Faith & Finance

Financial loss can happen slowly or all at once. A business closes. A home is lost. An investment collapses. A scam wipes out savings built over decades.And when money disappears, the loss can reach far beyond the balance sheet. It can affect our sense of security, our plans for the future, and even the way we understand God’s provision.Scripture does not minimize those losses. It gives us permission to grieve them. But it also reminds us that while we can lose wealth, we cannot lose our true treasure.Three stories—from Job, Horatio Spafford, and John Wesley—offer perspective for responding faithfully when financial loss comes.Job: When Loss Reveals Where We Place Our TrustFew people in Scripture understood loss as Job did. In a remarkably short span of time, his possessions, livelihood, and children were taken from him. Job grieved deeply. He tore his robe. He wept. He asked hard questions.The Bible never suggests that faith requires us to pretend loss does not hurt. But Job also shows us something important about where his confidence ultimately rested. In Job 31:24–28, he reflects on the danger of placing his security in wealth:“Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own? … If so, I should be punished by the judges, for it would mean I had denied the God of heaven.”That is especially significant because Job had been extraordinarily wealthy. Scripture describes him as the greatest of all the people of the East. His possessions were real blessings, and losing them was a real tragedy.Yet even before they disappeared, Job understood that wealth was never worthy of carrying the weight of his hope. Financial loss often reveals what prosperity can conceal.We may sincerely say that our security is in God, but a collapsing account balance can expose how much security we were actually drawing from that account.So when loss comes, the first question may not be, How quickly can I get this money back? A better question may be, Lord, what have I been trusting to do what only You can do?That does not mean we stop rebuilding. It means we rebuild on the right foundation.Horatio Spafford: Peace Does Not Mean Pretending Everything Is FineHoratio Spafford knew something about rebuilding after loss.He was a successful Chicago attorney and real estate investor who suffered significant financial losses around the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Then, two years later, tragedy struck at a level money could never measure.Spafford’s wife and four daughters were crossing the Atlantic when their ship collided with another vessel. His wife survived, but all four daughters died.Spafford soon crossed the Atlantic to join his grieving wife. In the midst of that devastating season, he wrote words Christians still sing today: “It is well with my soul.”Notice what he did not say. He did not say everything was well. It wasn’t. Christian peace is not denying loss. It is the assurance that loss does not have the final word.That distinction matters when you have been scammed, when a business fails, when retirement savings disappear, or when the house you thought you would grow old in is gone.You can grieve what was lost without believing that you have lost everything.John Wesley: A Different Definition of RichesThat brings us to John Wesley's story. When Wesley was only five years old, the Epworth Rectory, where his family lived, caught fire. John became trapped on the second floor as the flames spread.With no time for a ladder, neighbors climbed onto one another’s shoulders and pulled him through a window shortly before the roof collapsed.The house and nearly everything in it were lost. But Wesley later remembered his father responding to the disaster by giving thanks that his children had survived. His perspective was essentially this: Let the house go. My children are safe. I am rich enough.That is a radically different definition of wealth.Financial loss has a way of forcing us to take inventory. And sometimes, after the numbers have changed dramatically, we discover that our greatest riches were never held in an account to begin with.If you belong to Christ, you still have His promises. You still have His people. You still have work to do, people to love, opportunities to give, and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.When the Numbers Change, Your True Treasure Hasn'tIf you are walking through financial loss today, give yourself permission to grieve. Loss is real, and Scripture does not ask us to minimize it.At the same time, ask the Lord to reveal where your trust has been placed. Seek wise counsel. Assess what remains. And take the next faithful step toward rebuilding. But do not measure your life solely by what disappeared.Financial loss may change your circumstances dramatically, but it does not change who God is or what belongs to those who are in Christ.When everything around us feels shaken, our ultimate treasure remains secure. And what we have in Christ can never be taken away.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a 7.1% mortgage and have been offered a refinance at 6.1% with $4,900 in closing costs. Does refinancing make sense?I owe $83,000 on a home worth about $240,000 at 4%, so refinancing at a higher rate didn’t make sense. I was denied a HELOC because of my credit, but I still need money for urgent home repairs. What other options should I consider?I’m behind on filing my taxes and don’t even know how many years I’ve missed. How can I find out what I owe and get caught up with the IRS?I’m 58 and have about $60,000 in an old 403(b) I can no longer contribute to. Should I roll it into another retirement account, such as an IRA or new 403(b), and how should I continue saving until retirement?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Money stress rarely stays confined to a spreadsheet. It can shape a home's atmosphere, affect a marriage, and influence how children think about money long after they’ve grown up.That’s one reason Crystal Paine, creator of MoneySavingMom.com and author of The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women, believes financial health is about far more than simply earning more or getting all the numbers right.In fact, when Crystal surveyed 4,000 women about their relationship with money, one theme surfaced again and again: fear. Financial stress often left women feeling isolated, ashamed, or worried about whether they were doing enough for their families.But healthy financial habits don’t require a perfect income or a perfect financial situation. They begin with honesty, intentionality, and small choices made consistently over time.Financial Health Is About Purpose, Not PerfectionIt’s easy to define financial health by visible milestones: being debt-free, having a large savings account, earning a certain income, or reaching some other financial goal.Those can certainly be worthwhile goals. But Crystal encourages a broader perspective. Financial health is about learning to manage money with purpose rather than fear.Money is a tool. And whether you have a lot or a little, you can make thoughtful decisions about how you use what has been entrusted to you. Small habits practiced consistently can gradually change the direction of your finances.Sometimes those decisions seem almost insignificant. Bringing water from home instead of buying a bottle while you’re out won’t transform your finances overnight. Neither will skipping one unnecessary purchase or setting aside a few dollars.But repeated choices add up. That principle matters not only for your finances but also for the example you set for your children.Your Kids Are Watching How You Handle MoneyParents teach their children about money whether they realize it or not.Crystal remembers explaining financial decisions to her children when they were young—why the family paid cash, why they chose not to buy certain things, and why they handled money the way they did.Years later, she has watched her older children begin making some of those same choices for themselves.Children notice more than we sometimes realize. They observe whether conversations about money create panic or peace. They see whether spending is impulsive or purposeful. They notice generosity, sacrifice, contentment, and self-control.In many ways, more is caught than taught.That doesn’t mean parents need to manage money perfectly. It means we should recognize that our everyday financial decisions are helping shape the next generation’s understanding of money.Understand the Financial Story You InheritedOf course, not everyone grew up with a healthy financial example.Some people learned discipline and generosity from their parents. Others grew up around financial conflict, scarcity, overspending, anxiety, or complete silence about money.Those experiences can continue influencing us as adults without our realizing it.Crystal encourages people to look back and ask: What did I learn about money growing up? What conversations did my family have? What behaviors were modeled for me? And how are those experiences shaping the choices I make today?Sometimes spending habits have roots much deeper than the purchase itself. They may be connected to experiences, unmet desires, or patterns developed years earlier. Recognizing those influences can help us make different choices moving forward.As Crystal puts it, we cannot change what we are unwilling to confront.Avoiding the numbers may feel safer in the short term, especially when finances already feel overwhelming. But avoidance rarely creates financial peace. Opening the statements, reviewing the spending, and understanding where things actually stand can be an important first step toward making progress.Seek Understanding in Your MarriageMoney disagreements can become especially difficult in marriage because two people often enter the relationship with very different financial histories.One spouse may see spending as freedom while the other sees saving as security. One may have grown up with very little, while the other rarely heard money discussed at all.That’s why financial conversations should not begin with, “I’m right, and you’re wrong.” Instead, begin with curiosity.Ask questions about what your spouse experienced growing up and why certain financial decisions feel important to them. Understanding doesn’t mean you will automatically agree, but it can replace frustration with compassion and make productive conversations much easier.You may not be able to control every financial decision another person makes, but you can take responsibility for the areas entrusted to you and seek greater unity with humility and patience.Let Your Spending Reflect What Matters MostOur financial decisions often reveal our priorities.One helpful exercise is to look at your spending from the last three months and ask what story those transactions tell.Does your spending reflect what you say matters most?Perhaps your family values generosity, margin, meaningful experiences together, education, or becoming debt-free. Whatever those priorities may be, your daily financial decisions should increasingly align with them.That doesn’t mean every dollar must accomplish some profound purpose. But it does mean our overall financial direction should reflect intentional choices rather than simply reacting to whatever demands our attention.A Budget Can Create FreedomFor many people, the word budget immediately sounds restrictive. Crystal prefers to think of it differently.Call it a budget, money plan, or spending plan. The name matters less than the purpose: deciding ahead of time how you want to use the resources you have.Rather than limiting freedom, a thoughtful plan can actually create it.When you know where your money is going, you can prioritize what matters, reduce uncertainty, and look back with greater confidence knowing your spending reflected the priorities you intentionally established.A budget isn’t punishment. It’s simply a tool for stewardship.Take the Next Small StepHealthy financial habits usually aren’t built through one dramatic decision. They’re formed through hundreds of ordinary ones.Reviewing your spending. Having an honest conversation with your spouse. Bringing lunch from home. Saving a little more. Teaching your children why your family makes certain financial choices. Facing something you’ve been avoiding.The progress may sometimes feel microscopic, but small steps are still steps forward.And those choices can extend far beyond your own financial life. The habits you practice today help create the financial atmosphere your children grow up in—and may influence how they steward money when they have families of their own.You don’t need to fix everything today. Start with one intentional choice, and then make another tomorrow.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Social Security says I owe about $22,300 from years ago when I worked while receiving disability benefits, even though I had multiple reviews and was never told I owed anything. How can I verify the amount, understand why it took so long to notify me, and make sure the debt is accurate?I’m receiving cancer treatment through the VA. Is there any annual or lifetime dollar limit on VA-covered care that could cause me to lose coverage or require me to get private insurance?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineThe 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women: How to Stop Stressing, Begin Where You Are, and Build the Future You Want by Crystal PaineMoneySavingMom.com FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Women have played a vital role in advancing the gospel from the very beginning.In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul introduces us to Phoebe—a trusted partner whose generosity, influence, and service helped further his ministry. Her story offers a compelling picture of what it means to use the resources God has entrusted to us to advance the gospel.John Rinehart, founder and CEO of Gospel Patrons, has spent years studying and telling the stories of men and women who have supported gospel ministry throughout history. He says Phoebe is one of the clearest biblical examples of what he calls a gospel patron.What Is a Gospel Patron?A gospel patron is someone who comes alongside those proclaiming the gospel and supports their work through relationships, influence, financial resources, and other practical means.These partnerships have existed since the earliest days of Christianity.Luke 8 tells us that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and other women supported Jesus and His disciples “out of their means.” They were using what God had given them to help make ministry possible.Throughout church history, the names of gospel patrons have often appeared in the background. They may not have been the ones preaching sermons, translating Bibles, planting churches, or leading missionary movements, but their generosity helped make those ministries possible.As Rinehart explains, behind many gospel proclaimers throughout history have been faithful men and women helping fuel the work.Phoebe was one of them.The Remarkable Trust Paul Placed in PhoebeRomans is one of the most significant theological writings in the New Testament. Yet when Paul reaches the final chapter, the first person he mentions is Phoebe. Paul writes:“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself.” —Romans 16:1–2Phoebe was apparently someone Paul trusted deeply. She is widely understood to have carried Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome—a significant responsibility involving a long and difficult journey.Paul also describes her as his own patron.We do not know exactly what Phoebe's financial support provided. She may have helped cover Paul's travel, living expenses, ministry costs, or even expenses associated with producing and distributing letters. Scripture does not tell us.What it does tell us is significant enough: Phoebe was an important partner in Paul's ministry, and her resources were being used in service to the gospel.Her example reminds us that faith and finances were never intended to occupy separate parts of our lives.Wealth Is an Opportunity to Do GoodChristians can sometimes struggle with how to think about money. We may begin to view wealth as something inherently worldly while treating faith as something private and spiritual.Scripture gives us a much more integrated picture.What we do with the resources God entrusts to us can itself become an act of worship. Money can be used to care for people in need, support missionaries, serve widows and orphans, strengthen ministries, and help spread the gospel.The important question is not merely, “How much wealth do I have?” It is, “How can I faithfully use what God has entrusted to me?”Phoebe understood that her resources carried Kingdom possibilities.That lesson may be particularly significant in the years ahead as enormous amounts of wealth change hands and women become increasingly influential stewards of financial resources. Phoebe offers a biblical picture of what can happen when financial influence is placed at God's disposal.Three Characteristics of a Gospel PatronRinehart identifies three qualities that can help us recognize faithful gospel patronage: vision, generosity, and humility.1. VisionGospel patrons develop eyes to recognize where God is working.They can see potential before the results are obvious. They recognize that something seemingly small today—a missionary, ministry, church plant, Bible translation, or act of service—may bear fruit far beyond what they will ever personally witness.That requires faith.God often begins His work through what appears small, like the mustard seed Jesus described. Gospel patrons have the vision to see what God might do and the willingness to participate.2. GenerosityVision eventually leads to action. Gospel patrons do more than admire good ministry. They joyfully put their resources behind it.That generosity may sometimes involve sacrifice. Instead of viewing giving merely as another financial obligation, gospel patrons see it as an opportunity to participate personally in God's work.Their resources become tools that can help others proclaim the gospel, serve people in need, and bless communities.3. HumilityGospel patrons are also willing to serve without being at the center of attention. They do not need the microphone.Their name may never appear on a platform or become widely known. Their joy comes from knowing that the work is being accomplished.Phoebe's name appears only briefly in Scripture, yet imagine the impact connected to the letter she carried. Christians have been studying Romans for nearly two thousand years.Sometimes extraordinary Kingdom impact happens through people willing to serve faithfully behind the scenes.How Do You Choose What to Support?Generosity should not mean giving impulsively to every opportunity that appears. Wisdom and discernment matter.Rinehart encourages believers to begin with prayer, asking God to help them see where they may have a role in His work.Then comes thoughtful evaluation.Before supporting a person or ministry, consider its theological convictions, character, competence, and clarity of mission. Talk with people who know the organization. Seek wise counsel. Ask whether the ministry has demonstrated faithful stewardship and whether its work aligns with biblical priorities.Generosity and due diligence do not compete with one another. Responsible stewardship includes both.You Don't Have to Wait Until You're WealthyPerhaps the idea of becoming a gospel patron sounds exciting, but you are still early in your career or don't have substantial financial resources.You do not have to wait.Jesus teaches in Luke 16 that faithfulness begins with what we have now. One of the dangers of generosity is always moving it into the future:I'll give when I earn more.I'll become generous when the debt is gone.I'll support ministry once I've reached a certain financial milestone.But habits established with a little often remain when we eventually have much. Start where you are.That might mean supporting a missionary with a modest recurring gift. It could mean giving toward a ministry you believe in, opening your home, sharing your professional expertise, introducing people who could accomplish more together, or intentionally creating financial margin so generosity can grow over time.Small acts of faithfulness have a way of preparing us for larger ones.Lifestyle matters here, too. Rising income can easily be consumed by rising expenses. If every increase in income automatically raises your lifestyle, generosity will always feel difficult.Choosing to live below your means can create margin not simply for financial security, but for giving.What Has God Put in Your Hands?Phoebe's story raises a question worth considering: What resources has God entrusted to you that could help advance the gospel?Perhaps it is wealth. Perhaps it is your business experience, professional expertise, relationships, home, influence, or ability to connect the right people.You may be called to proclaim the gospel publicly. Or you may be someone whose faithful support allows another person to devote more of his or her life to doing so.Both roles matter. Phoebe did not write Romans. Paul did.But Phoebe faithfully used what God had entrusted to her, and she became an important partner in Paul's ministry. Nearly two thousand years later, we are still saying her name.Her story reminds us that we do not need to be the person standing in the spotlight to have an extraordinary gospel impact. We simply need to ask God to show us what He has placed in our hands—and then faithfully use it for His glory.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m over 70, still working, and collecting Social Security. I’m considering withdrawing about $175,000 from my 401(k) to buy a rental property that could generate around $1,600 a month, leaving about $125,000 in the account. Would that be a wise move?My 91-year-old father has pension income and long-term care insurance, but we still face a $3,500 to $4,000 monthly shortfall, and he’s down to about $25,000 in savings. A reverse mortgage could help him stay in his home for another couple of years. Would that be a good option, and what type should we consider?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineGospel PatronsGospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World by John RinehartMovement MortgageFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

For millions of vulnerable children around the world, a pair of shoes can mean far more than having something new to wear. It can mean the difference between going to school and staying home, between greater protection from disease and continued exposure, and even between feeling forgotten and knowing someone cares.That’s why FaithFi is partnering with Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls throughout September, a ministry of Buckner International, to help provide new shoes and socks to children in need around the world.Shawn Spurrier, Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, joined the show today to explain why something as ordinary as a pair of shoes can have such an extraordinary impact.Removing a Barrier to EducationFor most families in the United States, buying shoes is simply part of getting children ready for school. But in many parts of the world, adequate footwear is required to attend class.According to Spurrier, an estimated 300 million children worldwide lack access to adequate footwear, and tens of millions may miss school as a result. In many countries, children cannot attend school without shoes.That makes a pair of shoes more than a practical gift. It can help remove a barrier to education and give a child greater opportunity to rise above poverty.Shoes also provide important protection from cuts, injuries, parasites, and footborne diseases. For children living in vulnerable communities, those protections can make a meaningful difference in their health and daily lives.Health, Dignity, and the Love of ChristThe impact goes beyond education and physical health.When children receive new shoes, they may also gain a greater sense of dignity and confidence. Proper footwear can help reduce some of the social stigma children experience because of poverty or illness.Most importantly, Buckner sees every pair of shoes as an opportunity to communicate Christ's love.Since 1999, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls has collected and distributed approximately 5.25 million pairs of shoes in 86 countries. Today, Buckner maintains programming in the United States and several countries throughout Latin America and Africa, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Kenya, and Ethiopia.A pair of shoes may seem like a small piece of a much larger effort to strengthen vulnerable families. But small acts of generosity can open doors to deeper relationships and lasting transformation.When a Pair of Shoes Says, “You Are Not Forgotten”Spurrier shared the story of a young girl named Romina, whom Buckner served near Oaxaca, Mexico.Romina was about six years old when she attended a shoe distribution at one of Buckner’s Family Hope Centers. During the distribution, volunteers washed her feet, talked with her, and reminded her that God loved her and cared for her.As Romina received her new shoes, she began to cry.At first, Spurrier wondered if something was wrong. But a Buckner family coach explained that Romina was simply overwhelmed that someone had thought enough of her to give her a new pair of shoes.The story didn’t end with the distribution.Romina’s family became connected with the local Family Hope Center and embraced the support offered there. Over time, their circumstances changed. Romina, once shy and anxious, became a leader in her after-school programs, reaching out to children who felt excluded and even praying with other students. Her family eventually reached greater economic and spiritual stability and began volunteering with Buckner to encourage other families.It’s a reminder that we rarely know how God may use a simple act of generosity.A pair of shoes met an immediate physical need. But it also helped communicate something deeper: You are seen. You are loved. You have not been forgotten.More Than a One-Time GiftBuckner’s ministry doesn’t simply distribute shoes and leave.In many of the communities where it serves, Buckner operates Family Hope Centers that provide ongoing, Christ-centered support designed to help families move toward greater stability. The ministry also works alongside local churches and trusted community partners to connect families with resources and relationships that extend beyond the initial shoe distribution.Each pair of shoes also includes an encouraging message reminding the child of God’s love. In some communities, distributions are accompanied by Scripture, Bibles, Vacation Bible School programs, and opportunities for children and families to hear the gospel.That long-term approach matters.Meeting a practical need can become the beginning of a relationship. And as children and families experience both tangible care and spiritual encouragement, the impact can spread throughout an entire community.A Simple Way to Make a DifferenceThroughout September, FaithFi and Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls have set a goal of providing shoes for 1,000 children worldwide.Every $15 provides a child with a new pair of shoes and socks and helps cover the cost of getting them where they are needed. A gift of $150 can provide shoes and socks for 10 children.It’s a simple gift, but its impact can reach much further.A pair of shoes can help a child walk into a classroom. It can protect against injury and disease. It can restore dignity and confidence. And through Buckner’s ministry, it can become a tangible expression of the love of Jesus Christ.If you’d like to join FaithFi and Buckner in reaching 1,000 children this September, visit GiveShoesToday.org.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My pension ends when I die, and I want to protect my wife and special-needs son. I already have a special needs trust for my son and am considering about $1 million of term life insurance, possibly using a laddered strategy so coverage decreases over time. Does that make sense, and how should I balance life insurance with investing for their future?I’ll reach full Social Security retirement age next June and plan to keep working, earning about $60,000 a year. If I start Social Security at full retirement age, can I continue working and receive my full benefit without an earnings limit?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Buckner Shoes for Orphan SoulsFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

When money is tight, the financial goals you want to pursue can feel frustratingly out of reach. You may want to give more generously, build your savings, or pay down debt, but there simply doesn’t seem to be enough margin to do everything.The good news is that financial progress doesn’t always begin with a giant leap. Sometimes, faithfulness looks like taking one small step at a time.Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, says that whether financial pressure comes from past choices or circumstances outside our control, creating that first bit of margin is often the hardest part. But a few practical steps can begin building momentum.1. Start With PrayerThe first step may not sound tactical, but it is foundational: invite God into your financial decisions.James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to those who ask. When you feel financially stuck, tell the Lord that you want to honor Him with what He has entrusted to you and ask Him to show you the next faithful step.The answer may not come as unexpected money. More often, God may provide fresh insight, reveal new options, or bring wise people into your life who can help you see your situation differently.Before changing the numbers, begin by seeking the One who gives wisdom.2. Think Smaller—but LongerWhen margins are slim, quick financial wins may be harder to come by. But that doesn’t mean progress is impossible.Perhaps you want to give 10% of your income but simply aren’t in a position to do that right now. Instead of giving up on generosity altogether, you might begin with 1% or even less and prayerfully work your way up over time.The same principle applies to saving. If all you can set aside is $5 or $10 a week, start there. Small amounts may not seem significant, but consistency matters.Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins in Mark 12:41–44. The monetary value was tiny, but her gift revealed something much greater about her heart.Faithful stewardship isn’t measured only by the size of the step. Sometimes the important thing is simply keeping moving in the right direction.3. Use Windfalls to Create MarginOccasional extra money can become a powerful tool when used strategically.A tax refund, bonus, rebate, gift, or an occasional month with an extra paycheck can help reduce expenses that normally consume your monthly cash flow.Instead of spending that money automatically, consider using it to eliminate a small recurring payment. Perhaps you can pay off a phone, clear a small department-store credit card balance, or eliminate another modest bill.That may free only $10, $20, or $50 each month—but now that money can be redirected toward your next priority.It’s similar to a miniature debt snowball. One small victory creates margin, and that margin fuels the next step.When money is tight, momentum matters.4. Shop With a StrategyAnother way to create breathing room is to become more intentional about everyday spending.Start by prioritizing essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other obligations. Then evaluate optional expenses.That may mean pausing a streaming subscription during a difficult month or postponing a purchase you would otherwise enjoy. Needs should generally come before wants.You can also make your grocery dollars work harder by purchasing staples when they are discounted. If chicken is half-price and you know your family will use it, buying an extra package may reduce future grocery costs. The key is buying strategically rather than simply buying more because something is on sale.Small decisions like these can gradually create room in a tight budget.Don’t Despise Small BeginningsWhen finances are strained, it’s easy to become discouraged because you can’t immediately accomplish everything you want to do.But stewardship is not about achieving financial perfection overnight. It is about faithfully managing what God has placed in your hands today.Pray for wisdom. Start smaller if necessary. Use unexpected income strategically. Choose needs before wants. Then allow each wise decision to create a little more margin for the next one.As Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, we should not despise small beginnings.You may not be able to change your entire financial situation today. But you can take one faithful step—and then another.Compass also offers a video study called Making Ends Meet, designed to help individuals and families find that first bit of financial margin and begin their financial discipleship journey one step at a time.You can learn more and find additional biblical stewardship resources at CompassFinancialMinistry.org.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband has been in a nursing home for four years and is on Medicaid. I’ve been told that once I retire, if my income exceeds about $4,000 a month, I may have to contribute more toward his care. Is that true? And could using some of my 401(k) to pay down our mortgage affect how Medicaid treats my income or assets?I keep my emergency fund in savings, but the interest is low, and CDs limit access. Would a money market mutual fund be a good place to keep emergency savings?I’m receiving Social Security survivor benefits from my late husband. If I remarry, can I continue receiving those benefits, particularly at my age?I’m 63 and have both a traditional IRA and a 401(k). Will my traditional IRA withdrawals be fully taxable in retirement, and would a Roth conversion make sense before I retire? Also, should I contribute only enough to my 401(k) to receive the 4% match and put additional retirement savings into my IRA instead?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Compass Financial MinistryMaking Ends Meet Video Study (Compass Financial Ministry)Fidelity Government Money Market Fund | Schwab Prime Advantage Money Fund | Vanguard Federal Money Market FundFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

What if the companies in your portfolio are working against the values you’re trying to live by?For Christians, investing is about more than pursuing financial returns. Like every other financial decision, investing can be viewed through the lens of stewardship—asking not only, “How is my money growing?” but also, “What is my money supporting?”Faith-based investing seeks to bring those questions together.Brian Mumbert, president of Timothy Plan, joined the show today to explain how faith-based investing works, what research suggests about performance, and how Christians can begin aligning their portfolios with biblical values.What Is Faith-Based Investing?Faith-based investing shares many objectives with conventional investing: building a diversified portfolio designed for long-term growth while managing risk appropriately.The difference is that it adds another consideration—a values-based screen.For Timothy Plan, that means avoiding companies that profit from or promote activities the fund family believes conflict with biblical principles. Examples may include abortion, pornography, gambling, and businesses that profit from activities that can exploit addiction or vulnerable people.At the same time, faith-based investors can seek companies producing goods and services that contribute positively to society.Importantly, biblical screening does not replace traditional investment analysis. Financial fundamentals still matter.“The screening comes before the portfolio construction,” Mumbert explained.The goal is to combine disciplined financial analysis with biblical convictions so investors can pursue competitive returns without unnecessarily separating their financial decisions from their faith.Does Screening Companies Hurt Investment Performance?One common concern about faith-based investing is that eliminating certain companies or industries will automatically lead to lower returns.According to Mumbert, research does not support the idea that values-based investing necessarily requires investors to accept a persistent performance penalty. He points to independent studies examining faith-based and values-aligned investment strategies, some of which have found comparable performance and, in certain cases, favorable risk-adjusted results.Screening can also remove companies facing significant social, reputational, or regulatory risks.Of course, no screening methodology guarantees better investment results, and past performance never guarantees future returns. Faith-based investors still need to evaluate expenses, diversification, risk, time horizon, and the quality of the underlying investment strategy.The larger point is that investors do not necessarily have to choose between financial discipline and biblical alignment.Looking Beneath the SurfaceKnowing what a company truly supports can be more complicated than simply looking at its primary business.A company may appear acceptable based on the products it sells while supporting other activities through corporate policies, charitable contributions, partnerships, or business practices.That makes research an important part of faith-based investing.Timothy Plan has developed a proprietary screening process over more than three decades. Its research examines both what companies profit from and what they promote at the corporate level.The process also relies on third-party information, and companies are reviewed periodically because corporate practices can change.That ongoing evaluation is important. A company that meets a particular screen today may change its policies, business lines, or priorities in the future.Transparency also gives investors an opportunity to examine holdings for themselves. Timothy Plan makes information available so shareholders can better understand how their investments align with its biblical screening standards.Building a Diversified Faith-Based PortfolioFaith-based investing has expanded considerably over the years. Investors today have access to a growing range of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment strategies.Timothy Plan currently offers 12 mutual funds and seven ETFs covering different areas of the market. Its offerings include strategies focused on various company sizes and investment styles, as well as more specialized options such as an Israel-focused fund.For investors just getting started, some Timothy Plan mutual funds have relatively low entry points, including a $1,000 initial investment or an automatic investment program beginning at $50 per month.But investors should never base their choices solely on whether a fund carries a Christian label.Investors should still consider their overall financial plan, including their goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, diversification, fees, and tax situation. A faith-based portfolio should be both biblically aligned and financially sound.Take an Inventory of What You OwnMany Christians have never examined the companies held inside their mutual funds, ETFs, retirement accounts, or other investments.That can be a valuable place to begin.Rather than assuming your investments reflect your convictions, take an inventory of what you actually own. Look beneath the fund names and examine the underlying companies your investment dollars are supporting.Timothy Plan offers screening resources that can help investors evaluate their current holdings. You may also want to work with a financial professional, such as a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, who understands both investment planning and the desire to integrate biblical principles into financial decisions.Faith-based investing will not make every investment decision simple. Christians may reach different conclusions about particular companies, industries, or screening standards.But stewardship invites us to be thoughtful.Our investments are part of the resources God has entrusted to us. And while financial returns matter, they are not the only question worth asking. We can also consider whether the way we invest is consistent with the values we seek to live out everywhere else.To learn more about Timothy Plan and its faith-based investment options, visit TimothyPlan.com.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband passed away in January, and I’m the beneficiary of his IRA and 401(k). What taxes might I owe on those accounts? He also had an outstanding 401(k) loan—will I have to repay it or report the unpaid balance as income?From a credit-score standpoint, is it better to have more than one credit card, or is one enough?My 90-year-old mother has early-stage dementia, and I’m now managing her finances. She continues to spend heavily on collectibles, and we’re concerned her money may not last if she eventually needs memory care. How can my sisters and I address her spending wisely and respectfully?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Timothy PlanWise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD. FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

