From the day a child is born until they turn 18, there are about 940 weeks. When they’re little, the days seem long, but as they grow time seems to speed up. Our influence lessens and grows with the passing of each week. We recently did a major study with Barna on the major factors influencing the spiritual growth of a child during the formative ages of 6 to 12 years old. We found that where a child and family spend their time plays a major role in determining the child’s future. “The key is in not spending time, but […]

Many of my clients have inquired whether they, as Christian businessmen, can declare their business to be “Christian” without risking a charge of religious discrimination. The answer depends in large measure on what they mean by the term “Christian workplace.” If the intention is to only hire persons of the Christian faith then in most cases the employer would be violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which not only forbids such discrimination but also requires employers to accommodate the religious views and practices of employees unless such accommodation would create an undue hardship. Churches are excluded from the religious discrimination […]

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management explains the uses of and limits to this popular education savings tool.   Millions of Americans use 529 plans to sock away money for their kids’ and grandkids’ education. They are popular, in part, because of the tax benefits they can provide: withdrawals, including any earnings, are federal, and possibly state, income tax free when they are used for qualified education expenses. Previously only applicable to college-related expenses, effective January 1, 2018, 529 plan holders can also use up to $10,000 per calendar year per beneficiary to help pay for tuition at an elementary or secondary […]