All of the claims and counterclaims of the Trump surveillance scandal have reminded us that the government can sift through all of your phone records and internet activity at any time. Under Obamacare, the IRS can examine your health along with your money. We also know the government can bring in the IRS, Labor Department, the EPA, the SEC and maybe even the FBI if you have the "wrong" religious or political views.
Like the frog that never jumps out of the pot because the heat increases slowly, we are just about cooked. We need to hop out of the pot before it is too late. And the best place to start getting free from intrusive government is to reassert your right to financial privacy.
The good news for most of us is that one of the key spiritual and debt relief principles, "in weakness there is strength," (see 2 Cor. 12:9) works in the privacy arena as well. Most of us are too small and weak to be much of a target. They've been too busy shaking down Trump campaign officials, rich Republicans and large corporations. Only a few of us get caught in the jaws of government. For now.
The most important thing you can do is avoid coming to the attention of the government. Like the Spanish Inquisition or the Gestapo, once you come to their attention, they'll work you over whether you are "guilty" or not. So file your tax returns and pay your taxes. Keep your nose clean and stay away from those who don't. Don't carry large amounts of cash, which the government can take from you with little effective recourse. If you do come to their attention, do not hesitate to seek professional help to get out of the trap.
You should also re-evaluate your computer use. Remember that the "e" in e-mail stands for "evidence". Just ask Hilary Clinton. Do not destroy your own privacy by putting confidential information on social media. Online banking is also a risky practice, leaving you vulnerable to government snoops and hackers. Keeping a low internet profile will make you a much smaller target not only to the government, but also to creditors, thieves and others who do not have your best interests at heart.
There are also many perfectly legal steps you can take to lower your real-world profile. Experts recommend using mail center addresses instead of your home address for all mail. Investment assets can often be kept private through the use of corporations or limited liability companies. Avoid as much debt as you can, and do not give out confidential information such as your Social Security number or date of birth. Remember, in weakness there is strength.
Lastly, you should educate yourself about privacy issues. We recommend How To Be Invisible by J.J. Luna as a good place to start.
Financial privacy is your right and is an important component of financial freedom. Protect your family while you still can. 
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.
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