In the first century B.C., Roman historian Sallust observed, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.”Most of us would probably choose financial prosperity over adversity. Yet both seasons bring their own spiritual challenges.When things are going well financially, it can be tempting to take credit for our success. Pride, greed, and self-reliance can quietly take root. Financial hardship brings different temptations—self-pity, bitterness, envy, or fear.Scripture offers a better way. Christians are called to live faithfully and with integrity regardless of their circumstances. And according to the Bible, the key to doing that in both prosperity and adversity is wisdom.The Beginning of WisdomProverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”Fearing the Lord does not mean living in dread of Him. It means recognizing that He is God and we are not. It is a posture of reverence toward His holiness, wisdom, and authority.God’s commands are not arbitrary restrictions designed to make life difficult. They are loving boundaries given by the One who created us and knows what leads to life and flourishing. Like a loving parent who sets boundaries to protect a child, God directs us toward what is good.When we understand that, fearing the Lord becomes less about being afraid and more about growing in love, trust, and joyful obedience.And this wisdom is not reserved for the wealthy, successful, or especially intelligent. It is available to anyone who humbly listens to God and trusts His Word.The Fruit of Godly WisdomScripture describes many benefits of walking in wisdom.There is discernment. Proverbs 2:9 teaches that wisdom helps us understand “righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.”There is guidance. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”There is blessing. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.”There is also honor and protection. Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise will inherit honor,” while Proverbs 16:6 teaches that “by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”These are not promises that wise people will always become financially prosperous. They are reminders that God’s wisdom produces something far more valuable: a life increasingly shaped by truth, integrity, discernment, and faithfulness.Those qualities can take root whether your bank account is growing or shrinking.When We Reject WisdomScripture often contrasts the wise with the fool. That language is not intended as a petty insult but as a sober warning.Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”Biblically speaking, foolishness is the attempt to live independently of God’s wisdom—to determine for ourselves what is good, right, and worthy of pursuit.That temptation certainly appears in our financial lives.We may assume that because something makes financial sense, it must automatically be wise. We may pursue more money without asking what that pursuit is doing to our hearts. Or we may allow our circumstances to determine our attitude toward God.But His warnings are also invitations. God continually calls us back to a better way—a life shaped by His wisdom rather than our impulses.So what does that look like in our everyday financial decisions?See Money Through God’s EyesFirst, remember who owns everything.Scripture teaches that everything ultimately belongs to God. We are stewards of what He has entrusted to us.That changes the goal of financial management. The ultimate objective is not simply to reach a certain bank balance, accumulate enough possessions, or achieve financial independence. It is to become increasingly faithful with whatever God places in our hands.Ask the Holy Spirit to shape your desires, guide your decisions, and help you use God’s resources in ways that honor Him.Put Biblical Principles Into PracticeFinancial wisdom is more than knowing what Scripture says. It means putting biblical principles into practice.God’s Word should shape not only what we do with money but also how we treat people along the way.That means practicing honesty and integrity, dealing fairly with others, keeping our commitments, and allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate generosity and humility.A financially wise decision should not merely ask, “Will this benefit me?” It should also consider whether the decision reflects God’s character and demonstrates love for others.Pursue ContentmentFinally, pursue contentment.Contentment grows as we learn to trust God with what we have, what we need, and what lies ahead.As we invite Him into our financial lives and depend increasingly on His provision, the Holy Spirit begins loosening our grip on comparison and the constant desire for more.That is why 1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, saving, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means those things no longer determine our security or identity.Faithful in Prosperity and AdversityWhether you are walking through financial adversity or enjoying a season of prosperity, your circumstances do not change who God is.He remains faithful. His wisdom remains trustworthy. And His provision remains worthy of our confidence.True financial wisdom is not measured by how much we have. It is revealed in how faithfully we follow God with whatever He has entrusted to us.In every season—prosperity or adversity—the wisest path is the same: fear the Lord, trust His Word, and faithfully walk in His ways.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited about $50,000, and a friend is encouraging me to use options trading to grow it faster. How does that compare with investing in more traditional mutual funds? Also, my late mother left $100 in a savings account that the bank says must go through probate. Does that make sense for such a small amount?My 75-year-old mother owns her home outright and is considering a reverse mortgage for extra income. She also co-signed a loan for my sister. Could that affect her ability to qualify?My wife has an inherited IRA from her father and a separate 401(k) from a former employer. Can those accounts be combined, and what’s the best way to use them for retirement income?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Money has a way of reaching places in our lives that few other things do. It touches our fears, desires, relationships, priorities, and sense of security.That may be why Jesus spoke so often about money and possessions. In Matthew 6:21, He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Jesus understood something we often miss: money issues are often heart issues. Our financial choices can reveal what we trust, what we desire, and ultimately what we treasure.Materialism Is a Heart ProblemYears ago, Ron Blue once shared a story from his time in Kenya that profoundly shaped the way I think about stewardship.Ron was sitting on a hillside with a local pastor, looking out over the village where the man lived. Ron asked him what he thought was a practical question: “What’s the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel here?”Ron expected to hear about a lack of money, transportation, or other resources.The pastor didn’t hesitate. “Materialism.”Ron was stunned. Surely materialism was primarily a Western problem. But the pastor explained that if a man has a mud hut, he wants a stone hut. If he has a thatched roof, he wants a metal one. If he has one cow, he wants two.That conversation helped Ron recognize an important truth: Materialism isn’t ultimately about how much you have. It’s about what your heart longs for.If materialism can thrive in a mud hut as easily as in an American suburb, then possessions aren’t the root problem. The heart is.Money simply has a remarkable ability to expose what is already there.Money Reveals What We TrustMoney itself is neither moral nor immoral. It is a tool. But because it touches nearly every area of life, the way we handle it can reveal what is happening inside us.Overspending may reveal a desire for identity, comfort, or approval. Clinging tightly to savings may reveal where we seek ultimate security. Debt can sometimes expose impatience or a desire to live beyond what God has currently provided. Resistance to generosity may reveal a fear that there will not be enough.In each case, the dollars are secondary. The heart is primary.The good news is that God cares deeply about our hearts, and He invites us into something better: freedom from fear, comparison, striving, and the belief that everything depends on us.Over the years, a few biblical truths have become foundational to the way I think about money and stewardship.1. God Owns It AllBiblical stewardship begins with ownership.Everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Our money, possessions, abilities, opportunities, and even the power to produce wealth are gifts entrusted to us for a season.Recognizing God's ownership changes the question from, “What do I want to do with my money?” to, “God, what would You have me do with what belongs to You?”When we understand ourselves as stewards rather than owners, we can begin to hold money with greater gratitude, humility, and freedom.2. God Is Our ProviderJesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies—and that His children are worth far more.That doesn’t mean Christians will never face financial difficulty or uncertainty. It does mean our ultimate confidence is not found in a paycheck, investment account, or emergency fund.Wise planning matters. Saving matters. Working diligently matters. But none of those things were designed to carry the weight of our ultimate security.God is our provider. As that truth moves from something we know intellectually to something we believe deeply, fear begins to loosen its grip.3. Money Is a Tool, Not a TreasureMoney is useful, but it makes a terrible master.It was never meant to provide our identity, significance, or ultimate security. Instead, money can become a tool for accomplishing good purposes—providing for our families, meeting needs, blessing others, supporting gospel work, and practicing generosity.The problem begins when the tool becomes the treasure. Jesus calls us to something infinitely greater: to treasure Him above everything money can provide.When Christ becomes our ultimate treasure, money can return to its proper place.4. Financial Decisions Can Become Acts of WorshipStewardship is about far more than giving.Every spending decision, saving goal, act of generosity, and financial plan gives us another opportunity to ask, “Lord, how can I honor You with what You’ve entrusted to me?”That changes the way we approach money.Instead of treating our finances as an isolated part of life, we begin to see them as part of our discipleship. Spending can reflect gratitude and contentment. Saving can demonstrate wisdom and preparation. Giving can express love and trust. Planning can help us faithfully fulfill our responsibilities.Money stops competing for the throne of our hearts and becomes a tool we can place in God's hands.Discovering Our Ultimate TreasureThese truths are at the heart of Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.We wrote it to help Christians work through foundational biblical principles of money and consider how those truths shape everyday financial decisions.Our hope is that as you walk through the devotional, you’ll experience God’s peace growing where fear once lived, contentment replacing comparison, and generosity overcoming the instinct toward self-protection.In the end, money will always reveal what we treasure most. And when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we discover a freedom and security that no amount of money could ever provide.You can order Our Ultimate Treasure for yourself, your church, or your small group at FaithFi.com/Shop.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited land from my parents’ trust in 2003 and sold it in 2025. I’m now facing a larger-than-expected capital gains tax bill. Does the inheritance tax exemption apply to the sale proceeds, or only to the property’s value when I inherited it?I’m considering tapping my home equity. How does a traditional HELOC compare with newer home equity-sharing arrangements, and what are the pros and cons of each?Are there policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits? And can those products also include an investment component, or would investing need to be handled separately?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Where you bank may seem like a purely practical decision. We often compare interest rates, fees, convenience, and technology—and those things matter. But for Christians, banking can also be viewed through the larger lens of stewardship. Every financial decision gives us an opportunity to consider how faithfully we are managing the resources God has entrusted to us. Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at AdelFi Christian Banking, joined the show today to discuss financial discipleship, the role of Christian financial institutions, and how everyday banking decisions can support work that advances the gospel. Banking as an Act of Stewardship Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. The money we earn, save, spend, borrow, and give has been entrusted to us to manage wisely. That perspective can shape even routine financial decisions. “For Christians, our financial decisions are an act of stewardship,” Aaron says. Whether a family is preparing for the future, a church is expanding its outreach, or a ministry is developing its budget, finances touch nearly every area of life. For a Christian financial institution such as AdelFi, that means providing practical banking tools while keeping biblical stewardship at the center of its mission. Families still need checking accounts, savings tools, loans, and credit cards. Churches and ministries still need financing and cash-management solutions. But those services can be offered with an understanding of the faith and mission behind them. Greater Capacity to Serve The strength of a financial institution matters because it affects its ability to serve its members. For families, that may mean access to resources for managing everyday expenses, building savings, and borrowing wisely. For churches and ministries, it can mean working with financial professionals who understand the unique challenges of ministry—including cash flow, property needs, growth, and long-term planning. One example came during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calvary Chapel South Orange County had been holding services outdoors in an outlet mall parking lot while Southern California churches faced restrictions on indoor gatherings. During that period, the congregation grew significantly and eventually became larger than its previous indoor space could accommodate. The church needed a new facility. AdelFi helped provide financing that enabled the congregation to purchase a larger property. While the transaction involved a loan, its impact went beyond dollars and cents. A larger building gave the growing church a place to gather, build relationships, worship, and continue growing together. It shows how financial resources can serve a larger purpose when deployed thoughtfully. What Is Financial Discipleship? Christian stewardship isn't ultimately about accumulating as much money as possible. Financial discipleship is about becoming increasingly faithful in the way we handle what God provides. That includes cultivating wisdom, contentment, generosity, and faithfulness. Jesus makes the connection between our finances and our spiritual lives clear in Matthew 6. He teaches that we cannot serve both God and money and reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our financial habits can either reinforce or compete with the priorities we profess. Practically, financial discipleship may look remarkably ordinary. It can mean following a realistic spending plan, saving for future needs, avoiding unnecessary debt, practicing generosity, and making decisions based on biblical convictions rather than simply following cultural expectations. These habits aren't ends in themselves. They help us put money in its proper place—as a tool entrusted to us rather than a master that controls us. Can Where You Bank Make a Difference? Stewardship can also raise another question: What happens to our money after we deposit it? Financial institutions use deposits to support lending and other financial activity. That means Christians may want to consider not only the products a bank offers but also the purposes their financial institution helps support. At AdelFi, members' deposits help provide resources to serve Christian families, churches, and ministries. According to Aaron, AdelFi has funded more than $1 billion in ministry real estate loans, helping churches and ministries acquire or improve facilities while pursuing financially responsible solutions. The organization also offers products designed to connect everyday financial activity with generosity. Its Cash Rewards Visa®, for example, allows members to earn cash back, while AdelFi also gives to Christian ministries and missions when members use their cards. None of this means choosing a Christian financial institution is required for faithful stewardship. Christians can honor God through many different financial arrangements. But it reminds us that stewardship invites us to think intentionally about all our financial choices—including where we bank. Bringing Faith Into Everyday Financial Decisions Faithful stewardship isn't limited to the offering plate or the major financial decisions we make a few times in life. It reaches into the ordinary. How we budget. How we borrow. How we save. How we spend. And even where we choose to keep our money can reflect what we value. The goal isn't simply to make every financial decision appear “Christian.” It's to recognize that every dollar belongs to God and then prayerfully ask how we can manage His resources with wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness. When our financial choices are shaped by that perspective, even something as routine as choosing a bank can become another opportunity to align our money with our faith. To learn more about AdelFi Christian Banking and its Cash Rewards Visa®, visit FaithFi.com/Banking. Apply by December 31 to earn a $200 bonus, plus 1.5% cash back on every purchase and other benefits. With every swipe, AdelFi also gives to Christian charities. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and sister both passed away, and I received life insurance benefits from each. From a biblical perspective, should I tithe on those proceeds? Our younger daughter needs help with a down payment on property where she hopes to build a home. We’d like to help, but we still have a mortgage, only a few months of cash reserves, older vehicles, and several recent major expenses. Would helping her be wise, or would it put our own finances at too much risk? I’m retired, legally blind, and currently rent a home for $500 a month. The VA has approved grants to modify it for my needs, but my daughter thinks I should buy land and put a prefab home on it so I can build equity. Considering the added costs of ownership, would I be better off continuing to rent or buying a home? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Medicare may be one of the most important—and confusing—financial decisions you make in retirement. Between enrollment deadlines, late penalties, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, prescription coverage, and income-based premiums, there are plenty of decisions to navigate. And because some choices can have long-term financial consequences, understanding the basics before you enroll is an important part of wise stewardship. Eddie Holland, Senior Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Blue Trust, as well as a CFP®, CPA, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, recently joined Faith & Finance to help simplify Medicare and explain some of the most important planning considerations. Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D A good place to begin is with Medicare’s different parts. Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital-related care, including inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. For people who have accumulated the required work credits through either their own employment or their spouse’s, Part A generally does not require a monthly premium. Medicare Part B covers many medical services outside the hospital, including doctor visits, lab work, and outpatient procedures. Unlike Part A, Part B generally carries a monthly premium, and higher-income retirees may pay more. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. Those enrolled in Original Medicare—Parts A and B—can generally purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Part C, better known as Medicare Advantage, is offered through private insurance companies. These plans combine Parts A and B and often include Part D prescription coverage as well. Some plans may also offer additional benefits such as dental or vision coverage. Another option for those using Original Medicare is a Medicare supplement plan, commonly called Medigap. These private plans are designed to help cover some of the deductibles, copayments, and other expenses that Original Medicare does not pay. Pay Close Attention to Enrollment Timing Timing matters when enrolling in Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months afterward. But turning 65 does not always mean you have to immediately leave employer-sponsored health coverage. If you or your spouse are still working and you have qualifying employer coverage, you may have access to a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to delay certain portions of Medicare without facing a late enrollment penalty. Holland notes that employer size and the nature of the coverage can affect how Medicare coordinates with the employer plan. That makes it important to speak with your employer’s benefits or human resources department before making assumptions about which coverage should come first. Employer Size Can Make a Difference If your employer has 20 or more employees, the employer health plan may generally remain the primary payer while you continue working, potentially allowing you to postpone Part B and its monthly premium. With an employer of fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may become the primary payer once you are eligible. In that situation, failing to enroll in Parts A and B could potentially leave gaps in coverage. You should also verify whether your employer’s prescription drug coverage is considered creditable coverage for Medicare purposes. That can be especially important if you plan to delay Part D beyond age 65. The larger lesson is simple: Medicare decisions should rarely be made in isolation. Your employer coverage, retirement date, spouse’s coverage, prescription needs, and other factors all need to be considered together. What Is IRMAA? For higher-income retirees, another important acronym to know is IRMAA, or the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. IRMAA is an additional charge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds. For 2026, Holland notes that IRMAA begins above $109,000 in modified adjusted gross income for single filers and $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. Medicare generally bases the surcharge on the most recent tax information available, which often means looking back two years. So, for example, 2026 Medicare premiums may be based on income reported on a 2024 tax return. That two-year lookback can surprise people whose financial situation has recently changed. If your income has fallen because of certain qualifying life-changing events, such as retirement, marriage, or widowhood, you may be able to request a reconsideration of the surcharge using Social Security Form SSA-44. Roth Conversions Can Affect Medicare Premiums IRMAA can also become an important consideration when planning Roth conversions. Suppose you retire before age 65 and decide to convert a significant amount of traditional IRA money to a Roth IRA. The conversion increases your taxable income for that year. Because Medicare looks back at previous tax returns when determining IRMAA, a large Roth conversion in the years immediately preceding Medicare enrollment could lead to higher Part B and Part D premiums later. That doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t complete the conversion. It simply means you should include the potential Medicare impact in the calculation. Tax planning, retirement planning, and Medicare planning are often interconnected. A decision that makes sense in one area can create consequences in another. Be Careful With HSA Contributions Health Savings Accounts require special attention as you approach Medicare eligibility. Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA. If you enroll around age 65, you need to coordinate the end of your HSA contributions with the beginning of your Medicare coverage. The issue becomes even more important for those who enroll after age 65 because Medicare Part A coverage can sometimes be applied retroactively, potentially affecting HSA eligibility for previous months. Holland recommends understanding the retroactive period before enrolling so you don't inadvertently make excess HSA contributions. Social Security can complicate matters further. If you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you may automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A. Anyone who is still contributing to an HSA should account for that before applying for Social Security. The good news is that money already accumulated in an HSA remains tax-advantaged and can still be used for many qualified medical expenses in retirement, including certain Medicare premiums. Holland notes, however, that HSA funds cannot be used tax-free to pay Medigap premiums. What If One Spouse Reaches Medicare Age First? Married couples can face another challenge when one spouse becomes eligible for Medicare while the other is still several years away. If the older spouse continues working, the employer plan may continue covering both spouses. Some companies also provide retiree benefits that extend coverage to a younger spouse after the older spouse retires. If employer coverage isn't available, COBRA may provide temporary coverage, although it can be expensive. Another possibility is purchasing insurance through the federal or state health insurance marketplace, where the younger spouse may qualify for premium subsidies depending on household circumstances. Whatever option you choose, don't overlook the cost. If one spouse retires several years before the other reaches Medicare eligibility, higher healthcare premiums may need to become a deliberate part of the retirement budget. Make Medicare Part of Your Larger Retirement Plan Medicare isn't simply a healthcare decision. It can affect your taxes, retirement income, Social Security strategy, HSA contributions, and monthly spending. That's why careful planning before age 65 can be so valuable. Understand what each part of Medicare covers. Know your enrollment windows. Talk with your employer before leaving workplace coverage. Consider the impact of your income on Medicare premiums. And coordinate decisions involving HSAs, Roth conversions, Social Security, and your spouse's health coverage. Medicare may be complicated, but you don't have to approach it blindly. Taking the time to understand your options can help you avoid costly mistakes, choose coverage that fits your circumstances, and steward the resources God has entrusted to you with greater wisdom and confidence. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a mortgage and a car loan and am considering consolidating them into one payment. Is that a good idea, and what type of loan would make sense? I received a letter saying my student loans were placed in permanent disability status, but I never applied for that. How can I verify whether it’s legitimate and correct the situation if needed? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Blue Trust Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) | Healthcare.gov  AnnualCreditReport.com  FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.” Every parent hopes the resources they leave behind will bless their children. But a financial inheritance can have very different effects depending on the person receiving it. That is why wise wealth transfer requires more than simply deciding how much to leave—it requires careful thought, prayer, and an understanding of each child’s unique circumstances. Ron Blue, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and longtime teacher on biblical stewardship, calls this the uniqueness principle. Equal Love Doesn’t Always Require Equal Treatment Studies show that many parents divide their estates equally among their children. There is certainly nothing wrong with that approach, but Ron encourages parents not to make equality the automatic default. As he explains, God loves each of His children equally, but He often treats them uniquely. The same can be true within a family. Children may grow up in the same home and sit around the same dinner table, yet adulthood can take them in very different directions. They may marry differently, parent differently, pursue different careers, experience job losses, accumulate different levels of wealth, or develop very different approaches to money. Those differences can matter when determining how an inheritance should be passed down. The question is not simply, “How can I divide everything evenly?” A better question may be, “How can I steward these resources in a way that truly benefits each child?” Three Questions to Ask Before Leaving an Inheritance When Ron and his wife, Judy, began thinking seriously about their own estate plan, they used three questions to evaluate what an inheritance might mean for each of their five children. 1. What is the worst thing that could happen? Imagine giving a particular amount of money to a particular child. How could that money negatively affect his or her life? For one child, the concern may be minimal. The money might simply be given away. For another, however, a large inheritance could create tension within a marriage, reinforce unhealthy financial habits, reduce motivation to work, or create other unintended consequences. 2. How serious would that outcome be? Not every negative possibility carries the same weight. Some may be inconvenient but manageable. Others could damage relationships, character, or financial stability. Parents should carefully consider the seriousness of each potential consequence. 3. How likely is it to happen? Finally, consider probability. A possible problem is different from a probable one. Together, these questions provide a framework for thinking beyond percentages and dollar amounts to the actual impact an inheritance could have. Your Estate Plan Should Change as Life Changes Another important part of the uniqueness principle is recognizing that circumstances rarely remain the same. When Ron and Judy first began asking these questions decades ago, their children were at very different stages of life than they are today. Careers changed. Marriages developed. Families grew. Financial circumstances shifted. As a result, Ron says the answers they would give today are very different from the answers they would have given 25 years ago. That is an important reminder: An estate plan should not necessarily be a one-time decision. As circumstances change, parents may need to revisit both their assumptions and their plans. Don’t Pass Wealth Without Passing Wisdom Underlying Ron’s approach is one of his most important principles: Don’t pass wealth unless you pass wisdom. Wealth does not automatically produce wisdom. In fact, money can magnify whatever attitudes and habits already exist. Wisdom, however, can help someone steward wealth faithfully—and even create additional resources through diligence, generosity, patience, and wise decision-making. That means preparing the next generation involves far more than preparing legal documents. Parents can begin transferring wisdom long before they transfer wealth by talking openly about stewardship, generosity, work, contentment, financial decision-making, and God’s ownership of everything. The greatest inheritance may not be the money children eventually receive, but the biblical principles they learned while their parents were still living. Faithfulness Matters More Than Fairness The uniqueness principle does not mean every estate should be divided differently. After thoughtful consideration, parents may still conclude that an equal distribution is the wisest choice. The point is not that equal is wrong or unequal is better. The point is to avoid allowing cultural expectations, guilt, fear of conflict, or simple habit to make the decision for you. Instead, approach wealth transfer prayerfully and deliberately. Ask what each child’s circumstances are. Consider what opportunities or challenges an inheritance might create. Think carefully about the consequences. Revisit those decisions as life changes. Ultimately, wealth transfer is an act of stewardship. The resources we leave behind still belong to God, and our responsibility is to manage them according to His wisdom rather than merely following human expectations. Before asking, “How can I make everything equal?” consider asking a deeper question: “What would faithfulness look like for each person God has entrusted to my care?” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 60, own two rental properties outright, rent an apartment in Chicago for $2,100 a month, and have about $1.4 million in savings and investments. My rental income is seasonal, but I haven’t had to draw from my portfolio yet. Is continuing to rent in Chicago financially reasonable, and is $1.4 million likely enough to support me long term? My wife and I are buying a new home and have about 60% of the purchase price in cash. We need the remaining 40% for only 60 to 90 days until our current paid-off home sells. Would a HELOC, bridge loan, or another short-term financing option make the most sense? Our 22-year-old daughter lives at home and has very few expenses or responsibilities. Would it be biblical and wise to start charging her rent, and how should we determine a fair amount? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

An estimated $124 trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers to their heirs by 2048, marking one of the largest transfers of wealth in history. And women are expected to play a particularly significant role. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss this historic shift and the opportunity it presents for women to approach wealth with wisdom, preparation, and biblical faithfulness. Why Women Are at the Center of the Wealth Transfer Economists have been talking about the Great Wealth Transfer for years, but it is no longer simply a future prediction. The transfer is already underway. Women are uniquely positioned within it in part because they tend to live longer than men. As a result, many women will experience both intragenerational transfers—wealth passing from a spouse—and intergenerational transfers from parents and other family members. But inheritance is only one part of the picture. Women already earn income, manage household resources, invest, give, and make significant financial decisions. Research indicates that women are involved in approximately 94% of household purchasing decisions. That means the stewardship opportunity ahead doesn't begin when an inheritance arrives. It is already here. A Biblical Legacy of Women and Stewardship Women using financial resources to advance God’s purposes is nothing new. Luke 8:1–3 describes several women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of their own means. These women were not merely observers of Christ’s ministry. Their financial generosity helped make the work possible. Likewise, in Romans 16:1–2, Paul commends Phoebe and describes her as a benefactor of many, including himself. In a culture where women often had limited social and economic influence, Phoebe used what God had entrusted to her to serve others and help advance the gospel. Their examples remind us that financial stewardship has always been about something greater than accumulating or managing money. It is about faithfully using whatever God provides for His purposes. Faithfulness Changes With the Seasons 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” That calling applies to every believer, but the practical responsibilities of stewardship can look different in different seasons. A woman may move through seasons as a student, professional, wife, mother, caregiver, business owner, widow, retiree, or some combination of these roles. At various times, she may be an earner, an inheritor, a household financial manager, or all three. The circumstances change, but the responsibility remains: stay informed, equipped, and engaged with the resources God has entrusted to you. That can mean understanding the household finances, learning how investments work, participating in conversations about estate planning, preparing for retirement, or developing a thoughtful plan for generosity. Faithful stewardship does not require becoming a financial expert. But it does require engagement. Money as a Tool for Purpose For some women, managing finances comes naturally. Others may quickly say, “I’m just not a numbers person.” But stewardship is about much more than numbers. Money is a tool that can help us care for family, support ministries, meet needs, practice hospitality, create opportunities for others, and generously participate in work that matters to us. Seen through that lens, financial stewardship becomes less about mastering spreadsheets and more about connecting resources with purpose. Whether wealth is earned, inherited, or managed on behalf of a household, every dollar presents an opportunity to ask: How can I use what God has entrusted to me faithfully? An Opportunity for the Whole Family The Great Wealth Transfer also creates an opportunity for important conversations between husbands and wives, parents and children, and across generations. Preparing the next steward involves more than transferring assets. It means passing along wisdom. Families can begin discussing questions such as: What has God entrusted to us? What values do we want our financial decisions to reflect? How much is enough? What role should generosity play in our estate plans? Is the next generation prepared to manage what they may eventually receive? These conversations can help transform inheritance from a simple financial transaction into an intentional act of stewardship. Preparing for an Historic Stewardship Opportunity The coming wealth transfer represents an extraordinary financial moment, but for Christians, the most important question is not simply who will control the wealth. It is how that wealth will be stewarded. Women have faithfully earned, managed, given, and used resources for God’s purposes for generations. As trillions of dollars change hands in the decades ahead, women of faith have another significant opportunity to continue that legacy. The goal is not merely to receive more wealth, but to be prepared to manage God’s money God’s way—using it wisely, generously, and faithfully for the purposes He places before us. This month, FaithFi is releasing its first-ever special edition of Faithful Steward magazine, entirely focused on women stewarding wealth. When you become a FaithFi Partner, we’ll send you this special issue as our way of saying thank you for supporting the ministry. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can you recommend a reputable Christian debt consolidation company that could help lower a large monthly payment? I’m almost 69 and plan to wait until 70 to claim Social Security. If I keep working after 70, will my benefit continue to increase, and do I still pay Social Security taxes? I also keep having to pull from savings to cover my checking account. Who can help me build a realistic budget and get my spending under control? My wife and I earn a good income but still owe taxes each year. I’ve increased my 401(k) contributions to lower taxable income. Is that the best approach, or should I adjust my withholding or set money aside for taxes? I’m 65, plan to keep working, and have about $20,000 in savings with monthly expenses around $4,000. How should I use that money to prepare for retirement? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Money is never just about money, and work is never just about a paycheck. Scripture teaches that God owns everything, gives us the ability to earn, and calls us to work with integrity because ultimately, we serve Christ. Howard Dayton, Founder of Compass Financial Ministry and author of Business God’s Way, says those truths should shape not only how Christians manage money, but how we earn it in the first place. Remember Who You’re Really Working For The foundation of biblical earning begins with recognizing that God owns everything and that He is ultimately the One we serve. Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” That applies whether you own a business, work for a large company, serve in ministry, or earn a paycheck somewhere in between. Your employer may sign the check, but your work is ultimately an act of service to Christ. Even the ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” That perspective guards against pride when things go well. Our abilities, opportunities, creativity, and strength are all resources God has entrusted to us. Let Integrity Define Your Work If we represent Christ in the workplace, honesty should characterize everything we do. For business owners, that means treating customers, employees, vendors, and even competitors with integrity. For employees, it means giving an honest day’s work, using company resources responsibly, and refusing to take what does not belong to us—even when no one would notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our conduct at work can either reinforce or undermine the faith we profess. Biblical integrity means doing what is right because we belong to Christ, not simply because honesty is good for business. Plan Wisely Without Presuming on Tomorrow Running a business or managing a career requires planning. Scripture affirms the value of order and thoughtful preparation. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “All things should be done decently and in order.” While the immediate context concerns worship in the church, the broader principle reminds us that order and intentionality have value. At the same time, good planning should never become confidence that we control the future. James 4:13-14 warns those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” reminding them, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Christians should plan carefully while holding those plans with open hands. We prepare responsibly, but we remain dependent on God. Make Generosity Part of the Business Plan Many biblical principles such as honesty, diligence, and planning are also recognized as sound business practices. Generosity, however, can run against the world’s instinct to accumulate and protect as much as possible. Proverbs 11:24-25 says: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is not a promise that generous people will always become materially wealthy. Scripture does not teach us to give in order to get more. Instead, generosity reflects trust in God and loosens money’s grip on our hearts. For a business owner, generosity might mean giving a portion of profits, caring intentionally for employees, supporting ministry, or finding creative ways to use the company’s resources to serve others. Some Christian business leaders have gone even further. Entrepreneurs such as Alan Barnhart and Stanley Tam structured their businesses around extraordinary generosity, viewing their companies not simply as vehicles for personal wealth but as resources entrusted to them for God’s purposes. The form generosity takes will look different for every person and every business. The important question is whether we are willing to ask God how the resources He has entrusted to us can bless others. Work as a Steward Earning money God’s way begins with a different definition of success. The goal is not merely to maximize income or grow a business. It is to faithfully steward the abilities, opportunities, relationships, and resources God provides. We work diligently because we serve Christ. We act honestly because we represent Him. We plan wisely while remembering that tomorrow belongs to God. And we hold what we earn with open hands so that generosity can become a natural expression of faithful stewardship. When we understand that God is both the Owner and our ultimate Employer, work becomes more than a way to make a living. It becomes another opportunity to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’d like to help my daughter buy a home by financing part of the purchase myself. Can we structure a private family mortgage using the applicable federal rate, and how should we handle the interest, paperwork, and tax reporting? I’m behind on filing my taxes and have been quoted more than $600 for preparation. I also run a nonprofit ministry and would like to keep costs down. Where can I find affordable or free tax-preparation help, and could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) assist? I received a Schedule K-1 from an investment held inside my IRA. How should I handle that for tax purposes? My husband and I are dairy farmers with operating and capital lines of credit around 8.5%. We’re considering using money from his Roth IRA to pay down the debt. At age 60, would there be taxes or penalties, and is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Business God’s Way by Howard Dayton IRS Free File | AARP Foundation Tax-Aide | IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Sometimes one glimpse can change everything. For a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, fear and uncertainty can make it difficult to know what comes next. But seeing her baby through an ultrasound can bring a moment of clarity—and open the door to compassionate care, practical support, and hope. Dan Steiner, Founder and President of PreBorn!, joined the show today to explain how the ministry partners with pregnancy clinics across the country to reach women facing unexpected pregnancies. PreBorn! provides ultrasound machines, training, financial support, and other resources to help local clinics serve women at a critical moment. The Power of an Ultrasound One of PreBorn!’s primary tools is remarkably simple: giving a mother the opportunity to see her baby. A gift of $28 can fund one ultrasound, $56 can fund two, and $140 can fund five. For donors with greater capacity, a $15,000 gift can help provide an ultrasound machine for a pregnancy center. According to Steiner, those machines can remain in service for years and help thousands of women. The ultrasound itself can be a powerful moment. A woman may arrive feeling pressure from a boyfriend, family member, or overwhelming circumstances. But seeing her baby’s arms and legs and hearing the heartbeat can make the pregnancy suddenly feel very personal. PreBorn! says that seeing an ultrasound significantly increases the likelihood that an abortion-minded woman will choose life. The ministry then seeks to walk alongside her with compassion and practical support rather than judgment. Strengthening Local Pregnancy Centers PreBorn! generally does not operate pregnancy centers directly. Instead, it works alongside local clinics, many of which have limited staff and resources. The ministry helps provide ultrasound machines, funds individual scans, trains staff, assists with marketing and leadership, and works to increase clinic capacity. Steiner said PreBorn!’s network includes roughly 300 clinics across the United States, with an emphasis on reaching women in communities with high abortion rates. That partnership allows local ministries to focus on serving women while receiving resources they might otherwise struggle to afford. When Seeing Her Baby Changes the Story Steiner shared the story of one young mother who arrived at a pregnancy center intending to have an abortion. She already had two boys at home, her boyfriend was unsupportive, and she feared another child would make it harder to care for the children she already had. During her first ultrasound, she saw her baby and began to cry—but she still planned to proceed with an abortion. The following week, however, she returned for another ultrasound. At 11 weeks, she could see her baby moving. She also learned she was expecting a daughter. Having always wanted a girl, she decided to continue the pregnancy. Steiner pointed out that a donor funded her ultrasound—illustrating how even a relatively small gift can become part of a much larger story. More Than Meeting an Immediate Need For PreBorn!, the work does not end when a woman chooses life for her child. The ministry also wants women and families to encounter the hope of the gospel. PreBorn! trains clinic staff to share Christ when appropriate while emphasizing that those conversations should never be forced. Steiner said evangelism remains central to the ministry’s mission, alongside practical care for mothers and their babies. That reflects a broader picture of Christian compassion: caring for both immediate physical needs and eternal spiritual needs while recognizing the dignity of every person made in the image of God. An Opportunity to Come Alongside Women FaithFi is partnering with PreBorn! to help fund 1,500 free ultrasounds. Every $28 funds one ultrasound, while larger gifts can provide multiple scans or even help place an ultrasound machine in a pregnancy center. According to Steiner, PreBorn!’s network saw more than 84,000 babies saved from abortion in the previous year and provided more than 136,000 ultrasound scans across the country. For Christians thinking about generosity, this is a reminder that stewardship is not simply about giving money away. It is about prayerfully using what God has entrusted to us to serve others, meet tangible needs, and point people toward the hope of Christ. To learn more or support the campaign, visit FaithFi.com/PreBorn or dial #250 and say “BABY.” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have money sitting in the bank and about $3,000 in credit card debt. Should I use some of my savings to pay off the cards, and where should I keep the rest so it earns more without being too easy to spend? I have an RMD of about $10,000 that I need for living expenses. Is there any way to reduce the tax impact, and what should I do with the money if I need to spend it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) PreBorn! Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

