Day 2: Laying the Foundation—Income Protection

[47] I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. [48] It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well-built. [49] But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

-Luke 6:47-49 NLT

A solid foundation is critical for any structure—it ensures longevity and strength. The same is true for our finances. Without financial protection, the inevitable storms of life can shake us to our core. Life’s storms—job loss, medical emergencies, unexpected loss—come for all of us, and they can wipe out everything we’ve built without financial protection. That’s why our first step is to lay a firm foundation–protecting what you've earned.

Protecting What You've Earned

You’ve worked hard for your money. It only makes sense to provide adequate protection for your income and family. Yet, time and time again, we see families struggle to meet funeral costs or make ends meet after a loved one passes.

The Hard Truth

Death is hard to discuss. We secretly believe that talking about death brings it closer. It is a cringy topic that we'd much rather avoid thinking about. Why can't we just talk about living an abundant life? Maybe we can stick to the idea that we cannot take money to the grave, so we should spend it while we can…You only live once!

Here's the truth: We will all pass away someday. The question isn’t if but when.

Will you burden your loved ones with the ghosts of poor financial decisions, or will you leave them a legacy of financial security?

Troubles don't last…unless you're unprotected.

Would your family have what they need to cover funeral costs, keep the lights on, and adjust financially if something happened to you today? If not, you’re not alone—40% of Americans don’t have life insurance, and 34% of families with children are unprotected, according to finhealthnetwork.org. This means that families are left scrambling when tragedy strikes—setting up GoFundMe pages, relying on community donations, or worse, struggling with debt. We are just stating facts to set you up for future success, not condemning you for doing what you had to do to survive after an unexpected storm.

Parents, mentors, and caregivers have a responsibility to protect those entrusted to us—not just spiritually and emotionally but financially.

The good news? We can take action! A strong financial foundation is built brick by brick—starting with protection.

Brick 1: Get Life Insurance

What is it? Life insurance is a financial safety net that provides money to your loved ones after you pass. It helps them cover expenses and maintain stability.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a life insurance policy worth at least 10 times your annual income. This covers funeral costs and ensures your loved ones can maintain their standard of living while adjusting to life without your financial support.

Think of it this way: Life insurance isn’t for you—it’s for those you love.

Brick 2: Establish a Will

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, courts—not your family—decide what happens to your assets. That can lead to lengthy legal battles and add stress to the already stressful time after your passing.

Here's what you should do:

• List your beneficiaries (who gets what).
• Assign a guardian if you have children.
• Determine what you want to be done if you become incapacitated.
• Work with an attorney or use a reputable online service to draft your will.

Brick 3: Protect Your Financial Assets

Protecting your financial assets isn’t just about preparing for the end of life—it’s about securing your finances while you’re still living. Here’s how you can safeguard your income now. We will discuss these throughout the week, but we are introducing these topics now so you think of these as “income protection” and not just “something to do on a financial checklist”:

• Emergency Fund: Save at least 3-6 months of expenses.
• Debt Reduction: Choose between the “snowball” and “avalanche” methods.
• Invest Wisely: Consider 401(k)s, IRAs, and other long-term investments.

Family Moment: Talk About Life After Death

Talking about death is uncomfortable. It comes with a slew of emotions and resistance, but the conversations are necessary. Gather your family and discuss the following:

1. What does financial security mean to you? Be specific and illustrative.
2. How do you want your life insurance to be used? Break it down.
3. Why is planning now an act of love?
4. What’s one step you can take this week to protect your family’s future?

Let your family know that the “life after death” conversation isn’t about fear or expedition—it’s about wisdom. Financial freedom begins with protecting your income and future. Without financial protection, the inevitable storms of life can shake us to our core, so a solid foundation is critical for any structure because it ensures longevity and strength.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for entrusting me with the resources to care for my family. Help me to be a wise steward, making decisions that honor You and provide for my loved ones. Give me the courage to have difficult conversations about life and legacy and the discipline to take the necessary steps to protect my family's future. Let my financial choices be a testimony of Your provision and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.