Financial Peace University
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What Does The Bible Say About Money?
Almost everyone agrees that the Bible contains great advice about life, from improving your marriage to getting along with your boss at work. But does the Bible really say much about money? Does it really give us advice that we can apply to our own life in today's world?
The Good News is Yes! Absolutely! We believe the Bible is as relevant and helpful today as when it was written, and God has a lot to say about money. Did you know money is mentioned in the Bible over 800 times? God must be pretty serious about this subject to talk about it that much.
In fact, Jesus says in Luke 16:11, "So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" It appears from this verse that God uses money as a test of our management and stewardship skills before entrusting us with spiritual things. See more below.
Money in the Bible
- Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his childrens' children" indicating that God wants us to make a difference, financially, in our family tree.
- Proverbs 21:20 "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." This gives us an idea of how God wants us to save for a rainy day, to set something back for safekeeping.
- Proverbs 22:7 states that "The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender." Really? The Bible discourages debt? Does God really want me to pay my debts off and avoid debt?
- Luke 14:28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it." Does Jesus really want me to save up and pay for the things I buy?
- Matt. 6:24 "You cannot serve both God and money".
If money is this important to God, why are there so few Sunday school classes on this topic? Why don't we see lots of small group studies on "Managing Your Finances" or "Getting Out of Debt"? Why aren't there more sermons in this area?
There are many reasons, but the top reason is that most people don't realize how much of a problem managing money is for the average family. Look at the statistics below:
Financial Statistics
- Marital Problems - 37 percent (the highest rate) of marital problems derive from financial situations
- Cash Flow - 70 percent of all consumers live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they run out of money before the end of the month
- Savings - The average family would have to use a credit card to pay a $1,500 unexpected expense (ex: home or car repair).
- Retirement - Nearly half of all Americans (46%) have less than $10,000 saved for their retirement.
It is a problem that affects everyone, inside and outside of the church. In fact George Barna says that the fastest growing churches are teaching about marriage, child rearing, finances, and careers. Money is a serious subject, and God is serious about money, which is why we should study closely what he has to tell us.
Finally, there is something to guide us! A study to take God's wisdom about money and help us apply it to our own lives. It is called Financial Peace University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do the classes meet?
There are 13 class sessions meeting one day per week.
How long is each class session?
We suggest two hours for each session, and each is independent of the others.
Part One, taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD, teaches you how to make wise financial decisions based on Scripture.
Part Two of each class session is a small-group discussion. The design of the discussion groups helps you apply the principles to your daily life. Members hold each other accountable, build friendships, and support one another. Since personal finance is 80% behavior, this small-group format ensures that class members realize finance is more than just math.
What is the average size of the class?
The video portion of the class is unlimited. However, during the discussion time, break down into 8-12 families, plus a coordinator, for each small group.
If I miss one class, can I make it up?
The coordinator can work with you to make up that lesson by allowing you to take the video lesson home with you, as long as you return it the following class. There may be a deposit required to borrow a lesson on DVD.
What is included in the FPU Membership Kit?
As part of your enrollment package, you will receive:
- All 13 lessons in an audio CD library.
- Dave Ramsey's personal testimony on CD.
- Three months of zero based monthly budgeting forms on CD.
- A financial snapshot progress form.
- A complete set of financial management forms, including samples.
- All 13 fill-in-the-blank FPU lessons to work through with Dave during the classes.
- Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Revisited book.
- The envelope system.
- Two debit card holders.
- Access to the Member Resource Center online, where you will find helpful financial tools.
A graduation certificate upon completion of the class.
How many classes do I need to attend in order to graduate?
You must attend 12 of the 13 classes to qualify for the graduation certificate.
What are the subjects covered in each lesson?
- Lesson 1: Super Saving
- Lesson 2: Relating with Money
- Lesson 3: Cash Flow Planning
- Lesson 4: Dumping Debt
- Lesson 5: Credit Sharks In Suits
- Lesson 6: Buyer Beware
- Lesson 7: Clause and Effect
- Lesson 8: That's Not Good Enough!
- Lesson 9: Of Mice and Mutual Funds
- Lesson 10: From Fruition To Tuition
- Lesson 11: Working In Your Strengths
- Lesson 12: Real Estate and Mortgages
- Lesson 13: The Great Misunderstanding
When will the first class start?
The first class session usually takes place approximately two weeks after the final preview session, allowing time to process the enrollments and ship all the class materials.
Can my class member get additional assistance, if needed?
For more detailed assistance, Dave Ramsey Certified Counselors offer discounts for one-on-one counseling. For more information on counseling, see the financial counseling section of our website.
Who benefits from this program?
Everyone truly benefits from this program!
- Regardless of your age.
- Regardless of your income.
- Regardless of being single, married, or a single parent.
How much does this program cost?
Materials retail for $199. Church families pay $93 plus shipping and handling.
Who can attend with my Financial Peace membership?
Your spouse and teens living in the home.
Is there a refund if I do not like the program?
Our guarantee is simply this: "If you do it, it works! If you don't do it, it won't work!" If you work the program, you won't want your money back. If you don't work the program, you don't get your money back.