Faith & Finance - Before You Borrow with Ron Blue

Debt always costs more than the interest rate. It can affect your budget, your marriage, your margin, and even your ability to respond freely when God leads. That doesn’t mean borrowing is always wrong. But it does mean Christians should approach debt carefully, prayerfully, and with wisdom. Ron Blue, a pioneer in biblically wise financial planning and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss principles from his article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” featured in the latest issue of our Faithful Steward magazine. Here are several key questions to ask before taking on debt. Will This Debt Produce More Value Than It Costs? Ron’s first rule is that borrowing always mortgages the future. When you borrow money today, you commit future income to yesterday’s decision. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the economic return is greater than the economic cost. In some cases, borrowing may help you purchase something that can grow in value or produce long-term benefits, such as a home or a business. But that is very different from borrowing for things that immediately decline in value. Credit cards and auto loans are common examples. While using a credit card for convenience and paying it off every month can be reasonable, carrying credit card debt to fund consumption is a dangerous pattern. As Ron put it, borrowing to build wealth is one thing. Borrowing for something that steadily loses value is another. That road can quickly lead to bondage. Am I Presuming Upon the Future? The second rule is simple but often overlooked: never presume upon the future. When you borrow, you are making an assumption about tomorrow. You assume your income will continue. You assume your health will remain stable. You assume your circumstances will allow you to repay what you owe. But life does not always unfold the way we expect. Jobs change. Markets shift. Health challenges come. Unexpected expenses arise. That’s why every borrowing decision needs a clear repayment plan. Before taking on debt, ask, “How will I pay this back?” If the answer depends on overly optimistic assumptions, it may be wise to pause. Borrowing without a sure path to repayment can create unnecessary pressure and reduce financial flexibility. Are We in Full Agreement as Husband and Wife? Debt not only affects a balance sheet. It affects the whole household. That is why Ron’s third rule is that spouses should be in full agreement before any borrowing takes place. Husbands and wives often think differently about money. They may have different experiences, fears, preferences, and priorities. One spouse may be more comfortable with risk, while the other feels the weight of debt more deeply. Those differences are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can be a gift. Ron reminds couples that God does not give us a spouse to frustrate us, but to complete us. When spouses slow down, listen well, and work through disagreements, they often make wiser decisions together than either would make alone. But when borrowing decisions are made without unity, they can create resentment, tension, and a growing sore spot in the marriage. Before taking on debt, couples should ask: “Are we truly united in this decision?” Have I Given God an Opportunity to Provide? Ron’s fourth principle may be the most surprising: never deny God an opportunity to provide. Before borrowing, it is worth asking: Have I prayed about this? Have I asked God for wisdom? Have I considered whether there may be another way to meet this need? Sometimes borrowing feels like the fastest solution. But speed is not alway