Bountiful: The Heart of Money Management

What are some considerations to make before making a big purchase? How do we know when a good time to buy an expensive item would be? During the holidays? At the end of a season? A lot of faithful financial management, including when to buy big-ticket items, has little to do with money and a lot to do with mindset. In this episode, we discuss how affordability as well as patience and self-control play a role in determining when a good time to buy something is."Purchases don't motivate us to make big life changes."Episode Resources:Bountiful episode: “Tips On Buying A Car” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s15/7Bountiful episode: “Self-Control With Our Finance” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s14/10Bountiful episode: “Things To Keep in Mind Before Getting a Pet” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s13/11Bountiful episode: “Buyer Beware” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s13/10Bountiful episode: “Should I Make That Big Purchase?” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s12/11Bountiful episode: “Penny Wise and Pound Foolish” https://bountiful.transistor.fm/s9/6https://www.wisebread.com/buying-calendarhttps://www.rd.com/list/the-best-time-to-buy-cheap-finds/https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/the-best-time-of-year-to-buy-everythinghttps://accountinginsights.org/how-to-tell-if-you-can-afford-something/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When doubts enter our minds, how do we react? How do we handle uncertainties related to work, school, relationships, or money? In this episode, we talk about a few reminders that can help us focus on God instead of our doubts. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Diversification is a term commonly used in reference to investments. A diversified investment portfolio would include different asset classes like stocks, bonds, precious metals, real estate, or cryptocurrency. In this episode, we'll talk about diversification and how it helps our financial investments. We will also discuss how diversification applies to other, non-financial parts of our lives.Episode Resources:https://www.investopedia.com/investing/importance-diversification/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettsteenbarger/2019/05/27/why-diversification-works-in-life-and-markets/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Most of us want something - a raise at work, more savings, less debt, upgrading, or downsizing - but do we do anything to achieve those things? Are we looking at specific ways to accomplish what we want, or do we resign these ideals as impossible hopes and dreams? In this episode, we talk about the differences between dreams and goals to show how having goals can change our lives better than dreams can. Listen, and let us know what you think!Episode Resources:https://www.secretsofsuccess.com/blog/the-strangest-secret-earl-nightingale ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We usually avoid things in order to not deal with them in the moment. We may avoid a friend because they like to have long conversations but we’re in a hurry. We may avoid a highway because there’s a lot of traffic on it. However, avoiding only defers problems – that friend still wants to talk with you, and you still have to hit the road. It’s the same deal with our personal finances. Our responsibility of managing God’s money doesn’t go away just because we avoid thinking about it. So, what should we do? Our recommendations are in this episode. Give it a listen!Episode Resources:https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/financial-education/financial-avoidance-the-fears-and-habits-holding-your-customers-back-189384 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

One of the biggest money mistakes we can make involves lacking the knowledge to understand a financial decision but going forward anyway. This could include misunderstanding how different savings accounts work, how much it costs to borrow money, or generally how to get out of a bad financial situation. Fortunately, there is a panacea to financial ignorance – knowledge! Listen to learn more!Episode Resources:https://pfinance.substack.com/p/the-coast-of-financial-ignorance ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Are luxuries something Christians should have? Can we live faithfully while enjoying this life's extravagant or very nice things, or would that be wrong? In this episode, we talk about what a luxury is and some things to consider regarding the question "Are luxuries wrong?"