lot of people who don’t have sufficient savings.  Most financial experts would tell you to have an emergency fund of three to six [...] - Joe Porter

Stores and malls have had decades in perfecting their strategies to part someone from their dollars, so in this article I will teach readers how to counter the persuasive retailing revolve around convincing someone that you need the products on display - Joe Porter

I’ve talked before about how to build wealth.   I’ve even talked about buying gold. But if you really want to be rich. I mean, lavished-with-gold-beyond-your-wildest-imagination rich, then there is one investment you must make and one step you must take…and it involves buying gold. You Think You’re Rich Because You’ve Got Gold, But You’re [...] - Joe Porter

I came across an excellent post on blessing your workplace by being a faithful gospel presence and building into the lives of others. The idea is to engage others in a way that creates opportunities for faithful proclamation of the gospel to happen.  Here below are just 15 ideas with my commentary under each one. You [...] - Joe Porter

When you move into your own place, you move all your worldly goods and, most precious to your heart, your family into it. Do you want to protect it? Of course you do. Home insurance comparison sites profess that home insurance is absolutely essential, but just how essential is it? In the modern world, we’re [...] - Joe Porter

Recently, Bible Money Matters posted an article about the Kindle Fire as an alternative to the iPad. In response to that article, a few Christian finance blogs decided put together a group giveaway, so now you have a chance to win a brand new Kindle Fire! Here are a few cool features of the Kindle [...] - Joe Porter

I’m currently reading Pursuit of Godby A.W. Tozer.  I first read it eight years ago, but I wanted to re-read it because I remember how powerful it was at the time. If I had to choose only one book to recommend that will challenge you in your walk with God, it would be this book!  It will confront your idols [...] - Joe Porter

If you like to shop, you can find nearly anything and everything on Amazon– with its enormous selection of items to choose from and its easy-to-use checkout, it’s no surprise that it has gained a huge following of loyal customers. Not only is Amazon a convenient place to shop online, it also is a great [...] - Joe Porter

With all the credit card debt out there, it seems like it would be helpful to define what appropriate credit card usage is. This begins with a preliminary observation. That is simply this – credit card usage is a choice. Thus, if you’ve proven to yourself that you can’t use them appropriately, then you’re better [...] - Joe Porter

I came across this interesting video on who gives more? Poor, rich, or middle class? Liberal or conservative? Some of the stats might surprise you. - Joe Porter

Identity theft is when someone uses your personally identifiable information (like Social Security number, financial account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) to commit crimes or fraud. Identity theft is a growing crime these days, and it’s important to know about identity theft protection so you can guard against unwanted compromises with your financial information. Below [...] - Joe Porter

The Great Recession has had a big effect on many people. Job losses, investment losses, and housing losses (through foreclosures), have forced many folks to look for as many ways to save money as possible. It’s also forced them to look for ways to make extra money too! Although times are tough, this also has [...] - Joe Porter

I came across this post regarding objections to giving to the poor. Giving to the poor always seems to be one of those sticky issues that polarize, but that needn’t be the case. Giving, especially to the poor, when rightly filtered through the lens of the Gospel, is a great way to glorify God and [...] - Joe Porter

I found this great article on Steve Jobs’ secrets to success at work. Success at work is defined in various ways for sure.  In my mind it’s not just about profit, success at work depends on how much you impact the lives of others. If you could point to any CEO over the last century [...] - Joe Porter

Did you know a simple way to make money might be sitting right in your driveway? That’s right! Your vehicle can be a simple way to make money when you are feeling a bit strapped. Not only will these jobs assist in paying monthly car expenses, including insurance, but your car can also help make additional [...] - Joe Porter

Ever feel like you are your own worst enemy! I confess I do. In college I definitely was! In fact, a free t-shirt is all it took. It was as if the smiling face on the other side of the table assured me that a credit card would be the first step toward freedom for an [...] - Joe Porter

The other day I stopped off at the grocery store to stock up on snacks for the big football game – Bears vs. Packers. I’m a die-hard Bears fan, and the Packers are the arch enemy!  Every game against them is big!  The result was less than stellar for my team, but there was still [...] - Joe Porter