Customer Reviews

The Eternity Portfolio (Generous Giving)

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In The Eternity Portfolio, Alan Gotthardt succeeds in combining a visionary and inspiring approach to giving with a practical step-by-step guide. This is a must-read book for people who are serious about their financial stewardship and donations. In particular, if you have the gift of giving you will find this book invaluable. This book is not just for those who have been richly blessed financially, but for people of any income and wealth level who want to be more strategic and targeted with the resources they have.

Gotthardt's main theme is that our offerings to God are similar to our earthly investments, only with an infinitely better pay-off. We might earn 5% annually on a CD, or maybe 8% on average in the stock market, but the treasures we store up in Heaven have a much better rate of return. First he lays a framework for planning and giving, putting it into a context of Godly values. He makes the case for investing as a strategic process, involving discipline and planning tools. One part involves investing in (and providing for) one's family and the other involves investing in others (giving). When one has identified how much is enough for the family, this opens up the possibility of exponential increases in giving after basic needs savings goals are met. Next the book turns to practical steps to budget spending and to plan for retirement. This is followed by a chapter on allocating your giving among different `investments.' Estate planning is also covered, again with an emphasis on eternal rewards that provide much better returns than an earthly portfolio.

This is a serious book by a serious author--it demonstrates his in-depth knowledge and considerable experience in wealth management and financial planning. Gotthardt's book is grounded in sound financial principles, but he also anchors his approach on scripture. Having read a number of secular books on financial planning and retirement planning, I can say that this book is every bit as useful, but goes beyond that to fill a niche for readers of faith.

One caution is that our joyful giving here on earth should not be primarily motivated by rewards in Heaven (or here). We should give with out of a heart of love that comes from the Lord. God does not owe us anything - after all, He has already given us the gift of His Son.
Jim Steenhagen email: [...]

if you already have an "earthly" financial portfolio, you should definitely read this to get started on a "heavenly" portfolio - aka storing treasures in heaven. This book will help you get on a life-style of giving, instead of keeping - the consumer mentality.

If you are still in debt, recommend you to read "Sound Mind Investing" for practical steps to get out of debt and start a new lifestyle.

Also recommend you to read "Money, Possession and Eternity" for scriptural study.

Alan Gotthardt details a great plan for investing. He's got the certifications, and I loved his vivid concepts and diagrams. Simple to read book that will motivate one to use God's principles for creating wealth for you and your loved ones! Another must read for your financial planning and investing book collection. Another beautiful system that will bring you wealth and help you build God's planet in eternity!

Definitely puts a proper perspective on true riches and true giving. Must read.

I hate the book. Only if you're too religious and want to have good deeds.