."Am I pursuing a life of luxury or am I pursuing a life of righteousness?"Episode Resources:https://one2oneacademy.com/living-beyond-necessity-the-perils-and-pleasures-of-luxurieshttps://www.history.com/articles/toilet-paper-hygiene-ancient-rome-china ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Financial Dysmorphia can alter your perspective between how your money situation is and how you think it is. In this episode, we describe this in more detail, highlighting some causes and signs of Financial Dysmorphia. We end with some ways to overcome this for those who may struggle.Episode Resources:https://www.verywellmind.com/money-dysmorphia-8713617https://www.themoneypages.com/household-bills/money-dysmorphia-what-is-it-and-how-to-spot-the-signs/https://www.creditkarma.com/about/commentary/gen-z-and-millennials-are-obsessed-with-the-idea-of-being-rich-and-it-could-be-leading-to-money-dysmorphiahttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The prophet Jonah is best known for spending 3 days and nights in the belly of a great fish. However, there are a other things we can learn from Jonah that are more applicable to our lives, including how we approach our financial lives. In this episode, we take a common outline of the book of Jonah and put a financial spin to it: we can run from our finances, to our finances, with our finances, and ahead of our finances.Episode Resources:https://www.forbes.com/sites/truetamplin/2024/10/23/9-scary-personal-finance-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Many things have changed in the work environment, especially in the last five years. In this episode, we talk through some workplace trends that either are un-Christian or could lead to unholiness. The things we talk about include ghosting, scrolling, isolation, family, ingratitude, and fraud.Episode Resources:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ghosting-5071864https://letsgrowleaders.com/2023/01/09/ghosting-at-workhttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/isolated-at-workhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/platonic-love/202209/7-secrets-to-making-friends-as-an-adult?msockid=2e7cb6b3840762af1a98a47a852b637f ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To be a Christian is to belong to God. We were lost in sin but God has bought us back from that punishment. Now we are His, and our lives should reflect that. In this episode, we talk about different ways we can reflect God with our finances.Episode Resource:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/borrow/financial-thumb-rules-follow-these-8-golden-rules-when-taking-a-loan/articleshow/106659964.cms?from=mdr ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Doom spending is what happens when we use God’s money to deal with the stress of believing the world is doomed. Much like doom scrolling hinders our growth, doom spending hinders our ability to give effectively, save sufficiently, or plan adequately. In this episode, we talk about doom spending, describing a little more about what it is, talking about why people do it, and how we can overcome its temptation.Episode Resources:https://believeinabudget.com/what-is-doom-spending-how-to-stop/https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/what-is-doom-spendinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomscrollinghttps://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/waiting-in-an-instant-gratification-world/https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/what-is-doom-spending-and-how-can-you-avoid-it ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Bountiful 101 is when we take a subject, like cosigning, and introduce some of its concepts. Our goal for episodes like this is to combine our Christian attitude with a little bit of knowledge in order that we may glorify God by making wiser decisions with the money & possessions with which we are blessed. To cosign a loan or a lease involves a lot of responsibility. What situations would be ideal to cosign? Are there alternatives to cosigning? Listen to hear more!Episode Resources:Other Bountiful 101 episodes:Banking: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e8/Credit Scores: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e13/Retirement: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e2/Buying a Car: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e4/Cryptocurrency: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls9e15/Investing: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls10e2/Fiduciaries: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls15e6/https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/loans/articles/-/learn/co-signer-pros-and-conshttps://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/im-a-loan-co-signer-what-are-my-rightshttps://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/cosigning-loan-faqs#what’s ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

There are many dangers when it comes to financial blessings, including greed, arrogance, and jealousy. In this episode, we discuss financial jealousy, what it is, how it can happen to us, and what we can do to prevent it.Episode Resources:https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-jealousy-envioushttps://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-jealousy-5190471https://www.wealthify.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-jealous-of-your-friends-financeshttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-ways-to-deal-with-money-envy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Could you explain the dividing line between saving and hoarding? Is it based on a dollar amount? Is it a percentage? Or is the line between saving and hoarding based on something else?Larry Burkett is credited with this quote: “The only difference between saving and hoarding is attitude.” Savers find meaning in godliness while hoarders look for meaning in accumulation (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Savers know their security lies in God’s hands while hoarders set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches (1 Timothy 6:17). Savers are willing to give and to help, while hoarders tend to say, “be warmed and filled,” without giving people what they need (James 2:16, 1 John 3:17). Savers are wise while hoarders foolishly lay up treasure for themselves and are not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).Episode ResourcesBountiful Episode “Am I Stingy?