Where Do We...End?

In the movie Cars, there is a scene in which Mater, the rusty old tow truck, demonstrates his backward driving abilities for race car Lightning McQueen.  Mater ends his demonstration by saying, "Ain't no need to watch where I'm goin', just need to know where I've been."  When it comes to personal finance, too many people choose the same philosophy as Mater.  Money comes in and money goes out, and all they do is look back and see where it's been (or even worse, they can't tell where it's been!).  There is no planning for the future, no ultimate goal, nothing to look forward to.

As I start this year-long (at least) blog, I want to challenge you to not be one of those backward drivers when it comes to your finances.  I want you to know where you're headed when you start the journey to getting control of your money.  I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "begin with the end in mind".  It is that mentality that really got me fired up about getting my wife's and my financial house in order.  And I hope that if you see where this whole process ends, it will fire you up too!

So, where does it end?  I believe it ends with one word - giving!  Extreme generosity is what you make possible when you are intentional with your finances.  It won't happen overnight, but if you get control, live on less than you make, and have a plan, you'll eventually be able to be in a position to do some outrageous giving.  And when I say outrageous, don't get wrapped up in the idea that you'll never have "a lot" of money to give.  This process is not about the dollar amount you have to work with.  It is about putting yourself in a position to be able to give a significant portion of what God has entrusted you with, away to help others and do good - whatever that dollar amount ends up being!

As we move through the year, I will write about the practical steps you should be taking as a means to this end.  But I hope that in answering the question we started with - Where do we end? - I have provided you with some motivation to boldly and deliberately take these steps toward good financial health.  If you do, you will be well on your way to the ultimate goal, the most fun and joyful thing you'll ever do with money...GIVING IT AWAY!