FUNDamentals

From the Editor
Spring 07 Issue

Welcome to the Spring issue of FUNDamentals. This issue is stacked with nutritious and delicious food for thought.

First, we want to share with you the amazing news that the American Baha'i Community has yet again scaled new heights of sacrifice and generosity and not only met but surpassed the annual National Fund Goal! During the past two months over $11 million dollars was raised, leaving us with a total of $25.5 million. That means both that this community is assuredly being showered in blessings, and also that the work of the Faith can continue building its already impressive momentum.

In this issue, we have the first in a series of articles with concrete tips on saving and investing your money.

We also have some tools to help you wrap your arms around where your money is going, whether you're still in college or you've already begun your career and have kids.

Find out what some young adults learned about the role money plays in their friendships.

Hear from a young adult poet who's self-published a book to support the National Baha'i Fund.

In a new feature, Samah Tokmachi, a young adult from LA, explores our support for our revolutionary Baha'i institutions.

And, last but not least, check out several job positions in the Office of the Treasurer that might interest you.

Dig in.

P.S. Keep an eye out for The Green Issue, this summer in FUNDamentals. And if you have a minute, check out our Flash film 5 Reasons You Need to Know About Financial Planning. We think you'll like it.

Spiritual Financial Planning
Short Term Saving

Lindsey Cameron, in the first of 3 articles, talks about the importance of savings and where it might be best to put your money. Hint - it's probably not where you think.
 

Spiritual Financial Planning
It's 10 pm. Do You Know Where Your Money Is?: Why Budgeting May Be the Most Important Thing You Ever Do.

Ok, so it may not be the most important thing you'll ever do (prayer is, you know, up there too), but it is one of the first steps in managing your money. So now, all in one place, just for you, the FUNDamentals Team has developed several budgeting tools for almost any kind of financial situation.

Material Encounters
How Much Does It Cost To Be Your Friend?

Do people have to pay 'admission' to be your friend? Hear what a group of young adults discovered at a recent gathering held by the Office of the Treasurer.

Sustained Development
The Power of Poetry

Michael Greenlee, 22, self-published a volume of poetry about the House of Worship as a fundraiser for the National Fund. In this interview he shares some thoughts about poetry, the funds, and one of the poems from his volume, "Linden Far".

From the Field
"...the System of Baha'u'llah..."

Samah Tokmachi, 29, writer and filmmaker from LA, shares some meditations on the relationship between support of the Funds and support of our Administrative Order.