What if the greatest benefit of financial advice isn’t simply what happens to your portfolio, but knowing your financial decisions reflect what matters most? New research from Kingdom Advisors and Pinkston Group suggests that when financial counsel aligns with a person’s faith and values, the benefits can extend well beyond investment performance. Clients report deeper trust, reduced financial anxiety, and a broader definition of financial success. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to unpack what the findings reveal about values-aligned investing, long-term advisor relationships, generosity, and the future of Christian financial advice. The Gap Between Interest and Action One of the study’s most striking findings involves values-based investing. While 81% of Certified Kingdom Advisors® offer values-based investment options, only 15% of their clients currently use them. Why the gap? Epps believes several factors may be involved. Some investors still assume that aligning their investments with their values necessarily means accepting lower returns. Others may simply be unaware that faith-aligned options are available because they've never brought it up with their advisor. There may also be a natural progression in a person’s stewardship journey. Christians often begin by thinking about giving as the primary way their faith intersects with money. Only later do they begin considering whether their saving and investing decisions can also reflect their convictions. That makes education essential. Advisors can help clients understand how values-based screening works, compare investment options, and evaluate them as part of a disciplined and diversified strategy. For hesitant investors, Epps suggests starting with a smaller portion of a portfolio rather than changing everything at once. The larger principle is simple: stewardship begins by asking what matters to us before asking how our investments are performing. Why Peace May Grow Over Time The research also found that the benefits of working with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® appear to deepen over time. Among CKA® clients who had worked with their advisor for more than five years, 66% reported a reduction in financial anxiety, compared with 49% among those in shorter advisor relationships. That may be partly because trust is cumulative. Over time, an advisor gets to know not only a client’s financial situation but also their family, priorities, goals, and convictions. The relationship becomes less transactional and more of a long-term partnership. A sound financial plan can also provide perspective during difficult markets. Rather than reacting to every rise and fall, investors can return to a strategy built around long-term goals. For Christians, there is an even deeper source of peace. Biblical financial counsel continually reminds us that God owns everything and that we are His stewards. That changes the central question from, “How do I protect everything I have?” to, “Lord, how would You have me manage what You have entrusted to me?” That perspective cannot eliminate financial uncertainty, but it can keep uncertainty from becoming the foundation of our decisions. More Than Finding the Lowest Fee Another revealing finding involved the way clients choose advisors. Only 20% of CKA® clients said fees were the primary factor in selecting an advisor. Epps emphasized that fees still matter. Wise stewardship means understanding what you are paying and ensuring those costs are reasonable and transparent.  But financial advice is about more than purchasing a commodity at the lowest possible price. When an advisor understands a client’s values, the relationship can encompass far more than investment returns. It can include planning, accountability, generosity, family decisions, and a shared understanding of what money is ultimately for. That changes the scorecard. The question becomes not simply, “Did my investments outperform?” but also, “Am I becoming more faithful with what God has entrusted to me?” Younger Investors Want Their Money and Values to Tell the Same Story The study offered encouraging insight into the next generation as well. Among adults ages 18 to 41, 52% said shared values are extremely important when choosing financial advice. Epps sees that as an important shift. Younger Christians often want greater consistency between what they believe and the decisions they make in every area of life—including their finances. Rather than viewing money as a separate, purely financial category, many see it as another tool that should reflect their convictions. That creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for financial advisors. The next generation is likely to expect conversations about purpose, values, generosity, and stewardship rather than treating those subjects as unrelated to financial planning. For Christian advisors, that opens the door to something deeper than portfolio management: helping clients understand biblical wisdom and their role as stewards. A Bigger Definition of Success Perhaps one of the clearest differences the research reveals is how Certified Kingdom Advisors® think about success. Investment performance still matters. But the scorecard can be broader. Epps pointed to outcomes such as greater peace, increased generosity, and helping clients faithfully pursue the purposes God has placed before them. The research found, for example, that CKA® clients were twice as likely to report that their giving had “significantly increased” since beginning work with their advisor. That is particularly noteworthy because many financial advisors are compensated, in some way, based on the assets they manage. Encouraging clients to give generously may reduce those assets, yet a Kingdom-minded advisor can celebrate that generosity because the goal is not merely accumulation. The goal is faithful stewardship. What to Look for in a Financial Advisor If you are looking for financial counsel that incorporates your Christian faith, the first meeting can tell you a great deal. Notice whether the advisor is asking questions only about your numbers or also about your values. Do they want to understand what matters to you? Are they comfortable discussing how faith influences financial decisions? Can they explain how biblical wisdom shapes the counsel they provide? Epps also encourages believers to pray about the decision and seek the Lord’s wisdom as they choose whom to trust with such an important relationship. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Financial advice at its best should help us do more than grow wealth. It should help us grow in wisdom, make thoughtful decisions, and faithfully steward everything God has placed in our hands. If you’d like to find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® in your area, visit FindACKA.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 53, our home is paid off, and my husband and I have about $50,000 in checking but no retirement savings. We live simply, and both still work. How should we start putting this money toward retirement? I’m 33 and own an S corp law practice earning about $40,000 to $60,000 a month. I’m already tithing, using tax strategies, and funding retirement accounts, but I still have significant taxable income. How should I think about deploying the excess beyond simply growing the business? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Fidelity Go | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Reverse mortgages have carried a negative reputation for years, especially among Christians who are cautious about debt. But as with any financial tool, faithful stewardship calls us to understand how it works before deciding whether it belongs in a financial plan. Harlan Accola leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, a FaithFi underwriter. He joined the show today to explain why reverse mortgages remain controversial, how today’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) differs from older products, and when it might play a useful role in retirement planning. Why Are Christians Hesitant About Reverse Mortgages? For many believers, the hesitation begins with debt itself. Scripture repeatedly encourages wisdom, contentment, and caution in financial matters, so borrowing against a home's equity can feel contrary to good stewardship. There is also the lingering reputation of earlier reverse mortgage products. Many people remember stories involving high costs, confusing terms, or homeowners facing difficult circumstances later in life. Accola says those concerns are understandable. “I felt the same way in the past before I understood them,” he said. But he argues that many people are evaluating today’s federally insured reverse mortgages based on older versions of the product—or confusing them with other home-equity arrangements that work very differently. That makes it important to understand exactly which product is being considered and how its protections, costs, and obligations work. What Is a HECM? The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Unlike a traditional mortgage, a HECM generally does not require the borrower to make monthly principal and interest payments. Instead, the loan balance typically grows over time and becomes due when the borrower no longer occupies the home as a principal residence, sells the property, or dies. The homeowner still retains ownership of the home and remains responsible for obligations such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and property maintenance. HECMs also include protections designed specifically for older homeowners. Borrowers must complete independent counseling before obtaining the loan, and the loans are non-recourse, meaning the borrower or heirs generally will not owe more than the home's value when the loan is repaid. Certain eligible non-borrowing spouses may also be able to remain in the home after the borrowing spouse dies, provided they meet program requirements. Those features make today’s HECM significantly different from some of the products that contributed to reverse mortgages’ poor reputation in earlier decades. Turning Home Equity Into Retirement Flexibility For many retirees, a home represents one of their largest assets. Yet that wealth is often difficult to use without selling the property or taking on more debt. A reverse mortgage can potentially convert a portion of that equity into accessible funds. One possible benefit is improved monthly cash flow. Eliminating a required mortgage payment could help a retiree living on reduced income balance a budget without turning to credit cards or other higher-cost borrowing. Reverse mortgage proceeds may also provide additional resources for expenses such as home repairs, healthcare, or long-term care. A HECM line of credit can offer another form of flexibility. For example, retirees may be able to draw from home equity during a market downturn rather than selling investments after they have declined in value. Used carefully, that could give an investment portfolio more time to recover. Home equity might also help preserve other retirement assets for later years, a surviving spouse, or heirs. The goal isn’t simply to access more money. It’s to consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and ask how they can work together wisely. As Luke 16:10 reminds us, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Faithfulness includes not only how we accumulate resources but also how thoughtfully we use what God has already provided. Could a Reverse Mortgage Support Generosity? Accola has also seen situations where accessing home equity allowed retirees to give more generously during their lifetime rather than waiting for assets to transfer after death. That won’t be the right choice for everyone. Giving should never come at the expense of maintaining appropriate provision for yourself or a spouse. But the example highlights an important stewardship principle: a home is not necessarily separate from the rest of a financial plan simply because its value is tied up in real estate. For some families, home equity may be another resource to consider prayerfully alongside savings, investments, retirement income, and other assets. Start With the Plan, Not the Product A reverse mortgage is not appropriate for every homeowner. Before pursuing one, Accola recommends beginning with the bigger financial picture. Ask questions such as: How long do we expect to remain in this home? How would a reverse mortgage affect our monthly cash flow? What costs are associated with the loan? How will we continue paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance? How could the loan affect what we eventually leave to our heirs? Are there other resources available that might accomplish the same goal? How does this decision fit within our overall retirement, estate, and generosity plans? That last question may be the most important. A reverse mortgage should not be viewed simply as a financial product to purchase. It should be evaluated within the context of a thoughtful retirement plan. Working with professionals who understand both the technical details of the loan and the homeowner’s broader financial goals can help families consider the tradeoffs carefully. Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? A reverse mortgage isn’t for every household, and using home equity should never be an excuse for careless spending. But you shouldn't reject the product simply because of its reputation. For the right homeowner, a modern HECM may turn otherwise inaccessible home equity into a flexible resource for cash flow, retirement planning, long-term care, or even greater generosity. Faithful stewardship means looking carefully at every resource God has entrusted to us, understanding our options, and making decisions that serve the larger financial plan. To learn more about reverse mortgages through Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter was approved for a $325,000 mortgage, but the rate wasn’t locked. Now that she’s found a home, the lender says she has to choose when to lock, with rates ranging from about 5.6% to 6.75%. How should she decide when to lock in her rate? I’m 78 and considering buying a $300,000 home in a 55+ community. I also own a rental property with about $88,000 left on a 4% mortgage, and I don’t need the rental income to cover my expenses. Should I keep the rental or move into it? And if I buy in the 55+ community, how should I balance paying cash versus taking a traditional or reverse mortgage? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Movement Mortgage Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture: two men building two houses. One builds on rock. The other builds on sand. When the storms come, only one house remains standing. The difference isn’t the weather. Both houses face the storm. The difference is the foundation. That picture from Matthew 7 offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives. Job losses, medical expenses, market declines, and unexpected bills eventually test every household. The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them. John Cortines, a Family Office Advisor with Blue Trust and co-author of God and Money and True Riches, offers a helpful framework: Think of your financial life as a house. Christ is the foundation. Gratitude, contentment, trust, and love form the walls. Our identity as stewards serves as the roof. And wise financial practices furnish the rooms. The Foundation: Christ, Not Money Every house begins with a foundation, and the Christian financial life begins with Christ. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. So before we ask how much to save, spend, invest, or give, we have to settle a more fundamental question: What—or whom—are we trusting? 1 Timothy 6 warns against placing our hope in wealth. Money is useful, but it was never designed to carry the weight of our security or identity. Instead, biblical stewardship begins by recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Haggai 2:8 reminds us that the silver and gold are His. What we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. That changes the way we approach money. Rather than asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” a steward begins asking, “What is the next faithful decision with what God has entrusted to me?” Money moves from being our master to becoming a tool we manage for God’s purposes. The First Wall: Gratitude Once the foundation is in place, the first wall is gratitude. Gratitude protects us from one of wealth’s most subtle dangers: pride.  Pride says, I earned this. I deserve this. Look at what I’ve accomplished. Gratitude answers, God provided this. Deuteronomy 8:18 warns God’s people not to forget that He is the One who gives them the ability to produce wealth. Our abilities, opportunities, relationships, education, health, and circumstances are all gifts we did not create for ourselves. That doesn’t diminish the value of hard work. It simply puts our work in its proper place. A grateful steward can work diligently without believing everything depends on personal achievement. Gratitude opens our hands because it reminds us that every good thing ultimately comes from God. The Second Wall: Contentment The second wall is contentment, which guards us from coveting and comparison. Our culture constantly invites us to look sideways. Someone always seems to have a nicer home, a newer vehicle, a larger portfolio, or a more comfortable lifestyle. The result can be a restless appetite for more. But biblical contentment allows us to experience peace in seasons of abundance and in seasons when resources are limited. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul explains that he learned the secret of being content whether he had plenty or was in need. His famous statement, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” comes in the context of learning contentment through Christ. Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means our peace is no longer waiting on the next financial milestone. We don’t have to keep telling ourselves, I’ll finally be satisfied when I get there or when I have that. In Christ, we can receive today’s provision with gratitude while faithfully preparing for tomorrow. The Third Wall: Trust The third wall is trust. Financial anxiety often grows from the assumption that our future rests entirely on us. Am I saving enough? What if something happens? Will there be enough for retirement? What if the economy changes? Wise stewardship certainly includes preparation. But preparation can quietly turn into self-reliance if we begin believing our savings account is ultimately responsible for keeping us safe. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds His followers that the Father knows what they need. That frees us to seek His Kingdom first rather than allowing fear about tomorrow to dominate today. Our deepest security goes even further. For the Christian, our ultimate hope is not that we will avoid every financial problem. Our hope is in Christ, His victory over death, and the eternal future He has secured for His people. That perspective doesn’t eliminate wise financial planning. It puts planning in its proper place. We prepare faithfully while trusting God completely. The Fourth Wall: Love The fourth wall may be the one we least often associate with money: love. It is easy for financial planning to become entirely inward-facing. We think about our budget, our goals, our retirement, and our future without considering how God may want to use what He has entrusted to us for the good of others. But Christian stewardship is shaped by Christ’s love. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 point us to Jesus, who gave Himself generously for us. Our generosity toward others becomes a response to the generosity we have first received from Him. As we grow spiritually, we begin asking not merely, How much can I keep? but, How can what God has entrusted to me become an expression of love? That may mean financial generosity, hospitality, using our abilities to serve someone, supporting the local church, or simply noticing a need we might otherwise have ignored. Money becomes one more way to love God and love our neighbor. The Roof: Your Identity as a Steward Resting on those four walls is the roof: our financial identity. There are two unhealthy extremes. The first is ownership: It’s mine. I earned it. I’ll do whatever I want with it. The second is helplessness: Nothing I do matters. I’ll never get ahead. Life just happens to me. Stewardship offers another way. A steward says, “Everything belongs to God, and I am responsible for faithfully managing what He has entrusted to me.” That perspective brings both responsibility and freedom. We take our decisions seriously because stewardship matters. But we also recognize that we are not the ultimate owners or providers. God is. Our task is faithfulness. Furnishing the House With Wise Financial Practices Only after the foundation, walls, and roof are secure do we begin furnishing the house. These furnishings represent the everyday financial habits Scripture commends: working diligently, spending purposefully, handling debt carefully, saving steadily for future needs, investing patiently and wisely, practicing generosity, and showing hospitality. These practical decisions matter. But they work best when they flow from the right heart. Otherwise, we can follow every financial rule and still be driven by pride, comparison, fear, or selfishness. That’s why biblical financial wisdom goes deeper than behavior. God is interested not only in what we do with money but in what is happening in our hearts while we do it. Four Questions Before Your Next Financial Decision This financial-house framework can become a practical tool whenever you face an important money decision. Before making a major purchase, investment, career move, or other financial choice, prayerfully ask: Am I approaching this from pride or gratitude? Am I being driven by coveting or contentment? Am I responding from anxiety or trust? Am I acting with indifference or love? Those questions can expose motivations that a spreadsheet never will. Sometimes they may lead us away from something we originally wanted. Other times, they may give us greater freedom to move forward. Either way, they help us consider not merely whether we can make a financial decision, but whether that decision fits the kind of steward God is shaping us to become. Build From the Inside Out It’s tempting to begin our financial lives with tactics: budgets, investments, debt repayment plans, and retirement accounts. Those things are important. But Scripture invites us to start deeper. Build your foundation on Christ. Strengthen your life with gratitude, contentment, trust, and love. Remember that your identity is not owner but steward. Then let wise financial practices flow from those convictions. Storms will come. Jesus never suggested otherwise. But a financial life built on the Rock has something stronger than money holding it together. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a 3% mortgage on about $300,000 and keep seeing ads promoting simple-interest home loans. Would it make sense to convert my current mortgage, or consider a simple-interest loan when we move in a few years? My husband and I are considering living off our savings for a year while I attend an accelerated nursing program at full out-of-state tuition. We live very frugally and have built up substantial savings. Does using that money to fund my schooling make financial sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption by Jeff Manion FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

