Andy Wilson joined our team last summer as Executive Leader of the Ministry and Operations for First Baptist Church of Springdale and The Church at Pinnacle Hills. He is responsible for day-to-day ministry, operations, and administration. He serves as second chair to Dr. Ronnie Floyd. Andy is the Board Chairman of Shiloh Christian School. He comes with a wealth of leadership experience. Andy served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Soderquist Center of Leadership and Ethics from 2001 – 2008. Prior to his tenure with the Soderquist Center, Andy spent 25 years as an innovative leader at Walmart Stores, Inc., which included more than 10 years as Vice President and Officer of Store Operations and six years as Vice President of the People Division. Andy is a 22-year resident of Springdale and has been married to Becky for 26 years. Andy and Becky have one child Andrea who is married to Aaron Brown. Andy and Becky have three grandchildren, Taylor, Zach, and Reed. Andy’s hobbies are cycling and fly fishing.

I want to share a few practical tips to help you get started or to continue to manage your personal finances.

40% of Americans spend more money than they earn.

1. Three main reasons for starting a spending plan for your family:
2. It causes you to stop and focus on your money.
3. You begin to make your money work for you and not you working for your money.
4. You and your spouse become in agreement with your family spending plans. This is God’s desire – for us to become one with each other.

Practical Financial Tips – Things to Do:

1. Set financial goals.
2. Save $1000.00 cash as a starter emergency fund.
3. Start paying off all debt- start with the smallest amount to the largest.
4. After debt is paid off; start to save 3-6 months expenses.
5. Invest 15% of your household income into retirement plans.
6. Save for college funding.
7. Pay off your home early.
8. Build wealth and give.

Practical Financial Tips – Things to Avoid:

1. Avoid debt- you cannot spend money you do not have. Make a decision to avoid going into debt and taking out loans; if it calls for DEBT, the answer is NO.
2. Avoid ATM’s.
3. Avoid overdraft fees. Write down Debit Card transitions.  While debt cards can’t get you directly into debt, if used carelessly, they can cause you to over spend.
4. Avoid late fees. Pay bills on time. If you do get behind-communicate with the company you owe the debt to.