CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP & THE U.S. ELECTION
Before you scroll down on this quarter’s e-zine, let me share that as a Christian, I believe we have a duty to vote in a manner aligned with the Bible. Further, I know the outcome of local, state, and federal elections will impact our/my stewardship goals. Taxes are at stake. Drilling for oil is at stake (which impacts nearly every consumer product not to mention petroleum). Political policies pertaining to the mortgage bail-out will impact our next decade of life and absolutely rivet our stock market continually. Recovery of the housing market will be impacted by the election. So, you can see many financial areas will be determined when America votes.
Because Presidential elections occur only every four years, I feel it is my Christian duty, as well as my civic one, to write extensively in this SONshine Savings about election-related topics. I find it imperative to encourage Christians to look beyond gender, race, and political party. Now is the time to look at the issues that impact our domestic policies and state the truth about what is going on with this year’s election. Since our media has failed to report without bias, the American people must take up our freedom of speech right to help educate our fellow Americans. This is what I’m attempting to do this quarter.
Not until John McCain named Sarah Palin as his running mate did I get excited about voting this Fall. Why? When I heard that Palin is a working mom with five children and who has lived a fairly “normal” (not a millionaire’s life), I immediately felt like I identified with this candidate. Then, as I realized she has had to handle all of the management challenges of a mom and as an executive (mayor and governor), I felt even more connected.
While I’m not a politician, I have held several key management positions and have supervised employees for 90% of my career. Also, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of working outside my home and balancing the work/life time and energy scenario. I have learned more about making critical decisions, balancing budgets, maintaining peace, leading others (even those who literally go kicking and screaming) and living with integrity as a working mom. Not only do I consider myself a leader, but others around me encourage me by viewing me as one, too. That said, I know a leader when I see one. Sarah Palin is a leader!
My confidence in Palin’s leadership is fortified by her political, moral and socially conservative values. The McCain/Palin ticket is the ticket that I feel best represents the values of the Christian steward. In this edition, I hope to share some of the reasons why I feel this way. Further, I hope to encourage you to pray for our country and to vote in a manner aligned with the Word of God. We all will have to account for our actions one day, and this includes our voting record.
I considered entitling this article “Christian Mom for McCain/Palin” because I have spoken to many wonderful groups of women during the past three years. As my readers, I know many of you are believers in Christ and you share my faith-based values. As such, I want to appeal to you that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Not only with your vote, but with your prayers and with your campaigning, you can influence this year’s Presidential election. Nearly daily, whether during our mealtime prayer or our “on-the-way-to-school” prayer, either one of my children or I pray for the election. Please consider joining us! Teach your children about the candidates and encourage them to pray for God’s Mercy and for His Divine Providence for our great nation. Pray for the families of the candidates. Pray for Christians to vote on November 4. Pray for the truth to be boldly proclaimed instead of the agenda the media is throwing at us.
Next, do not shy away from political conversations. I have discovered many women ages 18 to mid-30’s are not aware of the full truth surrounding the candidates’ views. Share factual data. Talk forthrightly. I have been amazed with my friends who are U.S. citizens, but not raised in the United States. Many do not understand politics. They do not know who to vote for. Take your international girlfriends to coffee or tea (at your house and save money) and talk to them about the issues that you deem critical as well as the candidates’ view.
Fast as you pray. Even if you cannot go a full day without food, fast for one meal and pray about the election. Let’s unite as brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for our nation!
Consider driving an elderly neighbor to the polls to enable him or her to vote. Encourage elderly friends or traveling friends to vote absentee. Every vote does count!
Last but most importantly, consider what has been written about Obama and his muslim background. Consider his muslim family and friend ties. Consider the influences he’s associated with for most of the years of his life. As I tell my children, “You can be guilty by association.” Well, if you are hanging out with muslims and you are associating with anti-American radicals, then I think it is natural to conject that your inner soul holds to some or even all of these unpatriotic and un-Christlike teachings/philosophies. That said, I am boldly proclaiming my support for McCain/Palin. I feel the Republican candidates more closely align with God’s Word on matters such as sanctity of life, God’s view of marriage, and family values (ex: sex education).
Whatever your personal convictions, make sure you vote. Thousands of our American soldiers have died since our nation’s founding to fight for your freedom to vote! Remember their sacrifice to give you the Christian freedoms you now enjoy! Don’t let apathy or a muslim candidate take these freedoms away from you and your family.
Almost as a postscript to this editorial, I ask you to consider the economic implications of the election. The article below attempts to highlight a few economic points for voters’ consideration.
ELECTION 2008—Keeping Even Less in Your Pocket from Your Hard Earned Dollar!
Many critical issues face the American voter this Fall. As a Christian, I could easily focus on the candidates’ differences related to sanctity of human life, views on Christianity (our Founding Fathers’ ideals!), and definition of marriage, to name a few. However, this blog focuses on stewardship; thus, let me highlight one critical difference which will impact every tax paying American citizen.