ESG investing promises to align your portfolio with your values. But an important question remains: Whose values are shaping the standards? Environmental, social, and governance ratings are often presented as measures of corporate responsibility. Yet the assumptions behind those ratings may not always align with biblical convictions. Nick Schmitz, Professor of Finance at The Catholic University of America and a Board Member of the Christian Investing Council (CIC), joined the show today to explain the differences between ESG and faith-based investing—and why Christians should pay attention not only to what they own, but also to how their shares are voted. ESG and Faith-Based Investing Start in Different Places ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. ESG ratings attempt to evaluate companies based on their performance in each of those areas. But Schmitz points out that ESG standards are developed by secular ratings agencies and can shift with cultural and political trends. Faith-based investing starts somewhere different: with convictions rooted in biblical truth. That distinction matters because a company may receive strong ESG ratings while supporting practices that conflict with a Christian investor’s beliefs about issues such as the sanctity of human life, religious liberty, family, or human dignity. There may certainly be areas of overlap. Christians care about justice, responsible stewardship, fair treatment of employees, and care for creation. But agreement on certain issues does not mean the underlying moral frameworks are the same. Faith-based investing asks a deeper question: Does the way this company operates—and the way my ownership stake is used—reflect the convictions I am seeking to live by? Your Shares Come With a Voice One area investors may overlook is proxy voting. Owning shares in a publicly traded company generally gives investors the opportunity to vote on certain corporate matters. But individual investors rarely cast those votes themselves. Instead, asset managers often rely on large proxy advisory firms to provide recommendations or process votes on their behalf. That means Christians may unknowingly own investments whose shares are being voted in ways that conflict with their beliefs. Schmitz offered an example involving shareholder proposals related to Google and crisis pregnancy centers. Some proposals sought changes in how those organizations appeared in search results and were characterized positively within ESG-oriented frameworks. Faith-based investors, however, could reach a very different conclusion because of their convictions regarding the unborn and the work of pro-life ministries. For Christian investors, then, screening a portfolio may be only part of the stewardship equation. How shares are voted can matter too. Moving Beyond Passive Ownership Schmitz has been involved in developing proxy-voting policies designed to better reflect Catholic investment principles. The effort grew from concern that existing guidelines did not always reflect the convictions they claimed to represent. The broader lesson applies to Christian investors of many traditions: we do not necessarily have to outsource our influence without asking questions. Faith-based investing can involve both screening and engagement. Screening considers whether a company’s products, services, or practices conflict with an investor’s convictions. Engagement asks whether shareholders can encourage companies toward practices that better promote human flourishing. That makes faith-based investing more than a list of companies or industries to avoid. Shareholders can also use their ownership to advocate for positive change. Christians Can Care About Creation Without Agreeing on Every Policy The “E” in ESG stands for environmental, which sometimes creates the impression that faith-based investors give little attention to environmental stewardship. Schmitz argues that this does not have to be the case. Christians may disagree about exactly how environmental concerns should be addressed, but waste, pollution, and responsible care for creation are legitimate stewardship concerns. Investors can support companies working to reduce genuine environmental harm while also considering the economic consequences of particular policies, especially for workers and lower-income communities. The difference is that Christians can recognize room for prudential disagreement. Biblical stewardship gives us principles to guide our thinking, but believers may reach different conclusions about the best policies or business practices to address a particular environmental concern. That calls for humility, wisdom, and careful discernment rather than assuming every issue has a one-size-fits-all solution. Look for Managers With “Skin in the Game” Schmitz also encouraged investors to consider whether the people managing their money have what author Nassim Nicholas Taleb famously called “skin in the game.” When Schmitz worked as a fund manager, for example, he invested his own capital alongside the investors whose money he managed. That kind of alignment can matter. A manager who shares both the potential rewards and the downside risk has an added incentive to exercise discipline and think long-term. For Christian investors, alignment can go even deeper. Do the people managing your investments understand your convictions? Do their investment policies reflect them? Are they transparent about how companies are screened, how proxies are voted, and how shareholder engagement is conducted? Christian investors should not assume that an investment is biblically aligned simply because it carries a faith-related label. Transparency matters. Common Misconceptions About Faith-Based Investing Schmitz highlighted several misconceptions investors should reconsider. First, ESG is not morally neutral. Like every investment framework, it rests on assumptions about what is good, responsible, and worth promoting. Second, faith-based investing is not merely negative screening. Christian investors can encourage good corporate behavior through shareholder engagement, proxy voting, and collaboration with other investors. Third, bringing Christian convictions into investing is not an inappropriate intrusion of faith into an otherwise neutral marketplace. Every investor brings values into financial decisions in some form. Christians should not feel compelled to leave deeply held beliefs outside the investment process. Finally, individual investors are not necessarily powerless. Shareholders can work together, support resolutions, engage company leadership, and influence how large asset managers vote. The question is whether Christians will use that influence intentionally. Questions to Ask About Your Investments If you want to know whether your investments reflect your convictions, start by asking questions. If you work with a financial advisor or investment manager, ask how your investments are screened and how proxy votes are handled. If most of your retirement savings are held through an employer-sponsored plan, ask your plan provider what proxy-voting policies apply to the funds you own. You can also examine Christian mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that publicly disclose their screening standards, voting policies, and shareholder-engagement practices. The goal is not perfection. Investing in a complex economy will always require wisdom and discernment. But greater transparency can help investors make more informed stewardship decisions. Keep Your Investment Horizon Eternal Schmitz closed with advice he regularly shares with young people entering finance: Character matters more than credentials. Work ethic, courage, and integrity can open doors over the course of a career, but ambition must remain submitted to something greater than personal achievement. For the Christian, that means keeping Christ at the center. Financial markets reward investors who are willing to think beyond the next quarter or the next headline. Christians have an even longer horizon. We make financial decisions knowing that earthly returns are temporary and faithfulness to Christ has eternal significance. That perspective changes the way we think about investing. We are not merely asking, “What return can this investment produce?” We are also asking, “What am I supporting with the resources God has entrusted to me?” Faith-based investing is ultimately another opportunity to practice faithful stewardship—seeking to align our financial decisions with our convictions while remembering that our ultimate treasure is not found in any portfolio, but in Christ. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m an elementary teacher looking to supplement my income, and I recently earned my life and health insurance license. A friend invited me to join WFG. Is that a good option for part-time work, or are there better ways to use the license? I opened a savings account after receiving a promotion offering a cash bonus if I deposited funds and left them there for 90 days. I met those requirements, but now the bank says I failed to enroll in the promotion, even though the invitation didn’t mention that step. What should I do to dispute this? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Investing Council (CIC) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Risk is unavoidable in investing—and in life. But not all risks deserve equal attention. It is easy to focus primarily on the probability that something will happen. If an investment, career move, or financial strategy has a high likelihood of succeeding, we may assume it is a good decision. But Mark Biller, Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing, suggests another question may be even more important: If things go wrong, how wrong could they go? That shift—from focusing on probabilities to considering consequences—can help us make wiser financial decisions and protect ourselves from risks that could permanently derail our plans. A Small Probability Can Carry a Huge Consequence Suppose someone told you there was a 99% chance an opportunity would succeed. Those odds sound compelling. But what if the remaining 1% chance of failure meant complete financial ruin? Suddenly, the decision looks very different. A simple illustration is crossing a busy street. The probability of being hit by a vehicle may be relatively small, but we still look both ways because the potential consequence is catastrophic. A low probability does not make a severe consequence irrelevant. The same principle applies to investing. An outcome may be statistically unlikely, but if it could wipe out your savings, destroy your retirement plan, or leave you unable to meet your obligations, it deserves serious consideration. Financial thinker Peter Bernstein summarized the principle well: the consequences of being wrong can matter more than the probabilities of being right. That leads to two important questions: If this goes wrong, how wrong could it go?  And how much would it matter? Why Humility Matters in Investing Financial history offers plenty of reminders that even highly intelligent investors cannot anticipate every outcome. One famous example is the collapse of Long-Term Capital Management in 1998. The hedge fund was run by some of the brightest minds in finance and relied on sophisticated mathematical models. Those models worked under most circumstances—but a combination of leverage and extraordinary market conditions caused enormous losses. The lesson is not that investors should avoid risk altogether. Risk is part of investing. Rather, wise investors recognize the limits of their knowledge. We cannot predict every market decline, economic shock, or unexpected life event. That reality should lead us toward humility and encourage us to build financial plans with room for error. Build a Margin of Safety One practical way to prepare for uncertainty is to maintain a margin of safety. That begins before investing. A strong financial foundation includes reducing burdensome debt and establishing adequate emergency savings. Then, as you invest, diversification can help reduce the danger of concentrated bets, while avoiding excessive leverage can protect against losses that permanently impair your financial position. The goal is not to eliminate every possible risk. That would be impossible. Instead, margin allows your plan to survive when circumstances do not unfold as expected. Biblical wisdom encourages this kind of prudence. Proverbs 22:3 says: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Wise stewardship does not require us to live fearfully. But it does call us to recognize potential danger and prepare appropriately. Your Emergency Fund Protects More Than Emergencies An emergency fund may seem separate from an investment portfolio, but the two are closely connected. Think of investing like climbing a ladder. Before climbing higher, you want to make sure the ladder is resting on firm ground. Emergency savings provide that foundation. Unexpected expenses are inevitable. A furnace fails. A vehicle needs replacing sooner than expected. A major repair suddenly becomes necessary. Without adequate savings, those expenses may force you to sell investments at exactly the wrong time—perhaps when the market is down significantly. What began as an ordinary household expense can then cause lasting damage to a long-term investment plan. An emergency fund creates financial breathing room so temporary problems do not become permanent setbacks. Protecting Retirees From Sequence-of-Returns Risk Consequences become especially important as retirement approaches. One risk retirees face is known as sequence-of-returns risk. This occurs when significant investment losses happen early in retirement while a retiree is simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Two retirees could experience similar average investment returns over several decades but have very different outcomes depending on when the losses occur. A steep market decline early in retirement can be particularly damaging because withdrawals compound those losses. Even strong returns later may not fully repair the damage. Diversification can help manage this risk. Some retirees also choose to keep several years of anticipated spending in cash or relatively low-risk investments so they are less likely to sell stocks during a severe market downturn. The appropriate strategy will vary by household, but the principle remains the same: consider not only what is likely to happen, but what would happen to your plan if difficult circumstances arrived at an inconvenient time. How Much Risk Can You Afford? Risk tolerance is often discussed in terms of emotion: How comfortable are you when markets fall? That matters, but consequence-based thinking adds another dimension. Ask what would happen if an investment or strategy failed. Would the loss merely be disappointing? Or would it prevent you from retiring, eliminate your emergency reserves, jeopardize your home, or keep you awake at night? If a negative outcome would derail your financial goals, you may be taking more risk than you can afford—even if the probability of success appears high. On the other hand, if you can absorb the downside without seriously damaging your financial plan, then probability can play a larger role in the decision. This framework also guards against becoming too conservative. Avoiding stocks entirely in retirement may reduce short-term market volatility, for example, but it introduces another potential consequence: a portfolio may fail to keep pace with inflation over a retirement that lasts several decades. Wise risk management considers both sides. Stewardship Leaves Room for the Unexpected We cannot know exactly what markets, inflation, interest rates, or the economy will do next. And Scripture never promises that careful planning will remove uncertainty from our lives. Our confidence ultimately rests somewhere deeper. As Christians, we believe God is sovereign and that our ultimate security is found in Christ—not in the performance of our portfolios. That frees us to approach financial decisions with both wisdom and humility. We can plan carefully without pretending we know the future. We can prepare for risk without being ruled by fear. And we can leave margin in our finances because we recognize our own limitations. The goal is not to predict every possible outcome. It is to build a financial life capable of enduring when some of our predictions inevitably prove wrong. Before taking a significant financial risk, don't simply ask, “What are the odds that this will work?” Ask one more question: “If it doesn't, can my financial plan withstand the consequences?” That question may be one of the most valuable safeguards a wise steward can use. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My son and daughter-in-law have a car loan with a payment over $900 a month and likely a very high interest rate because of poor credit. Are there any options to refinance, reduce the rate, or lower the payment? I’ll reach full retirement age later this year and plan to keep working. Should I start Social Security then so I can save, invest, and give more, or delay benefits to receive a larger amount later? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Focus on Consequences, Not Probabilities (Article by Austin Pryor at Sound Mind Investing) When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management by Roger Lowenstein Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael Blue Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Long-term care isn’t just a health issue. It can become a major financial and family decision. Most of us hope we’ll never need extended care, but wise stewardship means preparing for possibilities before they become a crisis. And while long-term care insurance may be part of that preparation, the first step isn’t necessarily buying a policy. It’s having a plan. Nathan Sanow, President of LTC Consumer and MasterCare LLC, has spent more than two decades helping individuals and families navigate long-term care planning. He says the most important place to begin is understanding what would happen if you or someone you love needed care for an extended period. Start With a Long-Term Care Plan People often hear “long-term care” and immediately think about insurance premiums. But insurance is simply one potential way to fund a larger plan. A good long-term care plan begins by asking several practical questions: Who would provide your care if you needed help? Would that person be physically and emotionally able to do it? Where would you prefer to receive care? How would your care affect your family? Most importantly, how would you pay for it? These conversations can be difficult, but they are much easier to have before a crisis occurs. Planning ahead also gives family members an opportunity to understand your wishes rather than making major decisions under pressure. What Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance Actually Cover One of the most common misconceptions about long-term care is that Medicare or regular health insurance will cover the cost. In most cases, they will not. Medicare may pay for certain short-term rehabilitation services after a qualifying hospital stay. For example, someone recovering from a stroke or surgery may receive temporary rehabilitative care. But Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial care—the type of help someone may need with everyday activities over an extended period. Traditional health insurance generally does not cover that kind of care either. Medicaid can pay for long-term care, but eligibility requires meeting strict financial requirements. That often means spending down assets significantly before qualifying for assistance. Another common source of confusion is long-term disability insurance. Long-term disability insurance replaces a portion of your income when you are unable to work. Long-term care coverage, by contrast, helps pay for the care you need when you can no longer adequately care for yourself. Where Long-Term Care Insurance Fits Long-term care insurance is essentially a risk-transfer tool. Instead of assuming the full financial risk of an unpredictable long-term care event, you pay a predictable premium and transfer some of that risk to an insurance company. Many policies allow considerable flexibility in how benefits are used. Depending on the policy, coverage may help pay for professional care at home, assisted living, or a long-term care facility. That flexibility matters because many people would prefer to remain at home as long as possible. Some policies also provide caregiver support services. When a long-term care event occurs, families are suddenly forced to navigate providers, facilities, benefits, and major financial decisions. Having professional guidance available during that process can be valuable in itself. How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? The cost of coverage varies significantly depending on the type of policy, age, health, benefits selected, and length of coverage. Sanow says consumers can think of long-term care insurance much like buying a vehicle: there are inexpensive options, premium options, and many choices in between. Based on his company’s experience with thousands of consumers, hybrid life and long-term care policies may cost considerably more than traditional coverage, while shorter-term policies can cost less. The important point is that coverage can often be customized. Rather than asking, “How much does long-term care insurance cost?” a better question may be, “How much of this risk do I need to insure?” A household might choose insurance that covers only part of the potential cost while planning to pay the remainder from savings or other assets. The Financial Risk of Long-Term Care The potential cost of extended care is what makes planning so important. According to figures discussed by Sano, roughly half of Americans may eventually need professional long-term care services lasting 90 days or more. Women face an especially significant risk of needing care for an extended period. And the costs can add up quickly. In some areas of the country, facility-based care can cost well over $10,000 per month. Even one year of care could consume more than $100,000. For someone with substantial savings, that may simply represent an expense they have chosen to self-insure. But for many households, an extended care event could significantly alter a retirement plan, affect a surviving spouse, or reduce assets intended for other purposes. That is why every household should at least identify how those expenses would be paid. Should You Self-Insure? Not everyone needs long-term care insurance. Some households with significant assets may be comfortable paying for care themselves. Others with limited resources may ultimately depend on Medicaid. But many families fall somewhere in between. For those households, the question is whether they could comfortably absorb a long-term care expense without jeopardizing other financial priorities. If you decide to self-insure, the plan still needs to be specific. Which assets would you use? Are those funds liquid enough to access when needed? Would spending them affect the financial security of your spouse? Simply saying, “We’ll use our savings,” is not the same as having a plan. When Should You Consider Coverage? For many people, the early 50s through mid-60s can be an important window for considering long-term care insurance. Waiting too long can create challenges because premiums generally increase with age, and health problems may make coverage more difficult—or impossible—to obtain. At the same time, newer insurance products have created additional options for some older consumers who might not have qualified for traditional coverage in the past. That makes it important to evaluate your options while you are still healthy rather than assuming you can purchase coverage later. What About Premium Increases? Long-term care insurance has faced criticism over the years because some traditional policies experienced significant premium increases.  Today, however, consumers may have additional choices. Some hybrid life and long-term care policies offer premiums that are contractually guaranteed not to increase. Sanow also notes that insurers now have decades of additional claims and interest-rate data that were not available when many older policies were originally priced. That information can help companies make more informed assumptions when designing newer products. Still, consumers should understand whether premiums are guaranteed or whether they could increase over time before purchasing any policy. Newer Long-Term Care Options Long-term care products have also become more flexible. One growing option is a cash-benefit policy. Once the policyholder qualifies for benefits, the insurance company provides a set cash amount that can potentially be used more freely—including paying certain family members or other caregivers, depending on the policy. Another development is the movement from daily benefit limits toward monthly benefits. That distinction can be especially helpful for people receiving home care only a few days each week. Instead of being limited to a specific amount per day, a monthly benefit provides more flexibility in how the available benefit is used throughout the month. As always, policy details vary, so understanding exactly how benefits are calculated and paid is essential. Have the Family Conversation First Long-term care planning ultimately begins with people, not policies. Before researching insurance, sit down with your spouse, children, or other family members and talk honestly about what you would want if you needed extended care. Ask: Who would provide care? Where would you want to receive it? What would that responsibility require from your family? And where would the money come from? Once you understand the answers, you can begin evaluating whether savings, investments, insurance, or some combination of those resources should fund the plan. If insurance may be appropriate, consider working with an independent professional who understands the underwriting requirements of multiple carriers. Health standards can vary significantly between insurers, and the right guidance may help you evaluate the options available to you. Long-term care insurance isn’t right for every household. But long-term care planning is something every family should consider. Preparing ahead can protect more than your finances. It can give your family clarity, preserve choices, and reduce the burden of making difficult decisions during an already stressful season.  That, too, is part of wise stewardship.  To learn more about long-term care planning and explore your options, visit LTCConsumer.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My family and I want to buy the home we’ve been renting, and our landlord is offering us a good price. We have about 25% saved for a down payment. Since we already know the property, who should we work with to handle the legal documents, closing, and other purchase details? I’m 39 and expect about $100,000 from an ESOP payout in 2027. My wife and I have roughly $60,000 in credit card and tax debt. Should we use the payout to eliminate the debt or roll it into my 401(k) for retirement? I’m updating my will and would like to leave part of my estate to my three children and a meaningful portion to three ministries I support. Is that a wise and God-honoring way to structure my estate? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) LTC Consumer | MasterCare Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Stewardship isn’t a one-time decision. It’s an ongoing way of life—a cycle that begins with gratitude, moves through faithful growth, and leads to generosity. Tim Tassopoulos, Former President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A, has seen that cycle at work throughout his life and career. During his decades with the company, he helped shape a culture known not only for operational excellence but also for servant leadership, hospitality, and investing in people. For Tassopoulos, faithful stewardship starts with a foundational truth: God owns it all. That includes our finances, but it extends much further. Our abilities, relationships, opportunities, time, experiences, and even the challenges we encounter are all things God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is the process of receiving those gifts gratefully, developing them faithfully, and ultimately using them for the good of others and the glory of God. Stewardship Begins With Gratitude The first step in the cycle is gratitude. Before we can faithfully manage what God has given us, we must recognize that it came from Him in the first place. Gratitude shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. That contrast is clear in Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. The man repeatedly speaks of “my crops,” “my barns,” and “my grain.” His mistake wasn’t simply having an abundant harvest. He had forgotten the One from whom his abundance came. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 offers another picture. The first two servants received different amounts, yet both faithfully put what they had been entrusted with to work. Their focus wasn’t on comparing what they received but on faithfully managing it. Gratitude allows us to do the same. And it requires intentionality. Tassopoulos encourages making gratitude part of the daily rhythm of life through prayer, Scripture, and consciously recognizing God’s provision. That gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to the things we naturally consider blessings. We can thank God for relationships, resources, and good health, but also recognize that challenges and opportunities can become gifts He uses to shape us. When we begin with gratitude, we are better prepared to steward whatever God places in our hands. Growth Requires Humility Gratitude naturally leads to the next stage of stewardship: growth. If God has entrusted us with abilities, relationships, opportunities, knowledge, or financial resources, faithful stewardship asks how we can develop those gifts—not merely for our own benefit, but so they can increasingly serve others. That requires becoming a lifelong learner. Tassopoulos puts it simply: without humility, there is no growth. Learning begins by acknowledging that we don’t know everything. We need the wisdom, experience, correction, and perspective of others. That may come through books, mentors, colleagues, Scripture, or simply reflecting carefully on our own experiences. The more we learn, the more we may be able to contribute. For Tassopoulos, one practical expression of that commitment was something he called a library day. Throughout his career at Chick-fil-A, he intentionally reserved one day each month to leave the office and work from a public library. Away from the distractions of the corporate support center—and with less opportunity to constantly check his phone—he could study, evaluate his schedule, reflect on recent experiences, and look ahead to the next 90 days. Those days became opportunities for restoration, reflection, and refocusing. When Tassopoulos became president of Chick-fil-A and knew the demands on his time would increase considerably, he made what might seem like a counterintuitive decision: he added a second library day each month. Greater responsibility meant he needed more time to think, not less. There is a lesson there for all of us. Growth rarely happens accidentally. Whether we are developing our finances, our professional abilities, our relationships, or our spiritual lives, we need margin to learn, reflect, and make wise decisions. Generosity Is About More Than Money Growth, however, isn’t the destination. The purpose of developing what God has entrusted to us is not simply to accumulate more. Growth creates greater opportunities to serve. That leads to generosity.  Financial giving is certainly part of generosity, but biblical generosity is much larger. We can be generous with our time, our attention, our knowledge, our relationships, our encouragement, and our willingness to invest in other people. Tassopoulos saw that modeled repeatedly by Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy and the Cathy family. Their generosity has included financial giving, but also mentoring future leaders, investing in employees and communities, and creating organizations designed to serve others. That reflects Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose, developed during a difficult period for the company in the early 1980s: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” Notably, that purpose says nothing about restaurant growth, revenue, or the number of chicken sandwiches sold. It centers on glorifying God, practicing faithful stewardship, and influencing people for good. Business success became something to steward rather than the ultimate goal. Truett Cathy’s 10-10-10 Principle Truett Cathy also communicated stewardship through a simple financial principle Tassopoulos remembers well: Give 10%, save 10%, and work 10% harder. The order mattered. Giving came first, reinforcing that generosity should be intentional rather than something we practice only when there happens to be money left over. Saving acknowledged the importance of preparing wisely for both present needs and the future. And working harder reflected Cathy’s continual challenge to give your best effort. That philosophy was connected to another biblical principle that shaped Cathy’s life. Proverbs 22:1 says: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Reputation, integrity, and faithfulness mattered more than financial success. That same mindset can also be seen in Chick-fil-A’s emphasis on “second-mile service,” drawn from Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:41: “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Going beyond what is required is another expression of generosity. Generosity Brings Us Back to Gratitude This is why stewardship is best understood as a cycle rather than a checklist. We receive what God provides with gratitude. We faithfully grow and develop what He has entrusted to us. Then we generously share the fruit of that growth with others. And when we experience the privilege of giving, serving, mentoring, encouraging, or investing in someone else, we have another reason to be grateful. Then, the cycle begins again. That perspective changes the way we think about money and everything else God places in our hands. The question is no longer simply, “How much can I accumulate?” Instead, we begin asking, “How faithfully can I manage what God has entrusted to me?” Stewardship begins with gratitude, grows through faithful action, and comes full circle in generosity. And as we continue that cycle throughout our lives, the resources God provides become opportunities to glorify Him and bless the people around us. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m turning 65 but plan to keep working and stay on my employer’s HSA-eligible health plan. Can I delay Medicare enrollment and continue contributing to my HSA, or do I need to enroll at 65? I need significant home repairs, may have water damage or mold, and also have about $8,000 in credit card debt. I don’t want to refinance because my mortgage rate is 3%. Would a HELOC be a reasonable way to cover the repairs and debt, or should I consider another option? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Credit card fees rarely wreck a budget all at once. Instead, they tend to chip away at it little by little. Interest charges, late fees, annual fees, cash advances, and other costs can quietly consume resources that could have been used for saving, giving, or meeting other financial priorities. That’s why wise stewardship includes understanding what your credit cards cost and making sure they’re serving your financial plan rather than working against it. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” This isn’t a call to hoard what God provides. It’s a reminder that wisdom pays attention. Good stewardship means knowing where our money is going and refusing to let avoidable expenses unnecessarily consume what God has entrusted to us. Start With the Biggest Cost: Interest Technically, interest isn’t a fee, but for anyone carrying a credit card balance, it’s usually far more expensive than the other charges associated with a card. When interest rates are high, reward points and cash-back offers quickly lose their appeal. A few dollars in rewards can’t compensate for months of interest on an unpaid balance. The best practice is straightforward: Don’t charge more than you can afford to pay off when the bill comes due. If you’re already carrying a balance, consider putting the card away while you develop a plan to eliminate the debt. Continuing to add new purchases while trying to pay down old ones can make progress much more difficult. Avoid Late and Returned-Payment Fees Late fees vary by card issuer, so review your cardholder agreement and know exactly when your payment is due. Payment alerts and automatic payments can be helpful safeguards. At minimum, consider automating the required payment so an overlooked due date doesn’t create another unnecessary expense. Ideally, pay the full statement balance each month so you avoid interest altogether. If you use automatic payments, however, make sure there’s enough money in your checking account when the payment is scheduled. A returned payment may result in a fee from the card issuer and possibly another fee from your bank. Keeping a small cushion in checking can help protect against those surprises. Think Twice About Annual Fees Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge hundreds of dollars in exchange for travel benefits, rewards, or other perks. In many cases, avoiding an annual fee altogether is the simpler choice. The benefits may not justify the cost, especially if rewards encourage you to spend more than you otherwise would. The goal isn’t to maximize points. It’s to make wise decisions with the resources God has provided. For responsible credit users who want their financial tools to reflect their values, FaithFi appreciates AdelFi Christian Banking. Formed through the merger of Christian Community Credit Union and AdelFi Credit Union, AdelFi provides purpose-driven banking solutions designed to help Christians align their finances with their faith. Since 1995, AdelFi members’ card activity has generated more than $6.9 million for Christian causes. You can learn more at FaithFi.com/Banking. Be Especially Careful With Cash Advances Cash advances are one of the most expensive ways to borrow. They may include an upfront fee, and unlike ordinary purchases, interest often begins accruing immediately. That makes a cash advance a costly solution to a short-term cash-flow problem. A better long-term approach is to build financial margin. Start with a small emergency fund, then work toward a larger reserve over time. Having cash available for unexpected expenses can help keep a financial setback from turning into high-interest credit card debt. Watch for Foreign Transaction Fees If you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants, check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee. Some cards charge a percentage of each transaction, while others waive these fees entirely. Knowing your card’s policy before traveling can help prevent unnecessary surprises. Review Your Statements Every Month One of the simplest financial habits is also one of the most valuable: review every credit card statement. Look for unexpected fees, forgotten subscriptions, duplicate charges, or transactions you don’t recognize. Regularly reviewing your statements helps you catch problems early and stay engaged with your financial life. It also gives you an opportunity to ask a larger question: Is this card still helping me accomplish what I intended it to? A Credit Card Should Be a Tool, Not a Master Credit cards aren’t inherently good or bad. What matters is whether they help or hinder faithful stewardship. If using a credit card consistently leads to interest charges, fees, or overspending, the wisest decision may be to stop using it. There’s no spiritual virtue in having a credit card, and there’s no shame in choosing cash or debit if those tools help you manage money more faithfully. Faithfulness often shows up in small financial decisions: paying bills on time, avoiding unnecessary costs, living within God’s provision, and directing more of what He has entrusted to us toward His purposes. Take a few minutes this week to review the credit cards you use. Know what they cost. Know why you have them. And make sure they’re serving your financial plan rather than quietly shaping it. If you’re looking for a financial institution that shares your Christian values, consider AdelFi Christian Banking. FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking or savings account or a Cash Rewards Visa credit account. Visit FaithFi.com/Banking and use the code FAITHFI to learn more. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have investments, but I don’t have a tax-planning strategy, and I’m paying a lot in taxes each year. My advisor doesn’t seem very proactive. How can I find someone who can coordinate my investment and tax planning? I’m 67, debt-free, have a good income, and about $97,000 in savings and cash, but no retirement plan or investments through work. How should I start investing at this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Dr. Richard Swenson, author of The Overload Syndrome and Margin, writes that we need room to breathe—freedom to think, permission to heal, and space for relationships that can easily be starved by the relentless pace of life. That may describe more people today than ever. Many of us are physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially overloaded. There never seems to be enough time, money, or energy left at the end of the day to recover before everything starts again at full speed. The answer, at least in part, is something our culture often neglects: margin. Margin means leaving enough room in our lives to rest, reflect, recover, and reconnect with what matters most. It is, in a sense, taking a break before you break. The Cost of Living Without Margin A life without margin can carry serious physical, emotional, relational, and even financial consequences. Consider sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, many Americans regularly struggle to get adequate rest, with a significant number of adults sleeping fewer than seven hours each night. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with health concerns including diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and heart disease. Lack of sleep also affects emotional health, relationships, and decision-making. That means rest is not merely a luxury. It is part of living wisely and caring responsibly for the bodies, relationships, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. Perhaps life simply feels too fast right now. Working late nights and weekends may occasionally be necessary, but continuously burning the candle at both ends eventually becomes counterproductive. Exhaustion leaves little energy for the things that matter most—especially our relationships with others and with the Lord. God Designed Us for Work—and Rest Scripture consistently affirms the goodness of work. God calls us to provide for our families, serve others, practice generosity, and faithfully use the abilities and opportunities He has given us. We work to pay bills, save for future needs, give generously, and contribute to our communities. Productive work is part of God's design. But work is not all there is. Rest is God's idea too. In Genesis, God rested on the seventh day of creation—not because He was exhausted, but because His work was complete. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart. Later, Sabbath rest became part of the Ten Commandments given to Israel. Rest reminds us of an important spiritual reality: our worth does not depend on how much we accomplish. Author Rich Villodas has observed that Sabbath reminds us that our standing in Christ is not based on our works. A day of rest allows us to stop producing and remember that God's love for us has not changed. That can be especially difficult in a culture where technology makes it possible to work almost anywhere, at almost any hour. But just because we can keep working does not mean we always should. Healthy margin allows us to return to our work with purpose, energy, and gratitude, doing it “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Professional progress can be valuable, but chronic stress, damaged health, and neglected relationships are a high price to pay for it. Rest Is Not the Same as Laziness Biblical rest should not be confused with laziness. Laziness means neglecting the responsibilities God has given us or consistently refusing to do what needs to be done. Scripture repeatedly warns against that kind of idleness. Paul tells believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to admonish the idle. In 2 Thessalonians 3, he addresses those who were refusing to work and instead becoming busybodies. There is an important distinction here. Rest restores us so we can return faithfully to the work God has given us. Idleness avoids that work altogether. Proverbs 31 gives us another picture of faithful diligence. The noble woman cares for her household, conducts business, helps the poor, and looks after those entrusted to her. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Fruitful labor honors God. But so does recognizing when it is time to stop. When Busyness Becomes Another Form of Distraction There is another danger worth recognizing: constant activity can sometimes disguise a lack of purpose. We may appear busy without actually being productive. Without intentional rest and reflection, our activity can become aimless distraction rather than faithful work. We move constantly but rarely stop long enough to ask whether we are moving in the right direction. Laziness can sometimes take an unexpected form as well. Instead of doing nothing, we may spend hours scrolling, shopping, watching, or distracting ourselves while neglecting relationships or responsibilities that matter more. Proverbs 24:30–34 paints a memorable picture of a neglected field covered with thorns and weeds. The lesson is simple: neglect eventually has consequences. If you struggle with procrastination or laziness, the answer is not shame. Bring that struggle to Christ. He offers forgiveness, wisdom, and strength to grow in faithfulness and diligence. Finding a Rhythm of Grace The encouraging news is that God's grace meets us in both extremes. Some of us are exhausted because we never stop working. Others feel stuck because we continually avoid the work before us. Christ invites both groups into something better: rhythms shaped by grace rather than guilt. Rest is not something we earn after proving ourselves productive enough. It is something we receive as a gift from God. Jesus gives this invitation in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If your life feels overloaded, perhaps the next faithful step is not finding a way to accomplish more. It may be creating enough margin to remember who you are, what matters most, and Who ultimately sustains you. Work faithfully. Rest gratefully. And remember that your security is not found in how much you accomplish, but in Christ. In Him, there is room to breathe. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Someone I know has seen their credit card debt grow from about $10,000 to $25,000, and the account is now closed. I suspect missed payments and interest are driving the increase. How can I help them understand what’s happening and make a plan to deal with the debt? My husband and I are both 77 and would like to avoid probate, but we don’t have significant assets. Would an irrevocable trust make sense for us, and how can we find a qualified elder law attorney in Texas to help us understand our options? I’m retired and living comfortably on my pension, with about $125,000 in savings and $19,000 in checking. My bank keeps encouraging me to put the savings into CDs, but the rates don’t seem very attractive. What should I consider doing with this money? I’m 59, debt-free, have a fully funded emergency fund, and am contributing to my 401(k). I also have about $200,000 to invest. I want reasonable growth without taking excessive risk. How should I think about investing this money, especially compared with options like fixed annuities or crypto? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors AdelFi Christian Banking Eventide | Praxis | GuideStone | OneAscent | Timothy Plan FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Debt carries a cost beyond dollars and interest. It can steal your sleep, strain relationships, affect your health, and make the future feel uncertain. For many people, financial stress gradually becomes an emotional burden as well. But gaining clarity, seeking wise counsel, and developing a practical plan can begin to lift that weight. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, says one of the most important things she has learned from counseling thousands of individuals and families is that debt is rarely just a financial issue. Understanding that broader impact can be an important first step toward finding a way forward. Debt Isn’t Always the Result of Poor Decisions People struggling with debt often carry shame or embarrassment about their circumstances. But financial hardship can develop for many reasons, including circumstances largely outside someone’s control. Job loss, divorce, unexpected medical expenses, early retirement, caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and the rising cost of everyday necessities can all put significant pressure on a household budget. Sometimes debt develops not because someone was reckless, but because they were simply trying to make it through a difficult season. Recognizing that reality doesn’t remove the responsibility to address what is owed, but it can help replace shame with a clearer perspective. The goal is not to dwell on how you arrived at this point, but to understand your situation well enough to begin moving forward wisely. When Financial Stress Becomes an Emotional Burden Financial stress often begins affecting other areas of life long before someone asks for help. You may find yourself lying awake at night wondering how you will ever repay what you owe. Perhaps you avoid opening credit card statements because it feels discouraging to see how little progress you are making. You might take on extra hours at work simply to remain current, leaving less time for family, rest, and other responsibilities. Those can all be signs that debt has become more than a budget problem. When financial pressure dominates your thoughts, avoiding the problem may feel easier in the moment. But uncertainty often magnifies anxiety. Understanding exactly where you stand can be uncomfortable, yet that clarity is often the beginning of relief. Seeking Help Is an Act of Wisdom One of the most important steps someone in debt can take is simply asking for help. Seeking wise counsel is not an admission of failure. In many cases, the earlier you reach out, the more options may be available. A Certified Credit Counselor can help you understand where your money is going, evaluate your debts, explore repayment options, and create a realistic plan. That kind of clarity can replace the feeling of being overwhelmed with a series of manageable next steps. A counselor cannot make the debt disappear overnight, but having a plan can change the way you view the problem. Instead of wondering whether there is any way out, you can begin seeing measurable progress toward a specific destination. That clarity can restore hope. Face Financial Challenges With Faith and Wisdom For Christians, addressing debt also involves remembering that God cares about every area of our lives—including our finances. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds believers not to be consumed by anxiety, but to bring their concerns before God in prayer. That does not mean ignoring financial problems or assuming they will resolve themselves. Biblical faith calls us to bring our concerns to the Lord while also pursuing wisdom and taking responsible action. Scripture consistently commends wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” When debt feels overwhelming, faith and practical action are not competing responses. We can trust God while honestly facing our circumstances, seeking wise guidance, changing financial habits where necessary, and steadily working toward repayment. Clarity Can Be the Beginning of Hope If debt has taken over both your budget and your thoughts, remember that you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Start by understanding exactly what you owe and where your money is going. Seek trustworthy counsel. Develop a realistic repayment plan. Then begin taking one faithful step at a time. The situation may not change immediately, but having a clear path forward can begin lifting the emotional weight even before the balances are gone. Christian Credit Counselors is a nonprofit organization that may be able to help lower interest rates, develop a clear repayment plan, and provide support as you work toward paying what you owe. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received a settlement after being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Is that settlement taxable, does it count as income, and could the tax treatment vary by state? I have about $4,000 in credit card debt and need to replace my car after an accident. I also want to improve my credit score. Should I focus first on paying down the card balance, and does paying it off all at once help my score more than monthly payments? I’m planning to retire next year at 62. My wife has been a homemaker throughout our marriage, and I want to make sure she’s provided for while also continuing to give generously. One advisor recommends delaying Social Security until 67, while another says I should claim at 62 and move my investments to his firm. How should I evaluate these competing recommendations and decide when to claim Social Security? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Bob Goff once said, “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we’re captivated by purpose.” That’s especially true when it comes to money. Comparison tempts us to measure our success against someone else’s income, lifestyle, investments, or possessions. But when we understand who we are in Christ and why God has entrusted resources to us, money becomes a tool for fulfilling God’s purposes rather than a scorecard for measuring our worth. Jim Rasmussen, co-founder and brand ambassador at Pandowealth and a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, has spent years helping individuals, families, and business owners approach financial decisions with wisdom and purpose. Through that work, he has seen how easily comparison can creep into our financial lives—and how biblical stewardship can help us escape it. When Comparison Takes Root Comparison often begins innocently. For business owners, it might start by comparing sales, expenses, or profitability with another company. Before long, however, that same mindset can spill into personal finances. Who has the bigger house? Who takes better vacations? Who has accumulated more? Who seems further ahead? For high earners in particular, there can be a subtle temptation to connect net worth with self-worth. And without a clear sense of purpose, financial success can actually make the problem worse. A successful business should ultimately support a financial plan, and a financial plan should support the life God is calling us to live. But when that larger purpose hasn’t been defined, it becomes easy to look around and simply copy what others are doing. That is where comparison begins replacing stewardship. Resources Are Gifts, Not Trophies 1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that what we have is a gift from God. Our resources were never meant merely to become trophies that demonstrate how successful we are. They are entrusted to us so that we can serve others, provide for those God has placed in our care, practice generosity, and participate in His purposes. That perspective changes the questions we ask. Instead of asking, “How much more can I accumulate?” we begin asking, “How much do I actually need?” and “How might God want me to use the rest?” Rasmussen often encourages families to consider three questions: How much do I need?  How much do my children need?  What might God want me to do with the rest? Scripture doesn’t give us a universal percentage for determining how much lifestyle is enough. That requires prayer, wisdom, and discernment—and for married couples, a willingness to seek the Lord together. The starting point is simple: seek God first. Know Your Financial Finish Line One of the dangers of comparison is that there is always someone with more. Without a financial finish line, “enough” continually moves farther away. A larger paycheck creates room for a larger house. A growing portfolio creates another wealth target. Greater success creates expectations for an even more expensive lifestyle. Defining “enough” can interrupt that cycle. A finish line isn’t about creating an arbitrary limit or feeling guilty for enjoying God’s provision. It is about intentionally deciding what level of resources is sufficient for your needs so that additional wealth can increasingly be directed toward generosity and other God-honoring purposes. It moves us from constantly asking, “What else can I get?” toward asking, “What has God entrusted to me, and what is it for?” Watch for Identity Drift One warning sign that comparison is taking hold is when possessions and accomplishments increasingly become part of how we describe ourselves. Our conversations begin revolving around the new car, lake house, vacation, clothes, investment returns, or latest purchase. None of those things are necessarily wrong. But they can become warning signs when possessions begin defining our identity. The Christian’s identity is ultimately found in Christ—not in what we earn, own, accomplish, or accumulate. That foundation becomes especially important in a culture where social media gives us a constant window into what everyone else appears to have. Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Financial Plan Comparison can also shape the way we invest. Learning from others can certainly be wise. But blindly copying someone else’s portfolio can be dangerous because their financial plan may have little to do with yours. Rasmussen compares it to taking a road trip. If your destination is New York but you follow someone driving west simply because they appear confident, you won’t arrive where you intended. The same is true financially. Another investor may have a different time horizon, risk tolerance, income, family situation, or financial objective. What is appropriate for them may create unnecessary risk or anxiety for you. A good investment strategy should flow from your goals and convictions—not from whatever someone else happens to be doing. Purpose should determine the path. Let Gratitude Replace Comparison One of the most powerful ways to resist comparison is gratitude. When we intentionally recognize God’s provision, our attention shifts from what we lack to what He has already supplied. That might mean keeping a gratitude journal, regularly thanking God for specific blessings, or simply creating more space for prayer. Rasmussen points to Psalm 139:23–24 as a helpful prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” That prayer invites God to expose the desires, fears, and anxieties that may be quietly pushing us toward comparison. Sometimes we need to pay attention to the tension we feel when someone else succeeds, purchases something new, or appears to be further ahead. Those reactions can reveal something about our own hearts. Give Yourself Permission to Use Money Purposefully Financial wisdom doesn’t always mean saying no. Sometimes faithful stewardship means giving generously. Other times, it might mean taking the family vacation you have repeatedly postponed or spending money on something meaningful that fits within your financial plan. Rasmussen has seen families experience a genuine sense of relief when they realize that their financial plan gives them permission to act. Good planning can help answer the question, “Can we afford this?” But biblical financial planning should go deeper by asking, “Does this fit the purposes God has given us?” When the answer is yes, wise stewardship can sometimes mean confidently moving forward rather than endlessly accumulating out of fear. A Practical Step for This Week Start with prayer. Spend time with Psalm 139:23–24 and invite God to search your heart. Ask Him to reveal where comparison, fear, pride, or discontentment may be shaping your financial decisions. If you’re married, consider having an honest conversation with your spouse. You might also ask a trusted friend or advisor a difficult but helpful question: What do you see in my life that I may be too close to see myself? Wise accountability can help expose patterns we overlook. And when fear of missing out begins creeping in, remember that you do not have to follow someone else’s path. Their financial life is not your financial life. Seek God first and faithfully follow the purposes He has given you. The Cure for Comparison Ultimately, the comparison trap is about far more than money. It is an issue of the heart. The cure isn’t accumulating enough to finally feel successful. There will always be another benchmark, another purchase, or another person who seems further ahead. Freedom begins when we remember who we are in Christ and recognize that everything we have belongs to God. When our identity is secure and our purpose is clear, money no longer needs to measure our success. It becomes something far better: a tool we can faithfully steward for God's purposes. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’ve heard you recommend a company for reverse mortgages, but I never caught the name. Which company do you suggest listeners contact? I’m retired and still have a 401(k) with my former employer. I thought RMDs started at age 70½, but I’ve also heard age 73. What age applies to me now? If I use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD’s) for a few years, can I later stop and go back to receiving those withdrawals myself? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Pandowealth Movement Mortgage FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Diversification is a key part of wise investing, and for many portfolios, that means looking beyond U.S. markets. But Christian investors may wonder whether they can pursue international opportunities while still aligning their investments with biblical convictions. Benjamin Bailey, Vice President of Investments at Praxis Investment Management, says the answer is yes. Faith-based investing can extend across a portfolio—including its international holdings. What Is Faith-Based Investing? Faith-based investing begins with the belief that financial decisions can be informed by faith. Rather than viewing investment returns as the only consideration, this approach seeks to balance two priorities: putting financial resources to productive use while also considering the impact investments may have on individuals, communities, and God’s creation. For Christian investors, that means asking not only, “How might this investment perform?” but also, “What am I supporting with the resources God has entrusted to me?” Interest in this approach continues to grow. Bailey points to estimates suggesting that Christian households collectively hold trillions of dollars in investments, creating significant opportunity for believers who want their portfolios to reflect their convictions. Why Invest Internationally? International investments can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio. Different countries and regions do not always experience the same economic conditions or market cycles at the same time. Investing across global markets can therefore give investors exposure to companies, industries, and opportunities they might not encounter through U.S. investments alone. That principle applies to faith-based investors as well. If an investor wants biblical values reflected throughout a portfolio, those considerations should not necessarily stop with domestic holdings. Until recently, however, Christian investors have had fewer faith-based choices in the international marketplace. “People want choices, and people want options,” Bailey says. The Challenges of Faith-Based Investing Overseas Applying faith-based investment criteria internationally can be more complicated than doing so in the United States. Investors need reliable information about companies around the world, including their business activities and practices. Cultural differences, regulatory environments, and varying levels of corporate disclosure can make that research more difficult. That is why investment managers often rely on global research organizations with experience evaluating companies across countries and industries. There is another challenge as well: certain markets may contain a higher concentration of companies involved in business activities that conflict with an investor’s faith-based guidelines. Depending on the screening approach being used, that can limit the available investment universe. These challenges make careful research and a clearly defined investment process especially important. Expanding Faith-Based Choices With PRXI Praxis recently expanded its international offerings with the launch of PRXI, a faith-based international exchange-traded fund. The new ETF is designed to address an area where investors have historically had relatively few faith-based options. Praxis has been investing internationally for years through its international mutual fund. PRXI brings that experience into an ETF structure while using what Praxis describes as an optimized index approach. Rather than attempting to dramatically outperform a market benchmark through active stock selection, the strategy seeks performance that is generally similar to its benchmark while incorporating Praxis’ faith-based investment criteria. For investors who want international diversification without moving away from their convictions, that approach provides another potential tool for building a portfolio aligned with their values. Faithful Stewardship Across the Portfolio Faith-based investing does not have to stop at the water’s edge. International diversification may be appropriate for many investors, and the growing number of faith-based investment options means Christians increasingly have opportunities to pursue diversification while remaining attentive to what their investments support. As with any investment decision, the goal is not simply to choose a product because it carries a faith-based label. Investors should understand the strategy, risks, expenses, diversification benefits, and underlying holdings and consider how each investment fits within their overall financial plan. Ultimately, investing is another area of stewardship. The resources God provides can be managed with wisdom, intentionality, and a desire to honor Him—not only in how much we earn, but also in how and where we invest. Praxis Investment Management has offered faith-based investment solutions since 1994, incorporating approaches that extend beyond investment screening to include shareholder engagement and other forms of impact. To learn more, visit PraxisInvests.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a seven-year-old granddaughter and want to start saving for her college education. What’s the best way to invest for that, and can I use my RMD to help fund it? My husband and I are 64, retired, debt-free, and have substantial savings, including about $700,000 in TSP. We’ve never worked with a financial planner and are considering a Certified Kingdom Advisor, though none are local. How should we think about managing these assets from here, and where might Roth IRAs fit into the plan? We rarely use credit and haven’t needed much of it in decades. Is there any downside to freezing our credit reports? We have an investment account whose earnings we give to ministry, and over about five years we’ve given away roughly what we originally invested. Should we keep the principal invested and continue giving the proceeds, or liquidate it and give the full amount now? We also planned to leave it to our children with instructions to give it to ministries after we die—does that make sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Praxis Investment Management | PRXI SavingForCollege.com  Charity Navigator | ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) National Christian Foundation (NCF) Experian | TransUnion | Equifax FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

