Not having debt.

Being able to stick to a budget, no matter the temptations.

Having money left over, some of which can be used to support worthy causes.

Helping their parishioners navigate sometimes-troubled financial waters is a task

and

have taken to heart.

The churches are offering 13-week video seminars and information kits designed by

with nationally syndicated radio and television shows.

Paul Michaels, pastor of Living Hope Church, said there is a need to help parishioners struggling with money issues and that they liked Ramsey’s approach.

Ramsey has a special program for churches and other organizations to offer, called “Financial Peace University.”

“When we think of the life Christ has come to give us, it touches every area of our life, including our finances,” Michaels said. “Jesus speaks quite a bit about our money and how we see it, so we wanted to do a series that reflected much of his teaching on finances. We chose FPU because Dave Ramsey presents principles that are based in Biblical teaching.

“Finances are on everybody’s mind, and we saw it as an opportunity to care for folks during a difficult time in a way we thought could really help them,” Michaels said.

Bob Koppenhaver, 53, of Warrington Township, said he took the seminar this year and felt it was useful.

“It knocked my socks off on how being in debt robs you of building wealth,” said Koppenhaver, adding he was drawn to the course to learn more about mutual funds and saving for retirement.

Koppenhaver said the sessions challenged the idea many consumers have of needing things now and purchasing them on credit cards instead of saving for them.

“Our families and our country would be in a lot better shape if we practiced these principles,” he said.

Ramsey’s system focuses heavily on eliminating debt, spending money on paper by writing all expenses down to create a budget before spending it “in real life” and using cash instead of credit cards for purchases. He also urges families to create an emergency savings fund for unexpected expenses and to set money aside to help others in need.

The seminars cost $99 per family, which Michaels said covers the cost of the materials as well.

Both churches offer scholarships if families want to take the course but can’t afford it. The cost covers a lifetime membership for each family and a code to enter the member-only portion of Ramsey’s website, DaveRamsey.com, for additional resources.

Dan and Amy Eckel of Susquehanna Township took the course at the Living Hope Church to help them in their search for a house.

They said the courses helped them create mock budgets with estimated mortgage payments, which help them decide on what houses to pursue.

The couple, in their early 30s, are closing on a house this week.

“It’s easier to buy a house in good conscience, knowing you’re not going to break current responsibilities,” Dan Eckel said.

Another perk of taking the class, the Eckels said, was being able to meet a wide range of couples who were also dealing with problems. People stayed in the same groups week after week and updated one another on their progress in implementing new money habits, they said.

The classes might also be a good idea for people with troubled marriages, Michaels said. He said couples felt empowered once they saw a way out of negative financial circumstances. The game plan brought peace into their marriages.

Luke and Dana Gatchell, both 40 and of Conewago Township, said they took the seminar at Living Hope. Finding ways to cut back on expenses has allowed them to donate money and items to area people who have suffered from fires and job loss, they said.

“It’s not just about building wealth,” Luke Gatchell said. “It’s about giving back.”

To learn more

For more information on the 13-week seminars:

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, Susquehanna Township: 541-0400

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503-0441