Obama intends to raise our taxes. But wait! There’s more! He’s not only planning to raise income taxes, but re-instate taxes on estates and increase the capital gains taxes. What this means is if you’ve been faithful to invest and/or provide an inheritance for your loved ones, your diligence will not be rewarded in the manner you expect. Instead, a larger portion of your earnings and/or estate will go to Uncle Sam. You and your loved ones will be left with much less under the Obama administration than if McCain is elected.
Bottom line: If Obama is elected, more of your money will be paid in taxes! This means you and your family have less to cover your needs, expenses, and to meet your future goals (such as college savings or a special vacation).
Why am I devoting this quarter’s SONshine Savings to many election-related topics? My conviction is that Christians cannot divorce their faith from their political views. Further, the impact this election could have upon your finances, your goals, and your ability to be a good steward are far-reaching. It is imperative for voters to educate not only themselves, but their colleagues, neighbors, and family members about the issues at stake. Particularly, I urge parents who have voting age children to talk with their children about the candidates and the November election. Encourage Christians to vote! Vote absentee ballot if necessary (just make sure you contact your local election board in early October because the absentee deadline is fast approaching).
As I strive to live my life in a manner that glorifies the Lord, and whereby I can maximize my giving to Christian organizations, I see the imminent threat of increasing taxes as one that will “hit me on all sides.” I stand to lose with my paycheck, with my investment earnings, with my potentially selling property in the next 4-8 years, and with any possible inheritance I might receive. Guess what? Fellow American, you stand to lose money, too! Let’s help educate our friends at church, in Bible studies, in our communities, and at work about stewardship and the need to vote against rising taxes!
Below is a highlight of proposed changes in taxes after U.S. 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000
per home (couples) McCain does not
propose any change in existing
home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales
How does this affect you?
If you sell your home and make a profit, you
will pay 28% of your gain on taxes.
If you are heading toward retirement
and would like to down-size your
home or move into a retirement
community, 28% of the money you
make from your home will go to taxes. This
proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income
from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6%
How will this affect you?
If you have any money invested in stock
market, IRA, mutual funds,
college funds, life insurance, retirement
accounts, or anything that pays
or re invests dividends, you will now
be paying nearly 4 0% of the money
earned on taxes if Obama become president.
The experts predict that ‘higher
tax rates on dividends and capital gains
would crash the stock market yet
do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA
(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama your taxes will
more than double!
How does this affect you? No explanation
needed. This is pretty
straight forward.
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
How does this affect you? Many families
have lost businesses,
farms and ranches, and homes
that have
been in their families
for generations because they could not
afford the inheritance tax.
Those willing thei r assets to loved
ones will not only lose them to these taxes.
Lastly, I have read that Obama proposes new taxes on gasoline, natural resource consumption (ex: heating, gas, water, electricity), retirement accounts, and healthcare. I’m not even sure if this article captures in entirety all that is proposed. However, with a democratic Congress at his side, Obama, if elected, will have no problem raising and raising and raising and raising your taxes and mine!
EXCURSIONS
1-November 4: Parents of young children, take your child with you to the polls. It might be painful waiting in the long lines with a child, but let your children see you vote. It’s a right that thousands of our young Americans have died to give us! I have been talking for nearly a year with my children about the election. I plan to take at least one of my three with me to see me vote. I want them to know what a privilege it is to be a United States citizen.
2-Election Activities: Yes! Take your child to a free political rally. In 2004, my son campaigned door-to-door for President Bush. As a reward, we were given tickets to see the President and hear him speak. What an honor! Both the campaigning and the Presidential speech were experiences I’ll never forget. Take advantage of these free activities to teach your child about citizenship, political science, and social studies!
3-Campaigning: Similar to #2, let your family work together on a campaign. Help place signs in your community. Consider door-to-door literature distribution. You will be surprised at how much your children enjoy the experience.
4-Prayer walks: Lots to pray about concerning your family, goals, finances, and the U.S. elections. Enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and go for a walk. As you walk, pray aloud with your family about some of the matters concerning your heart.
5-High School Football: Enjoy high school football (or any sporting event) for a fraction of the cost a professional or college event would cost. Deck your family out in team colors and even create your own family cheer!
6-Mark your calendars next September to go to www.loc.gov to identify the date of the Library of Congress Book Festival, held on the National Mall. It’s free and offers lots of family-friendly activities. And if you want to purchase something, there are lots of books for sale. Last weekend, we enjoyed only the free activities and had a wonderful time for nearly two hours!
7-Free “Pumpkin Outings”: If you live near Alexandria, VA, check out Nall’s Nursery on Beulah Road. Other local garden centers may offer similar opportunities for children under 5 years to “play with pumpkins” and run around areas beautified with Fall mums and exhibits of gourds, squash, and of course, pumpkins. On a similar note, if your child’s class is going to a pumpkin patch for a field trip, agree to chaperone. This way you have some “family time” and you don’t have to take your child a second time to the venue, pay a second entrance fee, etc.
