SPRINGDALE/ROGERS Not since the Depression has a generation been so fearful of their financial future as the economy shows little sign of recovery. Money is mentioned in the bible over 800 times so it comes as no surprise that many are turning to faith for help managing their money. 5NEWS traveled to First Baptist Springdale where teachers offer the promise of hope and peace.
"I pray tonight as we journey through insurance and we tackle tough topics God that you bring to mine areas where we can improve," prayed businessman and class leader Caleb Mitchell at a home in Rogers.
Nearly a half dozen classes from First Baptist Springdale and the Church at Pinnacle Hills are enrolled in Financial Peace University, created by Christian financial expert, author, and speaker Dave Ramsey.
"A 13 week program that take people through on how to manage their money how to eliminate debt how to understand insurance, how to understand investments how to plan for retirement," Mitchell explained.
Ramsey is known for his simple, straightforward style of advice such as telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
"It just keeps me in check on how much I spend and the decisions I make," Laura Caplena told 5NEWS about the class.
Money matters are a passion for the Wilson family. That's why when the couple came on the church staff, helping others plan became a priority.
"It really started personally for us because 15 yeas ago we really began to live our life with a financial plan," Andy Wilson said.
Andy is the executive leader of ministry and operations.
"They stop focusing on themselves and start focusing on God that everything they have belongs to God and when they have that attitude then what happens is they think about what they're going to do with their money."
But does God really care what you do with your money as long as you tithe?
"I think God cares about our whole 100 percent," his wife Becky said. "He blesses that whole 100 percent because we give of that 10 percent."
The classes meet once a week and are attended by couples and singles alike.
"For Laura and I, I guess we really wanted to kind of get to know some of the things of discipline and the budgeting things that we may not have been doing so much," Aaron Caplena told 5NEWS.
Money itself is a measure of the program's success.
"In the two classes we've paid off $250,000 in debt," Caleb Mitchell estimated.
That amounts to roughly $9,500 dollars per couple over the course of 91 days. With debt down, the classes were able to save almost $135,000; an average of $5,000 per couple.
Financial Peace University will again be offered at First Baptist Springdale and the Church at Pinnacle Hills for the fall. It's open to all and the church offers the materials at a discount as part of its ministry. One-on-one financial counseling is also available. Click on Finding $ Freedom for more information.
"I pray tonight as we journey through insurance and we tackle tough topics God that you bring to mine areas where we can improve," prayed businessman and class leader Caleb Mitchell at a home in Rogers.
Nearly a half dozen classes from First Baptist Springdale and the Church at Pinnacle Hills are enrolled in Financial Peace University, created by Christian financial expert, author, and speaker Dave Ramsey.
"A 13 week program that take people through on how to manage their money how to eliminate debt how to understand insurance, how to understand investments how to plan for retirement," Mitchell explained.
Ramsey is known for his simple, straightforward style of advice such as telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
"It just keeps me in check on how much I spend and the decisions I make," Laura Caplena told 5NEWS about the class.
Money matters are a passion for the Wilson family. That's why when the couple came on the church staff, helping others plan became a priority.
"It really started personally for us because 15 yeas ago we really began to live our life with a financial plan," Andy Wilson said.
Andy is the executive leader of ministry and operations.
"They stop focusing on themselves and start focusing on God that everything they have belongs to God and when they have that attitude then what happens is they think about what they're going to do with their money."
But does God really care what you do with your money as long as you tithe?
"I think God cares about our whole 100 percent," his wife Becky said. "He blesses that whole 100 percent because we give of that 10 percent."
The classes meet once a week and are attended by couples and singles alike.
"For Laura and I, I guess we really wanted to kind of get to know some of the things of discipline and the budgeting things that we may not have been doing so much," Aaron Caplena told 5NEWS.
Money itself is a measure of the program's success.
"In the two classes we've paid off $250,000 in debt," Caleb Mitchell estimated.
That amounts to roughly $9,500 dollars per couple over the course of 91 days. With debt down, the classes were able to save almost $135,000; an average of $5,000 per couple.
Financial Peace University will again be offered at First Baptist Springdale and the Church at Pinnacle Hills for the fall. It's open to all and the church offers the materials at a discount as part of its ministry. One-on-one financial counseling is also available. Click on Finding $ Freedom for more information.
