The Session: The Spending habits of Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z.

Genesis 22:17, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”

This verse reminds us that God’s promises are not just for us, but for the generations that follow us, ensuring a legacy that reflects His faithfulness.

Ages of the different generations.

The Age of Gen X.

• It is for the people born between the 1960s and 1980s AGES 65 - 85

The Age of Millennials.

• It is for the people born between 1981 and 1996 AGES 29 - 44

The Age of Gen Z

• It is for people born between 1997 and 2012 AGES 13 - 28

The spending habits of Gen X

• A Gen X Christian's spending would therefore reflect a blend of generational financial habits and faith-based values.
• are often characterized by cautious, practical spending habits shaped by major economic shifts they experienced including the 2008 financial crisis.
• They balance taking care of both their own children and their aging parents
• They are careful buyers that are brand loyal and very eager to research what they are going to buy
• They prioritize their spending based on mortgages, health care and retirement
• They are more likely to research what they buy and are comfortable either online or in a store buying it
• Gen X spending includes travel, health and beauty products, and household items like pet care and home and garden supplies. They are also high spenders on "recreation durables," such as musical instruments and gaming consoles.

The spending habits of millennials

• Studies show that Christian millennials donate significantly more than their non-Christian peers. One study found that Christian millennials give not quite 3 times as much as non-Christian millennials
• For many Christian millennials, financial responsibility is directly tied to their faith.
• Many are driven by "others-focused" financial goals, such as providing for family, charitable giving, or serving God with their money.
• other millennials may be more motivated by "self-focused" goals, such as supporting their desired lifestyle.
• Focus on intentional spending. • 59% intentionally try to buy from companies that operate in ways they believe honor Christ.
• 48% believe they have a responsibility to spend money with companies owned or operated by Christians.
• Millennials are more likely to give their donations to grassroots start up ministries and social justice issues rather than tithing to the church

The spending habits of Gen Z

• Christian Gen Z show a strong interest in "purpose-driven" purchases that align with their values. While they are price-conscious, they will prioritize spending with brands that demonstrate social responsibility
• Christian youth tend to spend their money on experiences rather than tangible items
• Examples include dining out, going to concerts, traveling and other entertainment
• Gen Z rely on social media for product information and prefer to order online
• They have had very little experience, going to shopping malls in various department stores to find things. They have been born and raised on the Internet and its capabilities.
• They are motivated to give 10% however it is often times to an online presence versus the institutional church
• Many Gen Z people tend to believe in being a good steward of what they have been given.

Christian Gen Z are actively taught to resist materialism and

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, we thought it would be appropriate to discuss gratitude....in our own, quirky way. The article we used as a basis for our discussion is "7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude That Will Motivate You to Give Thanks Year Round", by Amy Morin. Here's the link to the full article:

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round

How can you express gratitude to God and to others this Thanksgiving?

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: 5 Ways Your Blended Family Can Find Peace Over the Holidays

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

• As God's chosen, holy, and beloved people, you should clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
• Verse 13: Be patient with each other, and if you have a complaint against someone, forgive them as the Lord has forgiven you.
• Verse 14: And above all these virtues, put on love, which binds all of them together in perfect

1. Remember the reason for the season. Keeping peace on earth starts with you. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to model Christ to our stepchildren and ex-spouses, especially those who are not walking with the Lord. Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (NIV).

These special days are a celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ, the one who has brought salvation, grace, love, and joy.

Are we demonstrating the love of God in our stepfamily? Are we expressing the joy of the Lord? Remember to center your holidays on the right celebration.

2. Honor traditions that your step kids bring and consider new ones.

We learned that a new family means doing things a new way. That involves flexibility and open minds. It’s okay to keep some old traditions, but it may be time to create some new ones, too. We asked each of our kids to suggest something they’d like to create as a new tradition. As long as it was legal and not immoral, we agreed.

One new tradition sounds pretty simple, but had a lot of impact. We bought matching ornaments for the kids each year and added their names and the year. As each has married, we have carefully packed up their ornaments and presented to them for their first Christmas tree. There are lots of great memories attached to those ornaments.

As the kids have gotten older, we have added a new tradition of Thanksgiving Day golf. The boys (since we have more of them) leave the house with my husband, Gil, by 8 a.m. Living in the Northwest, you never know what kind of weather will greet you on that morning. Last year, it was more like ice golfing. We came back with a video of 28-year-old Kyle ice skating in the sand trap as he tried to maneuver his way out. Feet sliding under him, his feeble attempt to escape the trap made us all laugh! As we reminisce around the dinner table each year, that tradition is always brought up.

3. Reduce pressure of holiday schedules.

So much strife is created by the timing of family get-togethers, but if you look at things a little differently, you can stretch your holiday time and even enjoy it. (As we always say, “Remember, blessed are the flexible, for they won’t snap.”)

Consider that your celebration doesn’t need to be on the day of the holiday. Instead, reserve another date close to the holiday for your holiday festivities. Having an “open house” day may work best.

4. Don’t hold grudges. Many families trade off each year where kids will be for the major holidays, which can disappoint and hurt feelings. But don’t spend your energy on holding grudges over scheduling chaos. Instead, put your energy into loving them, and enjoy the time you have with them.

If emotions run crazy, chances are they are just trying to make all of their parents happy by showing up when asked. The more understanding you have, the more pleasant the holiday will be and the more your kids will look forward to spending time in your home.

5. Don’t forget about your marriage. Take time to check in with your spouse. Sometimes my husband and I wi

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.