You don't really have money problems...

The presence of money problems in your life is not really your primary problem. Money problems are just symptoms of deeper internal issues. These financial symptoms could include:

1. Overspending
2. Gambling
3. Hoarding
   
4. Living paycheck to paycheck
5. Overextended in debt
6. Upside down on one or more vehicles
7. Constantly overdrawing on your bank account
8. Too many credit cards
9. Creditors calling to collect on overdue bills
10. Being behind on your mortgage payments or rent
11. Foreclosure
12. Paying late charges
13. Investing in risky schemes
14. Impulse purchases
15. Keeping up with the Joneses
16. Retail therapy - shopping/compulsive spending to deal with emotional problems

The internal issues that could be the cause of these symptoms include:

1. Lack of financial knowledge
2. Lack of a money system or budget
3. Lack of planning
4. Sloppy accounting practices
5. Greed
6. Materialism
7. Laziness
8. Marriage problems - lack of agreement between husband and wife
9. Lack of self-control
10. Depression
11. Anxiety
12. Boredom
13. Addiction
14. Lack of consistency in behavior
15. Pride
16. Time management problems

OK, so what are the solutions to these problems in order to alleviate the symptoms?

1. A foundation of Biblical financial wisdom
2. A deeper relationship with Almighty God
3. Knowledge - books, seminars, small group studies
4. Counseling/therapy
5. Prayer
6. Generosity
7. Thrift
8. Diligence/perseverance
9. Self-control
10. Goal setting
11. Advanced planning
12. A better paying job or more successful business
13. Patience
14. Stronger marriage with Godly submission to one another
15. Humility
16. Contentment

What resources are available to help people get a handle on their money and the behavior that have led to their financial problems in the first place?

1. Financial Peace University - hands down, this is the best small group study for practical knowledge to run your family finances. If you want to beat debt and build wealth from a Godly, Biblical, and practical perspective, you have to attend this class.
2. Crown Financial Ministries - Crown has a number of small group studies that give you a Godly, Biblical perspective on your money. Their entire (and correct) premise: it's not your money to begin with. It's God's money that He has blessed you with to manage properly!
3. Budget software tools - there are numerous budgeting tools available on-line; just do a quick Google search here. I still use the same Crown Financial Excel spreadsheet that I received from a Crown small group study many years ago.
4. Envelope systems - both Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial have cash envelopes systems readily available to help with your budget organization.
5. Financial coaches - check out Crown Financial coaches as well as Dave Ramsey's certified financial coaches.
6. Books - check out my all-time favorite personal finance books on Amazon.com here.
7. Blogs - there are a number of great personal finance blogs. Check out the Christian Personal Finance Blog's list of the Top Christian Blogs.