In a world where finances can strain even the strongest of bonds, Joel and Morgan found themselves at a crossroads. The weight of mismanaged budgets, overspending, and misunderstood conversations had cast a shadow on their relationship. As they stood on the threshold of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of Crown’s Budget Coaching program.

Morgan’s apprehension was palpable. The thought of exposing their financial struggles to a coach triggered feelings of shame and guilt. She was the primary caretaker of their budget, and her sense of responsibility made it hard not to blame herself. “I was nervous that our Crown coach would look at our budget and have terrible feedback for us,” Morgan shared. Yet, the courage to embrace change was stronger than her fear.

Enter Richard, their Crown coach, who would prove to be a beacon of encouragement and understanding. Morgan’s worries dissolved as Richard created a safe space for them to share their challenges openly. His gentle guidance paved the way for the couple to confront their financial reality head-on.

Joel had also grown weary of financial strife. Frustration had become the backdrop of their conversations. Seeking a solution, he enrolled in Crown’s program, hoping for a bridge to understanding. What he found was far more transformative than he could have imagined.

The program normalized open financial discussions, coaxing them out of their corners and into a partnership rooted in shared goals. Richard’s warmth and strategic insights breathed life into their attempts to communicate better. Though their journey was far from complete, Joel felt a renewed sense of unity with Morgan.

During the course, a fundamental truth from scripture echoed: “God owns everything.” For Morgan, this was a revelation that changed her perspective. It was a reminder that their finances were entrusted to them by a gracious God, who walked alongside them through the stress and worry. The weight lifted, replaced by a sense of divine partnership.

Joel’s experience mirrored Morgan’s realization. He found comfort in knowing that they were not alone in this journey. Wise counsel surrounded them, a reminder that God’s presence extended to every aspect of their lives, including their finances.

With newfound understanding and faith, they reshaped their budget. No longer guided by assumptions, they crafted a plan rooted in their actual financial situation. Their focus shifted towards saving and seeking creative avenues for generating income, guided by the principles shared in Crown’s resources.

However, their transformation wasn’t confined to spreadsheets and strategies. Even when faced with overspending, they had learned to adjust and to support each other in the process.

Yet, the most profound lesson was anchored in the reminder that God was the true owner of their resources, and they were mere stewards. With this perspective, they found new purpose in their financial decisions, asking themselves, “How well does my budget represent the owner of the money I’m spending?”

Joel and Morgan’s journey with Crown’s Budget Coaching program had bridged divides and illuminated a path toward a united financial future. Their story is a testament to the power of partnership, the impact of wise counsel, and the transformation that can unfold when God’s stewardship principles are woven into every aspect of people’s lives.

Loverne and Robert are among the many economically vulnerable people who have been impacted by life changing, biblical financial principles. They immigrated to the United States and found themselves in a deep financial pit. But with the help of a Crown Budget Coach, Robert and Loverne deepened their faith and God has set them free from the burden of overwhelming debt and financial stress! 

As immigrants we were new to this debit focused financial culture and fell prey to using our credit card for payments until we weren’t able to keep up with clearing the cards monthly with our paycheck. We thought the card would help build our credit score and give rewards cash, but quickly got out of control. After Christmas purchases, untimely medical bills and an unfortunate timeshare purchase, we were overwhelmed with our financial state and began to seek debt consolidation but were rejected because we were still paying on the debts ‘too often’ . 

We cried out to the Lord for a solution since this was the first time in our marriage, we had such debt and knew that God had something better in store for us. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Crown Money Map that I got when we just migrated, and I went in hot pursuit of that site. We searched through the site and saw so many tools but were convinced that we needed to have personal guidance to mentor us into this unknown system and were elated to discover that exactly what we asked God for was what Crown offered. We knew God was taking us into a new season and was prepared for change. The new biblical perspective about our mindset on money, transformed our approach to facing our challenges.

A small, colorful piece of paper (the Crown Money Map) was the start of Robert and Loverne’s journey to freedom in their finances. That map was created more than 15 years ago, and has since been updated, digitized, and continuously shared around the world. 

