2. LEVEL ONE – GET STARTED STEP ONE - ADMIT THE PROBLEM Opening prayer: “Dear God, I am beginning a journey toward financial freedom. I pray You will give me the strength to see myself, to help myself, and to trust Your instructions. Thank You for what is about to happen in my life. Amen.” Response: Once I communicate and admit to myself that I have a financial problem, then I am more open to finding out the reasons and solutions to the problem. Memory Verse: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22: 7, NIV). Reflect and share with someone why you think Solomon said this. Are his words true in your life today and how?

3. Barriers or Obstacles: Those things or areas in my life that keep me financially strangled and financially indebted are (use the note spaces or additional paper as necessary):

4. Scripture and Practical Living: The Apostle Paul said this in his letter to the Philippians: “... for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me” (Philippians 4: 11-13 NIV).

5. List the financial barriers Claude and Grace have: Write two challenges you believe keep Claude and Grace in their financial situation: Create two financial goals for Claude and Grace: Share your answers with the class. If you are working through the process by yourself, discuss with someone who is part of the dfree® ministry whom you trust or ask a close friend to review your response.

6. As I analyzed Claude and Grace’s financial problems, I realized that I can provide help for others and apply this to myself. Maybe Claude, Grace, and I, ( ________ first name ) can benefit from some positive changes in my actions, thoughts, and feelings. Therefore, I will repeat the dfree® Affirmation statements of encouragement to myself. (Look in the mirror and repeat the dfree® Affirmation statements.)

7. dfree ® Affirmation 1) There is room for improvement in the way I handle my finances. 2) There are resources available that can guide me to a better life. 3) I will have to change the way I think if I am going to change the way I live.

8. IV. ASSIGNMENTS Read and complete the assignments before you begin the next session. Discovery: I have discovered that the following barriers are preventing me from achieving financial (Check all that apply): Lottery tickets Car loans Family/ friends Student loan Freedom Credit cards Payday loans Auto loans Auto title loans Gambling Other ________

9. Commitments: As a result of my discovery, I commit to the following actions: Commitment #1: I will open an account that I do not currently have (circle all that apply): Bank or credit union checking account Bank or credit union savings account Investment account Retirement account College savings account

10. Commitment #2: I will list three to five challenges I have had in the area of finances:

11. Commitment #3: I will name at least three financial goals I have: 1

12. Commitment #4: I am proud of these financial actions I have taken:

13. Commitment #5: I will identify and invite someone to join me in my dfree® journey: Yes: ________ Date: __/ __/ ____ If I miss the date above, I will invite someone to join me in my dfree® journey on __/ __/ ____ (date).

14. Commitment #6: I will join the dfree® Billion Dollar Challenge ( www.billiondollarpaydown.com ) and set my personal debt reduction goals. Date joined: __/ __/ ____

15. Commitment #7: I will attend the next dfree® session on ________ at ________.

16. Benefits: As a result of keeping my commitments, my life will be better in the following ways:

17. Next Session Dates Admit the Problem 9/13/14 Address the Mess 10/18/14 Adjust the Attitude 11/15/14 All Sessions begin at 4:00-5:15 p.m. Location: First Afrikan Church 5197 Salem Road, Lithonia, Georgia