by Jeff Muir

Growing up in a non-LDS home, the idea of tithing was foreign to me. My grandfather, a very un-religious and self-made man, always told me that I should save 10% of my income for a rainy day. As I grew older I read stories about professional athletes – usually LDS – who donated 10% of their incomes to “church.” But I always assumed that only the fabulously wealthy actually did this. That’s as close as I ever came to learning about tithing.

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by Danielle Ellis

In this fourth installment of our series on Provident Living, we take a look at Resource Management. While resources admittedly cover much more than money, it is a major component of our resources, and one many of us struggle to manage well. President Hinckley’s regular comments on financial matters to members of the Church are ample evidence of this fact.

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By Dave Ellis

This month my only sister, Ann, I believe, is turning thirty. Not so many years ago thirty sounded old. It still kind of does, only because I still act twelve and not in the good “He still has the spirit and awe of a child” way. More in the “He remembers comic book super hero powers better than family birthdays” way.

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by Danielle Ellis

President Hinckley told a story about President Faust in October 1998 General Conference. He told how many years ago, President Faust’s only debt was a small mortgage on his home, drawing 4% interest. “Many people would have told him he was foolish to pay off that mortgage when it carried so low a rate of interest. But the first opportunity he had to acquire some means, he and his wife determined they would pay off their mortgage. He has been free of debt since that day. That’s why he wears a smile on his face, and that’s why he whistles while he works.”

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by Danielle Ellis

Ready for a standard missionary farewell talk, the entire extended Ellis family settled into the chapel on Mother’s Day. As Daniel, my oldest nephew, spoke, I realized he was giving a simple blueprint for a successful financial life. See, before Daniel left, he had paid, by himself, for his entire mission. $9,600.

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