Brett Stanavich | Maverick Life

Brett Stanavich | Maverick Life

Live Original

Brett & Abby Stanavich

Christ followers, parents of four, impulsive rescue dog saver, passionate about our faith, family, finances, and fitness!

A man reading the Bible to a little boy.

Faith Family

The Importance of Training Up Your Children in The Lord

Brett Stanavich

November 4, 2024 5 min read

Importance of family devotionals The Bible charges parents to “train up” their children (Proverbs 22:6). It is not the responsibility of a church, a pastor, grandparents, or some other institution. This is an area all Christian parents should feel compelled to create an environment that encourages faith to flourish and grow within the walls of […]

A row of bookshelves in a library.

Faith Family Finance Fitness

Be a Lifelong Learner

Brett Stanavich

October 16, 2024 7 min read

The case for lifelong learning: I’ve personally held onto the belief that learning shouldn’t stop after completing formal education. In fact, I would say, from the moment of graduation, life begins to expand at an exponential rate. Educating yourself should keep in step with your ever-changing life. The type of education I’m referring to focuses […]

Man reading a Bible.

Faith

Why its Important To Read The Bible

Brett Stanavich

September 16, 2024 4 min read

There are many important reasons to personally read and study The Bible outside of a formal church service. In doing so, we learn more about the character of God and how He wants His followers to act, speak, and conduct themselves. If you have chosen to put your faith in Jesus, then you represent Him […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: The Resurrection

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

The climax of events seemed over as Jesus was taken off the cross and buried in a tomb on Friday. Saturday was dark and gloomy as they were still unpacking all that occurred. The disciples watched their Rabbi, friend, and the man they believed to be the Messiah die at the hands the Romans. Jesus […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: The Last Supper

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 2 min read

Jesus gathered with His twelve disciples to eat the Passover meal in Jerusalem. A meal to remember what God had accomplished by providing a way for the Jewish people to be set free from slavery and no longer under Egypt’s control (Exodus 12). As part of this celebration the Jewish people would sacrifice and eat […]

Money being taken out of a wallet.

Faith Finance

Giving and Expecting Nothing in Return: A Biblical Perspective

Brett Stanavich

September 16, 2024 5 min read

The act of giving is often associated with the expectation of getting something back in return. However, the Bible teaches us the complete opposite perspective: giving generously to others and expecting nothing in return. Typically, the subject of giving is talked about and encouraged more frequently around Christmas time, but as Christians, we should live […]

Faith

The Core Values You Need To Live By

Brett Stanavich

October 16, 2024 5 min read

I joined the Air National Guard after graduating from high school. It wasn’t always easy throughout the eight years that I was in, but I am grateful for the discipline and mentorship that shaped me into the person I am today. The military took who I was and broke me down in order to bring […]

Budgeting

Finance

How To Track Your Expenses And Control Your Spending

Brett Stanavich

September 16, 2024 6 min read

Have you ever asked yourself, “where did my money go?”. You just got paid, but your bank account balance says otherwise. Your paycheck was deposited, but expenses quickly eroded it. Month after month you find yourself in the same financial predicament, living paying check to paycheck or not getting ahead. I want to talk about […]

A man facing the ocean with his back to the camera.

Faith

Why It’s Important To Reflect On Your Christian Walk

Brett Stanavich

October 16, 2024 4 min read

I recently was reflecting on my Christian walk. The man that I am today compared to the person that I used to be. I thank God that there is such a drastic difference! The Christian walk is a journey in which we strive to become more like Jesus through a process called sanctification. It is […]

A pile of Christmas presents underneath a Christmas tree

Family Finance

Christmas Shopping: Is There Such a Thing as Too Much?

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

Every Christmas season, American households plan to spend $1,300 shopping for gifts on average. In most cases, spending money, they don’t have to buy roughly $400 worth of presents per child. American culture always seems to find a way to take a nice gesture and grossly blow it out of proportion. Leading me to ask […]

A guy jumping over a fire.

Faith

What Is Influencing You?

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 2 min read

Have you taken a moment to evaluate what you’re opening yourself up to lately? What are you allowing to influence you?Influence is defined as: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. There are so many things constantly trying to compete for your […]

The book of James from the Bible.

Faith

An Impartial Way of Life

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

Why Being Partial is Wrong The simple and straightforward answer is, because God says so. However, let’s define what partiality is and dive into the topic a little further using what the Bible has to say. 11 For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:11 A Quick Side Note The book of James is one of my favorite […]

Finance

Amazon Prime: A Useful or Needless Expense?