The creation of biblically based tools that are easy to use has been at the heart of Crown’s mission for decades. And just as important as creating those materials is getting them where they need to be. Millions of people around the world have started on a journey like Loverne and Robert’s because one of our trained partners or volunteers ministered to them. An act of kindness to a new migrant, a Crown Money Map and a Certified Budget Coach, was all God needed to spark change in this couple’s life. 

Our mentor was a Godsend, he brought a level head and new insight that helped us in the debt elimination. Today, our credit cards are paid off and we are on our way to eliminating all our debt. The topic of God’s economy and man’s economy had a significant impact on us. Everything in God’s economy gives. Whatever God created on the earth provides us with sustenance and enjoyment, in contrast to man’s economy of hoarding and taking without regard for others and is entirely about self-gratification. Contentment and peace were another area that helped us grow. The Lord is our ultimate provider,and no matter where we are in our journey, we should be content while simultaneously thanking the Lord and resting in His promise…So much freedom and mental relief came from seeing the debt reduced even though our income didn’t change, our hearts and minds did and started giving priority to closing those debts one by one.

Crown is helping individuals in a uniquely personal and transformative way. While organizations that provide free food, clothing, and more to people experiencing financial hardship are needed and helpful, this testimony points to something greater that is necessary. Learning to steward what we already have! Our certified budget coaches are on the front lines, serving as the guides God is using to provide the one-on-one counsel so many people are looking for. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer Budget Coach so more people like Robert and Loverne can experience a life of true freedom and purpose, Crown can help. Our online Budget Coaching program matches you with one of our certified coaches to thoroughly analyze your financial status. Your coach will work with you to develop a customized spending plan and debt elimination strategy to put you on the road to financial freedom! It all can be done securely and from the convenience of your home.

Jim and Brenda Martin were a couple who had always dreamed of financial freedom but found themselves entangled in a web of credit card debts, overspending, and missed opportunities. One day, they decided that enough was enough – it was time to take control of their finances and embark on a journey towards a more secure future.

Their journey began with a decision that would prove to be both challenging and rewarding: enrolling in Crown’s Budget Coaching program. As they stepped into this program, they had no idea just how transformative it would be for their lives.

Jim reflected on the course. “This has been a challenging, convicting, and rewarding course,” he admitted. The program forced them to critically examine their spending habits, the importance of saving, the power of giving, and the potential of investing wisely. What ignited their hope, however, was the realization that they could claw their way out of their debt-laden existence and stay debt-free.

Brenda’s perspective was just as enlightening. “This course has been very enlightening and convicting,” she expressed. She wrestled with regrets for not taking such steps years ago. Nevertheless, she found encouragement in the course’s emphasis on starting from where they were and moving forward with newfound wisdom.

The couple’s beliefs were being challenged by their behaviors – a stark contrast they could no longer ignore. The blind spots in their financial habits were no longer concealed; the course had spotlighted them with undeniable clarity. Priscilla Douglas, their Budget Coach and guide through this transformative process, played a pivotal role with her patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their financial well-being.

Jim recognized the need for discipline and diligence as they navigated the intricacies of their cash flow. The allure of “try it free for a month” offers, which had quietly drained their finances, was now seen for what it was: a costly temptation that had to be firmly resisted.

Brenda realized that while trusting in God’s providence was essential, it did not absolve her from the responsibility of being a careful steward of the resources they’d been entrusted with.

Trusting God to do what He can do, and taking practical steps to faithfully do their part, creating a budget became a cornerstone of their journey. The budget forced them to make tough decisions, cutting back on unnecessary spending to align their lives with their financial goals. One of the most significant turning points was the decision to have their sizeable credit card debts taken over by CCC – a decision that facilitated their path to financial redemption.

“I hugely needed this financial course! I have gleaned so much, especially spiritually. Where is my heart? To whom should I give? Is my family provided for?  What a blessing, a help, and a tremendous teacher my perfectly-placed coach has been!

The significant lessons cultivated a change in my heart to understand what God wants of me, and to understand His economy and my role as a steward. I embrace God’s desire for me to use the gifts that He’s given me and to give generously, all for His glory.

