Some would call it a big, green monster that gives us scary dreams. When it’s in control, it consumes happiness. At it’s worst, it destroys marriages and takes hostages. We’re talking about the ugly side of money. Money isn’t inherently bad. It’s our mismanagement that creates the “big, green monster.” If money could talk, it might say “I’m not really bad. I’m so misunderstood!”
Helping families understand and use money as God intended is at the heart of Financial Peace University, in it’s fifth year at Christ Fellowship in McKinney. But this year, the effort is huge. Online. Spanish. In homes. At the church. Wherever and whenever a class can be held, the church is doing it. They are also subsidizing the class for anyone who takes it, as long as they attend at least eight of the nine classes. That offer isn't just for church members.
That's how strongly the church believes in Financial Peace and what it can do for families.
"We want people from all of our local communities—not just church members—to check out these classes and groups. Learning how to get out of debt, save for an emergency and even retirement can truly bring peace to our families," said Bethany Russell, Christ Fellowship communications director.
Starting Sept. 9, classes will be launched in English and Spanish, both live at the church and over the internet. Dozens of other classes will be held in homes throughout McKinney, Allen and nearby cities. Christ Fellowship - Prosper (which opened one year ago) will also offer classes for Prosper and Celina residents. A website has been set up to help people find a group near them.
“Our journey to ‘Financial Peace’ started when we went to the Total Money Makeover live event in Dallas, and then attended the first Financial Peace University class given at Christ Fellowship church,” said Michael and Sandra Hernandez, Christ Fellowship members who are organizing Financial Peace University this fall.
“Since then, we are continuously reworking our budget because life happens and we need to adjust. In early 2009, Michael lost his full-time job and we made some hard decisions in our family to not send him back to work full-time so he could be there for our son, Aaron. God really blessed us during this time. In the five years we have been in Texas, and four years doing FPU, we have seen a 68 percent increase in our net worth, while still giving and serving.”
Former FPU families have lots of stories to tell about how their lives have been transformed. And more proof is in the numbers:
$10,973—Debt paid off per family in just 13 weeks (average)
$2,486—Savings accumulated per family in 13 weeks (average)
Michael and Sandra want everyone to experience financial freedom and the ability to be generous. They know most people try to manage money properly, but getting the right tools is the secret to truly finding financial peace. “We have seen the difference this class has made in the people who have attended it,” Michael said. “We believe we rob ourselves of the blessings that God has for us when we do not manage our money."