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls13e9/Bountiful Episode “Steward or Stingy?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bs2e5/https://bethebudget.com/the-importance-of-saving-money/https://accountinginsights.org/understanding-money-hoarding-psychological-and-economic-impacts/https://goodsensemovement.org/when-does-saving-become-hoarding/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, we talk about a note Gary left for himself in a box of Christmas decorations about enjoying the holidays.Resources:https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Busy-Cure-productivity-people/dp/1529367085https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/how-to-simplify-your-calendar-and-be-more-intentional-with-your-time/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Even during the holidays, feelings of inadequacy can cloud our mindset and darken our emotions. In this episode, we discuss how this could happen and what we could do to remind us of how valuable we are!We are always dependent on God’s providence, blessings, and guidance, so every day is a great day to be thankful! But, are we giving thanks the way we should? In this episode, we look into one of the parables to learn from a bad example about doing thanksgiving wrong.Resources:If someone displays these 10 behaviors, they’re a truly pretentious person – The Expert Editorhttps://experteditor.com.au/blog/if-someone-displays-these-10-behaviors-theyre-a-truly-pretentious-person/5 Signs Contempt is Creeping into Your Relationship – Lakewood CO & Longmont COhttps://selfcareimpact.com/5-signs-contempt-is-creeping-into-your-relationship ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Even during the holidays, feelings of inadequacy can cloud our mindset and darken our emotions. In this episode, we discuss how this could happen and what we could do to remind us of how valuable we are!Resources:https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-you-should-post-on-the-holidays-and-the-best-time-to/441318#:~:text=Since%20we%27re%20already%20closely%20connected%20to%20social%20media%2C,most%20common%20holidays%20to%20use%20that%20time%20off.https://thehealthycompulsive.com/compulsives-in-relationships/managing-holiday-expectations/https://www.masterclass.com/articles/feelings-of-inadequacy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This episode is more than just two content creators getting together to talk about creating content. We talk about some considerations for Christians to make before creating any content, not just Christians who create Christian content.We discuss this topic from the perspective of it becoming a career choice – what it entails, how it can become a career, and what to be aware of from a spiritual perspective.Resources:https://www.shopify.com/blog/content-creator-business-modelhttps://sproutsocial.com/insights/content-creator/https://www.soundstripe.com/blogs/what-social-media-platform-pays-the-most-in-2024What Is a Content Creator?https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/11/29/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-being-a-content-creatorhttps://www.mightynetworks.com/resources/content-monetization ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Integrity encompasses all our lives, including how we use God’s money. In this episode, we discuss financial integrity and the importance of having principles that consistently guide our stewardship of God’s blessings.We honor God when every aspect of our lives show integrity. We dishonor God when any aspect of our lives lacks integrity.Resources:https://www.financialmentor.com/wealth-building/financial-commitment/are-you-living-in-financial-integrity/4219https://www.forbes.com/sites/timmaurer/2023/10/15/the-real-meaning-of-integrity-in-financial-planning ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Zombie debt is a debt you believed was paid off, written off, discharged, or otherwise closed. But months later it comes back to haunt you, wanting you to pay toward it.In this episode, we go into some examples of how zombie debt can go after you and some preventive measures we can take to avoid this type of scare.Resources:“Money Lessons for Baby Boomers” (Bountiful S6E7) – The Light Network Bountiful episode where we talk about elder fraud“Don’t Be Fooled by Scams” (Bountiful S15E11) – The Light NetworkDebt collection | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) To find examples of debt validation letters, etc.Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) To find info on how to protect yourself from scamsDebt Scavengers and Zombie Debt | NoloWhat Is Zombie Debt? – Ramsey (ramseysolutions.com)What Is Zombie Debt And How Do You Get Rid Of It? (cnbc.com)What is Zombie Debt? | Mass.govhttps://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zombie-debt.asp#:~:text=Zombie%20debt%20generally%20refers%20to,debt%20that%20does%20not%20exist.https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/zombie-debt ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