Being in the circumstances that I find myself, I needed this financial course in a huge way! I have gleaned so much from this course, especially from the spiritual aspect of finances: Where is my heart? To whom should I give? Is my family provided for?  My coach was perfectly placed in my life and situation by God! What a blessing, a help, and tremendous teacher she has been!

The significant lesson was how God wants me to work, give, save, spend, and invest – and the Bible verses that go along with each of these.  A change in my heart to understand what God wants of me. To understand His economy of how we are to steward what He’s given us. Everything is His!  Chuck’s videos were Spirit-filled. The videos spoke life back into my heart concerning God’s desire for me to use my gifts that He’s given me and to give generously, and that it is all for God’s glory.”

Reggie Rossignol’s journey of financial transformation is a testament to the power of guidance and support. In a world where conversations about money can be daunting, Reggie found solace and empowerment through the assistance of a Crown Budget Coach. She felt isolated in her struggles with money management, unable to find someone she could confide in. However, through the Crown Budget Coach program, Reggie discovered not only practical solutions but also a newfound sense of hope and understanding about money’s role in her life. This testimony encapsulates her journey toward financial freedom and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.

“I appreciate having someone that I can talk to about money issues and advice. I do not have anyone in my personal life that I can talk to about these things, or as deeply as I need to. I do work at a financial institution, have an amazing team, and I know any one of them would have helped me. However, sometimes I need to go over things a few times before I understand them. Being “too personal” can also impact things in a way we didn’t expect. I didn’t want to “take too much” from my peers.

This course and the Debt Management program helped me feel like there was a solution that could actually help me. It gave me privacy, hope, and an ally. I was also able to hear concepts and messages that I haven’t heard before about money; about the way God views it and wants us to manage it.

I feel like the savings lessons were the most impactful. I’ve never really thought about savings because I was always working toward debt or things to fix. So, it was always an afterthought. Though, I can see where if I had saved more earlier on, I wouldn’t have gotten in debt with a credit card, or loan. Now, I am breaking the cycle.

I also categorized my spending in my online banking app at the same time. I know that will make the biggest difference—looking at my money every day, accounting for it, and trying to stay within the lines. I also plan on being more intentional about saving and I cut my credit card, which was SO scary. I just kept reminding myself that debt is scary too.”

Reggie continues, “I’ve known for years I need to get better about money. I have notes in old Bible studies about it. I hate it but it’s true. Yet some of my beliefs made me feel like it was a sin to think about money, especially too much, so I never learned how to get better with it. As a result, I just maintained debt. I’d like to think I am “turning from that sin” now. And as we say in recovery from any other addiction or wound, we must first admit we’re powerless to change ourselves. My heart and mind are in alignment with God now. Hopefully, I am being cleansed and renewed into the steward He created me [us] to be.”

Reggie’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone navigating financial challenges. Through vulnerability and dedication, she embraced the opportunity for change and embarked on a path toward becoming a faithful steward. Her willingness to pursue a path of stewardship reflects a profound shift in mindset—one that aligns with God’s plan for her life and paves the way for a future marked by financial freedom and abundance.

“The Crown Financial Budget Coach Course has been a unique experience for my wife and I. We had a great coach. Thanks, Bob! The principles are solidly grounded in Scripture and presented in the context of recognizing God’s ownership of our lives.

Perhaps the most significant lesson we learned is that financial decisions must be shared among the husband and wife. Meeting with the budget coach together as a couple helped to reinforce this lesson. We have been practicing Biblically based principles for over a decade but this course helped to refocus our goals and gain more of a broad Scriptural base for the principles we are practicing.  The overarching message of the course was not that we ought to learn financial tips to better spend money on what we want but that we want to steward our resources in such a way that we can be fully spent by God.”

If you feel alone and overwhelmed with the burden of financial difficulties, Crown can help. Our online Budget Coaching program matches you with one of our certified coaches to thoroughly analyze your financial status. Your coach will work with you to develop a customized spending plan and debt elimination strategy to put you on the road to financial freedom!