If you have ever wished your giving could be both simpler and more strategic, there is a powerful tool worth considering: a donor-advised fund, often called a DAF. A donor-advised fund can help you organize your charitable giving, make tax-efficient contributions, and thoughtfully support the ministries and causes you care about. But before considering any financial strategy, it is important to begin with the heart. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Generosity begins in the heart, not in the tax code. At the same time, wise stewardship may include using financial tools that help us give more effectively. When used properly, a donor-advised fund can help you give joyfully while managing charitable resources efficiently. What Is a Donor-Advised Fund? You can think of a donor-advised fund as a charitable giving account designed to support the causes you care about. You contribute cash, stocks, real estate, business interests, or other eligible assets to the fund. You may then receive an immediate charitable tax deduction and recommend grants to qualified ministries and charities over time. In other words, a donor-advised fund separates the act of contributing from the act of distributing. You might make a larger contribution during a high-income year or before selling an appreciated asset. Then, rather than immediately deciding where every dollar should go, you can prayerfully consider which ministries or organizations to support. The fund is administered by a sponsoring organization that handles recordkeeping, reviews grant recipients, issues grants, and provides tools for managing the account. We often recommend the National Christian Foundation (NCF), one of the largest Christian charitable-giving organizations in the country. Its founders included Christian financial leaders Larry Burkett and Ron Blue. How a Donor-Advised Fund Works Suppose you are preparing to sell a business, a piece of real estate, or another asset that has significantly increased in value. Selling the asset yourself could result in a substantial capital-gains tax. However, you may be able to contribute the asset to a donor-advised fund before the sale. Because the contribution is an irrevocable charitable gift, you may receive a tax deduction based on the asset’s value and potentially avoid capital-gains taxes that otherwise would have been due. That can allow more money to be directed toward charitable purposes. Once the asset is sold within the donor-advised fund, the proceeds can be granted to ministries immediately or invested for potential growth while you determine where to give. When you are ready, you recommend a grant—perhaps $10,000 to your church, a missions organization, or another qualified charity. The sponsoring organization verifies the recipient and sends the gift either in your name or anonymously. The Benefits of a Donor-Advised Fund Donor-advised funds have become a popular charitable-giving tool because they combine flexibility with professional administration. Simpler Record-keeping: Instead of collecting tax receipts from numerous organizations, you generally receive one receipt for your contribution to the donor-advised fund. You can then manage and track your charitable grants in one place.   Potential Tax Benefits: You generally receive the charitable deduction when you contribute to the fund, rather than when grants are later distributed. Contributing appreciated assets may also help reduce or eliminate capital-gains taxes, allowing more of the asset’s value to support ministry. Because tax situations vary, consult a qualified tax professional before making a significant contribution.   Flexibility in Giving: You can contribute now and recommend grants later. This allows you to practice generosity while taking time to pray, research organizations, and discern where the resources may have the greatest impact.   Legacy Planning: Many donor-advised funds allow you to name successor advisers, such as children or grandchildren. This can give your family an opportunity to continue recommending grants and participating in a legacy of generosity.   Greater Focus on Ministry: Because the sponsoring organization manages the administrative work, you can spend more time evaluating ministries, praying about opportunities, and discerning where God may be directing your giving. Important Limitations to Consider Although donor-advised funds can be helpful, they are not appropriate for every situation. Contributions Are Irrevocable: Once an asset is contributed, the gift is complete. You cannot later withdraw the money for personal use. For that reason, you should never contribute resources that may still be needed for living expenses, emergencies, debt repayment, or other financial responsibilities.   Grants Must Go to Qualified Charities: Grants generally may only be made to eligible, IRS-approved charitable organizations. A donor-advised fund cannot normally be used to give money directly to an individual or to support political candidates.   Giving Can Be Delayed: Money can remain in a donor-advised fund for years before it is distributed. While that flexibility can be useful, it can also delay meaningful charitable impact. At FaithFi, we encourage believers to view a donor-advised fund as a tool for timely and intentional generosity—not as a place to indefinitely accumulate charitable assets. A donor-advised fund should help organize your generosity, not postpone it. Ministries and people have real needs today, and resources already committed to charitable purposes should ultimately be put to work. Is a Donor-Advised Fund Right for You? A donor-advised fund may be especially helpful when you: Regularly give to several ministries or charities Want to contribute appreciated assets Expect an unusually high-income year Are preparing to sell a business, property, or investment Want to involve your family in long-term generosity Prefer a simpler way to organize charitable giving However, the strategy should always serve the greater purpose of faithful stewardship. The goal is not simply to reduce taxes or create a more efficient financial plan. It is to use what God has entrusted to us in ways that reflect His priorities, care for others, and advance the work of the gospel. Continue Growing in Biblical Stewardship You can learn more about donor-advised funds in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine, an exclusive resource for FaithFi Partners. FaithFi Partners receive Faithful Steward in their mailbox each quarter, along with additional resources designed to help them grow in biblical stewardship. You can become a FaithFi Partner with a gift of $35 per month or $400 per year at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m debt-free and have $100,000 in savings. Rather than leave it sitting in cash, how should I think about putting that money to work? I’ve been paying $100 a month toward a hospital bill, but my statements aren’t showing the payments or reducing the balance. I’ve called twice without getting a response. What should I do next? My son wants me to join a pooled investment account with him, some friends, and family members, and even roll my 401(k) into it. What are the risks of investing through a joint account like this, and what tax or penalty issues could come with moving money out of my 401(k)? I’m encouraging my adult children to start Roth IRAs, even with small contributions. Where can they open accounts with low fees, and would a resource like Sound Mind Investing be a good place to start learning? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) National Christian Foundation (NCF) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Betterment | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom. Both wisdom and wealth can offer a measure of protection, but only wisdom can guide us in using money faithfully. Wealth can disappear through poor decisions, changing circumstances, or simply the passage of time. Godly wisdom, however, shapes our character, directs our choices, and helps us place money in its proper role. John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart, explored this theme while writing FaithFi’s study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money last year. Ecclesiastes can initially feel mysterious or even discouraging. Yet beneath its reflections on life’s brevity is a deeply hopeful message: achievement, pleasure, possessions, and wealth cannot bear the weight of our souls—but God can. A Tale of Three Inheritances Cortines illustrates the importance of wisdom with the true story of three siblings who each received a substantial inheritance at age 18—roughly $1 million in today’s dollars. The first sibling followed a path resembling the Prodigal Son. Poor decisions led to the inheritance being squandered, leaving that person in a difficult position both financially and personally. The second sibling managed the money somewhat better but continued spending more than they earned. Eventually, most of the inheritance disappeared, although the sibling was able to retain a home. The third sibling responded differently. After watching what happened to the older siblings, this young adult began meeting with mature, godly leaders in the community. The heir asked questions, sought counsel, and hired a Christian financial advisor. Rather than assuming that money alone would provide security, this person recognized the need for wisdom. Over time, the third sibling completed a college degree, learned to invest thoughtfully, practiced generosity, and developed a healthier relationship with money. Three siblings received essentially the same financial opportunity. Yet they experienced radically different outcomes. The difference was not the amount they inherited. It was the wisdom with which they handled it. Wealth and Wisdom Can Both Provide Shelter Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 acknowledges that both wisdom and money can provide protection. Wealth can meet practical needs, create opportunities, and offer a financial buffer during difficult seasons. Scripture does not teach that wealth is inherently evil. Money is a resource God may entrust to us for provision, enjoyment, generosity, and service. But Ecclesiastes also identifies an important distinction: wisdom preserves those who possess it. Money can provide temporary shelter, but it cannot tell us what is worth pursuing. It cannot form our character, govern our desires, or teach us how to live faithfully. Without wisdom, wealth may amplify our existing weaknesses rather than resolve them. That is why wisdom must come before wealth. When Wealth Grows Faster Than Wisdom For many people, wealth grows gradually through earnings, saving, investing, and compound growth. In other cases, it arrives suddenly through an inheritance, business sale, insurance settlement, or unexpected opportunity. Either way, the principle remains the same: as wealth grows, wisdom must grow even faster. When financial resources outpace spiritual and emotional maturity, money can become dangerous. It may encourage self-reliance, intensify unhealthy desires, or create the illusion that we no longer need counsel. Sudden wealth can make this imbalance especially visible. Someone may receive significant financial responsibility before developing the discernment needed to manage it. The third sibling recognized this danger. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, the young heir sought mature believers and professional guidance. That humility became an expression of wisdom. When wealth increases, our first response should not simply be, “What can I buy?” or even, “Where should I invest?” We should also ask: How can I grow in wisdom? Whose counsel should I seek? What responsibilities come with these resources? How can this money be used in a way that honors God? Wisdom Is More Than Financial Knowledge We often think of wisdom as a collection of sound practices: create a budget, avoid unnecessary debt, save consistently, diversify investments, and give generously. Those practices matter, but biblical wisdom is much deeper than a financial checklist. Wisdom is both a perspective and a person. In 1 Corinthians 1:24, Paul describes Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Ultimately, wisdom begins not with mastering financial principles but with knowing Jesus. We grow in wisdom as we pray, study God’s Word, seek counsel, and learn to view money through the truth of Scripture. Christ reshapes our desires, exposes our misplaced trust, and teaches us to use money as a tool rather than treating it as our treasure. Financial wisdom is not merely about making better transactions. It is part of becoming more like Christ. Pass Wisdom Before Passing Wealth The principle of wisdom over wealth also has important implications for parents and grandparents preparing to transfer assets to the next generation. A financial inheritance can be a blessing, but wealth without preparation may become a burden. The goal should not simply be to transfer money successfully. It should be to prepare faithful stewards. That process should begin long before an estate is distributed. Families can talk openly about money, generosity, faith, responsibility, and legacy while children are still young. Parents can explain not only what financial decisions they are making but also why they are making them. Children can be given age-appropriate opportunities to earn, save, spend, and give. As they mature, families can have deeper conversations about wealth, contentment, investing, and the purposes God may have for the resources He provides. The least effective approach is to prepare legal documents, remain silent about money, and hope the next generation knows what to do after the inheritance arrives. Passing wisdom requires intentionality, relationships, and time. Ecclesiastes Reminds Us That Life Is Brief Although Wisdom Over Wealth focuses on money, one of the strongest themes in Ecclesiastes is the brevity of life. Ecclesiastes repeatedly confronts us with the reality of death—not to make us hopeless, but to awaken us to the gift of today. Our time is limited. Our possessions will eventually belong to someone else. Our accomplishments cannot provide lasting meaning. Yet each day gives us another opportunity to enjoy God, serve others, practice generosity, and glorify the One who gave us life. Recognizing life’s brevity changes the way we approach money. We no longer need to squeeze ultimate meaning from temporary possessions. We can receive God’s provision with gratitude, enjoy it within its proper limits, and hold it with open hands. Money becomes a servant rather than a master—a tool we can use during the brief number of days God has entrusted to us. Make Every Day Count The message of Ecclesiastes is not that life is meaningless. It is that life apart from God cannot provide the meaning we seek. Our work, wealth, possessions, and pleasures are limited. They were never designed to satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. But when received as gifts from God and used for His purposes, they can become part of a life marked by gratitude, faithfulness, and joy. Wisdom over wealth does not mean rejecting money. It means refusing to ask money to do what only God can do. Christ is our wisdom. He is our security. He is our ultimate treasure. Our lives are brief gifts, and every financial decision presents an opportunity to become more faithful stewards. As we seek God, learn from His Word, and invite wise counsel, we can manage money with greater clarity and purpose. Wealth may offer temporary shelter. But wisdom teaches us how to live—and points us to the One who gives life its lasting meaning. Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money is available for individuals, small groups, and churches at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m selling my house and expect to use $100,000 to $120,000 of the proceeds to open a coin shop specializing in gold, silver, and numismatics. I may also need a $30,000 to $35,000 business loan. I’ve started researching the local market and developing a business plan, and I’ll continue working full time while the shop gets established. How should I fund the business, and does a brick-and-mortar coin shop still make sense as more sales move online? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Psychologist and educator Fitzhugh Dodson once wrote, “Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Goals matter, but they accomplish little without a thoughtful plan. And for Christians, that plan should involve more than increasing net worth, reaching retirement, or achieving financial independence. It should help us consider how God may be inviting us to use our time, abilities, and resources for His purposes. Ron Anderson, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® and Founder of Plan A Wealth Management in Lincoln, Nebraska, has spent more than 30 years helping people plan their financial futures. Increasingly, however, his work has also focused on something broader: life planning. What Is Life Planning? Traditional financial planning often begins with practical questions: How much should I save? When can I retire? How should I invest? What lifestyle can I afford? Life planning goes beneath those questions to address the deeper motivations behind them. Why do you want to succeed? What contribution do you hope to make? How will you use your time if you reach your financial goals? What unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities has God entrusted to you? “You need to know what your financial goals are,” Anderson explains, “but you also need to ask why you want to be successful. If you are financially on track, what will you do with your time and your life to make the contribution God has placed you here to make?” Life planning does not replace financial planning. It gives financial planning a greater purpose. Begin With the Deeper “Why” Financial decisions are often only the visible part of a much larger picture. Financial teacher Ron Blue has compared this to an iceberg. The decisions above the waterline—saving, spending, investing, and giving—represent only a small portion of our financial lives. Beneath the surface are our beliefs, priorities, values, fears, and faith. That is why a meaningful plan must begin with more than numbers. It requires honest reflection: What do I believe God has entrusted to me? What relationships and responsibilities deserve my attention? What needs or opportunities has God placed before me? What would faithfulness look like in this season? How might my financial choices help me become more available to serve? These questions may not produce immediate or easy answers. But asking them can help us move from simply accumulating resources to managing them with intention. Creating the Freedom to Say Yes A financial planner can play an important role in life planning by helping someone establish a reasonable lifestyle, prepare for future needs, and create financial margin. That margin can provide the freedom to respond when God redirects our plans. “If God nudges your heart to do something different with your time, energy, or occupation,” Anderson says, “you want to have the flexibility to say, ‘Yes, Lord, I will follow,’ rather than, ‘I cannot afford to do that.’” This is one reason defining “enough” can be so important. Without a clear sense of enough, lifestyle expenses can continue rising alongside income. More money leads to more spending, which can make us increasingly dependent on maintaining a certain salary or standard of living. A reasonable lifestyle is not about deprivation. It is about creating the capacity to give generously, pursue meaningful work, care for others, and remain responsive to God’s direction. The Value of Wise Counsel Life planning can be difficult to do alone. Our thoughts may feel clear internally but become more complicated when we attempt to put them into words. A trusted financial advisor, pastor, mentor, or mature friend can provide a place to process those questions honestly. Talking through your goals can reveal inconsistencies, clarify priorities, and expose assumptions you may not have recognized. Wise counsel can also challenge you when your financial plan and your stated values do not align. The goal is not for someone else to determine God’s will for your life. Rather, wise counsel can help you think carefully, pray faithfully, and make decisions with greater clarity. What Scripture Says About Planning Your Life Ephesians 5:15–17 offers an important foundation for life planning: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Scripture calls us to live intentionally. Our time is limited, and wisdom requires that we pay attention to how we use it. Understanding what the Lord desires involves spending time in His Word, seeking Him in prayer, listening to wise counsel, and honestly examining the opportunities and responsibilities He has placed before us. Life planning should therefore be approached with humility. We make plans, but we acknowledge that God directs our steps. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” The goal is not to create a perfect roadmap for the rest of our lives. It is to become more attentive and available to follow wherever God leads. When Financial Planning Serves a Greater Purpose Anderson has seen clients use life planning to pursue opportunities far beyond a traditional retirement plan. One couple gave a significant financial gift and later traveled overseas, where they helped translate the Bible while supporting their own ministry work. After returning to the United States, they purchased a property in Colorado where people serving in ministry could find much-needed rest. Their financial resources became tools for service, hospitality, and generosity. Not every life plan will involve moving overseas or beginning a ministry. Faithfulness may mean caring for aging parents, mentoring younger believers, volunteering in the community, supporting a local church, spending more time with family, or becoming more generous. The specific expression will differ from person to person. The important question is whether our plans are preparing us merely to become more comfortable—or helping us become more faithful. Planning for a Life of Faithful Stewardship Financial planning asks, “Will I have enough?” Life planning adds another question: “What will I do with what God provides?” Money is not the final destination. It is one of many resources God entrusts to us, along with our time, relationships, experiences, and abilities. A wise plan prepares for future needs, establishes healthy financial boundaries, and creates room for generosity. But most importantly, it helps us remain ready to respond when God presents an opportunity to serve. To learn more about Ron Anderson and Plan A Wealth Management, visit PlanAWM.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 75 and legally blind. After helping my daughter with a loan and a car, I expect to have about $5,000 a month available once the car is paid off in seven months. I’m uncomfortable with investing and would rather put that money into savings. Is that a wise approach? I have about $50,000 in consolidated student loans at 6% interest. Is it true that the remaining balance could be forgiven after 20 years? I also give generously to ministries and missionaries. Should I reduce my giving temporarily to pay down the debt faster? I have an indexed annuity with seven years remaining, and I’m charged a liquidity rider fee on each monthly withdrawal. What is that charge, and is there any way to avoid it? A collector is contacting me about a medical bill from 13 to 15 years ago, but they haven’t provided documentation, and the hospital says I owe nothing. How long can someone legally pursue an old medical debt, and could they garnish my Social Security benefits? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Plan A Wealth Management AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” - Proverbs 27:23 Most of us no longer measure our wealth in flocks and herds, but the wisdom of Proverbs 27:23 remains just as relevant today: faithful stewardship requires attention. When we do not know what we have, where it is going, or what it is accomplishing, we cannot manage it wisely. That is where a budget can help. A budget is simply a plan for managing what God has entrusted to us. It is not intended to be a burden, a source of shame, or a rigid set of restrictions. It is a practical tool that helps us practice faithfulness. Begin With the Heart Biblical budgeting starts with the recognition that everything belongs to God. Our income, possessions, savings, spending, and giving have all been entrusted to our care. That means budgeting begins with a spiritual question before it becomes a financial exercise: Lord, how would You have me manage what You have provided? That question changes the purpose of a budget. We are not merely trying to make the numbers balance. We are asking whether our financial decisions reflect what we truly value. A budget can reveal where our money is drifting. Are our resources being absorbed by impulse, comfort, comparison, and accumulation? Or are they being directed toward generosity, provision, responsibility, and contentment? The goal is not simply greater financial control. It is greater faithfulness. Make Generosity Intentional Scripture never treats generosity as an afterthought. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” A budget allows us to give intentionally rather than reactively. Instead of waiting to see whether anything remains at the end of the month, we can prayerfully decide in advance how we want to support our church, ministries, neighbors, and others in need. Generosity should not be driven by guilt or compulsion. It should flow from gratitude for God’s provision and a desire to participate in His work. Know Your True Income For those who receive a predictable paycheck, identifying monthly income may be relatively simple. A spending plan can be built around regular take-home pay. Variable income requires a little more care. Business owners, commission-based workers, freelancers, seasonal employees, and hourly workers may see their income fluctuate from month to month. In that situation, it is usually wise to build a budget around a conservative baseline. Review the previous six to 12 months and identify the lower-income periods. Then build your essential expenses around a realistic minimum—not your best month. When income is higher, decide beforehand how those additional dollars will be used. They might help you: Build savings Pay down debt Prepare for upcoming expenses Increase your generosity Without a plan, additional income can easily disappear into increased spending. With a plan, it can strengthen your financial foundation and expand your ability to serve others. Give Every Dollar a Job Giving every dollar a job does not mean spending every dollar. Saving is a job. Giving is a job. Paying bills is a job. Preparing for future expenses is a job. Your budget might include money for: Housing and utilities Food and transportation Debt repayment Emergency savings Retirement Insurance premiums Medical needs Car and home repairs School expenses Holidays and gifts The purpose is not unnecessary restriction. It is intentional direction. When every dollar has a purpose, your money is less likely to be consumed by whatever feels most urgent in the moment. Prepare for Irregular Expenses Many budgets fail because they account only for monthly bills. But real life includes expenses that do not arrive every month. Car maintenance, home repairs, annual subscriptions, insurance premiums, travel, gifts, school costs, medical expenses, and Christmas can all place pressure on a spending plan. These expenses are not true emergencies when we know they are coming. A wise budget sets aside smaller amounts throughout the year. Saving a little each month can turn a large, disruptive expense into a manageable one. Planning ahead does not mean we can predict everything. It simply means we prepare for what we reasonably can and trust God with what we cannot foresee. Build Financial Margin Margin is the space between what comes in and what goes out. Without margin, even a relatively small disruption can create stress or lead to additional debt. With margin, we are better prepared to respond wisely when needs and opportunities arise. Margin also makes generosity possible. Ephesians 4:28 instructs believers to work honestly so that they “may have something to share with anyone in need.” Budgeting helps create that kind of readiness. The goal is not to accumulate excess merely for our own comfort. It is to manage resources in a way that allows us to provide responsibly, respond compassionately, and give freely. Review and Adjust Regularly A budget is not a document you create once and then ignore. It should be reviewed and adjusted as circumstances change. Some months will require different priorities. Certain categories may prove unrealistic. Income may rise or fall. Unexpected needs may emerge. The goal is not perfection. The goal is faithfulness. For married couples, regular budget conversations can also create greater unity. Rather than allowing money to become a source of confusion or conflict, spouses can pray together, clarify their priorities, and make decisions as a team. A regular review gives you an opportunity to ask: How has God provided? Are we living within our means? Do our spending decisions reflect our values? Are we preparing wisely for the future? Is there room to grow in generosity? How Budgeting Shapes Us Budgeting is about far more than numbers. It can become part of our spiritual formation. It teaches us to recognize God’s provision. It trains us to say no to one thing for the sake of a greater yes. It helps us practice contentment in a culture of comparison. It creates a framework for generosity before money is absorbed by lesser priorities. A budget cannot guarantee that life will go according to plan. But it can help us respond to God’s provision with wisdom, gratitude, and purpose. Take the Next Step With the FaithFi App The FaithFi App is a Christian money-management tool designed to help you integrate biblical wisdom with practical financial decisions. More than a budgeting app, it helps you consider both the numbers and the heart behind them so you can steward God’s resources with greater clarity and intentionality. Join more than 80,000 believers pursuing faithful stewardship and begin your 30-day free trial at FaithFi.com/App. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I need 12 more Social Security credits and recently took a job as a household manager. Should I be classified as a household employee or an independent contractor, and how would the IRS view that arrangement? I have a federal student loan with significant accrued interest. Do I need to pay off that interest before my payments begin reducing the principal? I’ve also been advised to refinance through a private lender. Should I keep the loan federal or convert it to a personal loan? I’m considering selling a mortgage-free multi-unit property worth about $700,000 to $800,000 and using the proceeds to buy two rental homes for around $250,000 each. What tax, financing, or ownership issues should I consider before making that move? My husband and I are debt-free, live within our means, and expect to receive an inheritance. We want to plan wisely for retirement, investing, Social Security, Medicare, our family, and generosity, but we struggle with analysis paralysis. How can we find a trusted advisor who shares our faith and can help us build a comprehensive plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Human trafficking often thrives in the shadows, hidden within complex supply chains and ordinary commercial activity. But Christian investors are discovering that their influence can help bring exploitation into the light. Will Lofland, Managing Director of Faith-Based Investing at GuideStone Funds, joined the show today to explain how investors can encourage companies to identify forced labor, protect vulnerable people, and pursue meaningful change. A Tragedy Hidden in Plain Sight According to estimates from Walk Free, nearly 50 million people worldwide are living in modern slavery. More than 27 million are trapped in forced labor, including approximately 3.3 million children. Those numbers can feel distant, but exploitation may be connected to products people use every day. Forced labor can appear deep within the supply chains that produce clothing, food, electronics, and other consumer goods. Because these networks are complex, companies may not always recognize where exploitation is occurring. But that does not make the problem any less urgent—or remove the responsibility to address it. For Christian investors, this concern is rooted in more than economics or risk management. It reflects the biblical command to defend those who are vulnerable: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” - Proverbs 31:8–9 Biblical stewardship is not passive. God entrusts His people with resources, relationships, and influence that can be used to pursue what is good and protect those at risk. Moving Beyond Investment Screening Faith-based investing has often focused on screening—seeking to avoid companies whose primary business activities conflict with Christian values. That can remain an important part of a values-aligned investment strategy, but it is not the only approach available. GuideStone has expanded its work to include shareholder advocacy, which allows investors to engage the companies they own rather than simply excluding them. This advocacy generally involves two primary tools: proxy voting and direct corporate engagement. Through proxy voting, shareholders can vote on company leadership, policies, and proposals presented at annual meetings. GuideStone seeks to vote the proxy ballot for every company held within its investment strategies, evaluating each decision through the lens of faithful stewardship and long-term shareholder interests. Direct engagement involves meeting with corporate leaders to discuss concerns such as child labor, forced labor, and online sexual exploitation. These conversations give investors an opportunity to ask difficult questions, encourage greater transparency, and help companies strengthen their policies and practices. The goal is not merely to criticize companies publicly. It is to pursue constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue that protects vulnerable people while supporting responsible corporate leadership. Bringing Experts Into the Boardroom One recent example of this work is GuideStone’s involvement as a founding member of the Eagle Freedom Alliance, a collaboration focused on combating human trafficking through corporate engagement. Rather than simply sending letters or publicly condemning businesses, the alliance seeks to bring anti-trafficking experts into conversations with corporate decision-makers. These experts can help companies recognize vulnerabilities within their operations and supply chains, improve oversight, and implement practical solutions. Many companies do not want forced labor or trafficking connected to their business. They may, however, need better information, stronger processes, or outside expertise to identify and eliminate those risks. By approaching these companies as partners in problem-solving, investors may be able to encourage more lasting change than they could through confrontation alone. This kind of engagement can also protect long-term shareholder value. Companies that ignore exploitation may face reputational damage, regulatory consequences, supply disruptions, and a loss of consumer trust. Protecting people and promoting responsible business practices are not opposing goals. The Power of Christian Collaboration Collaboration is especially important when addressing a problem as large and complex as human trafficking. A single investor may have limited influence, but a coalition of faith-based investors can bring a stronger and more unified voice into the boardroom. Working together demonstrates that concern about exploitation is not isolated—it is shared by a broader community of investors seeking meaningful change. This cooperation also reflects the biblical picture of believers working together for a common purpose. By combining their knowledge, relationships, and influence, Christian investors can shine a brighter light on harmful practices and encourage companies to take the issue seriously. Investors may not be able to eliminate human trafficking on their own. But they can refuse to remain indifferent. They can ask better questions, support greater transparency, vote thoughtfully, and encourage companies to protect the dignity of every person touched by their operations. Stewarding More Than Financial Returns Investing will always involve financial considerations, including risk, diversification, and long-term goals. But for followers of Christ, stewardship also invites a broader question: How can the resources God has entrusted to us reflect His heart and purposes? Faith-based investing offers one way to bring those convictions into financial decision-making. Through careful screening, active ownership, and collaboration with other believers, Christian investors can seek both prudent financial outcomes and positive influence in the marketplace. Human trafficking may flourish in darkness, but faithful stewardship can help expose it. By speaking for the vulnerable and encouraging responsible corporate action, investors can use their influence to pursue justice, protect human dignity, and honor God with the resources He has provided. GuideStone Funds offers investment strategies designed to help individuals, churches, and ministry organizations pursue their financial goals while reflecting Christian values. Learn more at FaithFi.com/GuideStone. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are in our 70s and live on our pensions, so we’ve preserved our investments for future Kingdom work. Our portfolio is about 80% stocks and 20% bonds. I’m not interested in gold or silver, but would putting 5% into classic cars be a reasonable alternative investment? What does Scripture teach about tithing today? Are Christians still expected to give 10% based on the Old Testament, or does the New Testament call us to give freely and according to what God puts on our hearts? I’m a retired pastor with some additional income. How do I know what income must be reported and when it is considered self-employment income subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes? I’m 87, and all my assets have designated beneficiaries. Could my estate still go through probate? Is there an estate-value threshold that would make a trust advisable? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) GuideStone Funds FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Most of us do not wake up intending to serve money. Yet financial pressures, ambitions, and fears can quietly begin shaping our choices. Before long, money may influence where we find security, how we measure success, and what we believe will bring us peace. Jesus speaks directly to this danger in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” Money was never meant to be our master. But when it is placed in its proper role, it can become a useful tool for serving God, caring for our families, and blessing others. So, what does a biblical approach to money look like? Money Is a Gift to Receive With Gratitude The Bible speaks frequently about wealth, possessions, generosity, and stewardship. One of its clearest principles is that money is not the goal. It is a resource entrusted to us by God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says: “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or the appropriate enjoyment of what He provides. His gifts should be received with gratitude rather than guilt. We see a picture of God’s abundant provision when Jesus feeds the five thousand in Matthew 14. Christ not only meets the immediate needs of the crowd, but the disciples also collect twelve baskets of leftovers. The point is not indulgence or excess. It is that God is a generous provider who delights in caring for His people. Everything we possess ultimately comes from Him. Recognizing that truth allows us to enjoy His provision without believing we own it independently of Him. Money Reveals What We Trust Although money can be a gift, it also carries spiritual significance because it reveals the condition of our hearts. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Paul does not say that money itself is evil. The danger arises when we love money or look to it for something only God can provide. Money cannot give us lasting security, establish our identity, or bring genuine peace. When we expect it to do those things, a useful tool begins to take the place of our faithful Provider. Every financial decision can reveal something about our trust. Our spending may expose what we value. Our saving may show whether we are preparing wisely or attempting to control an uncertain future. Our generosity may reveal whether we believe God will continue to provide. The question is not simply, “What am I doing with my money?” It is also, “What is my money doing to my heart?” Money Is Meant to Serve God’s Purposes Ephesians 4:28 gives us a broader vision for our work and resources. Paul instructs believers to work honestly “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” We do not earn merely to accumulate. God enables us to work so that we can provide for our responsibilities, prepare wisely for the future, and share with others. That perspective transforms the purpose of our financial lives. Work becomes more than survival or personal advancement. It becomes one way we participate in God’s generosity. Saving becomes thoughtful preparation rather than an attempt to eliminate every uncertainty. Investing can become an act of stewardship when it supports future responsibilities and generosity. This purpose often expresses itself through ordinary decisions: choosing to give even when the budget feels limited, avoiding unnecessary debt, setting aside money for future needs, or creating enough margin to respond when someone needs help. Those individual choices may feel small, but over time they shape both our finances and our hearts. Money becomes especially useful when it flows outward in service rather than being gathered inward as a source of identity or control. Money Must Remain a Servant When Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, He was establishing the proper order of our allegiance. Money must remain a servant rather than becoming our master. In his sermon “The Use of Money,” John Wesley described money as a valuable gift when it is used in the hands of God’s people. It can feed the hungry, provide clothing for those in need, and offer shelter to the traveler and stranger. That is a beautiful picture of money placed in its proper role. It is not worshiped, feared, or pursued as an end in itself. It is directed toward purposes that reflect God’s love and generosity. Money may help us accomplish many good things, but it is never qualified to lead our lives. Only God deserves our trust, devotion, and obedience. Money Is Temporary, but Its Use Can Matter Eternally 1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us, “We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” Every dollar we manage is temporary. Homes, accounts, investments, and possessions will eventually pass from our hands. Yet the way we use those temporary resources can have lasting significance. When we remember that money is temporary, we can begin to hold it more loosely. We can enjoy God’s provision without being controlled by it. We can plan wisely without placing our hope in wealth. And we can give generously because we know that God—not our bank account—is our ultimate provider. Before your next decision about spending, saving, investing, or giving, consider asking a different question: Lord, how can this money serve You and others? Money is never the destination. It is simply a tool God places in our hands to accomplish purposes greater than ourselves. This is a central theme of Our Ultimate Treasure, a 21-day devotional designed to help you treat money as a tool rather than a treasure so that it can find its proper place in your life. You can order a copy—or copies for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father gave me $75,000 after my mother passed away. My husband and I are nearing retirement with no emergency savings, about $140,000 in personal-loan debt from his failed business, plus a mortgage and car loan. We spend nearly $10,000 a month. After giving, should we use the money to build savings, pay down debt, or invest some of it? My husband and I are approaching 65, qualify for Social Security, and plan to keep working. I’m also eligible for a teacher pension. Should I claim Social Security now, delay it, or rely on my pension first? Would a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) be the right person to help us evaluate our options? My father-in-law recently passed away, and I’m helping my mother-in-law with her finances. She has about $11,000 across six credit cards. Some issuers have offered to freeze the accounts and stop the interest while she repays them. Should she accept those arrangements or consolidate the balances into one loan? Her Social Security benefit is small, and my father-in-law’s check has stopped. Could she qualify for a survivor benefit based on his record? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, can be a valuable tool for long-term saving. But like any financial tool, it needs to be understood and used wisely. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” That’s good wisdom for every area of life, including how we manage money. As stewards, we don’t want to make financial decisions simply because an account is popular or because someone told us we ought to have one. We want to understand the tools available to us and use them with wisdom, patience, and trust in the Lord. So, how well do you really know your IRA? Let’s walk through a few common misconceptions with a simple true-or-false quiz. True or false: You can contribute to an IRA even if you already have a retirement plan through your employer. True. You can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA even if you also participate in a 401(k), 403(b), or another workplace retirement plan. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute across all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined is $7,500, or $8,600 if you’re age 50 or older. You’ll need enough taxable compensation to support your contribution, and income limits may affect whether you can deduct a traditional IRA contribution or contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The important point is that having access to a workplace retirement plan does not necessarily prevent you from contributing to an IRA. These accounts can often work together as part of a thoughtful long-term strategy. True or false: An IRA is an account that holds investments, not an investment by itself. True. Think of an IRA as a container. The account itself provides certain tax advantages, but what happens to the money depends largely on the investments you choose to hold inside it. Depending on your IRA custodian, those investments might include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, money market funds, or other investment options. That distinction matters. Sometimes someone will say, “I bought an IRA,” when what they really mean is that they opened an IRA and then invested the money inside it. The IRA is the account. The investments within that account determine how the money is put to work. There are also limits on what an IRA can hold. IRA funds generally cannot be invested in life insurance or collectibles. Certain precious metals may qualify if they meet specific IRS requirements and are held properly. Self-directed IRAs can provide access to more specialized investments, but greater flexibility can also bring greater complexity and risk. As with any financial decision, it’s important to understand what you own and why you own it. True or false: Your will determines who receives your IRA, regardless of the beneficiary listed on the account. False. An IRA allows you to name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the account when you die. Those assets generally transfer directly to the beneficiaries outside of probate. In most cases, the beneficiary designation on the account takes precedence over what your will says. That’s why beneficiary designations shouldn’t be treated as something you set once and forget. Review them periodically, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the birth or adoption of a child. Estate planning is about more than documents. It’s about making your intentions clear and preparing well for those who may one day steward what you leave behind. True or false: Traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions. True. Traditional IRAs are generally subject to required minimum distributions, commonly called RMDs. For those subject to the current age-73 rule, the first distribution generally must be taken by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. After that, annual RMDs are typically due by December 31. Failing to withdraw the required amount can result in a significant tax penalty, though that penalty may be reduced when the mistake is corrected promptly. Roth IRAs work differently. The original owner generally does not have to take required minimum distributions during his or her lifetime. Because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals can also be tax-free. Those differences are important when deciding how various retirement accounts may fit into your broader financial plan. Retirement Accounts Are Tools, Not Our Security So, how did you do on the quiz? The goal isn’t to become a retirement expert overnight. It’s to keep growing in wisdom. An IRA can be a useful tool for preparing for the future, but no retirement account can provide ultimate security. Our hope is not in an IRA, a pension, a 401(k), or the number on a balance sheet. Our hope is in Christ. That changes the deeper question we ask about retirement planning. Instead of simply asking, “How much can I accumulate?” we can also ask, “Am I using what God has entrusted to me in a way that reflects faithfulness, generosity, and eternal priorities?” Retirement accounts are simply tools in the hands of a steward. Understanding how they work helps us use them wisely—but remembering whom they ultimately belong to helps us use them faithfully. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 68, and my husband is 71. We’re retired with about $500,000 invested, a $100,000 mortgage at 2.75%, and a $30,000 car loan at 4.99%. We wanted to pay them off from our investments, but our advisor says the tax bill would be about $37,000 and recommends using a HELOC instead, then making one annual payment from our investments. Does that strategy make sense? He also recommends a trust, but we already have wills and our final arrangements paid for. Why might we still need one? My grandson is moving to Bali for two years for work. Should he send his earnings back to the U.S., or open a local bank account and keep the money there? I’m 61 and hope to retire at 63. About 80% of our retirement savings is pre-tax, and 20% is Roth. If we withdraw from pre-tax accounts first, our income could exceed the ACA subsidy limits. Should we consider Roth conversions or use Roth withdrawals earlier to better manage our MAGI and healthcare costs? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Your home may be more than a place to live in retirement. For some homeowners, it can also become a strategic financial resource—one that may help manage taxable income, protect investments during market downturns, and create greater flexibility around retirement withdrawals. Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to explain how a reverse mortgage—specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—can fit into a thoughtful retirement income strategy. A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But when used carefully as part of a broader financial plan, home equity may provide retirees with options they would not otherwise have. Why Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Are Different From Income One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that homeowners sell or give up ownership of their homes. That is not the case. A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the home, and the homeowner retains title as long as the requirements of the loan are met. Because the money received through a reverse mortgage is generally considered loan proceeds rather than earned or investment income, it is not typically included as taxable income on a federal income tax return. That distinction can be significant in retirement. Many retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts generally increase taxable income, potentially affecting tax brackets and other income-based thresholds. Home equity can provide another source of cash. Instead of withdrawing every needed dollar from a traditional IRA or 401(k), a retiree may be able to strategically use home equity for a portion of living expenses. That could reduce the amount that must be withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts in a given year. The goal is not simply to avoid taxes. It is to thoughtfully manage when and how taxable income is recognized. Managing Retirement Withdrawals More Strategically Taxes in retirement are often about timing. Withdraw too much from a traditional retirement account in one year, and you may move into a higher tax bracket or cross other important income thresholds. Later in retirement, required minimum distributions can further limit how much control retirees have over taxable withdrawals. Social Security also adds another consideration. Depending on a retiree’s income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. That makes coordinating income sources especially important. For some retirees, access to home equity may allow them to take smaller taxable distributions during certain years while drawing on a reverse mortgage for additional cash needs. Meanwhile, money that remains invested has more opportunity to continue growing. That does not mean borrowing against a home is always preferable to withdrawing from investments. Reverse mortgages have costs, interest accrues on the loan balance, and using home equity reduces the equity that may otherwise remain available later. The question is whether strategically combining these resources could produce a better overall retirement outcome. Creating Flexibility for Roth Conversions Home equity may also play a role in Roth conversion planning. A Roth conversion involves moving money from a traditional IRA or other eligible tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA. The amount converted is generally taxable in the year of the conversion, but qualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. For some retirees, converting portions of traditional retirement accounts during lower-income years can make sense. The challenge is paying the resulting tax bill. Suppose someone converts a significant amount from a traditional IRA and then withdraws even more from that IRA to pay the taxes. That additional withdrawal can create additional taxable income, potentially making the strategy less efficient. A reverse mortgage may provide another option. Home equity could potentially be used to cover living expenses or the tax liability associated with a Roth conversion, allowing the retiree to better control how much is withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts. Over time, carefully planned conversions can also reduce the amount remaining in traditional accounts that may eventually be subject to required minimum distributions. Roth conversions involve many variables—including current and future tax rates, income needs, Medicare considerations, estate goals, and the retiree’s overall financial picture—so they should be evaluated with qualified tax and financial professionals. Protecting Investments During Market Downturns Another potential use of a reverse mortgage is addressing what financial planners call sequence-of-returns risk. Sequence risk refers to the danger of experiencing significant investment losses early in retirement while simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Imagine that the market falls sharply and a retiree must sell investments to pay living expenses. Those shares are sold at depressed prices and are no longer invested when markets eventually recover. That combination of losses and withdrawals can make it much harder for a portfolio to recover. For retirees with sufficient home equity, a reverse mortgage line of credit may serve as what some planners call a buffer asset. Instead of selling investments during a severe market decline, a retiree might temporarily draw from home equity. When markets recover, withdrawals could shift back to the investment portfolio. Depending on the loan and financial circumstances, homeowners may also choose to repay some of what they borrowed, preserving greater home equity for future use. The broader principle is diversification—not merely among investments, but among the resources available to fund retirement. Home Equity Is a Tool, Not the Goal For many Americans, their home represents one of their largest financial assets. Yet traditional retirement planning often treats that wealth as untouchable until the home is sold or passed to heirs. A reverse mortgage can provide another option. That does not mean every retiree should borrow against a home. The costs, interest, estate implications, housing plans, and long-term needs all matter. Homeowners must also continue meeting loan requirements, including paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintaining the property. But for the right household, home equity may become one piece of a coordinated retirement strategy—helping manage taxable withdrawals, create flexibility for Roth conversions, or avoid selling investments at an unfavorable time. As stewards, the goal is not simply to preserve every dollar of home equity or maximize every investment account. It is to wisely consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and use them with purpose. A home is first a place to live. But in retirement, it may also be a financial resource worth thoughtfully considering as part of the bigger picture. To learn more about reverse mortgages and Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter turns 20 in December and recently earned her nail technician license, but she isn’t working yet. How can I help her start building credit and develop good saving habits? My husband and I are considering a reverse mortgage. Would we still own our home, and could we eventually sell it to a family member if we want to keep it in the family? I live on Social Security, have a paid-off home, a four-month emergency fund, and $75,000 in a CD. I received an offer to buy $5 gold pieces for $469 each, with a minimum purchase of five. Would buying gold like this be a wise move for me? My husband passed away, I used up my savings, and now I’m overwhelmed by debt. I enrolled in a debt-relief program that promised to lower my interest rates, but I’m not seeing much progress. What should I do next? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Movement Mortgage Capital One Savor Rewards Card for Students Bankrate | NerdWallet Open Hands Finance FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Generosity can begin with a simple gift, but when it becomes a family rhythm, its impact can last for generations. Most parents want their children to grow into generous adults—people who see what God has entrusted to them as something to be stewarded for His purposes and the good of others. But generosity rarely develops by accident. It is cultivated over time through example, experience, and intentional practice. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and Co-Founder of Women Doing Well, joins the show today to encourage families to begin teaching generosity early and continue nurturing it through every stage of life.  The goal is not simply to raise children who give money, but to help them discover the joy of living generously with everything God has provided. Start by Modeling Generosity Young children may not understand much about money yet, but they are always watching. That makes the early years an ideal time to model generosity through simple, tangible experiences. Parents might take their children grocery shopping for items to donate to a local food pantry, allowing them to choose the food and deliver it. The lesson is simple: We have something we can share, and together, we can use it to help someone else. Families can also find creative ways to connect generosity with celebrations. Sharon suggests hosting a “reverse birthday party,” where guests bring items for a ministry or charity the child helps select. Another simple practice is keeping blank cards nearby so children can draw pictures or write encouraging notes for someone who may be lonely, sick, or going through a difficult season. None of these activities requires a child to understand complex financial concepts. They simply allow children to see generosity in action. Give Children Hands-On Opportunities to Serve As children grow, parents can begin inviting them into more direct experiences of giving. One powerful approach is volunteering together at a local ministry, especially an organization serving other children or families. Serving side by side allows generosity to become something children experience personally rather than merely hear about. Families might also consider sponsoring a child through a trusted ministry. Sharon shared how her own daughter began sponsoring a child at age five and continued that relationship as they both grew older. Experiences like these can help children recognize that generosity is relational. It is not simply about transferring money from one place to another. It is about seeing people, caring about their needs, and responding with compassion. Connect Generosity to a Teenager’s Passions As children enter their teenage years, their interests and passions become clearer. That creates an opportunity to help them connect generosity with the things they already care about. A teenager who loves the outdoors, for example, might become interested in supporting a Christian camp ministry. A young person passionate about sports might enjoy serving through an organization that uses athletics to mentor children. Families can also make service part of their normal rhythms. Spring break or other holidays, for instance, can include opportunities to serve together. Sharon shared that her children participated in spring break mission trips while growing up. Those experiences became so meaningful that they continued serving during college because generosity had simply become part of what their family did. That is one of the most powerful lessons parents can pass along: Generosity is not an occasional project. It can become part of the way we live. Let Generosity Involve Sacrifice Biblical generosity often involves more than giving from what is left over. Sometimes it requires choosing to give something up so that someone else can benefit. Teenagers are old enough to begin experiencing that kind of sacrifice intentionally. One creative idea is a “pantry challenge,” where a family spends a period of time eating primarily what is already in the house while limiting grocery purchases. The money saved could then be given toward a ministry or someone in need. Practices like this help young people understand that generosity involves choices. We may choose to spend less so we can give more. We may give up some of our time to serve. We may share our skills, possessions, or opportunities with someone else. Sacrifice helps generosity move from an abstract idea to a lived experience. Encourage Generosity Into Adulthood Parents can continue encouraging generosity even after their children become adults, but their role begins to change. Rather than directing their children’s giving, parents can create opportunities for them to make their own decisions. One option Sharon suggests is helping an adult child establish a donor-advised fund. Parents might provide an initial amount and even offer to match what their child contributes toward charitable giving. The purpose is not simply to create another financial account. It is to encourage intentionality. What causes do they care about? Where do they see God at work? How might the resources entrusted to them become part of that work? Questions like these help adult children develop their own convictions about generosity and stewardship. Expand Your Family’s Definition of Giving Perhaps one of the most important lessons families can learn is that generosity is about far more than money. We can give our time. We can offer our skills. We can share our relationships, possessions, influence, and opportunities. This broader understanding allows generosity to become what Sharon describes as “whole-life, purpose-filled generosity.” And that means every member of the family has something to give. A young child can draw an encouraging picture. A teenager can spend a Saturday serving. An adult can use financial resources, professional skills, or relationships to help others. Generosity begins by asking a simple question: What has God entrusted to me that I can use for the good of someone else? Generosity Is Often Caught More Than Taught Parents can certainly talk with their children about giving, but some of the most powerful lessons will come from what children see practiced consistently at home. When they watch their parents give joyfully, serve willingly, and hold their resources with open hands, they begin to understand that generosity is not merely something Christians do. It is part of who we are becoming as faithful stewards. And when families practice generosity together—from childhood through adulthood—they plant seeds that may continue bearing fruit long after the original gift has been given. A generous family legacy is ultimately about more than what we leave to the next generation. It is about helping prepare the next generation to faithfully steward whatever God places in their hands. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have an annuity and want to borrow $200,000 to buy an investment property. I’ve been told I could qualify for the loan based on my assets, then withdraw from the annuity to pay it off without owing taxes because the withdrawal wouldn’t be earned income. Is that correct, or would the annuity withdrawal still be taxable? I set up a trust for my wife while she was living with Alzheimer’s, and she passed away a couple of years ago. How often should a trust be reviewed, and should I update or redo it now? I have about $250,000 in home equity and a 3.85% mortgage, so I don’t want to do a cash-out refinance. Are home equity sharing agreements a legitimate option, and what should I know before considering one? I’m 62, single, and have property and investments. I want to get my estate in order. What’s the difference between a will and a trust, do I need a power of attorney, and what’s the best way to get these documents set up? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Women Doing Well Movement Mortgage Trust & Will Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan Accola FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 Biblical courage is not bravado or self-confidence. It is faithfulness rooted in the presence and promises of God. That kind of courage matters in every area of life—including the way we handle money. Following Christ may require us to give when we would rather hold tightly, resist cultural pressures, act with integrity when compromise would be easier, or obey God when doing so comes at a personal cost. Dr. Craig Bartholomew, Director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, England, joined the show today to close out our Financial Virtues series to explore the virtue of fortitude and what it means for faithful stewardship. More Than a Moment of Bravery When we hear the word courage, we may picture dramatic acts of bravery. Scripture certainly includes those moments. Joshua needed courage as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. But fortitude is broader than courage in a single crisis. It is resilience. Resolve. Endurance. The Christian life is less like a sprint and more like a marathon. Fortitude is the strength to continue following Christ over a lifetime—to remain faithful not only in dramatic moments, but also through the ordinary decisions, pressures, disappointments, and temptations we encounter every day. That distinction matters because some of the most important acts of courage in our financial lives may never look heroic to anyone else. It may mean living below your means when everyone around you is upgrading their lifestyle. It may mean refusing a dishonest opportunity even when the money is attractive. It may mean continuing to give generously when fear tells you to hold tighter. Fortitude is the courage to keep choosing faithfulness. When Money Becomes Our Security Money has a way of exposing what we fear. We fear not having enough. We fear an uncertain future. We fear losing the lifestyle we have built. We may fear falling behind others or disappointing the people around us. But the deeper question is this: Where have we placed our security? If our identity, security, or sense of worth rests primarily in wealth, then anything that threatens our finances can begin to threaten our sense of self. That is a burden money was never meant to carry. Scripture continually redirects our trust away from created things and toward the Creator. Money is a good gift and a useful tool, but it makes a terrible foundation for our identity. Christian fortitude begins by remembering who we are and whose we are. Our ultimate security is not found in the size of an investment account, the value of a home, or the stability of an income. It is found in God, who promises to remain faithful to His people. That does not mean financial losses or uncertainty become easy. It means fear no longer has the final word. Jesus Shows Us What Courage Looks Like Jesus gives us the clearest picture of true fortitude. At the beginning of His public ministry, Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, offering shortcuts to power and glory that would bypass the path of suffering and obedience. Jesus refused. He remained faithful to the Father and continued toward the cross. His courage was not merely displayed in one final moment. It characterized His entire life—a steady obedience to the Father regardless of the cost. That same pattern should shape His followers. Money can easily become one of the competing loyalties of our hearts. Jesus repeatedly warned about the spiritual danger of wealth when it moves from being a tool we steward to a treasure we worship. Money must remain in its proper place. Fortitude helps us keep it there. Generosity Requires Courage One way we loosen money’s grip on our hearts is through generosity. Giving shifts our attention away from ourselves and toward God and our neighbors. Rather than asking only, “What can this money do for me?” generosity teaches us to ask, “How might God use what He has entrusted to me to serve someone else?” Sometimes that requires real courage. Giving can confront our desire for control. It can challenge our instinct to accumulate more before deciding we finally have “enough.” It may require us to trust God with what happens after we release what we have been holding. But generosity reminds us that life is not ultimately about us. As we put God first, He turns our attention outward—to the neighbor down the street, the family facing hardship, the ministry serving people in need, or even someone across the world whose circumstances are far different from our own. Fortitude gives us the courage to hold God’s provision with open hands. The Courage to Choose Integrity Fortitude also matters when faithfulness costs us financially. There may be moments when telling the truth threatens a business opportunity, refusing to compromise means walking away from profit, or acting justly puts us at a disadvantage. Those moments require more than good intentions. They require discernment to recognize what is right—and courage to do it. Our culture constantly communicates messages about success, wealth, status, and power. Christians must learn to examine those messages carefully rather than simply accepting the assumptions around us. Not everything profitable is good. Not everything financially advantageous is wise. And not everything considered normal in our culture is consistent with following Jesus. Fortitude enables us to remain faithful when obedience becomes costly. Courage Is Cultivated in Community Christian courage should never become another form of self-reliance. We can be extremely determined about the wrong things. That is why fortitude must be shaped by wisdom, discernment, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community. We need other believers who can help us recognize blind spots, challenge our assumptions, and remind us of what is true when fear begins to distort our perspective. This is especially important with money. Financial decisions can be complex, and our hearts can easily rationalize what we already want. Wise counsel helps us discern where genuine stewardship ends and where fear, greed, pride, or self-interest may be taking over.  The goal is not simply to become more resilient. It is to become resilient in following Jesus. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Most of us will face moments when courage is urgently required. But much of Christian fortitude is formed in thousands of smaller choices. Choosing generosity again. Choosing integrity again. Choosing contentment again. Choosing to trust God again. Faithful stewardship is not built through one extraordinary financial decision. It is shaped over a lifetime of ordinary obedience. That is fortitude: not the absence of fear, but the courage to remain faithful because we know the One who is with us wherever we go. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: What’s the process for setting up a trust for my children, and do I need an attorney to do it? Is it best for a husband and wife to share a checking account? If so, how can we manage it well and avoid conflict? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament) by Dr. Craig G. Bartholomew Money and Marriage God's Way by Howard Dayton FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