College students and young adults have a unique approach to their personal finances because they’ve had unique experiences. In this episode, we talk with Amy Sewell, Instructor in Business at Freed-Hardeman University, who shares trends, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.Resources:Money, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More: Randy Alcorn: 8601400393284: Amazon.com: Books ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If you’ve taken a personality type test, you may have found it interesting to read about yourself yet learn something, too. In this episode, we share a draft of a non-scientific, unofficial “Bountiful Personality” that considers four ways you interrelate with money.How do you see money? Do you tend to be generous or miserly?How do you use money? Are you usually impulsive or thoughtful?How do you feel about money? Do you look at the security that increased wealth brings or do you focus on its dangers?How do you approach money? Do you think mostly about the short-term benefits or do you consider its long-term impacts?God’s spiritual blessings are a testament to our salvation, not his material blessings. Financial success is not an indicator of spiritual success. The money, property, and possessions we have in this life will one day disappear. But our faith, love, and hope will one day be fulfilled and come to a grand finale in eternity.Resources:MBTI | The Myers-Briggs Company (themyersbriggs.com) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We discuss ways we can help ensure what we donate to charitable organizations is used effectively by those organizations.Sites to find objective information about charitable organizations:https://www.guidestar.orghttps://give.orghttps://www.charitywatch.orghttps://www.charitynavigator.orgOther resources referenced for this episode:https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/giving/how-to-choose-a-charity-wisely.htmlhttps://www.lovetoknow.com/life/lifestyle/what-percentage-donations-go-charityhttps://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/administration-and-financial-management/misunderstanding-overheadhttps://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?subtitle=en ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Growing up, we likely had some milestones in mind of how life would go and when we would accomplish things like graduating, getting a job, buying a house, and having children. But what happens if life doesn’t go as planned? In spite of not wanting to get caught up in the rat race, we can feel anxious about falling behind in the race!In this episode, we discuss examples of financial milestones, some causes of anxiety of not meeting them, and what we can do to overcome that anxiety.“Life isn’t a test where you have to score a 100 to pass. Mistakes will happen, and your ability to learn from your mistakes is more important than your ability to do everything perfectly.”Resources:Key Financial Milestones You Should Be Hitting in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What do you want to be when you grow up? The world does not impose many limits on us. That means, if the Lord blesses you with time and opportunity, it’s up to you how far you want to go! This is where ambition comes in. How do we balance what we want to accomplish with making the best of our situation? How do we balance our priorities and resources against achieving our maximum potential?Resources:https://midsonshort.com/the-cost-of-ambition/https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-ambitious-should-you-be#:~:text=My%20framework%20structures%20ambition%20into,desires%20of%20those%20we%20lead. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Quotes can be interesting and meaningful ways to remember or emphasize things. In all things, we want to measure all things, even thought-provoking quotes, against the Word of God, as that’s the only way we can know if they are true. In this episode, we do just that! We chose nine quotes about financial stewardship and discussed if the Bible backs them up.Quotes we referenced:“Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” (P.T. Barnum)“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” (Benjamin Franklin)“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” (Benjamin Franklin)“A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.” (Jonathan Swift)“When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.” (Confucius)“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.” (Edmund Burke)“Money is like manure. You have to spread it around or it smells.” (J. Paul Getty)“It’s not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” (Seneca)“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” (Albert Einstein)Resources:“Is This Job Worth It?