Ep. 73: Keep More of What You Earn — Legally and Biblically

Most Christians focus on how to grow their wealth — but few understand how much they're losing to taxes. In this episode, Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee simplify what most financial professionals overcomplicate: the tax strategies that let you build and protect wealth the Kingdom way.You'll learn the three key “tax buckets” that determine how much you keep versus how much you owe. Whether you’re a business owner, W-2 employee, or side-hustling entrepreneur, this episode will challenge what you’ve been told about 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and “safe” savings strategies.It's time to stop feeding the IRS what God meant for your future and start making smarter, biblically grounded decisions that help you steward your increase well.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why the IRS and traditional advisors don’t teach tax efficiencyThe difference between tax now, tax later, and tax-advantaged bucketsHow the wealthy legally avoid taxes using strategies you’ve likely never been taughtWhat the Bible says about wise stewardship and financial planningWhy maxing out your 401(k) could be a “sucker’s bet”How to create a tax-free income stream using the “family bank” conceptWhy your retirement should look like a lifetime of Saturdays — not pay cuts🧠 Key Scriptures Referenced:Proverbs 21:20 – "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling…"Deuteronomy 8:18 – "It is He who gives you the power to get wealth…"Mark 12:17 – “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…”Ecclesiastes 11:2 – “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight…”⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome + Why taxes matter more than you think 2:30 – The “tax now” trap: why your savings account isn’t safe 6:40 – Double-dipping taxes & the devoured harvest 10:15 – The myth of “lower taxes in retirement” 14:45 – Why the middle class pays the most in taxes 17:20 – What wealthy people actually do with their money 19:00 – How tax-advantaged strategies work (the “family bank”) 23:00 – Hidden fees and inefficiencies in 401(k)s 26:00 – The 3-bucket challenge: where is your money really going?🛠️ Resources & Links:Get your free financial plan: SafeMoneyRoadmap.comMore tools and teaching: ProsperInTheKingdom.comBook mentioned: 401(k) ChaosU.S. Debt Clock (see real-time national debt)Learn about Family Bank Strategy (by request — DM us!)📢 Call to Action:Want to stop guessing and start stewarding your income wisely? Get a free financial game plan built around biblical principles and proven tax strategies at SafeMoneyRoadmap.comLike this episode? Share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and tag us when you do! Help us spread this message of faith-driven financial freedom.