Faithful Finance by Emily G Stroud -- my REVIEW

I sometimes like reading books about finances, I sometimes don't :) These books can all tend to sound alike, and some sound like they're written for someone who is not me.  This book, Faithful Finance, by Emily Stroud, is one that sounds like it is written for me. 

In this book, Emily shares principles that she has learned in her life as a chartered financial analyst (she goes through what letters after names mean for financial professionals, while encouraging the reader to seek advice from someone worthy of listening to).  In the beginning of the book, Emily shares her goal for this book, "to give an overview of what a successful financial plan looks like in real, everyday life." 

The book is written in an easy-to-read format and sounds like you're being spoken to by someone you want to listen to.  The author addresses topics such as savings, mortgages, college plans, giving/tithing, debt, retirement, and more.  She writes from the vantage point of trusting God to take care of you, and using your money and resources to honor Him.  If you are not a Bible-believing Christian, this theme of the book might annoy you.  For me, however, it reflected my beliefs and gave me good guidance. The whole last chapter, as a matter of fact, deals with how God takes care of us and that His plan is enough.  It is our duty to trust Him.

The concepts covered in this book are not new, or original, but seriously--it's good to hear them again.  These are things that affect us at any stage of our lives and we need to intentionally deal with money in a way that will honor God as well as in a way that will be responsible for ourselves and our family.  I think that reading this book is definitely valuable.

I would recommend this book, to folks just starting out adulthood, to those in the middle years, and even to those nearing retirement.  There are good concrete suggestions as well as theories and philosophies to help guide our use of our resources.  Emily Stroud has done a good job in sharing her expertise and passion with her readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”