Receiving a Distinguished Paper Award at the Mustang International Academic Conference held in Las Vega, Nevada in Feb 2014, heightened my desire to author this book. An enjoyable lesson about the process of creating knowledge, competence, and a monetary understanding. Learning how people describe their economic interest, explore attitudes, and explain their money values. A qualitative system of study allowed the most noticeable influences to fully develop and provided an actionable and participatory inquiry with the purpose to solve a social concern. A direct experience design allowed inductive insights to evolve as the contributors describe the ‘said’ discernment and understanding of financial literacy. The persons in this case study were adults who have religious affiliations with the organizations in the case study and were willing to assist in the research effort. The NVIVO software was instrumental in collecting and analyzing relevant data, to develop actionable decision models. The study examined concerns for faith-based organizations seeking to define the influence of religiosity, behavioral economics, and actionable learning pertaining to financial literacy and decision-making. My twenty-five-years as an Investment Advisor Representative, personally reading the Bible from cover-to-cover eight times and being a student of biblical teachings has served me well. Dr. Blake offers an engaging and comprehensive study of financial decision-making among faithful individuals and organizations. As a long-time experienced Investment Advisor, he asks challenging questions, and offers his unique, experience-based advice to anyone who looks for guidance on how to improve their own financial situation, while being honest to their faith. Dr. Jelena Vucetic - Author, Entrepreneur, Professor
I commend Dr. Blake for tackling the monumental topic of financial literacy in his book, JOSEPH, Building Financial Literacy. Dr. Blake motivates and encourages one to do some self-examination when it comes to handling finances and then to move from theoretical knowledge to practical know-how and application. His book contains a wealth of information and is long overdue. Keith C. Pinkard, MBA Aerospace Science Instructor Dr. Blake really made his vision on Financial Literacy come to life in a manner that is relatable and palatable to everyone. This book empowers you with the knowledge and wisdom to make a positive difference in ones’ life, and the ability to make wiser, more informed decisions no matter what your position in life. An inspiring and refreshing view on how financial literacy and spiritual teachings are all encompassing and not mutually exclusive. Canisha Current - Author and Financial Advisor
