Good morning, Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. -Proverbs 26:20 Have you ever heard the saying, “If you go looking for trouble, you will find it”? As we begin the month of February, I want to pause and invite you into an important conversation. Money arguments are quietly damaging our relationships.​One in three Americans (32%) is uncomfortable discussing finances in their relationship, according to new research. The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of international money app Wise (https://wise.com), revealed that younger couples also stood out as more likely to have disagreements about money — with millennial respondents reporting about six arguments per month, compared to baby boomers’ three. That’s a lot of fighting. While this research focuses on couples, couples don’t exist in isolation. They are made up of two individuals, each shaped by family history, habits, and experiences. Eventually, unresolved money tension spills beyond the relationship and into families, friendships, and communities. The verse above reminds us that conflict dies down when gossip stops. We usually think of gossip as talking about other people, but gossip is simply revealing or repeating personal details in a way that fuels harm. When we repeatedly bring up a spouse’s, family member’s, or friend’s past financial mistakes—especially during disagreements—we are adding fuel to the fire. I’m not saying mistakes shouldn’t be acknowledged. I am saying they shouldn’t be used as ammunition. Words aimed to wound rarely land without consequences. A shot directed at someone will almost always hurt them—and the relationship too. Reflection Question​ - Have I used another person’s past financial mistakes with the intention to hurt rather than heal? Prayer of the Week​ - Dear God, help me discuss finances with my spouse, family, and friends in ways that bring peace, not confusion or arguments. Teach me to speak with wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good morning, A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. -Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ January is almost over. The excitement of a fresh start is fading, and now we’re entering the part of the year where consistency matters most. Will you reach the goals you set at the beginning of the year? Time will tell. Last week, we talked about getting back up—because some things are in our control, and some things aren’t. You’ve probably heard this before: "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond." -Charles R. Swindoll When it comes to financial freedom, the advice sounds simple: - Spend less than you earn - Don’t use credit for things you can’t pay off - Save or invest 10–20% of your income - Pause before big purchases Simple—but not easy. Why is it so hard? Scripture gives us the answer: self-control. Most of us, myself included, struggle here. We want what we want, and we want it now. Waiting feels uncomfortable, especially as income grows and temptation grows with it. Giving in can cost more than money. It can cost peace, time, relationships, and even our health. Let’s commit to doing the work all year long—not just when the year feels new. If you’re realizing you could use support staying consistent, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m hosting a free coaching session on February 4th, where we’ll talk through practical steps and realistic habits you can carry throughout the year. Reflection Question: ​Which area of my finances do I need God’s help to practice more self-control? Prayer of the Week​: Dear God, show me where I need greater self-control. I trust You to help me grow in these areas because I cannot do it on my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a great week! -Latrisa This week in PughFC: https://www.skool.com/pughfc-stewardship-2697/calendar - Monday, January 26th - Complete your goal check-in - https://forms.gle/1icebYyh9EXY4qcf9 - Monday, January 26th - Group coaching session (Available to Premium and VIP Members)

In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. -Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Last week, I shared that after graduating college, it took me eight months to find a job. That season wasn’t one I’m proud of, but it shaped me. I went from the excitement of graduation to the uncertainty of waiting, unsure how things would work out. It reminded me how quickly money can come and go. What must remain steady are our values and the principles we choose to live by. Those are what guide real success—not just the numbers, but wise decisions made consistently. We can set financial goals, but if our daily choices don’t support them, those goals may never take root. When we follow and trust God, He handles what we cannot control. Outcomes aren’t guaranteed, but living by His principles positions us to steward whatever comes our way. This is your reminder: focus less on chasing results and more on making wise, faith-filled decisions. Reflection Question: What better decisions do I need to make this year? Prayer of the Week: God, life can change quickly, but You never do. Help me trust Your promises over uncertainty and make wise decisions that honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. This week in PughFC - Monday - Weekly check-ins due - https://forms.gle/gWZfMDV4EGuKCFsE9 - Monday - Group coaching call (Premium or VIP Members) - Wednesday - Free Coaching session - (Invite your family and friends) - Thursday - Budget work session (Premium or VIP Members) Check the calendar for links and times - https://www.skool.com/pughfc-stewardship-2697/calendar

Hello, A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. - Proverbs 22:3 NLT Prudent has become one of my favorite words. It reminds me that God invites us to think ahead. It’s not a strict requirement, but it is a wise invitation for anyone who wants to steward well. If you’ve lived long enough, you don’t need help answering this question: what could go wrong financially this year? Most of us could name a few things pretty quickly. That’s not pessimism—that’s awareness. The point of today’s note isn’t to list everything that could happen. It’s to remind you that unexpected moments are part of life. The real difference is how prepared we are when they arrive. When we don’t save, an emergency often forces us to sacrifice something else. When we don’t pay bills on time, we end up paying more than planned. When we don’t communicate with our family, we may absorb costs we never intended to carry. Prudence helps soften the impact. And the good news is this: you are capable of preparing for the year ahead. It doesn’t require perfection—just intentional effort, one step at a time. ICYMI:​ Friday’s payday tip walks through a practical way to strengthen your prudence. Check the next post below. Reflection Question​ How do you want to be better prepared financially this year? Prayer of the Week​ Dear God, You already know what this year holds. Help me prepare wisely for both the highs and the lows, and trust You in all of it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -Latrisa This week in PSC - Submit your goal check-in: - Due today at 11:00 AM - https://forms.gle/7VQAbgTSVBHz4Nw3A - Group Coaching Call - Today at 7:30 PM - Budget work session - Thursday at 7:30 PM All links located on the calendar - https://www.skool.com/pughfc-stewardship-2697/calendar

Good morning, Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.Proverbs 21:5 NLT You made it to the end of the year—and that matters. This is the final email of the PughFC year, and before we rush into what’s next, I want to pause with you for a moment. Planning for the future isn’t always easy. Not because we lack vision, but because current circumstances can feel heavy. If this year was challenging, you may be focused on one thing: getting through. That’s understandable. But moving forward isn’t just about relief—it’s about preparation. January 1st feels powerful, but it isn’t magical. The date changes, not our habits. Real change happens when we decide ahead of time how we’ll show up. Planning comes first, then consistent work follows. Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about relationships with others. Now it’s time to check in with yourself. This is the moment to look ahead and plan with intention. My husband and I try to plan for the year ahead every year we’ve been married. When we do, something becomes clear: the areas we write down, revisit, and work on are the areas where we see growth. When we don’t give something attention, progress stalls. Planning alone isn’t enough—but it does give direction. As you look toward the year ahead, here are three elements I believe matter most: - Examination – Take an honest look at the health of your finances.​ - Expectation – Decide where growth is needed and set clear goals.​ - Execution – Choose how you will show up and do the work. You can’t skip steps. Preparation leads to clarity, but execution leads to change. If you want the year ahead to look different, action has to follow intention. With January right around the corner, it’s not too late to prepare well. Faith in Action​ Take time this week to work through these three elements. Invite God into the process—not just the outcome, but the planning too. Prayer of the Week​ Dear God, thank You for the lessons of this year. Help none of them go to waste. Show me the areas that need my focus so I can move forward with wisdom and intention. In Jesus’ name, Amen.