STEP 1: Self-Awareness – Self-awareness is the most important step in becoming financially free and secure. We must understand who we are and how we handle our money. We must know how much income we bring in each month and how much money we spend each month. This basic self- awareness puts us in the position to make decisions about how we will attain financial freedom. It allows us to ask and answer the following questions: Do we need to earn more money? Where can we make cuts in our spending? How can we save and invest more for the future and leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. The best tool to become financially self-aware is BUDGETING. Budgeting is not a bad word. Instead, it is a tool that allows us to take control of our finances. Luke 14:28 (MSG) Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it?

STEP 2: Have Faith – Most of the financially successful people I know did not inherit wealth. However, they all have one characteristic in common; they all have faith. They have faith in themselves and pursue their goals with confidence. They have faith that God gave them the skill sets required to be successful. Finally, they all believe God can and will do more for them and through them than what they can do on their own. When we embark on our goal for financial freedom, faith is essential. If we cannot trust ourselves, we must TRUST GOD! He knows and sees what we do not see in ourselves and our abilities to succeed. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

STEP 3: GIVE – The Bible makes it plain that those who give freely will be blessed by Him. I call this the Miracle of Giving. We can open our hands (our resources and time) to give to others, ministry, and to those in need. God sees those open hands and puts in them more than our hands can hold. He gives us time to collect all that He has for us though.  Luke 6:38 (KJV) ……give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.