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls5e3/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The word “tithe” is sometimes used interchangeably with “give” when people talk about financial offerings for the church. Is “tithe” an appropriate word for us to use to describe the monetary gifts we offer? Does “tithe” accurately describe what it is we’re supposed to do, or are Christians called to do something different?In this episode, we define tithing, discuss its similarities and differences to giving, and determine if it’s a standard for us today.Tithing is referenced in many places throughout Scripture. Some references we made in this episode include Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22, Deuteronomy 14:22-26, Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:9-14, and 2 Corinthians 9:7.Christians are commanded to give, not simply tithe. We might use tithing as a temporary guideline, but our goal, intent, attitude, and actions are to give. There’s no such thing as a Venmo Christian.Resources:Bountiful episodes related to this topic:“The Truth About Giving”: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e14/“Tips For Managing Your Money”: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls12e2/“How Much Should I Give?”: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls1e15/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Financial self-sabotage is when we undermine or damage our own financial situation. We could do this by depleting our savings as soon as it builds to something meaningful, buying things we can’t afford, or choosing to ignore sound financial advice because of fear or anxiety.In this episode, we’ll talk about how we can know if we’re self-sabotaging and how we can get out of destructive habits and make sound financial decisions.Resources:https://www.verywellmind.com/why-people-self-sabotage-and-how-to-stop-it-5207635https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-self-sabotage/https://www.amazon.com/dp/162656941X/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=162656941X&pd_rd_w=NOarZ&content-id=amzn1.sym.8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_p=8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_r=RNHYNCZK302SE3A1V4XY&pd_rd_wg=bJ94M&pd_rd_r=846608ab-db30-4e09-b311-5e341364252a&s=books&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We all will likely spend money on travel. We want to not only be responsible in our spending but also with our influence, especially when traveling to a foreign country. In this episode, Keith Kasarjian, Director of International Studies with Bear Valley Bible Institute, gives us his top five travel tips.Pack light. It is liberating to have less.Enjoy the journey. Traveling is more than just going from one destination to another.Be a local. Walk around the area. Adventure is no more dangerous than routine.Pack your patience. “You can complain about the wind, or you can adjust the sails.”Never stop learning. Saint Augustine is credited with the saying, “The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.”Resources:wetrainpreachers.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To celebrate our 200th recorded episode, we’re sharing some lessons we learned about podcasting that correspond to principles of stewardship. In this episode, we’ll talk about those principles, how we apply them on this show and how we can all apply them in our personal finances.Keep going even when it’s inconvenient.Doing something is always better than doing nothing.It’s better unscripted. You can’t control everything.It works better when the load is shared.Look back and see your growth if you can do so without judging your situation harshly.Reexamine your strategy.Resources:https://veritysangan.com/should-i-quit-my-podcast-and-how-to-quit-gracefully/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mortgages have been in the news a lot recently. Higher interest rates combined with higher prices have made mortgages more expensive than in the past few years. In this episode, Gary & Christy take away the click-bait words and (some) bias as they discuss interest rates, home prices, and things to consider when applying for a mortgage today.Regardless of what mortgage rates do, remember this world is not our home. Even if you don’t get your dream home on earth, don’t let it discourage you to the point where you forget about your dream home in heaven. Jesus paid the price for that eternal home, making it affordable for everybody. Our part is to apply for that spiritual mortgage and stay faithful to our obligation to the Lord.Resources:https://money.usnews.com/loans/mortgages/articles/historical-mortgage-rateshttps://www.macrotrends.net/2015/fed-funds-rate-historical-charthttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/pros-cons-adjustable-rate-mortgages ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Conformity can be a good thing, especially when it involves positive peer pressure or keeping things organized. However, not all conformity is good. In fact, the Bible challenges us not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). In this episode, we talk about conformity in our personal finances. This could happen when we spend how everyone else is, borrow how most people do, buy what most people get, or use our money the way most people do. As Christians, do we challenge ourselves to be intentional in our stewardship of God’s material blessings, or do we blindly follow the decisions of someone else?Resources:https://www.lads2leaders.comhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrae/2023/11/21/what-is-the-average-retirement-savings-by-age/?sh=3f70a5a7fdadhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdBNYWG4a0https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/average-american-debt#:~:text=The%20average%20debt%20in%20America,has%20the%20lowest%20at%20%2464%2C320.https://www.debt.org/faqs/americans-in-debt/demographicshttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/data-2023-savings-reporthttps://www.empower.com/the-currency/money/research-americans-daily-spendinghttps://www.definefinancial.com/blog/charitable-giving-statistics/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When