Kerby Anderson

As December 2024 is winding down, many Americans begin to think about their finances. First, they are considering what donations they might make before the end of the year. Second, they are looking to 2025 and thinking about developing a financial plan. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get past just thinking about developing a plan.

If you are eager to put together a sound financial plan, I recommend Forging Financial Freedom by Chad Hufford. He sets forth seven wealth building lessons he has learned. He argues that financial freedom is not a finish line. He reminds us that “when retirement is your finish line, there is a tendency to put life on ‘pause’ until you realize that achievement.”

He recommends that you get busy “framing your future,” which requires clarity and persistence. You should put your future together, one piece at a time. And you should also know when “enough is enough” by “creating balance along your financial journey.”

Another of his recommendations is to “farm your orchard.” He explains that wealth is like an orchard. When a farmer plants an orchard, the trees are small and produce little fruit. Financial productivity is a long process. Unfortunately, some people are “gambling when they should be farming.”

An important financial battle takes place in your mind. That why he talks about “winning the war in your mind.” Quoting Hebrews 12:1, he encourages us to lay aside encumbrances. Often addition comes from subtraction.

Finally, he reminds us that “persistence beats perfection.” The pressure of perfect can cause us to try to tackle too much, which is unsustainable. We need to develop healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle.

Your financial future is in your hands. Get a copy of Forging Financial Freedom and get to work.