In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares the parable of the talents. A master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of silver before leaving on a journey. Two of them wisely invest and multiply what they receive, while one buries his share out of fear. Upon the master’s return, those who had invested wisely were praised and rewarded, while the one who buried his talent faced rebuke.
This timeless story teaches us the value of stewardship and the importance of using resources wisely. Today, as parents, we are called to be stewards not only of our own blessings but also to guide our children to become their wise stewards. In the modern world, one of the most practical ways to prepare children for a life of independence and generosity is by teaching them the value of investing early.
The Role of a Financial Advisor in Guiding Families.
Consider the story of Maria, a young girl who began investing at the age of 10, thanks to her parents and the guidance of their trusted financial advisor. Inspired by the parable of the talents, Maria’s parents sought advice on how to teach her the value of saving and investing. Their financial advisor suggested starting a simple monthly investment plan in Maria’s name, helping her set aside ₹500 from her pocket money into a mutual fund.
Over the years, their advisor played a crucial role in ensuring Maria’s investments were wisely managed and aligned with her goals. He would meet with Maria’s family to explain how the investments were growing and share stories of other young investors who achieved financial independence. By the time Maria turned 18, she had not only accumulated enough to fund her dream of studying abroad but also learned valuable lessons about patience, discipline, and the power of compounding.
The financial advisor in this story acted as a mentor, much like a guide in our spiritual journeys. He helped the family understand the importance of multiplying their God-given resources and ensuring they were used for good.
Biblical Principles and Practical Steps
- “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22):A financial advisor can help families make informed decisions and ensure their investments align with their goals.
- Sowing Seeds of Growth: Just as we sow seeds of faith, a financial advisor helps parents and children sow seeds of financial security, ensuring they grow into a harvest of blessings.
- Giving Back: With proper guidance, families not only achieve financial independence but also have the ability to support the Church, help the needy, and live out the Gospel call to generosity.
The Call to Action
As parents, we often pray for our children’s future. Partnering with a financial advisor ensures that those prayers are supported by thoughtful action. Let us not bury the talents God has entrusted to us and our children. Instead, let us nurture them, multiply them, and ensure they bear fruit—for their good and for the glory of God.
This new year, commit to teaching your children about investing. Seek the counsel of a financial advisor who, like a shepherd, can guide your family on the path to financial wisdom and independence. Together, you can equip your children to live fruitful lives, grounded in faith and financial responsibility
Dr. Celso Fernandes
Founder Nave Marg Foundation.
(This article is sponsored and published as Gratitude for “Kantaram Lharam” Sponsorship)