FRUGAL IDEAS
1-Election Celebration: With just a little red, white, and blue, you can celebrate election returns in the comfort of your home. Decorate your kitchen and/or use patriotic paper products to help make a dinner festive on November 4 or 5. This could also be an excellent opportunity to have your family pray together for our nation.
2-For a week, skip grocery shopping and eat what you already have in your cabinet or freezer. You might be able to experiment with this idea for more than a week. You can lower this month’s grocery bill and help ensure that food you’ve purchased does not go to waste.
3-Call your relatives now and explain that with the economy as it is, you want a smaller Christmas celebration. Clearly define who you will and will not be gifting this year. Agree upon dollar limits for gifts. If your family will agree, reduce as many holiday expenses as you can (maybe all of the adults don’t exchange gifts but everyone donates to a favorite charity).
4-Read through my archived SONshine Savings e-zines. For the past two years, I’ve offered dozens and dozens of great ideas.
5-Go to a website like www.miserlymom.com every 6-12 months to read new ideas and see if you can add a few to your family’s routine.
6-As the holidays near, your junk mail is likely to increase. Avoid temptation to shop by removing your mailing address from catalogues when you open the mail. Shred the mailing label and trash the catalogue without even opening a page. You won’t miss the catalogues and you’ll save money!
7-Ordering your photographs from www.walmart.com? I’ve found that it’s often less expensive to have the photos shipped to my home instead of delivered “free” to the store. Do the comparison yourself (you can before you hit the button for completing the purchase). You can save on gas and time with home delivery.
TIME SAVING TIPS
1-When folding my sheets, I put my folded sheets inside the matching pillowcase. Then, when it’s time to change sheets, I have the entire ensemble all inside one pillowcase (eases the linen closet organization).
2-For little children, consider keeping an extra pair of shoes either in your vehicle or at day care. Then, when you have a hectic moment, you know you have shoes covered! (I also keep extra diapers and wipes in my van.)
3-When I awaken early each morning, it takes me about five minutes to “really get sharp” for the day. With a family of five, we generate lots of laundry. Thus, my routine is to use these early five minutes to either take a laundry load to the washer and/or to fold a load coming from the dryer. By the time I’ve completed 1-2 of these chores, I’m awake. I also pray for my children when I fold laundry! Talk about multi-tasking!
4-If you are dining out at a restaurant that does not accept reservations, I have found it very helpful to call ahead (even 15-30 minutes). By doing so, many restaurants will either place you on the waiting list so that when you arrive, your on-site wait is shorter or they’ll prepare a table for you so that you’re seated upon arrival. This is great time savings for places like Macaroni Grill!
5-Tailgating and Picnicking: Fall is a great time to eat outdoors. Select a venue where your family has space to run and play (even your deck and backyard can work for this). Kids can play as you set-up food. After you eat together, you can enjoy more family time. Your children will fondly remember these times and you will have saved money and time by not dining out. Have everyone wear a t-shirt from their favorite football team and pretend you’re tailgating, even if you’re not.
MISC TIPS
With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approaching, here are a few ideas
1-Gift Bags: I only wrap some of my children’s gifts now. I try to use gift bags for 95% of the gifts I give (including birthdays). Bags are re-usable and take only a few seconds to utilize (vs. a few minutes for wrapping).
2-Gift Cards: I learned from my friend, Linda, to keep at least one if not two $10 gift cards for places like Chic-fil-a or Panera Bread with me at all times. Then, if I encounter an opportunity to encourage someone or thank a babysitter or any other spontaneous giving moment, I’m prepared. Select cards for places where $10 buys the meal and beverage so that your gift really “gives.”
3-Exchange Plants: I winterize my plants in mid/late October by bringing pots inside or re-potting plants to bring them inside. Maybe you will have enough plants to give to school teachers, piano teachers, etc. If you have a friend with a green thumb, ask if he/she would like to exchange some plants this year so that next year, you have even more to choose from!
4-Job Hunting? I read in “Working Mother” magazine (October 2008) that 80% of the companies this magazine voted as “Best Companies for Working Mothers to work For” offer employees paid time off to volunteer. Thus, consider some “out-of-the-box” benefit requests as you negotiate your next job.
5-If you have not updated your resume in the last 2-3 years, do so. Many of us won’t make a job change in the near-term; however, if something unexpected should occur, wouldn’t it be great to have your resume updated and ready? An updated resume is also handy to have in case a wonderful, unplanned opportunity presents itself. You’ll be ready.
6-Traveling for the holidays? Make sure you put valuables, such as electronics, laptops, jewelry, etc. out of plain sight in your home. Leave fewer temptations available.
If you have a frugal idea, I’d love to hear from you. Please use the link at this website to share your thoughts.
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If your community or church group is seeking a speaker, please email me at michelebuschman@yahoo.com. I would love to share some encouragement and the love of Christ with your group! As many of you are familiar with my ministries, I speak not only on financial topics, but also on spiritual topics and about our family’s adoption experience.
And I also provide limited one-on-one financial planning and counseling by appointment. Contact me at michelebuschman@yahoo.com if you are interested in discussing your counseling needs.
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Joy! Michele