Michael and Shannon often refer to their "toolbox" when they are speaking at events. "We like to keep our tool box full," Michael can usually be heard saying. "A full tool box helps prepare you for almost any situation in life," Shannon will add. The toolbox they are referring too is a list of resources that can help them navigate through a host of circumstances. Below you will find a few of Shannon and Michael's favorite tools in their toolbox. They hope you choose to add them to yours as well. Money Management Crown Financial Ministries Shannon and Michael were first exposed to Crown when they were newly married. The practical financial resources offered through Crown have allowed Shannon and Michael to set both short term and long term financial goals and stick to them. Crown is a great tool for anyone looking to get out of debt, stay out of debt and achieve true financial freedom. Dave Ramsey National radio host Dave Ramsey is a favorite of Shannon and Michael. His no nonsense approach to money management keeps listeners and readers laughing as they take steps to true life change. They find Ramsey especially engaging because he became a millionaire in his twenties, lost it all and then earned it back. He's someone you want to listen to if you want to avoid learning the hard way. Mvelopes Personal Budgeting System The primary budgeting program of choice for the Primicerios, Mvelopes is the easiest to use system Shannon and Michael have found. It's money management for non math people. And it's the only budgeting system that allows you to track your expenses in real time instead of tallying everything up at the end of the month. With a thirty day free trial, this system is definitely worth a try. Bankrate Want to know the best interest rates on money market accounts or CDs? Wondering if you can get a more competitive rate on a loan? This is the place for you. With Bankrate you are able to compare interest rates at multiple institutions with just one click of your mouse. It's a smart tool to have for those looking to make interest and not pay it. Vision Me, Myself and Bob by Phil Vischer When Shannon graduated from Biola University in the fall of 2003, Phil Vischer was the keynote speaker. Having just lost the media giant that was Big Idea Productions, Vischer gave a commencement address that was less than inspiring but also very gripping. Shannon never forgot his story, and his lessons learned the hard way. When he recently released a longer version of his commencement address in book form, Shannon devoured it in two days. His story about having a dream, watching God show up in it, and then watching it die is not only mesmerizing but life changing as well. Coming Up for Air by Margaret Becker Referenced in chapter 8 of Life. Now. this book remains one of Shannon's favorites. With an authenticity that that makes you feel like an old friend, Margaret Becker shares of her journey to catching a bigger vision for her own life and the steps she took to make it happen. This book is an inspiring read for anyone looking to learn from someone else's journey of making a dream into a reality. Blueprint for Life Also referenced in Life. Now. this interactive Bible study with audio, journaling, short answer and goal setting components is unlike any other Shannon and Michael have seen. Perfect for someone constantly on the go, this Bible study helps you map out your destiny one step at a time. Marriage/Engagement Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs After receiving this book as a Christmas gift the first year they were married, Shannon and Michael decided to attend one of Dr. Eggerichs' conferences. What they experienced was two days of laughing until their sides hurt at the differences between men and women, and a new level of mutual understanding that strengthened their relationship in ways they could have never imagined. This book is a must own resource for any married or engaged couple. Family Life Marriage Conferences While they were still engaged, Shannon and Michael received a gift certificate from a friend to attend one of Family Life's Weekend to Remember conferences. This conference laid the groundwork for excellent communication strategies and helped Shannon and Michael prepare to diffuse arguments that are part of married life. It's a great conference for couples seeking to learn more about communication. America's Family Coaches At their first Family Life conference, Shannon and Michael found the main speakers to be both engaging and relevant. That was their first introduction to Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg, and they have been using their resources in their own marriage and with others ever since. Marriage Partnership Magazine An occasional freelancer for this magazine, Shannon enjoys reading the articles about everything from communication, sex and fidelity to where to go on your next date night. She and Michael appreciate the strong Christian voice that's still culturally relevant. Fear Honestly by Sheila Walsh This book lands on Shannon's list of top five books of all times. Sheila Walsh paints a frank portrait of her battle with clinical depression and her subsequent fears. For both the depressed and the simply afraid, Sheila's story sheds light on the things we are all desperately afraid of and gives readers the strength to face them head on. It's truly a life changing read. Giving Back Compassion International Shannon and Michael partner with Compassion to sponsor Issouf, a little boy living in Burkina Faso (West Africa) and Robert, a college student at Kenyatta University in Kenya, Africa. Both Robert and Issouf live in extreme poverty and daily necessities that we tend to take for granted such as food, clothing, education and spare change are rare commodities for them and many like them. Even if you aren't able to travel the globe in person in order to make an impact, your monthly support money and personal letters could make a real difference in the life of an impoverished child. Spiritual Journey Committed But Flawed by Cecil Murphey Referenced in chapter 2 of Life. Now. this book is full of complicated portraits of biblical figures. With vignettes of people like Gideon, Barnabas and David, Cecil Murphey writes with a fresh perspective that allows modern day Christians to see that the people in Bible times wrestled with their faith just as much as we do today. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer A Christian classic, and a favorite read of Michael, this book addresses characteristics of God that help new believers and old understand who God is and why it is so life changing to be in relationship with Him. The book's easy reading format allow for it to be read as a devotional or as an actual book. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards Received by Shannon as a gift years ago, this book remains one of her top five favorites. In this narrative Gene Edwards examines the lives of the kings Saul, David and Absalom with a fresh perspective. With the primary focus being the handling of difficult people without becoming one yourself, this book is a must read for people looking to grow past the petty and hurtful conflicts in life.