we invest in a 401(k), IRA, or other type of brokerage account, we normally put money into individual stocks, individual bonds, or “baskets” like ETFs or index funds. We want to put our money to work for us in ways that will yield good returns, but do we look into those companies or agencies in which we invest to understand the values they promote? These companies produce, distribute, and are involved in various activities, but do we know whether those are activities we want to promote?Dale Hubbert joins us for this episode to discuss values-based investing (VBI). This type of investing helps us be more intentional with our long-term savings by aligning our investments with our moral and spiritual convictions. VBI gives Christians the ability to screen out things we would not want to support and elevate companies seeking to do things that are wholesome for humanity. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s not always pleasant to talk about “ways people try to steal your money”, but it’s a necessary discussion. Part of being a good steward is learning the art of financial discernment – learning how to make wise decisions regarding our personal finances. One area of discernment is protecting ourselves from people who try to steal our online identity or steal our money. In this episode, we discuss some things we can do to help prevent us from being fooled by scammers and identity thieves.Episode ResourcesBountiful episode “Identity Theft” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls8e6/https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/choosing-and-protecting-passwordshttps://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scamshttps://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scamshttps://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/consumer-news/2021-10.htmlhttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-stay-safe-from-financial-scamshttps://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/did-someone-insist-you-pay-them-cryptocurrency#:~:text=Bitcoin%20and%20Ether%20are%20some,usually%20can’t%20be%20reversed ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Boundaries are an important part of having a healthy life and good relationships. In this episode, we discuss some tips on setting effective boundaries. These tips will help in most areas of our life and especially with our personal finances.Resources:https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-set-boundaries/https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/setting-healthy-boundaries-in-relationships.htmhttps://www.hollyscherer.com/boundaries/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jesus talked a lot about stewardship during his ministry. In this episode, we highlight four things Jesus said that are recorded in Luke 12. Then, we discuss how we can live those things out. The passages we review are:Luke 12:1 – “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”Luke 12:6-7 – “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”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.”Luke 12:35 – “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.” ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Financial literacy involves knowing the core building blocks of personal finance on which we can increase our knowledge. But, is financial illieracy a problem? Can we be faithful in our stewardship of God’s money without understanding money & how it works? In this episode, we describe what financial illiteracy may look like and whether we should be concerned about it.Episode Resources“Bountiful 101: Introduction to Cryptocurrency” (Bountiful S9E15) – The Light Network“How To Build a Budget” (Bountiful S15E3) – The Light Network“Bountiful 101: Introduction to Investing” (Bountiful S10E2) – The Light Network“Signs of Good Financial Health” (Bountiful S1E12) – The Light Network“Making an Effort” (Bountiful S12E3) – The Light NetworkFinancial Illiteracy Statistics: Recent Data, Causes & Solutions | NFEC (financialeducatorscouncil.org)According to the National Financial Educator’s Council, financial illiteracy is, “Lacking the skills and knowledge on financial matters to confidently take effective action that best fulfills an individual’s personal, family and global community goals.”What Is Financial Literacy? (thebalancemoney.com)The Balance indirectly defines financial illiteracy as “the inability to weigh the pros and cons of a money decision and confidently choose what to do.”BLOG: How to sacrifice short-term rewards for long-term benefits? (rsm.nl)Financial Literacy: Keep Your Money Tight and Right | Money Under 30The 5 Financial Illiteracy Mistakes to Avoid (thefinanceshub.com)https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/family-finance/articles/worthwhile-online-personal-finance-courses ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Buying a car can have an emotional aspect to it. Sometimes we view the vehicle we drive as an extension of ourselves, and this can complicate matters when what we want doesn’t fit within our budget.In this episode, we discuss five things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a vehicle.First, know what you can afford. Just because we have money doesn’t mean it’s available to be spent on a large purchase.Second, do research. This can be a fun and daunting task because there’s a lot of