| Jesus, Money & the New Self in 2025 | Carlos Gomez |
Practical steps to achieve financial independence
Biblical principles for wise money management
A Biblical Lens on Wealth, Identity, and Renewal
Colossians 3:1-2
5 f’s faith fitness family finances friends
Top student financial struggles post college
managing student loan debt
The borrower is slave to the lender Proverbs 22:7 Seek freedom through disciplined repayment.
Creating a sustainable budget
50% Necessities
30% Goals
20% Lifestyle
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow Proverbs 13:11
Building an emergency fund
Start small Begin with $1000 saved before tackling other goals
Automate savings Set up direct deposit of 10% from each paycheck
Reach 3-6 months gradually build to cover 3-6 month of essential expenses
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down” Proverbs 21:20
Credit Card Management Pay On Time: Set automatic payments 2 days before due date
Pay In Full Avoid minimum payments to eliminate interest charges
Stay Below 30% Keep utilization under 30% of your total limit
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrow is slave to the lender?”
Building Credit Score
40% Payment History Never miss payments, set up automatic minimum payments
30% Credit Utilization Keep balances below 30% of available credit
15% Length of History Keep oldest accounts open, even if unused
15% Credit Mix Maintain different types: loan, credit card, etc.
Romans 13:8
Investing Basics
Start Small
Begin with $50/month in low-cost index funds
Compound Growth Time matters more than amount; start today
Diversify Spread investments across different asset types
Automate Set up automatic transfers on payday
Retirement Planning
Free Money First Capture full employer match in 401(k)
Tax-Advantaged Accounts Max out Roth-IRA ($6000/year)
Additional Savings Aim for 15% of income toward retirement
The plans of the diligent lead to profit Proverbs 21:5 Honor God with faithful stewardship.
Understanding Taxes Track Deductions Save receipts for charitable giving, education expenses
File Early Submit by early March to receive refunds faster
Use Refunds Wisely Put 80% toward debt or savings, 20% for enjoyment
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” Matthew 22:21
Setting Financial Goals Clearly defining your financial goals is the first step towards achieving them. Categorize them into short-term and long-term
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Culture & Money in 2025 (California Reality)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Jesus’ Teachings on Money
Matthew 6:24 Luke 12:15 Mark 10:17-27 Matthew 6:21
Colossians 3:1-17 - Identity Shift
True transformation begins with values, not actions
Old Self vs. New Self (Money Edition)
Old Self with Money (Colossians 3:5, “Greed, which is idolatry)
New Self with Money (Colossians 3:12-14, “Compassion… humility… love”)
What would Jesus say to adults in 2025?
Activity/Quiz
Final Reflection - The Heart of the Mattwe