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

The purpose of this post isn’t necessarily for you to cancel your membership but to evaluate if having a Prime membership makes sense for you. Analyzing your spending habits or canceling your membership all together could save you more money annually. If Amazon makes shopping too convenient for you, you could end up buying more […]

Married couple posing together with the sun setting in the background.

Family

Is Your Marriage Still A Priority?

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

Every year, as the midway point approaches, I can’t help but think about the goals that I had set earlier in the year. Evaluating if I’m taking the proper steps to achieving those goals. Identify areas that need some fine tuning and adjustments. Outside of my professional goals that I set annually. There is one […]

A guy working out in a gym.

Fitness

Exercises, Workouts, Programs, and Fitness Apps That I Love

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 5 min read

Adding in new exercises or workouts can help keep your fitness journey feel fresh and exciting. Here is a list of my favorite exercises, workouts, programs and fitness applications. My hope is that something might help motivate you in your fitness journey. Read about our other fitness posts here. Exercises: The list of exercises are […]

A bunch of workout gear in a gym.

Fitness

The Best Fitness Equipment for Home Gyms

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

I used to have a gym membership, but I realized that I could save money overtime by investing in my own home gym. Some people need a gym to stay motivated. I understand it isn’t for everyone. It can even be difficult for me at times to sneak away and workout in my home gym. […]

A man holding on to a barbell with an American flag in the background.

Fitness

My Annual Challenge: Tracking Progress and Maintaining Fitness Goals

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

An annual fitness challenge gives you something to measure yourself against. Each year competing in a certain competition can help gauge where you are at in your fitness journey. The outcome will tell you year after year if you are maintaining your fitness or if it needs some attention. I think, we have all been […]

A man running along a beach

Fitness

Exercise: Something is Better Than Nothing

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 5 min read

Fitting workouts in throughout a week can sometimes be very difficult. I would love to do five, one-hour workouts without any interruptions each week, but it’s not always feasible. Busy schedules, kids, and other responsibilities take priority; I’m sure you can relate. A motto that I’ve come to live by in my fitness journey is: […]

Family of 4 looking off into the distance.

Family Finance

4 Things All Parents Need: Prepare for Life’s Unexpected Situations

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

Beyond the basic necessities of providing for a family, there are 4 things that all parents need. All too often I hear of stories of people not having one of these items. Life can throw some series curveballs at times. Having the proper things in place could help ensure you can handle the unexpected. Abby […]

The word mazimize on a sticky note

Finance

10 Ways to Maximize Your Money Each Month

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 6 min read

Money doesn’t go as far as it once did. I try and do my best to be a good steward of my money, time and other resources. For me, it is very important because my household is primarily reliant on my sole income. I try my best to balance building passive income while trying to […]

A person holding change their hand with a small sign that says make a change

Finance

6 Ways to Donate to Charites for FREE

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

Donating has shown to increase overall mood and sense of wellbeing [1]. Helping others is empowering! There is no question that charities make a difference in the world. Charities are able to function because of generous donors. You could help make an impact by contributing to them financially. But, there may be seasons of life […]

5 ways to earn passive income

Finance

5 Ways To Earn Passive Income

Brett Stanavich

November 4, 2024 7 min read

Make Your Money Work For you Passive income is something every person should be striving to achieve in some way. Gone are the days, where you could simply leave your money in a savings account. Passive income can help you pay monthly bills and increase your ability to save, invest, and/ give. In this article […]

New Year Resolutions

Faith Family Finance

5 Unconventional New Year Resolutions

Brett Stanavich&Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 7 min read

We have never met someone that hasn’t at least thought of a New Year resolution. Whether it’s wishful thinking or a serious resolution, less than 8% of people actually stick to their original goal. Maybe it’s due to a lack of time management, unrealistic goals or something else. Instead of going with the mundane, why […]

A group of people putting their hands in a huddle, symbolizing teamwork.

Faith Family Finance Fitness

The Role You Play in Life

Brett Stanavich

September 24, 2024 8 min read

Embracing Your Purpose and Impact Personal Goals I have always been someone that wants to be the best version of myself. A lifelong learner. Striving to push myself to excel; to do better. I’ve set goals for every area of my life: education, work, guitar, fitness, you get the idea. Life is busy and I […]

Dirty hands after a long day of work.

Faith

Your Labor Is Not In Vain

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 2 min read

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 How often do we find ourselves in a position where, even though we think we are doing everything right, life still feels difficult. Though none of us […]