information available. Set aside your emotions for this part and focus on the potential practicality of this vehicle.Third, test drive. It’s difficult to be comfortable with a car purchase when you’ve never driven it. There’s also some aspects of this that don’t involve driving (e.g. comfort of the seats, ease of opening doors, etc.)Fourth, prepare to negotiate based on information rather than bias. When discussing with a salesperson or an individual about how much you’re willing to pay, base that number on facts. While it may be challenging, sticking to your budget is critical in order to walk away with a car that’s worth it to you.Finally, be patient. As with all things in life, patience can help us. “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)Episode Resourceshttps://www.kbb.com/car-advice/10-steps-to-buying-a-new-car/https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/Car Affordability Calculator: How Much Can You Afford? (moneyunder30.com)Our Top 7 New Car Buying Tips | Bankrate10 Tips for Buying Your First Car | FINNTest Driving a Car: A Checklist of What To Look For – Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Bountiful 101 is when we take a subject, like fiduciaries, and introduce some of its concepts. Our goal for episodes like this is to combine our Christian attitude with a little bit of knowledge in order that we may glorify God by making wiser decisions with the money & possessions with which we are blessed. Fiduciary relationships involve trust, loyalty, and honesty. In this episode, we discuss what this could mean from a financial perspective.Episode ResourcesOther Bountiful 101 episodes:Banking: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e8/Credit Scores: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e13/Retirement: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e2/Buying a Car: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e4/Cryptocurrency: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls9e15/Investing: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls10e2/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-fiduciary-en-1769/https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/fiduciaryhttps://www.forbes.com/advisor/l/top-fiduciary-financial-advisorshttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/types-financial-advisorshttps://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/what-is-fiduciary-financial-advisorhttps://www.stimmel-law.com/en/articles/fiduciary-dutyhttps://www.legalzoom.com/marketing/estate-planning/power-of-attorney ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Even though the recommended savings goal is typically 10% of disposable income, research suggests that the average American saves less than half that amount. There are many reasons why many of us fall short of that 10% ideal, and some of those reasons are within our control. In this episode, we discuss some things we could do to help us be better savers.First, there’s the mentality of saving. To be a better money-saver involves being patient. Having patience helps us avoid mistakes and make better financial decisions.Then, there’s the practicality of saving. We can save money more effectively when we understand where it is going and when we take the time to look for opportunities to improve that. This could mean asking our family for insight and help or setting up automatic transfers to set aside money regularly. Episode ResourcesBountiful episode “3 Ways To Be A Better Saver” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls9e9/Bountiful episode “Introduction to Investing” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls10e2/https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/savings/american-savings-statistics/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2021/09/21/what-is-your-money-mindset/?sh=2a1fd2f25431https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-hardback-Timeless-happiness/dp/0857199099/ref=asc_df_0857199099/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509245866633&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5428965949993914906&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013096&hvtargid=pla-1069316315471&psc=1&mcid=c029fde810cb3f2d96720aa29c2a22bb&gclid=CjwKCAiAt5euBhB9EiwAdkXWO9tc8B6JP_OFTNH2GL5asGxCwukjBOBBVl8p4ARtsTjHJ6EvC9ZqvhoCHh4QAvD_BwEhttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/high-interest-savings-accounthttps://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/savings-goals ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Unexpected expenses are, ironically, something we expect to happen. This could be a home repair, medical bill, school expense, or an event in your life. In this episode, we talk about what we can do when unexpected expenses happen. Even though we cannot control what or when or how much an expense would be, we can control how we handle that situation. Colossians 4:5-6 teaches us to walk in wisdom toward outsiders and let our speech always be gracious. We should never allow a financial setback to lead us to a spiritual setback.Episode Resourceshttps://www.rentdata.org/states/2024/https://careerlifechoices.com/how-to-cope-with-the-unexpected/https://www.self.inc/blog/unexpected-expensehttps://www.moneycrashers.com/types-unexpected-expenses-plan/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Budgets are for everybody. While a budget may look different from