Weekly Thought – February 17, 2026
Fred “held court” on Saturdays during his last years. Chairs set up around his hospital bed held young and old who came for their weekly shot of Fredisms. But his influence continues through his writings and the lives he touched who now touch others. A bright, energetic businesswoman remarked last week, “I wish I had made the effort to spend time with Fred, but I am now learning through the website and the weekly thoughts.” Good to see the ripples still spilling out across the water.
Straight Talk On Money
Someday I am going to write a book about money. Eventually most people who come to sit and talk ask me about it. I put down some bullet points about common sense money management. We will flesh them out at another time, but I hope these can be helpful.
1. Money is compatible with happiness if we recognize: a) money is a great servant, but a lousy master; money is means, and never an end; b) golden chains can enslave our families, our employees, and even our friends; money-motivated manipulation is wrong; c) money can be a terrible tyrant – we need to see when too much is too much; d) what we own is not who we are – money should never define us.
2. There is a four way test for money management: a) Do I understand the proper use? b) Can it be gratefully enjoyed? c) Will it be enthusiastically shared? d) What is my capacity for generous giving?
3. Common sense rules for solvency: a) tell yourself the truth; b) live within your income; c) escape the plastic plaque; d) outwit emergencies; e) pay no interest on depreciating assets; e) always put luxuries last
4. Observe these caution signs: a) high return = high risk; b) when you feel greed, STOP; c) if you are ignorant of the what, then know the who; d) stop a loss and continue a gain; e) beware of holy hunches, visions, and coincidences.
5. When loss occurs take the road to recovery: a) stay busy doing the right things; b) organize for plans dispel confusion; c) recognize you can live with the facts; d) never lose the good of a bad situation; e) be redemptive and transform, but don’t conform; f) God is there in the trouble…He is there to be found.
This week think about: 1) What role does money play in my thinking and planning? 2) How do I best use money? 3) When has money become a tyrant?
Words of Wisdom: “Money is a great servant and a lousy master.”
Wisdom from the Word: “The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money; he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income.This also is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NET Bible)