COMMON QUESTIONS AFTER TAKING THE QUIZ
How was my result calculated?
The general pattern of your answers is what’s reflected in your final result. It is a high-level snapshot, which means your relationship with money may be very good in some ways and struggling in others. Your result merely describes your relationship with money in general. It does not capture every facet of your personal situation, so consider it just one piece of how God may be challenging you to grow as it relates to your finances.
What if I disagree with my result?
That’s okay. Money is a complicated, personal topic, and this one data point may not accurately reflect everything going on in your finances. (For example, couples divide financial responsibilities in many different ways, and each spouse’s quiz result captures only part of the story.) As you move through the rest of this study, keep your result and your reaction to it in mind. You will not be asked to share, but see if you can figure out in what specific ways your quiz result might be inaccurate and in what ways it might be reflecting something you haven’t noticed or questioned before.
Why is my result different than my spouse's?
You and your spouse may share the same financial accounts and have the same net worth, but you each have a unique relationship with your money that reflects experiences and attitudes that are likely different for each of you. And typically, the responsibility of handling joint finances is not equally shared. This is not a problem, but if you are more or less engaged than your spouse in money decisions, your relationship with money (and therefore your quiz result) is likely to be different than theirs.
I have a lot of money, so why is this my result?
This quiz aims to give you a snapshot of your relationship with money, not your net worth. It's possible to have plenty of financial margin and also have a view of money that may not align with God's. Personal finances are complicated, and your account balance and your attitude toward money are not necessarily linked. As you move through the rest of this study, consider how you might cultivate a perspective on money that's as healthy as your bottom line.
Can my result change?
Yes! Like any relationship, your relationship with money is not static. You may have happy, healthy seasons, and you may have times when your relationship with money is challenging. If you are discouraged by your result, there's good news: change can happen very quickly. Improvement requires only an attitude shift. And if you're satisfied with your result (high five!), know that the healthy perspective of money you have right now will take some effort to maintain. But as you likely already know, that effort will be well worth it.
COMMON QUESTIONS AFTER COMPLETING THE STUDY
I want to make changes to how I’m managing my money. What should I do first?
Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, consider one of these strategies to determine your best next step.
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Pick a plan—any plan. Many personal finance blogs, podcasts, and books offer plans for how to handle your money. The specific one you choose is less important than finding a plan you like enough to stick to. (We like Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps.)
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Consult with a financial advisor. If you need help getting out of debt or building an emergency fund, look for a financial counselor. If you’re ready to save for a house, tuition, or retirement, look for a financial planner.
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Tackle what stresses you most. What financial issue do you tend to worry about? Start there.
What are the right percentages of my income to give, save, and live on?
How you allocate your income is up to you. There is not a universal formula or dollar value. The Give, Save, Live Exercise that begins on page 54 of your workbook will help you think through important factors and decide on percentage goals. Ideally, you’d reevaluate—perhaps annually—and increase the percentage you give away as you’re able.
How do I stay motivated?
It’s great that you’re ready to improve your relationship with money! In seasons when you’re less motivated to focus on your finances, these tips may help:
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Build momentum with easy wins. Pay off a small debt or work toward a quickly accomplishable goal so you experience the thrill of making progress.
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Pick a goal you’re pumped about. Imagine the emotional relief of being debt free or the memories you’ll make on family vacations when you need a reminder of why your goal is still worth working toward.
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Invite someone else in. For some of us, external accountability is critical to changing our habits. This is not a weakness or a lack of willpower; it’s just the way we’re wired. Find a mentor, hire an advisor, or ask a friend to come alongside you.
What about a budget? Do I need one?
If you think of a budget as a plan for where you want your money to be spent and sent, yes, you need one. What yours looks like (i.e., how detailed it is or how far in the future you plan) is up to you. The most important thing is simply that it’s sustainable. We’ve listed a few of our favorite online budgeting tools here. Ideally, budgeting (planning for the future) happens alongside tracking your money (reviewing the past). One informs the other, and both are healthy money habits.