The right financial advisor can help you plan for the future. But the right kind of counsel can do something more: help you stay anchored to what matters most. When we seek financial guidance, we’re not simply looking for information. We’re looking for direction. And for believers, that direction should be shaped by God’s Word—not merely by the market. Money decisions are never just financial. They touch our hopes, fears, sense of control, and ultimately our trust in God. That’s why Scripture consistently points us toward the importance of wise counsel. The Wisdom of Seeking Counsel Proverbs 11:14 says: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That word safety matters. It points to the protection and stability that can come when we humbly seek wisdom beyond our own perspective. Seeking counsel requires humility. It means admitting that we don’t always see the whole picture. That isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Consider Moses in Exodus 18. God had called him to lead Israel, yet his father-in-law, Jethro, noticed something Moses had missed. People were lining up from morning until evening while Moses tried to handle every dispute himself. Jethro told him plainly, “What you are doing is not good.” He then suggested a better way. Moses listened. He delegated responsibility, and both he and the people were better served. If Moses needed wise counsel, surely we do too. That is especially true when it comes to money. In a culture that prizes financial independence, it can be easy to confuse independence with self-reliance. But Proverbs 19:20 reminds us: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Every Financial Plan Reflects a Worldview Not all counsel is the same. Technical expertise matters. Credentials matter. Experience matters. But the worldview beneath the advice matters too. Every financial recommendation carries assumptions about what constitutes success, how much is enough, where security is found, what generosity should look like, how we should think about retirement, and ultimately what wealth is for. Advice may sound impressive and still quietly move our hearts toward goals Scripture never gives us. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” A spreadsheet can help us plan, but it cannot shepherd the heart. That is one reason values-aligned financial counsel can make such a meaningful difference. Why Shared Values Matter Recent research from Pinkston compared clients working with Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®)—financial professionals trained to integrate biblical wisdom into their practice—with clients of general financial advisors. Among clients of general advisors, 64% prioritized investment returns. Among CKA® clients, however, 70% prioritized shared beliefs and values. For many Christian investors, shared faith is not simply an added benefit. It shapes the entire financial conversation. That alignment also appears to foster significant trust. CKA® clients reported a 98% retention rate and a Net Promoter Score of 83, compared with 58 among general-advisor clients. But perhaps even more important is how values-aligned counsel can broaden the conversation beyond financial performance alone. Eighty-one percent of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) said they help clients incorporate faith or values-based investing into their financial plans, compared with 57% of general advisors. Clients working with CKA®s were also twice as likely to have significantly increased their charitable giving. That matters because Scripture never treats money in isolation. It connects our financial choices with worship, trust, contentment, generosity, and obedience. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our financial decisions do more than move money. They reveal—and help shape—what has captured our hearts. Counsel That Sees Money as Stewardship The research also found that 72% of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) reported being very fulfilled in their work, compared with 48% of general advisors. In addition, 80% said their work was closely aligned with their life’s purpose. That kind of perspective matters. When an advisor sees financial planning not simply as managing assets but as serving people, the relationship can become about much more than maximizing returns. It can create space to ask deeper questions: How much is enough? What has God entrusted to me? How should generosity shape my financial plan? What does faithful stewardship look like in this season? Those are not questions a financial calculator can answer by itself. Finding the Right Financial Counsel So, how do you find wise, values-aligned financial counsel? Start by asking good questions. Ask a prospective advisor how their faith shapes the way they think about money, risk, generosity, success, and the purpose of wealth. Look for someone with both professional competence and a worldview that recognizes God as the ultimate owner of everything we have. A wise advisor will not make every decision for you—and shouldn’t. You remain responsible for the resources God has entrusted to your care. But the right advisor can help you cut through the noise, ask better questions, see blind spots, and build a financial plan around what matters most. Surrounding yourself with godly, competent counsel does not remove your responsibility as a steward. It can help you carry that responsibility more faithfully. To connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) who is committed to integrating biblical wisdom with financial expertise, visit FindACKA.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 65 and planning to retire in January. My wife and I will have a little over $100,000 a year from Social Security, Air Force retirement, and VA disability. I also have $200,000 in a 401(k)—$150,000 traditional and $50,000 Roth. How much of the traditional 401(k) can I convert to Roth each year, and would it make sense to spread those conversions over several years to minimize taxes? My wife and I have $80,000 that we’d like to earn interest on. We could leave it untouched for three to six months. Would an online high-yield savings account, CD, or another option make the most sense? I have about $36,000 in a 457 deferred compensation plan and cash match account. What are my options for that money? Can I move it elsewhere, leave it where it is, or set up monthly withdrawals? I’m 40 and have $70,000 in a Roth IRA, $46,000 in a traditional IRA, and $200,000 in a taxable brokerage account. Should I use the traditional IRA or taxable account to put more money into Roth? And over time, should I keep some money in the traditional IRA for tax diversification or eventually convert it all? I’d like to understand how Social Security is taxed. Does annuity income count toward the income thresholds that determine whether Social Security benefits are taxable? And how is the annuity income itself taxed? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Bankrate AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

College students may be experts at pulling off last-minute study sessions, but when it comes to managing money, cramming simply does not work. The financial habits students develop during college can shape their decisions for years to come. Dr. Kelly Rush, a Finance Professor, Division Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, says this season offers students an important opportunity to build a strong financial foundation. Rush, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Kingdom Advisors, encourages students and their parents to approach college finances with intentionality, clear communication, and biblical wisdom. Start Building Financial Habits Early Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Although this verse applies broadly to a child’s spiritual formation, its wisdom can also inform the way parents teach financial responsibility. The habits students establish during college may either move them toward wise stewardship or create patterns they will need to overcome later. Unfortunately, many college students rely on what Rush calls a “mental budget.” They may have a general idea of how much they should spend, but few have a written plan or consistently track where their money goes. Without those practices, students may watch their bank balances fall more quickly than expected without understanding why. A written budget allows them to compare what they intended to spend with what they actually spent. College expenses may feel irregular, but that makes budgeting more important—not less. Learning to plan, track, and adjust now can establish habits that continue long after graduation. Understand the Value of Time One of the most important financial concepts for college students is the time value of money. When someone saves or invests, time can become a powerful advantage. Even modest amounts accumulated consistently may grow significantly over a long period. That means college students do not necessarily need large incomes to begin building healthy financial habits. They need to begin early. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Ephesians 5:15–16 similarly encourages believers to walk wisely and make the best use of their time. Students can apply that wisdom by beginning to save, give, and manage money faithfully while they are young. The earlier those practices begin, the more time they have to shape a lifetime of stewardship. However, time does not always work in a student’s favor. Time benefits savers and investors, but it can work against borrowers. The longer the debt remains unpaid, the more interest it may accumulate. Avoiding unnecessary consumer debt during college can therefore be just as important as beginning to save. Recognize the Momentum of Small Purchases Money moves quickly in college. Students may understand major expenses such as tuition, transportation, or textbooks, yet underestimate the effect of frequent smaller purchases. Coffee, restaurant meals, streaming subscriptions, delivery fees, and spontaneous outings may not seem significant individually, but together they can consume a large portion of a student’s budget. The problem is often not one unusually large purchase. It is the sheer number of transactions. Tracking expenses helps students recognize this momentum before it overwhelms their finances. A budgeting app can be especially helpful for students who rarely use cash and manage most of their financial lives digitally. The FaithFi app, for example, allows users to create a customized spending plan, organize transactions, and choose a money-management approach that fits their needs. The goal is not simply to restrict spending but to help students see clearly where their money is going. Create a Plan for Financial Independence Parents and students should also discuss when specific financial responsibilities will transfer from one to the other. Rather than leaving those expectations unclear, families can create a gradual plan for independence. They might determine when the student will begin paying for expenses such as: Gas Clothing Entertainment Cell phone service Insurance Groceries or meals Transportation costs Parents and students are on the same team, but every team needs a game plan. Clear communication about which expenses belong to the student—and when that responsibility begins—can prevent confusion and unnecessary tension. Once students begin managing their own expenses, it may also be appropriate for them to open an individual bank account. This gives them an opportunity to practice budgeting, monitor transactions, and take ownership of their financial decisions. Approach Credit Carefully College can also be a reasonable time to begin establishing credit, provided the student is prepared to use it responsibly. One possible starting point is a secured credit card. These cards generally require a refundable deposit that serves as collateral for the credit issuer. Students can then use the card for one predictable expense, such as gasoline, and pay the balance in full every month. Using a card for a limited, budgeted expense can help prevent overspending while gradually establishing a credit history. However, building credit should never become an excuse to carry debt. If a student cannot pay the entire balance each month, the card may be doing more harm than good. The objective is to demonstrate responsible payment habits—not to finance a lifestyle the student cannot afford. Find Flexible, Meaningful Work Income is another important part of a college budget. A consistent part-time job can help students cover expenses while teaching discipline, responsibility, and time management. The ideal position offers a strong return for the student’s time while providing enough flexibility to accommodate classes and coursework. This may include traditional campus employment, but students can also consider opportunities such as refereeing youth sports, tutoring, providing haircuts, doing freelance work, or offering another practical service. Whenever possible, students may also benefit from finding work related to their field of study. A nursing student working in a hospital, for example, may gain professional experience while earning income. The goal is not simply to make as much money as possible. It is to find work that supports the student’s education and contributes to long-term growth. Avoid the Promise of Financial Shortcuts One of the most dangerous temptations facing students is the promise of a quick financial return with little effort or sacrifice. That temptation can appear through speculative investments, online schemes, or sports betting. The rapid growth of sports betting on college campuses is particularly concerning because it can become addictive and lead students into escalating financial losses. 1 Timothy 6:9 warns, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” Wise stewardship does not attempt to bypass time. It embraces patience, discipline, and steady faithfulness. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Students should be skeptical of any opportunity promising extraordinary rewards without meaningful work, risk, or patience. Biblical wisdom points instead toward consistent saving, honest labor, careful planning, and contentment. Faithfulness Begins With the Next Decision College students may not have large incomes, extensive savings, or predictable expenses. But they do have an opportunity to begin practicing faithful stewardship. A simple written budget, honest conversations with parents, cautious use of credit, steady work, and resistance to financial shortcuts can establish habits that serve them for decades. The goal is not financial perfection. It is learning to manage what God has provided with wisdom and faithfulness—one decision at a time. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Is there a tax limit on how much I can give my child, and does that apply if I’m helping pay her student loans? Also, could I set up a personal loan for my daughter so she can repay me over time at a lower interest rate than the 8%-plus she’s currently paying on her federal student loans? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

