Financial Purity by jessica V. Psalidas is a book not only about how to handle finances but how to handle them the way God would have us handle them.  It’s about more than finances, though; it’s honestly about how we live our everyday lives.  Do we live under the Holy Spirit’s direction, or do we live off our own whims and ideas?  When I first started reading this book, I thought it was a bit repetitive and redundant, but it does have many wonderful ideas and thoughts.  It doesn’t go into really vast detail to where it confuses you; it’s more about the everyday, common sense ways in which we can handle our finances.  Here’s a look at the topics covered in this book, just to give you an idea:

Infinity Publishing (June 8, 2009)

This book will provide an in-depth look at what we spend our money on, why we should stay away from certain things that waste our money, and why we need to have a vision about money. I think money – the use and management of it – is very important in our lives. Once you develop a vision, you will have a clear idea of what you want in life and what action you will need to take in order to get there.

What is your financial purity portfolio? Many people have heard of a financial portfolio, but what is a financial purity portfolio, and why is it different? As we discover the answer to that question we will examine money in a different light, in a simple way that allows us to be clear about the use and management of our money. We will go beyond what we have in savings and investments and look into some of our day to day spending habits and frequent purchases, as well as why we save, why we tithe, why we should have a will, and what can happen when we spend our money on wasteful vices. Most importantly, in this book I will encourage everyone to develop a financial vision for themselves and their family.

Having a vision gives you clarity as to what you want and what you need to do to get there. It gives purpose and focus to your money management and to the outlook you have concerning your money. Many people that I talk to about money have a grim view of it because they do not have enough of it on hand at any given time or they do not earn enough of it. I encourage you to have a positive, realistic outlook and attitude toward money for your own financial welfare. It does you no good to be irritated or upset about your financial status right now, because with a great attitude and determination, you can change your situation.

Developing a vision for your finances is the first step in building your financial purity portfolio. Utilizing and managing your money purely and cleanly, meaning spending your money on necessary and wholesome things, is one of the most important steps in developing your financial purity portfolio.

Some people may think it is hard to focus on developing a vision due to their own difficult financial situation or, as some call it, the “financial crisis” we are experiencing in the U.S. at the time of this writing. If this describes you, please be encouraged! I would like to share with you some steps that I have implemented in my life to remain joyful and hopeful during any trying situation that comes along.

Everyone seems to be in a state of panic over the financial situation in the U.S. economy, and it both saddens and frustrates me at the same time. We are, to a certain extent, part of the reason why our country is the way it is. When our morale goes down, so does everything else. We are gripped by fear over temporary difficulties that will soon pass. This country has experienced many challenging situations before, and we have always gotten through them. We will get through this too. We need to remain positive, encouraged, and stimulated to find new and exciting ways to spur our economic growth. We need to be stronger in prayer, which will keep our morale high. If we all lifted our spirits up higher and kept a positive attitude, we would experience a change for the better. Nothing good will come out of us being depressed, upset, angry, or fearful. These emotions will not get us ahead but rather will only hold us back. Stay in prayer and remain hopeful in God.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Have I not commanded? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This is not the first time we have ever gone through a financial situation (or “crisis” as some may call it) in this nation. We will survive, and we will get through this. Do not corrupt your mind with negative thoughts such as, “Oh, no … the world is falling apart!” Thinking this way will cause much devastation to your otherwise positive mindset, and it will keep your fears very much alive. On the contrary, you will be amazed at what can happen to your morale and your spirits when you remain positive, jovial, and at peace about the situation. Because this is not the first time our country has experienced something like this, I know the situation will get better soon. We will get better. I believe that by changing our outlook, adjusting our lifestyles, and remaining positive, we will do a great service those around us and to ourselves. Stay in prayer, remain spiritually strong, and most importantly, remain happy.

Before I tell you how the program works, there are certain materials that are necessary for you to have.  Each level comes as a packet with a Teacher’s Manual; four sets of flashcards (including phonogram cards, sound cards, key cards, and word cards); index card dividers; a progress chart and completion certificate; etc.  Levels 3 and 4 also come with extras, including a Syllable Division Rules Chart, Word Banks, a Homophones List, etc. When I first ordered from All About Spelling, I ordered the Levels 1 and 2 Teacher’s Manual and Student Packets, as well as the Letter Tiles.  They also have magnets for your Letter Tiles and a Phonogram CD-ROM, but I already had magnets on hand, and I was fairly confident that I could do this without having the CD-ROM, after reading a review that a friend had written.  (By the way, reading reviews on any kind of homeschooling product you’re about to order is the best way to learn more about it and if it might be right for your family.)  They also have a Beehive Reader and the All About Homophones book and e-book available; I did order the All About Homophones book, and I use it as a supplement on days when we just need a change of pace.  Jacob really enjoys doing the worksheets and games in that book.

The program is working wonderfully for us.  Buying the first 2 programs was a bit heavy on our budget, since each Teacher’s Manual and Student Materials Packet costs $29.95-$39.95.  That cost does not include the Letter Tiles or other extra materials; but since you only have to buy one set of Letter Tiles in the beginning, it really is a good deal, in my opinion.  I firmly believe the program is worth the cost, too.  Jacob is thriving with it, and honestly, it could probably be used to supplement a phonics course for children just beginning to read. Each book is also re-usable, since the student isn’t writing in the books, so the whole program can be used for other children down the road; this is so important for a lot of families, since they don’t want to have to purchase the program for multiple children.  As a homeschooling Mama, the only drawback I had was cutting out all of the flashcards, although my first set came perforated, so that made it easier.  It just takes a little time in the beginning to set up your index card box, though, and you’re off and running.  The book shows you how to set up your letter tiles, so that you are ready to concentrate on teaching, not just getting a bunch of materials ready.  Overall, I give this program a definite two thumbs up.

To read more reviews about this program, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.