Solomon said, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Unfortunately, diligence alone isn’t enough. Combining diligence and intentional planning creates long-term thinking and long-term results.


Investors who create margin with their income experience much less stress than those who do not have that fail-safe. No organization is exempt from this principal, even our own federal government. We believe that Solomon was right when he said “the foolish man spends all that he has.”


“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Studies show that 48% of Americans today live paycheck to paycheck. Wisdom says to pursue a precious treasure—adequate reserves.


“The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Wisdom says to avoid debt. In today’s culture, this only happens when you run from it. Avoiding debt allows investors to have the freedom to live life on their terms, not the terms of the lender.


We love guarantees, but the reality is that no financial vehicle or insurance policy is truly guaranteed. However, we are guaranteed that it is better to give than receive—when we help those in real need, we can increase joy and store up treasures in heaven.


“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” Solomon reminds us that nobody knows the future. We believe that owning thousands of stocks and bonds helps to avoid the likelihood of owning the wrong ones.