For a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, one appointment can open the door to practical support, renewed hope, and the life-changing message of the gospel. Dan Steiner, Founder and President of PreBorn!, joined the show today to explain how the ministry partners with pregnancy clinics across the country to serve women in crisis, protect unborn children, and introduce families to the hope found in Jesus Christ. A Calling Rooted in Christ Steiner’s involvement in the pregnancy center movement began during his personal time with the Lord. As he prayed about how his life could reflect gratitude for what Christ had done for him, he became increasingly burdened by abortion and the lives affected by it. That conviction eventually led him to serve at a pregnancy center in the Midwest and later establish PreBorn!. From the beginning, Steiner says the ministry has been grounded in a simple conviction: Christ must remain at the center. Women facing unplanned pregnancies often need medical services, practical resources, and compassionate guidance. But their deepest need, like ours, is the hope and restoration found in Jesus. Today, PreBorn! works with nearly 300 pregnancy clinics, particularly in cities with high abortion rates. The ministry helps establish clinics, provides ultrasound equipment, covers the cost of ultrasound appointments, trains leaders, supports medical personnel, and connects women searching online for abortion information with nearby pregnancy clinics. Why Ultrasounds Matter Ultrasound technology is central to PreBorn!’s work because it allows a mother to see her child, often for the first time. According to PreBorn!, women who receive an ultrasound are significantly more likely to continue their pregnancies. The image on the screen can transform an abstract and frightening situation into a deeply personal encounter. Steiner shared the story of a pregnant 13-year-old who arrived at one of the ministry’s partner clinics intending to have an abortion. She believed she was too young to become a mother and had not told her own mother about the pregnancy. But when she saw her child on the ultrasound screen, she began to weep. She chose life, and an adoption plan was later arranged for her baby. The ultrasound did not remove every difficulty she faced. It did, however, give her the opportunity to better understand the life developing inside her and to consider a different path. Caring for Women Beyond the Appointment Choosing life is often only the beginning of a woman’s journey. Many women considering abortion are confronting financial pressure, unstable relationships, housing challenges, or uncertainty about how they will care for a child. That is why PreBorn’s partner clinics seek to provide more than a single appointment. Depending on the clinic and the woman’s needs, support may include maternity clothing, diapers, cribs, car seats, parenting resources, counseling, and ongoing care for several years. This compassionate approach recognizes that caring for an unborn child also means caring for the mother. Christians should never treat a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy as a political symbol or a problem to be solved. She is a person made in the image of God who deserves patience, dignity, truth, and practical help. “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Sharing the Hope of Christ PreBorn! describes its mission as saving lives for both earth and eternity. Protecting unborn children is an essential part of its work, but the ministry also wants every woman and family it serves to hear the gospel. Romans 1:16 is central to that mission: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Steiner recalled one young couple who entered a clinic divided over what to do. The father was pressuring his girlfriend to have an abortion because he feared repeating the destructive patterns he had witnessed in his own family. A counselor placed a fetal model representing the approximate size of their baby in his hand. As he looked at it, he began to cry. He knew abortion was not the answer, but he also felt powerless to become the father his child needed. The counselor then shared the hope of the gospel and explained that Jesus could redeem his past and begin transforming his future. According to Steiner, both parents placed their faith in Christ and chose life for their child. PreBorn! reports that more than 100,000 people have committed their lives to Christ through its ministry over the past two decades. These decisions are not produced by an ultrasound or a counseling technique. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Yet God often works through faithful people who combine truth, compassion, and practical care. Responding to a Changing Landscape Although the legal landscape surrounding abortion has changed significantly in recent years, the need for pregnancy care has not disappeared. The growing availability of abortion pills online means many women may never enter a traditional abortion facility. Instead, they can locate providers, schedule telehealth appointments, and receive medication through the mail. PreBorn! is responding by using digital outreach to connect with women as they search online. Trained team members can speak with them, answer questions, and help schedule appointments with partner clinics where they can receive medical services, an ultrasound, and compassionate support. This changing environment requires pregnancy ministries to pair unwavering biblical convictions with wisdom, innovation, and sensitivity. Behind every online search is a woman who may be frightened, isolated, or unsure where to turn. The goal is not merely to win an argument. It is to reach her with truth and love before she makes a decision she cannot reverse. Using God’s Resources to Defend Life Faithful stewardship involves asking how the resources God has entrusted to us can be used to serve our neighbors and advance gospel-centered work. A gift of $28 to PreBorn helps provide an ultrasound for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Donors may also fund an ultrasound machine for $15,000. According to Steiner, a single machine may remain in service for approximately 10 years and produce hundreds of scans each year. Of course, Christians will not all support the same organizations or participate in this work in the same way. Some may give financially. Others may volunteer, foster, adopt, mentor young parents, provide meals, or support a local pregnancy center. What matters is that our concern for life takes visible form. When God’s people respond with generosity, women receive compassionate care, families find practical support, unborn children are given an opportunity for life, and doors open for the hope of Christ to be shared. To help provide an ultrasound for a woman in crisis, visit FaithFi.com/PreBorn or dial #250 and use the keyword “BABY.” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m wondering about the new Trump accounts for children and whether they’re a better option than a 529 plan for my grandson. If his parents open either type of account and I contribute, would I receive any tax benefit, and how would that work? I’m semi-retired, turning 65 in November, and currently have health, dental, and vision insurance through my school job, including an HSA that helps cover medical expenses. Do I still need to sign up for Medicare at 65, even if I keep my current coverage? And if so, how should I go about it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) PreBorn! Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Few things reveal the strength of a couple’s unity quite like money. Financial decisions touch nearly every part of married life—from daily spending and long-term planning to generosity, security, and the future. But money does not have to remain a source of tension. When couples approach their finances with transparency, shared purpose, and a biblical understanding of stewardship, money can become a tool that strengthens their marriage and supports what God has called them to do together. Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, as well as the author of The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God’s Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage, joins the show today to share that a “rich couple” has little to do with the size of a bank account. Instead, it means becoming rich in contentment, purpose, unity, and generosity. Redefining What It Means to Be Rich Our culture often defines a rich couple as one with a high income, an impressive home, or a large investment portfolio. But financial wealth can disappear, and continually chasing more often produces comparison rather than contentment. A truly rich couple recognizes that everything they have belongs to God. They understand that they are stewards—not owners—of the resources He has entrusted to them. That conviction changes the purpose of money. Instead of asking only, “How can we accumulate more?” couples can begin asking: How can we faithfully manage what God has provided? How can our finances reflect our shared values? How can we use what we have to serve others? What does contentment look like in this season? When contentment is rooted in Christ and financial decisions are guided by God’s purposes, couples can experience a kind of richness that circumstances cannot easily take away. Moving From “Mine” and “Yours” to “Ours” Genesis 2:24 describes marriage as two people becoming one flesh. That oneness includes more than physical or emotional intimacy. It also shapes how couples view their possessions, income, debt, goals, and generosity. Marriage is a covenant, not merely a contract. Rather than guarding separate financial territories, a husband and wife can learn to approach money as teammates. Practically, this requires complete financial transparency. Both spouses should understand what the household earns, owes, owns, spends, saves, and gives. For many couples, this may involve shared accounts and passwords. For others, the account structure may differ, but openness and mutual accountability should remain nonnegotiable. Even language can reinforce unity. Saying “our income,” “our debt,” and “our generosity” reminds both spouses that they are working toward a shared future. A brief monthly financial meeting can also help. Couples can review their progress, discuss upcoming expenses, and make important decisions together. Establishing a spending threshold—an amount neither spouse spends without first consulting the other—can reduce surprises and build trust. Unity rarely happens accidentally. It grows through intentional habits. Remember That Marriage Is a Team Sport Your spouse should be your closest financial teammate. That does not mean you will always agree. Different personalities, experiences, and priorities will inevitably create tension. The goal is not to eliminate every disagreement but to remain committed to reaching decisions together. Couples should be able to discuss differences honestly in private while presenting a united front to outside voices. Advice from parents, friends, or children may be well-intentioned, but those voices should not undermine the marriage. A healthy response to an outside suggestion might simply be, “Thank you. We’ll discuss it together and let you know.” That protects the couple’s unity and reassures each spouse that decisions will not be reversed or weakened by someone else’s opinion. Share Your Money Stories Many financial disagreements are not really about the transaction in front of you. They are rooted in earlier experiences. Perhaps one spouse grew up in a home where money was scarce and now feels anxious without a substantial emergency fund. The other may have grown up in a financially comfortable home and feel little concern about spending. One may naturally save, while the other prefers to spend, invest, or avoid financial decisions altogether. Sharing these stories can replace frustration with empathy. Instead of asking, “Why are you like this?” a spouse may begin to say, “Now I understand why this decision feels so important to you.” Consider asking each other: What is your earliest memory involving money? Discuss how that experience may still influence your attitudes toward spending, debt, saving, generosity, or risk. Listen without interrupting or trying to correct one another. Understanding your spouse’s story does not mean every financial habit should remain unchanged. It does, however, create a more compassionate starting point for change. Address the Four Financial Dividers Four common problems can weaken financial unity in marriage: poor communication, selfishness, distrust, and unrealistic expectations. Poor communication can be addressed through regular conversations. Even a weekly 10-minute check-in can prevent small concerns from becoming major conflicts. Selfishness begins to fade when couples stop thinking primarily in terms of “my money” and start celebrating each other’s progress. Distrust must be confronted with honesty. Hidden purchases, secret accounts, concealed debt, or missing information will erode intimacy. Financial transparency brings those issues into the light. Unrealistic expectations can be replaced with a shared plan. A realistic budget will not allow every desire to happen immediately, but it can help couples prioritize what matters most. Talk early, tell the truth, and pray often. Start With Your Hearts, Not the Budget When a marriage feels financially divided, opening a spreadsheet may not be the best first step. Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you become one, grow in contentment, understand each other, and steward His resources faithfully. Then spend a few minutes sharing your experiences and concerns without interrupting or judging one another. Finally, choose one small act of unity. You might schedule your first weekly money conversation, disclose an overlooked expense, agree on a giving goal, or deposit a small amount into a joint savings fund. One step will not resolve every financial disagreement. But small acts of faithfulness can create lasting momentum. A rich marriage is not defined by how much a couple possesses. It is marked by two people learning to trust God, care for one another, and manage His resources with unity and purpose. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m retired and have a small IRA and some savings at Schwab. I also expect to inherit assets from an older family member. Since I won’t need my IRA for living expenses, is there any advantage to keeping it? I’m struggling with $8,900 in credit card debt at a 23.49% APR and can’t afford to pay it off right now. I’ve contacted my credit card company about hardship options and have looked into consolidation and personal loans, but I’m unsure what’s best. Given my situation, what’s the wisest way to tackle this debt? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage by Dr. Art Rainer The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design For You and Your Money by Dr. Art Rainer Christian Money Solutions  Institute for Christian Financial Health Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

When many people hear the word justice, they think of courtrooms, laws, or political debates. Those ideas are part of justice, but Scripture offers a much broader vision. Justin Lonas, Senior Director of Foundational Products and Regional Partnerships at the Chalmers Center, helps churches and ministries think biblically about poverty, generosity, restoration, and justice. He joins the show today as part of our financial virtues series to explain that biblical justice is not merely a political slogan or legal principle. It is a way of life shaped by righteousness, mercy, and love of neighbor. Because money affects nearly every part of our lives together, justice has profound implications for how we earn, spend, save, give, invest, hire, and lend. Justice as God Intended It In Scripture, justice includes holding wrongdoers accountable, protecting the innocent, and maintaining public order. But it also includes restoration—putting things right when people or relationships have been harmed. The Bible’s vision of justice is rooted in shalom: the wholeness and flourishing that exist when people live in right relationship with God, one another, themselves, and creation. The Hebrew word often translated as “justice” is mishpat. A closely related word, tzedakah, is usually translated as “righteousness.” Scripture frequently places the two ideas side by side, like in Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Modern culture often separates these concepts. Justice is treated as a public or legal matter, while righteousness is viewed as a matter of private morality. Scripture does not divide them so neatly. Both flow from the character of God, and both should characterize His people. Justice is not merely about demanding our rights. It also calls us to recognize our responsibilities toward others. Why Justice Is a Financial Issue Every financial decision affects someone. The way we earn money affects employees, customers, vendors, and communities. The way we spend it supports particular businesses and practices. The way we invest provides capital to certain companies and industries. Even the way we save, lend, hire, or purchase services can influence others' well-being. That means biblical stewardship cannot be reduced to personal wealth accumulation or individual financial responsibility. Those matters are important, but God’s concern is broader than our personal balance sheets. Scripture teaches that God owns everything. The land, our abilities, the opportunities before us, and the resources produced through our work all ultimately belong to Him. Wealth is not something we create entirely by ourselves; it is received within a world God made and sustains. Because God owns it all, we cannot separate our economic lives from His concern for righteousness, mercy, and justice. More Than Simple Fairness Justice is sometimes reduced to treating everyone exactly the same. But biblical justice goes beyond simple fairness. People experience hardship for many reasons. Sometimes poverty is connected to unwise personal decisions. At other times, it results from exploitation, illness, disability, family instability, limited opportunity, or the broader brokenness of the world. Poverty is complex because the effects of sin are complex. When justice is viewed only through the lens of personal merit, we may conclude that everyone simply receives what they have earned. That perspective can cause us to overlook the different burdens people carry and the obstacles they face. Biblical justice invites us to consider not only what people deserve, but also how we can pursue restoration, extend mercy, and help our neighbors flourish. That does not mean ignoring personal responsibility. It means recognizing that Scripture calls us to hold responsibility and compassion together. Poverty and Broken Relationships The Chalmers Center emphasizes that poverty is not merely a lack of money or possessions. It is often connected to broken relationships. God created human beings to live in four fundamental relationships: with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation. When sin entered the world, each of those relationships was damaged. Our relationship with God was broken. Our understanding of our own dignity and identity became distorted. Our relationships with others became vulnerable to conflict, injustice, and exploitation. Even our relationship with work and creation became marked by frustration. As Lonas puts it, broken people create broken systems, and broken systems can contribute further to human brokenness. But the gospel offers real hope. Jesus is restoring people to God and will one day make all things new. His work does not merely affect our “spiritual lives.” It begins transforming every part of life, including how we use money, conduct business, serve our communities, and relate to our neighbors. Financial stewardship, therefore, becomes one way we participate in God’s work of restoration—not as saviors, but as faithful servants who reflect His character. Practicing Justice Through Everyday Decisions Biblical justice may sound like a large or abstract concept, but it often takes shape through ordinary financial choices. Consider where your money goes. Instead of looking only for the lowest price or the greatest personal benefit, ask whether some of your spending could strengthen your community or create opportunities for others. That might mean purchasing from a small local business, supporting a family working to establish itself in your neighborhood, or hiring someone who needs an opportunity to develop new skills. Business owners may be able to offer second chances to people who have struggled to find employment due to a criminal record or a difficult past. Churches and families may be able to use repairs, maintenance, or other projects as opportunities to build relationships with people in their communities. Justice can also influence how employers set wages, how lenders treat borrowers, how investors evaluate companies, and how consumers consider the people behind the products they purchase. The goal is not to make every financial decision perfectly. We often lack complete information, and our choices involve competing responsibilities. The goal is to become more attentive to how our financial lives affect our neighbors. Becoming Allies, Not Merely Helpers People experiencing poverty do not simply need outsiders to arrive with answers. They need relationships, community, dignity, and opportunities to contribute. Rather than viewing ourselves only as helpers, we can learn to become allies—people willing to listen, build relationships, share life, and work alongside others. This approach also reminds us that the relationship is not one-sided. People on the economic margins have wisdom, gifts, experiences, and perspectives that the broader community needs. Flourishing rarely happens in isolation. God created us to depend on Him and live in community with one another. Justice recognizes that our well-being is connected to the well-being of our neighbors. Biblical justice is not merely an idea to affirm. It is a way of ordering our relationships and resources under God. As we seek to earn, spend, give, and invest faithfully, our financial decisions can become tangible expressions of righteousness, mercy, and love. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’ll begin drawing my full Social Security benefit in December. How much can I earn without affecting my benefits or creating a tax issue? My husband and I have been married 55 years and have tithed throughout our marriage. We’re now over 65, drawing Social Security, working part-time, and receiving some investment income. We still tithe on all of it, but I’m wondering: biblically speaking, is there guidance on giving from Social Security income if we already tithed on the income we earned before retirement? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Chalmers Center Helping Without Hurting Series Tithing in Retirement: A Thoughtful Framework by Anthony Saffer (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6 Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

What if the greatest shift you could make in your financial life didn’t begin with a new budget, a better investment strategy, or a higher income—but with surrender? We don’t often think of surrender as a financial word, but it lies at the heart of biblical stewardship. When we embrace the life-changing truth that God owns everything, it transforms how we live, give, plan, and manage the resources He has entrusted to us. The First Question Scripture Asks When we think about money, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much will I need? Am I making progress? Am I doing better or worse than others? Those questions may be important, but they are not where Scripture begins. From the opening pages of the Bible, God is revealed as the Creator and owner of everything. Before humanity ever cultivated a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Simply put, God is the owner, and we are His stewards. For many Christians, that is a familiar idea. But familiarity does not always lead to surrender. We may affirm that God owns the universe while living as though we built our lives entirely through our own effort. We say, “I worked for this,” or, “I earned this.” And while diligent work matters, Scripture reminds us that even our ability to produce wealth comes from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Our talents, opportunities, health, time, and ability to work are all gifts from the Lord. Owners or Stewards? Jesus develops this idea in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. A master entrusts resources to three servants before leaving on a journey. Two servants put what they received to work, while the third buries his portion out of fear. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants—not merely because they produced impressive results, but because they were faithful. That distinction matters. The world often defines success by outcomes: how much we earn, accumulate, grow, or achieve. God calls us to something deeper—faithfulness with whatever He has placed in our hands. If God owns everything, then we are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are managers. The New Testament word commonly translated as “steward” is oikonomos, meaning “household manager.” A steward manages resources he did not create, for purposes he did not determine, under the authority of the master he serves. At first, that may sound limiting. In reality, it is profoundly freeing. As financial teacher Ron Blue has often said, “If God owns it all, you can’t lose anything.” Ownership carries an enormous burden. The owner must ultimately provide, protect, and control. But if God is the owner, then we do not have to carry those responsibilities alone. Stewardship carries responsibility, but it also rests on trust. When Financial Choices Become Worship When we truly embrace stewardship, ordinary financial decisions become opportunities to worship God. Budgeting becomes more than organizing income and expenses. It becomes a way of aligning our desires with God’s priorities. Giving becomes a response to the generosity we have already received from Him. Saving becomes wise preparation rather than fearful hoarding. Planning becomes an act of obedience rather than an attempt to control every possible outcome. Investing becomes a way to cultivate and multiply what belongs to the Lord, not a strategy for securing complete independence from Him. The Puritan pastor Thomas Watson once wrote, “What we keep, we may lose. What we give to God is kept forever.” That statement reminds us that earthly ownership is temporary, but faithful stewardship has eternal significance. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” That reality is not meant to discourage us. It is meant to liberate us. When we stop clutching what we cannot keep, we become free to invest our lives in what can never be lost. Faithfulness Begins With Surrender If God owns everything, what does He expect from us? Jesus gives us a clear answer in Luke 16:10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Faithfulness is not determined by the size of our income, investment portfolio, home, or charitable gifts. It is about how we respond to whatever God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is not reserved for the wealthy. It applies to every person in every financial season. A person living paycheck to paycheck can be faithful. A retiree managing decades of savings can be faithful. A young adult earning their first salary can be faithful. A business owner, parent, student, or widow can all honor God through the resources in their care. Faithfulness is not primarily about how much we have. It is about whether we have surrendered what we have to God. And surrender always begins in the heart. The Humility and Hope of Stewardship When we accept that God owns it all, we receive two things the world cannot offer: humility and hope. We gain humility because we stop viewing our accomplishments as entirely self-made. We recognize God as the source of our abilities, opportunities, and provision. We gain hope because we realize that we are not carrying the burden of provision alone. God equips. God guides. God provides. That does not mean we stop working, planning, or making wise decisions. Biblical stewardship requires diligence. But it allows us to work faithfully without treating every result as though it depends entirely on us. So where might God be inviting you to shift from an owner’s mindset to a steward’s heart? Perhaps it is in your giving, planning, saving, or lifestyle. Perhaps it is in the quiet assumption that your security depends more on markets, income, or possessions than on the God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Stewardship is not about God trying to get something from you. It is about God doing something within you. It reorders the heart so that money occupies its proper place—not as a master, but as a tool entrusted to us for God’s purposes and glory. Continue the Journey To explore more about God’s ownership and the surrender at the heart of faithful stewardship, consider Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. This devotional is designed to help you examine your relationship with money, possessions, generosity, and the God who owns it all. Copies are available for individuals, churches, and small groups at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m working on my budget and currently contributing 15% to my 401(k), with about a 5% employer match. But I have less than two months of expenses in my emergency fund. Should I reduce my 401(k) contributions and focus on building six months of emergency savings first? My mother passed away and left my sister a house in Lares, Puerto Rico, but the title was never transferred into my sister’s name. She’s been living there for about a year. What process does she need to follow to get legal ownership under Puerto Rico law? Some relatives inherited property and are receiving calls from out-of-town people offering to help them sell it. What kind of professional should they work with? Could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) help them find a trustworthy real estate attorney or other needed professionals? I’m a widow, and since my husband passed away a couple of years ago, I’ve felt unsure about financial decisions. I have a little over $1 million in an IRA, no debt or mortgage, and my expenses are covered by survivor Social Security and part-time work. I want to steward these assets well for my children and grandchildren. What strategy should I consider for the IRA, and what kind of advisor should I work with? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD.  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

When God entrusts us with more than we need, the question is not simply “How can we preserve it?” or “How can we grow it?” The deeper question is, “What is this surplus for?” That question moves stewardship beyond spreadsheets, tax strategies, and investment performance. It takes us into matters of the heart, family, calling, and purpose. And for many families, that is where stewardship becomes both more challenging and more meaningful. Rachel McDonough, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and author of The River and the Garden: A Story of Faithfully Stewarding Surplus, joined the show today to explore how Christians can think more deeply about stewarding wealth, especially when they have been entrusted with more than they need for provision. Why Tell a Stewardship Story? Rachel has spent more than 20 years crafting financial plans. So when her publisher first suggested she write fiction about stewardship, she was surprised. After all, much of the financial world is built around practical tools, frameworks, and step-by-step guidance. But Rachel came to see that a story can reach places a spreadsheet cannot. That matters because real families do not fit neatly into formulas. They bring different perspectives, fears, desires, wounds, and hopes to the table. And when money is involved, especially significant money, those relational dynamics often come to the surface. That is part of what makes The River and the Garden unique. It is not a technical manual. It is a parable about wealth, family, faith, and the purposes of God. The River, the Garden, and the Craig Family The novel follows three generations of the Craig family. Maddie, the grandmother and matriarch, has come into a surplus after the sale of a family business. Her son Roger is analytical, driven, and accustomed to solving problems through strategy and optimization. Willow, Maddie’s granddaughter, is a young artist who wants little to do with money, numbers, or spreadsheets. Together, they begin a journey that takes them through overlooked neighborhoods in Dallas and even to Rwanda as they explore investment and giving opportunities. Along the way, they wrestle with a central question: What does it look like to steward a surplus faithfully? The imagery of the book is simple but powerful. The river represents capital. The garden represents what we choose to water, cultivate, and grow. That image reframes the way we think about money. Capital is not neutral. It does not merely sit still in an account. It flows somewhere. It waters something. And the faithful steward must ask whether those resources are flowing toward purposes that honor God and serve others. When Capital Becomes Stagnant One of the most striking scenes in the book comes through one of Willow’s dreams. In it, she sees dark, stagnant pools of water—a picture of capital left unattended. Rachel says that the image should unsettle thoughtful Christians for at least two reasons. First, capital never truly stands still. We may think of it as simply “sitting” in an investment account, but it is always connected to something. It may be funding businesses, industries, practices, or systems that either contribute to human flourishing or diminish it. Second, surplus wealth needs a purpose. Investing for provision is good and right. Families should plan wisely, save diligently, and seek to provide for their needs. But when a family has more than enough for provision, the conversation should expand. What is the surplus for? Rachel describes surplus as “fuel”—an accelerant for the vision and calling God has placed before a family. That does not mean being careless or impulsive. It means prayerfully assigning purpose to resources rather than allowing them to drift without intention. Provision, Impact, and Prayerful Tension Rachel shared that she and her husband have wrestled personally with this tension between provision and impact. In some cases, they have chosen to invest a portion of their non-retirement savings in redemptive businesses that seek to address serious needs, including a company working toward cancer treatment that could serve not only affluent patients but also people in the Global South. Those choices were not haphazard. They were made through prayer, analysis, planning, and mutual agreement as husband and wife. That is an important distinction. Faithful stewardship is not the same as recklessness. Trusting God does not mean ignoring wisdom. Rather, it means recognizing that the resources God entrusts to us may have purposes beyond our own security. A Book for Those Asking, “What Is This For?” Rachel says The River and the Garden is especially for those who have been entrusted with more than they need and are asking what faithful stewardship looks like now. That may include someone who has received an inheritance, sold a business, accumulated significant assets, or reached a point where the resources exceed what is needed for ordinary provision. For those families, new opportunities may open up in both giving and investing. Many people are familiar with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and traditional charitable giving. But when surplus is truly available, there may be opportunities to support redemptive businesses, private investments, community development, global work, or other efforts that are not always on a family’s radar. Surplus wealth can easily become a source of pride, fear, or conflict. But rightly understood, it can become a tool for joining in the good work God is doing in the world. Aligning Head and Heart At the emotional center of the story is the relationship between Roger and Willow. Roger represents technical mastery. He is confident in spreadsheets, strategies, and optimization. Willow represents relational insight and imagination. She sees the human cost of wealth and longs for transformation, but she initially wants nothing to do with financial conversations. Their journey shows the importance of bringing head and heart together. Faithful stewardship requires wisdom, planning, and diligence. But it also requires love, humility, discernment, and imagination. If we only optimize, we may miss the people and purposes God is inviting us to see. If we only dream, we may neglect the responsibility that comes with stewardship. Near the end of the story, Maddie reflects on the windfall that came from the sale of the business her husband built. She recognizes that the family may have worked too hard and sacrificed too much along the way. She cannot recover the time that was lost, but she can still ask that the money count for something. Many families cannot rewrite the past. They cannot undo every sacrifice, repair every regret, or reclaim every missed moment. But by God’s grace, they can still ask what faithfulness looks like today. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 65 and have an annuity worth about $28,000. I’m considering taking monthly withdrawals from it. Is that a wise option? I’ve been a member of my church for 10 years and have always tithed from my salary. Lately, I’m struggling with some of the church’s spending decisions, including music-related purchases and the shift in support from a women’s shelter to library reading programs. How should I think about continuing to tithe when I disagree with how some of the money is being used? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Garden Audit Assessment The River and the Garden: A Story of Faithfully Stewarding Surplus by Rachel McDonough Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Amos 3:3 asks, “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” In context, the prophet is speaking of Israel’s relationship with God. But the principle also reminds us of something important for marriage: a husband and wife cannot walk together well unless they are headed in the same direction. That is especially true when it comes to money. For many couples, finances become a source of tension, secrecy, resentment, or fear. But God designed marriage for unity. And when handled with wisdom, humility, and shared purpose, money can become one of the tools God uses to strengthen a couple’s oneness rather than divide it. Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing and author of Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do in Your Marriage, joined the show today to remind us that couples can begin to see money differently when they stop thinking in terms of “yours” and “mine” and begin embracing a unified “ours.” Why Money Can Divide a Marriage Couples do not enter marriage as blank slates. Each person brings a financial story with them. That story may include how their parents handled money, whether money felt scarce or secure growing up, how debt was viewed, what saving meant, and whether spending brought joy, stress, or conflict. One spouse may naturally lean toward saving, while the other is more comfortable spending. One may want to stretch for a larger home, while the other prefers a more conservative approach. Those differences do not have to become destructive. But they do need to be acknowledged. Money disagreements are often not just about numbers. They are about fears, hopes, expectations, habits, and deeply formed assumptions. That is why patience and honest conversation are so important. Unity does not usually happen by accident. It grows through prayer, listening, humility, and a shared commitment to honor God together. Start With a Shared Vision Before couples make decisions about accounts, budgets, debt, or spending, they need to begin with a bigger question: What are we trying to do with what God has entrusted to us? Matt encourages couples to start by casting a shared vision rooted in their faith. That means praying together and committing their financial lives to the Lord. It means agreeing that everything ultimately belongs to God and that they are stewards—not owners—of what He has provided. That foundation matters because financial unity is not merely about efficiency. It is about discipleship. A couple’s financial decisions should reflect their shared desire to serve the Lord, follow His Word, care for one another, practice generosity, and walk together in faithfulness. When couples begin there, they are better prepared to work through practical questions because they have already agreed on the direction they want to go. Consider the Gift of Joint Accounts One practical question many couples face is whether to combine finances or keep accounts separate. While some accounts, such as IRAs, must remain individual, Matt strongly recommends joint checking and savings accounts wherever possible. Joint accounts can foster transparency, teamwork, and trust. They help prevent secrecy and reinforce the reality that husband and wife are approaching life together. Research from Indiana University found that couples who combined their finances experienced fewer financial fights and greater marital happiness. One surprising finding was that couples with combined finances were more likely to serve one another without expecting something in return. The researchers described this as a more “communal” relationship—one marked by responding to a spouse’s needs simply because there is a need. That picture fits beautifully with a biblical vision of marriage. Combining finances is not merely an administrative choice. For many couples, it can be a tangible step toward oneness. Of course, if one spouse is hesitant, the answer is not pressure or blame. The better path is prayerful conversation. Couples can return to Scripture, talk honestly about fears, and ask what practices would best cultivate unity, trust, and transparency in their marriage. Hold Regular Money Meetings Unity also requires communication. A shared vision is important, but couples need regular rhythms to live it out. Matt recommends that couples take the time necessary to create a cash flow plan that reflects their commitments and goals. At first, that may require several conversations. Once the plan is in place, couples can schedule a monthly meeting—perhaps 60 minutes at the end of each month—to review how things went and what needs to change. Over time, those meetings may become shorter. But the goal is not simply to look backward and see what happened. The goal is to manage money intentionally throughout the month. That means checking the plan before spending. Before heading to the grocery store or buying clothes, couples can look at the relevant category and let that information guide their decisions. This kind of ongoing communication helps prevent surprises and keeps both spouses engaged. A cash flow plan should not feel like a punishment. It is not mainly about restriction. It is about direction. It gives couples more knowledge, more intentionality, and more freedom to use money for what matters most. Let Generosity Reorient Your Hearts Generosity is one of the most powerful ways couples can move from self-focus to God-focus. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Giving is not just a financial act; it is a spiritual one. It trains our hearts to remember that God is our provider, that everything belongs to Him, and that money is a tool for loving Him and serving others. For married couples, generosity can become a shared joy. When a couple gives together, they are reminded that their financial life is not merely about paying bills, reducing debt, or reaching personal goals. It is about participating in the work God is doing in the world. That does not mean couples should give out of guilt or ignore real financial responsibilities. But it does mean generosity should have a meaningful place in the conversation. Even in seasons of debt repayment or financial pressure, couples can prayerfully ask, “Lord, how would You have us live open-handedly with what You’ve entrusted to us?” The goal is not to win an argument. The goal is to walk together. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How important is it to hold physical gold and silver for retirement? What percentage of a portfolio should be in precious metals, and is it better to invest in gold, silver, or both? My mom passed away, and my sister and I inherited her home, worth about $300,000 to $350,000. I’m currently living there, but I recently lost my job and likely wouldn’t qualify for a loan to buy out my sister’s share. I have unemployment income, a 401(k) I could roll into an IRA, and I plan to start Social Security early next year. Should I try to keep the house, or would it be wiser to sell it and downsize? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do in Your Marriage by Matt Bell Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

