This review was written by Linda A Stortz. Linda is a CPA in Florida and also a budget/debt coach with Crown Financial Ministries. You can find out more about her at LStortzcpa.com and FinancialPeace4You.com.
I reviewed the book, Financial Purity
This book is written from a Christian viewpoint and gives practical, Biblical advice to women relating to developing a financial vision, organizing and planning, tithing, praying, debt and budgeting, your credit score, saving money, teaching children about money, having a will, and creating a written financial purity portfolio.
In regard to the current economic state of the economy, Jessica believes that every reader must remain positive, encouraged and stimulated by taking action to find new and exciting ways to spur on our own economic growth. We only can do this by becoming stronger in prayer, remaining hopeful in God, and for each person to develop a financial purity portfolio. She encourages her readers to ask God to provide them with guidance and wisdom in their finances because obedience brings blessing. He will bless them immeasurably for their faithfulness and the trust that they have put in His Word.
This is the second book that Jessica wrote. Her first book, Everlasting Purity
One of the chapters that I’ve never seen in a Christian book relating to personal finances is on the topic of vices that steal our money. Various issues relating to spending money on vices were discussed. Each issue was discussed and shown how money spent on these vices can not only steal our money but also steal our testimony of purity before God. Jessica even discusses her experience in these areas, how she spent money uncontrollably on some of these vices, and how she turned her life around when she realized how that she was in financial bondage.
The last chapter in the book, “Your Financial Purity Portfolio,” summarizes the theme of her book. She defines financial purity as “a plan to get you to where you want to be in your finances, and because finances are linked to everything, your life.” She writes, “Money is only one part of your life. Like anything else you watch over, manage, or take care of, your finances should be no exception. It takes great care, time, understanding, and attention to manage your finances wisely and effectively. If you neglect your finances, you will see the consequences of that neglect and the resulting negative impact on your life. Don’t let your finances get to that point; instead build your financial purity portfolio!” For this financial purity portfolio, she encourages her readers to buy a colored binder, use dividers for topics, and create their own written financial goals and financial plans for all areas of life.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book a lot. It was very easy to read and a book that I couldn’t put down. Its 258 pages were full of Biblical wisdom and practical advice. I work as a financial coach helping women with budget and debt coaching, and this book would be an excellent resource to give out to the women. It could serve as follow-up and as a practical guide to reinforce what I’ve been teaching them. I would definitely recommend it to Christian women who are seeking to live for the Lord and need wisdom to help take the mystery out of their personal finances.
This book is definitely written for women, preferably college and career age, with the emphasis on financial purity and organizing one’s financial life to bring glory to the Lord. Jessica’s marital status is never mentioned, but I would assume that she’s a single, career-aged woman who has a burden and passion for teaching younger women. I think that this book would be ideal to give to a young Christian woman who recently graduated from college, has started her first full-time job, and needs guidance for spending, saving, tithing, and planning for the future.
