Event Background

Ron Blue, founder of Ron Blue and Co. and president of Kingdom Advisors, served as Lake Distinguished Visitor on September 21 and 22, 2010. Speaking to audiences of financial advisors, academic administrators, Indiana University Foundation leadership and Philanthropic Studies students in both Indianapolis and Bloomington, Mr. Blue shared his personal perspective on the connections between faith and giving and outlined advice for maximizing generosity.

Healthy Financial Advice

In his seminars, Mr. Blue made two distinct points. First, he outlined his principles for healthy financial living which reflect his religious conviction that everything we have is a gift from God—this makes us stewards of our finances and possessions:

1. Don’t spend more than you take in.
2. Save what you don't spend.
3. Develop a long-term financial plan.
4. Build marginal liquidity.
5. Practice generosity.

Why Don’t They Give More?

Second, when asked why people don't give, Mr. Blue observed that many people don't give or are less than generous because:

1. They don't understand generosity.
2. Their personal financial situation is in chaos.
3. They have no vision to inspire their living and giving.
4. They have no relationship with a charitable organization.
5. They don't plan to give because they think what they have is theirs, they earned it and it is for them.
6. They give sporadically out of impulse rather than systematically out of passion.

Other Resources