What if self-control isn’t mainly about saying no, but about keeping Christ at the center of what we desire? Money has a way of revealing what our hearts are chasing. Our spending, saving, giving, and borrowing decisions often tell a deeper story about what we love, what we fear, and what we believe will satisfy us. That’s why biblical temperance is about far more than discipline or willpower. In our continuing series on the cardinal virtues and how Christian character shapes the way we handle money, author and theologian Pierce Taylor Hibbs joined the show to help us consider temperance, or self-control.  He is a Senior Writer at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of The Book of Giving: How the God Who Gives Can Make Us Givers. Today, he reminds us that self-control is not merely a human achievement. It is a gift of the Spirit that helps us enjoy God’s gifts without letting them take God’s place. Self-Control Is a Heart Issue When many people hear the word “self-control,” they think of willpower. They imagine discipline, restraint, or simply saying no to whatever they want in the moment. But Scripture gives us a deeper picture. Self-control is not merely a personality trait some people have and others lack. It is not gained by sheer determination. Instead, self-control is closely connected to the heart. A lack of self-control often reveals disordered desires—places where our hearts are chasing something other than God. The presence of self-control reveals a heart that is increasingly content in God and His promises. That means temperance is not about rejecting every enjoyable thing in the world. It is about rightly ordering our loves. God must be first, and everything else must take its proper place beneath Him. In other words, self-control is about keeping first things first. A Gift of the Spirit That truth should encourage us. If self-control were only a matter of willpower, many of us would have little hope. We have all experienced the frustration of trying harder, setting new goals, making new rules, and still falling back into the same habits. But Galatians 5 tells us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is something God produces in His people as we walk with Him. That does not mean discipline is unimportant. Habits, boundaries, budgets, and accountability can all be helpful tools. But they are not the source of true self-control. The source is God Himself. So when our desires are out of order, the first step is not merely to try harder. It is to turn to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to form in us what we cannot produce on our own. God has given us a new heart in Christ, and by His Spirit, He teaches us to desire what is good, lasting, and true. Enjoying God’s Gifts Without Replacing Him Temperance may involve restriction because our desires can easily become disordered. But restriction is not the goal. The goal is joy rightly ordered under Christ. A simple example is something like coffee or sugar. There is nothing wrong with enjoying either. They can be good gifts from God. But if our world were to fall apart without them, that might reveal something about the state of our hearts. The problem is not that we enjoy good things. The problem comes when we love those things more than we love our relationship with the Lord. A helpful question to ask is: What is my heart chasing right now? That question applies not only to food and drink, but also to money. What are our purchases chasing? Comfort? Control? Status? Escape? Approval? Security? Pleasure? None of those desires is unfamiliar to the human heart. And money often becomes the tool we use to pursue them. Why Money Reveals Our Desires Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” The issue is not money itself but the heart’s relationship to it. Jesus also warned that we cannot serve both God and money. Money is powerful because, in many ways, it functions like a key. It can unlock access to many of the things the heart desires—comfort, influence, experiences, possessions, pleasure, recognition, or a sense of control. That is why our financial decisions are so revealing. They show what we are chasing. Of course, money can be used in a good and God-honoring way. It can provide for needs, support a family, bless a neighbor, fund ministry, relieve suffering, and express worship through generosity. But money can also reveal that our hearts are running after something other than God. Our spending decisions tell a story. The question is whether that story points to Christ as our greatest treasure. The Challenge of a Consumer Culture Financial self-control is especially challenging in a culture that constantly tells us to buy now, upgrade now, and satisfy every desire now. Technology has made temptation more immediate than ever. Social media platforms and online ads are designed to place curated products directly in front of us. The very things we are most likely to want often appear in our feeds, inboxes, and search results. That means our commitment to Christ is being tested constantly—not only by obviously sinful things, but also by good gifts that can quietly become ultimate things. A vacation can be a gift. A home can be a gift. A hobby can be a gift. A meal, a phone, a car, a cup of coffee, or a new pair of shoes can all be received with gratitude. But when the gift becomes more captivating than the Giver, our desires have become disordered. Temperance helps us receive God’s gifts with open hands, gratitude, and perspective. Jesus Shows Us Perfect Self-Control One beautiful picture of this comes after the resurrection in John 21. The disciples had spent the night fishing and caught nothing. Jesus met them on the shore and neither rebuked them for fishing nor told them that physical things did not matter. Instead, He helped them find fish, prepared a fire, and invited them to breakfast. Fresh fish and warm bread were not treated as distractions from spiritual life. They were gifts to be enjoyed with Jesus at the center. That is a wonderful picture of temperance. Biblical self-control does not require us to reject every earthly blessing. It teaches us to enjoy every blessing in communion with Christ, remembering that He is better than the gifts He gives. We do not need to abandon money or pretend material needs do not matter. But we do need to ask whether Christ remains central in how we earn, spend, save, give, and enjoy. A Question for Every Financial Decision So how can we practice temperance in our financial lives this week? One simple question can help: How is God remaining central in this decision? That question does not produce a mechanical answer, but it does reveal the heart. It invites us to pause, pray, and consider whether our money is serving our love for God or competing with it. Self-control is not the joyless denial of every good thing. It is the Spirit-given ability to enjoy God’s gifts without letting them replace God as our ultimate treasure. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 67, and my wife is 68. We have a traditional IRA, and I’m concerned that once RMDs begin at 73, the withdrawals could eventually push us—or my wife, if I pass first—into a higher tax bracket and increase Medicare premiums. What planning steps should we consider? I’ve been overpaid on Social Security SSDI and am currently repaying it. Do I have to repay the full amount before I can switch to my regular Social Security retirement benefit? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Book of Giving: How the God Who Gives Can Make Us Givers by Pierce Taylor Hibbs Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

The birds don’t gather into barns. The lilies don’t spin their own clothing. Yet Jesus says both have something to teach us about trust. Financial fear often begins when we realize how much we cannot control. We can plan wisely, save diligently, and prepare carefully—but tomorrow still belongs to God. That’s why Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 offer such deep comfort for anxious hearts. When Worry Feels Heavy In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.” Later, He adds, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” For anyone who has struggled with financial fear, those words can feel heavy. You may think, I know I shouldn’t worry—but I do. You worry about the bills. You worry about your job. You worry about the market, retirement, your children, or what happens if the car breaks down, the medical bill comes in, or the paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough. And then, on top of the worry, you may feel guilty for worrying. But Jesus is not standing over anxious people simply saying, “Stop it.” Instead, He draws near and says, “Look.” Look at the Birds. Consider the Lilies. Jesus invites us to look at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. He points us to a world that does not revolve around our control, our striving, our spreadsheets, or our ability to predict every outcome. “The birds of the air” do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet our heavenly Father feeds them. The lilies do not toil or spin, and yet not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of them. Jesus is not saying planning is wrong. Scripture encourages wise preparation and faithful stewardship. But He is exposing the illusion that we are in control. Anxiety often grows in the gap between what we can manage and what we cannot guarantee. We can make a budget, but we cannot control tomorrow. We can save wisely, but we cannot control the economy. We can work faithfully, but we cannot control every outcome. And when we begin to believe everything depends on us, stewardship becomes a crushing burden. Planning turns into panic. Saving turns into hoarding. Responsibility turns into fear. Your Father Knows That’s why Jesus tells us to look beyond ourselves. The birds are a sermon in the sky. The flowers are a testimony in the field. Creation itself is preaching the care of God. And Jesus’ point is not merely “Don’t worry.” His deeper point is this: Your Father knows. Your Father knows what you need. Your Father sees what burdens you. Your Father understands the bills, the uncertainty, the decisions, the pressure, and the fear that wakes you up at night. And if He feeds the birds—creatures that do not bear His image—how much more will He care for you, His beloved child? That does not mean every financial difficulty disappears. Jesus never promises a life without trouble. In fact, He says, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” There are real burdens in this life. There are real needs. There are real moments of uncertainty. But Jesus invites us to face today’s trouble with today’s grace. Today’s Trouble, Today’s Grace “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” is not a cold command. It is a tender invitation. Jesus is reminding us that we do not have to live as though the future rests on our shoulders. We do not have to secure our own universe. We do not have to hold everything together. Our Father is already there. So what do we do with financial anxiety? We bring it honestly to God. We name the fears we are carrying. We ask for wisdom where action is needed. We seek wise counsel when decisions feel too heavy. And then, with open hands, we release what we cannot control. We do the next faithful thing today. Our Security Is in God As we do, we remember that our security is not ultimately in our income. It is not in our investments. It is not in our plans. It is not in our ability to foresee tomorrow. Our security is in God—the One who knows what we need, invites us to look at the sparrows, and gives us the grace to trust Him one day at a time. If financial fear and anxiety are weighing on your heart, we’d love to help you explore these truths more deeply through our 21-day devotional, Look at the Sparrows. You can order your copy at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you’d like to go through it with your church or small group, bulk orders and bulk discounts are available there as well. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I haven’t filed my tax returns for a few years, and I want to make things right. I’ve heard about the IRS “Fresh Start” program. Should I work with a tax relief company, hire a CPA, or contact the IRS directly through my local office? My husband and I are in our mid-60s, and our business is winding down. We have roughly $900,000 to $1 million in real estate, including our home, business building, and another property, plus about $700,000 in stocks and bonds with an advisor. Is real estate considered aggressive or conservative in our overall portfolio? And at our age, how should our investments be allocated? I’m 64 and want to set up a trust to help my assets avoid probate. Should I place only titled assets, like my home, in the trust, or should investment accounts be included too? Could retitling investment accounts into a trust trigger taxes? I also owe about $115,000 on my home. One of my children would like to live there with his kids, and I’d like my grandchildren to have a home if something happens to me. Should the trust pay off the mortgage from my assets, or should I consider life insurance or mortgage protection to cover it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

The world constantly tells us we need just a little bit more. A better home. A newer car. A bigger savings account. A longer vacation. But what if real contentment isn’t found in having more but in learning to need less? That’s the heart of today’s conversation with Jeff Manion, Teaching Pastor of Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and author of the article “Discovering the Power of Contentment” in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine.  Jeff reminds us that contentment is not something we stumble into once life finally settles down. It is something we learn—often through both scarcity and sufficiency. Why Wealth Can Be Confusing Jeff begins with an honest admission: “Wealth confuses me.” That may sound surprising coming from someone who has spent decades in ministry, but his point is deeply relatable. Early in his ministry, Jeff and his wife, Chris, lived simply out of necessity. They served a small church of about 25 people, and for years, resources were limited. They learned to depend on God in a season when there was barely enough. But decades later, after faithfully avoiding debt, building an emergency fund, and practicing wise stewardship, Jeff realized the struggle for contentment had not disappeared. It had simply changed. That is an important lesson for all of us. We may assume contentment will come once the bills are paid, the debt is gone, the savings account is stronger, or the house is finally updated. But contentment is not automatic in seasons of sufficiency. In fact, prosperity can bring its own spiritual dangers. The Desert Classroom Jeff points to Deuteronomy 8, where Moses speaks to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. For 40 years, God had provided manna in the wilderness. Day by day, He kept His people alive in a barren place. But as they prepared to enter a land “flowing with milk and honey,” Moses gave them a warning: do not forget the Lord. That warning matters because abundance can create spiritual amnesia. Once the Israelites moved from manna in the desert to houses, vineyards, flocks, and herds, they would be tempted to say, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17). The danger was not that prosperity itself was evil. The danger was forgetting the Source. That same temptation faces us today. When finances stabilize, debts are paid off, and retirement savings begin to grow, we can quietly begin to believe that our wisdom, effort, and discipline produced everything we have. But Scripture reminds us that even our ability to produce wealth is a gift from God. Contentment begins with remembering: everything we have comes from Him. The Freedom of Having Less Jeff also shared about a personal decluttering experiment. Over seven weeks, he gave away or got rid of five items a day—about 210 items in total. These were not grand acts of generosity. Many were simply things that had accumulated over time: old CDs, unused dishes, T-shirts from events and races, and items tucked away in drawers or boxes. The result surprised him. He felt lighter. In his words, he felt “richer for having less.” That experience reveals something important about our relationship with possessions. Stuff has a way of multiplying. Without even noticing, we surround ourselves with things we no longer use, need, or value. And sometimes, the more we own, the more weighed down we become. Decluttering is not just about organizing a closet. It can become a spiritual practice—one that helps us confront the quiet belief that more stuff equals a fuller life. Here and Now, Not There and Then One of the great enemies of contentment is what Jeff calls “there and then” thinking. We tell ourselves: “I’ll be happy when we get out of this apartment.” “I’ll be at peace when we can renovate the kitchen.” “I’ll finally enjoy life when we take that vacation.” “I’ll feel secure when we reach that financial goal.” But contentment teaches us to be fully alive to God and fully present with the people around us here and now—not only there and then. That does not mean goals are wrong. It is wise to plan, save, improve, and prepare. But no purchase, renovation, trip, or financial milestone can fix what is restless in the soul. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Those words were not written from comfort, but from confinement. Paul had learned contentment while living under hardship and limitation. That means contentment is not the reward for finally getting everything we want. It is the grace of being satisfied in God even when we do not. Comparison Steals Joy and Cripples Generosity Another major barrier to contentment is comparison. There will always be someone with a larger home, a better vacation, a newer vehicle, or a more impressive lifestyle. And in the age of social media, we are not merely comparing our reality to someone else’s reality. We are comparing our reality to someone else’s curated image. That kind of comparison shrivels the heart. It trains us to focus on what we lack rather than the blessings God has already given. It also damages generosity. Generosity flows from a sense of abundance—from recognizing that God has given us more than enough to share. But when comparison convinces us we never have enough, our hands begin to close. We become less joyful, less grateful, and less willing to give. Contentment helps break that cycle. It opens our eyes to God’s provision and frees us to live generously. Generosity Reflects the Heart of God Paul gives this instruction in 1 Timothy 6:17–18: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God… They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” That passage reminds us that wealth is not to become the foundation of our hope. God alone is our provider. And because He has been generous toward us, we are called to reflect His generosity toward others. Giving loosens money’s grip on our hearts. It reminds us that our possessions are not ultimate. They are tools entrusted to us for worship, provision, and service. A legacy of contentment does not mean rejecting good gifts. It means receiving them rightly. It means enjoying what God provides without making those gifts the center of our lives. Contentment is learned in every season—whether resources are tight or abundant. It grows as we remember the Source of all we have, resist comparison, practice generosity, and become fully alive to God in the life He has given us today. The world will keep saying, “You need more.” But Scripture invites us into something better: godliness with contentment, which is great gain. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’ve heard the FaithFi promotion mentioned on the program, and online it says the money market account promotion is worth up to $400. I haven’t been able to find the details on the website. Can you explain how the promotion works and how the $400 is structured? My wife and I sold our home and will net about $200,000. We’re about six years from retirement and plan to move to St. George, Utah. We could lease a nice home for about $2,200 a month, buy a condo with cash and pay about $300 a month in HOA fees, or buy a comparable house for about $150,000 more than we have available and finance the difference, with about $200 monthly in HOA fees. Our goal is to stay as close to debt-free as possible. Would it be wiser to pay cash for the condo, lease for now, or finance the more expensive house? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Discovering the Power of Contentment by Jeff Manion (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6) An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life by Jeff Haanen AdelFi Christian Banking Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

It’s hard to believe, but the back-to-school season is almost here. For many families, that means new schedules, new supplies, new clothes, and plenty of new expenses. But the start of a school year doesn’t have to bring financial stress or household chaos. With a little planning, wise budgeting, and prayerful preparation, families can begin the year with greater peace and purpose. Crystal Paine, Creator of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most. As families prepare for another school year, she offers practical advice for saving money, involving your children, creating better routines, and staying spiritually grounded amid the busyness. Start With the Essentials Back-to-school shopping can get expensive quickly. Between clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, crayons, uniforms, and technology, it’s easy to feel like everything needs to be purchased at once. There will always be more you could buy, but the better question is, “What do we actually need?” Before heading to the store or filling an online cart, take inventory of what you already have. Then compare that with the school supply list and your family’s budget. For families with older children, this can also become a valuable teaching opportunity. Crystal recommends involving teens in the process by giving them a specific back-to-school budget for clothing or supplies. Then they are responsible for deciding what they need, what they want, and how to stay within that amount. Sometimes, they may decide to use some of their own money to buy an extra item. That can be a good thing. It helps them learn that money is limited, that choices have trade-offs, and that budgeting requires wisdom. Look for Package Deals and School Supply Discounts Another way to save time and money is to find out whether your school offers a pre-packaged supply option. Some schools or parent organizations offer supply kits that include everything your child needs for the year. While it may not always be the least expensive option, it’s worth comparing. In some cases, buying the package can save money and certainly save time. Instead of driving from store to store searching for specific folders, notebooks, and pencils, you can purchase one package and be done. Crystal also recommends watching for back-to-school deals on supplies, clothing, uniforms, backpacks, lunch boxes, and even laptops. Her site, MoneySavingMom.com, regularly shares deals that can help families stretch their dollars further. Make the Most of Tax-Free Weekends Many states offer tax-free weekends before the school year begins. These can be a helpful way to save on items you were already planning to buy. The key is to prepare before the weekend arrives. Start by checking whether your state offers a tax-free weekend, when it takes place, and which items are included. Every state has different rules. Some include clothing and school supplies, while others may include electronics, computers, or even certain household items. Once you know what qualifies, review your budget. Then decide which purchases make sense for your family. Tax-free weekends can be useful, but they are only a good deal if you are buying things you actually need. The goal is not to spend more simply because something is tax-free. The goal is to steward your resources wisely by saving on planned purchases. Teach Children Financial Wisdom Early Back-to-school shopping can also be a training ground for children. Should you take your kids shopping with you? Crystal says it depends. If your children are still learning self-control and are likely to ask for everything they see, it may be better to shop without them. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid the lesson altogether. Instead, begin teaching them in smaller, more manageable ways. Crystal and her family started when their children were very young. Around ages three or four, they gave their kids opportunities to earn money by doing extra chores. Then the children could take that money to the store and choose what they wanted to buy. That simple practice helped them begin learning the value of money. They saw that the money ran out. They learned that choosing one thing often means saying no to something else. And they began to understand that spending decisions matter. Those lessons may seem small, but they can form a foundation for wisdom later in life. Teaching children how to handle a few dollars faithfully can help prepare them to handle larger financial decisions with maturity. Build School-Year Routines Before School Starts One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the night before school begins to establish a new routine. That can lead to stress, rushed mornings, tired kids, and frustrated parents. Crystal recommends beginning a few weeks early. Talk through what the school-year routine will look like. Think realistically about each person in your home. What time does everyone need to wake up? What time do you need to leave? What needs to happen before breakfast? Who needs help getting ready? Then start practicing. Begin waking up closer to the school-year schedule. Practice getting out the door by the time you’ll need to leave. Ease your family back into the rhythm before the first day arrives. That transition can make the first week of school much smoother. Prepare the Night Before Anything you can do the night before will help reduce stress the next day. Lay out clothes. Pack lunches. Make sure backpacks are ready. Plan breakfast. Sign forms. Place shoes, jackets, and bags where they need to be. These simple habits can give your family a head start and help mornings feel less frantic. Preparation is not about controlling every detail. It’s about creating room for peace, patience, and faithfulness in the ordinary moments of family life. Stay Spiritually Grounded Before the rush begins, remember that God has everything you need for everything He has called you to do. You do not have to carry every worry in your own strength. You can bring your anxieties, responsibilities, and decisions before Him. Back-to-school season can feel busy, but it can also become a fresh opportunity to trust the Lord, serve your family, and steward your resources well. A wise start to the school year is not only about spending less or getting organized. It’s about remembering who provides, who sustains, and who gives us wisdom for each day. For more money-saving tips and practical ideas for your family, visit MoneySavingMom.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I own several paid-off rental homes in Arkansas that provide good income, but my children live in San Diego and don’t plan to move here. I’m concerned that after I’m gone, the properties could be sold quickly for less than they’re worth. I’d like their value to benefit my grandchildren for college, starting a business, or buying a home. Should I sell the homes now and place the proceeds in a trust, or is there a better way to plan? I’m 47 and recently started my career after years as a stay-at-home mom. I have no retirement savings, and my employer offers a 403(b) with both pre-tax and Roth options, plus a 3% match after one year. Since we’re still working to get out of debt, should I start contributing now or wait for the match? And how much should I contribute? My income is under $1,000 a month, and I’m living paycheck to paycheck. How can I practically build giving, saving, and spending into a budget when money is this tight? And how do I include a small amount for personal enjoyment without derailing the plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) MoneySavingMom.com  Six Great Money Dates by Dr. Shane Enete (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 3) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Corrie ten Boom once said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” That truth speaks directly to the way many people feel about money. When money becomes the place we look for peace, security, or identity, financial unrest is never far behind. And while it may seem like more money would solve that unrest, Scripture points us to something deeper. Elizabeth Brickman, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), longtime financial advisor, and author of Wealth Blessed and Wealth Confident, has spent more than 25 years helping people think biblically about money.  Through her own financial challenges and her work with clients, she has seen that true peace does not begin with a larger bank account. It begins when we stop asking money to carry what only God can. Why Financial Life Feels So Restless Many people feel financially restless because life itself rarely slows down. News, markets, social media, and cultural pressure are constantly telling us that more is better, faster is necessary, and comparison is unavoidable. That message is very different from the wisdom of Scripture. The world encourages us to chase more. God calls us to trust Him. The world tells us to measure our worth by what we own. God reminds us that our identity is found in Christ. The world keeps us anxious about what might happen next. God invites us to seek first His Kingdom. That doesn’t mean financial concerns are imaginary. Bills, debt, rising costs, and future needs are real. But unrest grows when those concerns become bigger in our hearts than the Lord’s faithfulness. Elizabeth notes that this struggle is not limited to one income level. Financial unrest can affect both believers and unbelievers, the poor and the rich. That is because unrest is not ultimately about how much money we have. It is about the mindset and heart posture we bring to money. When You Feel Overwhelmed One common source of financial unrest is feeling overwhelmed. When bills pile up, debt grows, or expenses feel unclear, it can be tempting to avoid the numbers altogether. Some people stop opening the mail. Others avoid checking their accounts. But avoidance usually increases anxiety rather than relieving it. Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” In an ancient agricultural context, that meant understanding the condition of one’s livelihood. Today, the principle still applies. Wise stewardship requires clarity. That first step can be uncomfortable. Looking honestly at income, expenses, debt, savings, and giving may feel painful at first. But clarity allows us to move from vague fear to faithful action. Once the numbers are known, a plan can begin. We can ask questions like: What do we owe? What do we need to prioritize? Where can we reduce spending? What habits need to change? How can we continue honoring the Lord with what He has entrusted to us? God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. Facing financial reality is not an act of fear. It can be an act of faith, trusting that the Lord meets us in the truth and gives wisdom for the next step. Building Restful Financial Rhythms Financial peace is often strengthened through simple, faithful rhythms. Elizabeth emphasizes the value of habits because habits reduce the weight of constant decision-making. When giving, saving, spending, and debt repayment are built into regular patterns, we do not have to start from scratch every time money comes in. A budget is not merely a restriction. It is a tool for aligning financial decisions with God-given priorities. When we establish rhythms around generosity, saving, and wise spending, we are better prepared to resist impulse, fear, and comparison. These habits do not replace trust in God. They help us practice it. When You Feel Overlooked by God Another source of financial unrest is feeling overlooked by God. This can happen when others seem to be getting ahead while we feel stuck. It can happen when our hard work does not produce the results we hoped for. It can happen when prayers seem unanswered or when financial progress feels painfully slow. In those moments, we need to remember what Scripture teaches about growth, provision, and timing. God’s wisdom often works “little by little.” Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” That principle stands against get-rich-quick thinking, gambling, and reckless financial shortcuts. The Lord’s way is often patient, steady, and formative. He teaches us to work, give, save, wait, and trust. Financial delay may feel frustrating, but it can also become a place of discipleship. Sometimes the Lord uses seasons of limitation to prepare us for greater faithfulness later. Being overlooked by the world is not the same as being forgotten by God. He sees His children. He knows their needs. And His timing is never careless. When You Feel Overextended A third source of financial unrest is feeling overextended, especially through debt. Debt can weigh heavily on the heart. It limits flexibility, creates pressure, and can make people feel trapped. Elizabeth speaks with compassion here because she has experienced that burden herself. After being caught in a devastating financial situation involving a trusted person who disappeared with borrowed money, she became morally obligated to repay a debt equal to about $200,000 in today’s dollars. That season required daily trust, humility, and perseverance. But by God’s grace, she paid the debt in full. For those who feel buried by debt, the way forward usually begins with humility and a plan. That may mean living more simply for a season, seeking wise counsel, cutting expenses, increasing income, or pursuing a structured debt-repayment strategy. Debt may be painful, but it does not have to define the rest of your story. God gives wisdom. He gives endurance. And He often uses the process of getting out of debt to reshape our desires, priorities, and dependence on Him. True Peace Begins With Christ Financial unrest often grows when we look to money for what only Christ can give. Money can pay bills, reduce certain pressures, and provide practical options. But it cannot give lasting peace. It cannot secure our identity. It cannot satisfy the soul. It cannot carry the weight of our ultimate hope. That is why biblical financial wisdom begins with worship. Before we ask, “How much do I have?” we need to ask, “Who am I trusting?” When we look at the world, there will always be reasons for distress. When we look only within, we may find fear, worry, or discouragement. But when we look to Christ, we are reminded that our lives are held by the One who is faithful. Financial peace is not found in pretending problems do not exist. It is found in bringing those problems honestly before the Lord and taking the next wise step with Him. So if you feel overwhelmed, seek clarity. If you feel overlooked, remember God’s timing. If you feel overextended, humble yourself and begin taking faithful steps toward freedom. More money alone will not solve financial unrest. But Christ can reorder our hearts, renew our minds, and teach us to handle money with wisdom, contentment, and trust. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I bought a home computer from a rent-to-own company right before COVID, but when work slowed down, I couldn’t keep up with the payments. I tried to return it, but they said it would still count as a repossession and told me to keep it. Now the company has gone bankrupt, and a collection agency is offering a discounted payoff I can’t afford yet. What legal action could they take if I miss the deadline, and could I go to jail over this? I’m 64 and turning 65 in November. I’m a retired educator with a strong pension and widow’s benefit, and I may eventually switch to my own Social Security. I’m receiving lots of Medicare mail and dinner invitations from insurance companies. Where can I get reliable guidance, and how should I decide between Medicare Advantage and a Medigap plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Inflation has cooled from its recent highs, but for many households, the financial strain has not disappeared. Over the last several years, families have faced rising costs for groceries, insurance, housing, utilities, and other everyday needs. And for many, credit cards became the tool they used to make ends meet. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, joins the show today to share how many families are now carrying the balances they built up during those difficult years. And with credit card interest rates often running between 22% and 30% APR, making real progress can feel almost impossible. That is where credit counseling can help. Why So Many Families Feel Stuck Many households are not dealing with credit card debt because of careless spending. In many cases, families were simply trying to stay afloat. When wages do not keep pace with rising expenses, even a well-intentioned budget can become difficult to maintain. Then, once balances accumulate, high interest makes repayment feel overwhelming. A family may make payments faithfully each month, only to see most of that money go toward interest rather than reducing the principal. For some, the pressure has increased further as student loan payments have resumed, placing added strain on budgets already stretched thin. The result is a cycle that can feel discouraging: payments continue, but the balance barely moves. The Good News: More People Are Seeking Help One encouraging trend is that financial literacy is growing. More people are becoming proactive in understanding their options, learning how debt works, and seeking responsible ways to repay what they owe. Online tools and educational resources can be helpful, especially when they explain the difference between debt management and riskier debt settlement programs. But every financial situation is unique. That is why it is wise to talk with a trained counselor who can review your specific circumstances and help you create a plan. Early action can make a significant difference. The sooner someone seeks guidance, the more options they may have. How Credit Counseling Can Help Credit counseling is designed to help people break the cycle of high-interest payments and begin making real progress. A reputable credit counseling agency can review your income, expenses, debts, and goals, then help you determine the best path forward. For many people, that may include a structured debt management plan. Through Christian Credit Counselors, for example, clients may be able to reduce credit card interest rates to between 1% and 12% APR, with rates fixed for the length of the program. That can make a major difference. Lower interest means more of each payment goes toward reducing the balance. In many cases, monthly payments may also be lowered, creating more breathing room in the budget. For those who have fallen behind, enrollment in a credit counseling program can also help stop late fees and collection calls. But most importantly, it allows clients to repay their debt responsibly and honor their commitments in full. A God-Honoring Approach to Debt At FaithFi, we appreciate credit counseling because it offers a practical and responsible way to address debt without pretending the debt does not matter. The goal is not to avoid responsibility, but to create a wise plan for repayment. That is one reason we value the work of Christian Credit Counselors. Their approach is not merely transactional. They care for the people they serve, build relationships with clients, pray with them, and seek to ease the stress and strain of credit card debt by offering solutions that honor God. Debt can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be faced alone. With wise support, a clear plan, and faithful perseverance, progress is possible. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father passed away less than a year ago and left money to his children. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck most of my life, and while my wife wants to buy a house and a truck, I’d rather slow down, plan for the future, invest wisely, and think about leaving something for our kids. What’s the best way to approach this? And is it worth meeting with a CKA, even if I’m not sure the amount is large enough? I have two children, ages six and eight, and I’m overwhelmed by about $25,000 in debt, including roughly $17,000 in credit cards and several loans. I’ve tried to rework my budget, but rising costs for gas, groceries, and school activities have made it feel impossible. I’ve looked into a debt management plan, but Christian Credit Counselors can only help with the credit cards, not the loans. Should I pursue debt management, consider bankruptcy, or take another step? My husband and I are buying our first home, but everything we’re considering is near the top of our budget. With market uncertainty, is it wiser to buy now and secure a home for our future family, or wait and save for a larger down payment to lower the monthly cost? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.