Making an Intentional Impact with God's Money with Afton Phillips

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” - Luke 16:11What if managing money is about more than just numbers and budgets—what if it’s a window into something eternal? Afton Phillips joins us today as we explore the mission behind the message you hear every day on this program, and how you can be a part of it.Afton Phillips is the Head of Content at FaithFi: Faith & Finance. The Heart Behind the MissionSo why focus so much on finances?Because how we handle money reveals what we treasure most. At FaithFi, we want to help people experience freedom, peace, and generosity—not just from better budgeting, but from surrendering their hearts to God.It’s a message that resonates with people in all seasons of life. Whether you feel boxed in by a budget or anxious about a financial decision, each of those moments is an invitation to reflect on your heart and trust in Christ. We are already living in abundance with the love of Christ.The Common Struggles We All FaceHere are the three biggest challenges that Christians often face when it comes to faithful money management:Trust vs. Security–It's easy to place our hope in financial stability rather than in God.Comfort vs. Generosity–Culture tells us to accumulate, but God calls us to live open-handedly.Identity vs. Worth–We’re constantly tempted to measure our value by our bank accounts rather than who we are in Christ.That’s why the resources we offer—from our studies to our podcast—aren’t just about financial literacy. They’re about spiritual formation. The concepts we talk about are an intentional reset. They help us move away from the emptiness of accumulation and toward peace that’s rooted in Christ.Why Ecclesiastes Still Speaks TodayFaithFi’s newest Bible study, Wisdom Over Wealth, takes readers through the book of Ecclesiastes. This book speaks directly to our modern struggles with meaning, anxiety, and financial pressure.There may not be another book in the Bible that talks about death more, so it really forces you to ask: What really matters? When you realize how short life is, you start to live more intentionally, and that includes how you manage your finances.Rather than treating money as ultimate, Ecclesiastes helps us see it as a gift. Something to be enjoyed, yes—but also stewarded wisely under God’s authority.FaithFi’s Tools for the JourneyIf you’re new to FaithFi, here’s a quick look at the resources we offer to help believers apply biblical wisdom to their financial lives every day:Radio + Podcast: Our daily conversations bring timeless biblical wisdom into your financial life.FaithFi App: A free, easy-to-use budgeting tool that helps you align your spending with eternal values—and includes a community of other believers on the same journey.High-Quality Articles and Content: Each week, we share insightful content from leading voices in Christian finance, designed to help you connect your faith with everyday financial decisions.Bible Studies + Devotionals: Deep dives into Scripture that explore God’s heart for money and stewardship.Faithful Steward Magazine: A beautifully designed quarterly publication filled with quick reads, practical tips, and theological insights.How You Can Support the MissionAs we approach the end of our fiscal year (June 30), FaithFi is inviting listeners to join our mission by becoming a FaithFi Partner.Here’s what your partnership makes possible:Continued production of biblical, practical resources like this radio program.Expansion of studies and devotionals that transform lives.Investment in tools like the FaithFi app that meet people where they are.A monthly gift of $35 or an annual gift of $400 qualifies you for our FaithFi Partner Program. That means you'll receive:Two studies or devotionals each yearThe Faithful Steward magazine, each quarterPro access to the FaithFi appMinistry updates and a sense of shared purpose in Kingdom workWe know this message has the power to change lives because we’ve seen it. When Christians align their hearts with God’s design for money, they can have a global impact.We’re incredibly grateful for those who make this ministry possible. If you’d like to become one of the 50 new partners we’re praying for this month, visit FaithFi.com/give today. Let’s help more people see God as their ultimate treasure.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Besides the annual percentage rate, what other factors should I compare when shopping for a mortgage? Additionally, is there a typical range for origination fees and closing costs?My husband and I are struggling to tithe because we disagree with how our church is spending the money. We feel like we're the only ones concerned, and it’s hard to give when we believe the funds could be used more wisely. Are we in the wrong for feeling this way? Should we continue tithing anyway?I contributed to a traditional IRA, thinking it was a wise move, but now that I’m retired, I’m in a higher tax bracket than when I earned the income. Are there any strategies to reduce the tax burden in this situation?I want to help my child purchase their first home. Would it be more cost-effective to cosign on their mortgage, or take out a home equity loan myself and pay off the mortgage directly while they repay me? I’m trying to minimize closing costs and fees.I’ve been hearing more about deed fraud lately. What steps can homeowners take to protect their property from being targeted?Someone told me I might be eligible to collect Social Security based on my husband’s record. Is that true, and how does it work?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.