What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?

Now that the exam is over, I have to return to normal life and to the great list entitled, "Things to sort after Exam". It is a very long list! It ranges from "Write to E", "Paint kitchen", to "Sort out mortgage".

My original mortgage came to the end of its term a few months ago, so I really need to sort out a new one! Along with that, I need to look at my bank accounts in general, so I think it will mean a trip to the financial adviser for me.

Of course, I try to do this remembering that my true treasure is in heaven. I brought nothing into the world and will bring nothing out of it. I do not want (and pray that I will not fall into this temptation) to be rich with material wealth, but rather rich in good works, generous and ready to share, being content in both times of poverty and plenty, and trying to act wisely with the gifts with which God has entrusted me. I have been meditating on I Timothy 6 as I consider all these things.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs...As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:6-10,17-19