person to person, everyone can reap the benefits of having an outlined spending plan.In this episode, we talk about what a budget is, the importance of budgets, and then how to make a personal financial budget for you and your household.A budget is a written plan that shows your anticipated income and your anticipated expenses and outlines how you can reach your financial goals. Budgets may feel restrictive, but they’re really empowering. They can help us prepare for emergencies, reduce financial stress, and have confidence in our ability to pay our bills and reduce our debts. Budgets also provide an objective measuring stick, and provide insight into our stewardship of God’s material blessings with which we’ve been entrusted.Listen to this episode to hear more and learn the nuts and bolts of building your own budget.Episode Resourceshttps://www.thepennyhoarder.com/budgeting/budgeting-statistics/https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/budgeting/budgeting-tips/https://dfr.oregon.gov/financial/manage/pages/budget.aspxhttps://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-make-a-budget-1289587#:~:text=Track%20expenses%20regularly,income%20or%20expenses%20have%20changedhttps://consumer.gov/managing-your-money/making-budgethttps://www.biblemoneymatters.com/avoid-the-distractions-and-keep-your-focus-on-your-goals-or-youll-end-up-with-empty-pockets/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When it comes to our material possessions, including money, we want to make sure to keep them where they belong. If our money is “rightly placed”, so to speak, then our plans to give, save, and spend have good chances of success. We would also be more likely to live bountifully in service to God, using his blessings in the best way.In this episode, we talk about 3 ways to keep money in its place. By following these principles from 1 Timothy 6:18, our material blessings will be put toward doing good like Jesus did when He walked among us. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We usually like to keep things in their “spot”. Car keys, wallets, and toothbrushes all have a place where they belong. If these get misplaced, we have trouble finding them. We try to proceed through our day, but we have to backtrack to find, not what was rightly placed, but what was misplaced.When it comes to our material possessions, including money, we want to make sure to keep them where they belong. If money gets misplaced, then our plans to give, save, and spend can be upended. We try to move forward with our finances, but we have to look through account statements asking, “Where did we spend that…?” And instead of living bountiful lives in service to God, we realize we aren’t using his blessings in the best way.In this episode, we talk about how to misplace money, as a sort of “how to not” practice stewardship. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Financial matters matter because they can impact our soul. How do we handle the material blessings God provides to us? Do we handle them with love, joy, and peace? Do we use those blessings to be kind, good, and gentle? Do we manage our money with patience, faithfulness, and self-control? In this episode, we review each element of the fruit of the spirit and talk about ways we can honor God in our stewardship.Episode ResourcesBountiful episodes related to this topic:“Should I Love Money Or Hate It?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e1/“Joy In All Financial Circumstances” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e2/“Overcoming Financial Stress” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e3/“Being Patient With Ourselves” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e5/“There’s Always Room For Kindness” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e6/“Living The Good Life” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e7/“Is Money Something You Can Count On?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e8/“Gentleness And Money” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e9/“Self-Control With Our Finances” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls14e10/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The word “complain” comes from the Latin meaning “to lament with excessive force.” While a lot of things in life are great, not everything in life is problem-free. If our minds are not set on the things of the Spirit, then we can slip into the attitude of “thankful stomachs and grumbling hearts”, meaning we focus on our fulfillment and self-satisfaction. However, if we live like our citizenship is in heaven, we will strive toward the attitude of “grumbling stomachs and thankful hearts”, meaning we thank God for our blessings even if life isn’t how we would like it to be.But is there a way to know whether we have grumbling hearts or thankful hearts? Do we complain more than we realize? In this episode, we will diagnose what complaining is, discuss its dangers, and then determine to think and act differently.Episode ResourcesThanksgiving 2022 episode: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls12e10/Thanksgiving 2021 episode: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls10e10/Thanksgiving 2018 episode: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls4e13/Thanksgiving 2017 episode: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls2e14/https://www.verywellmind.com/how-and-why-stop-complaining-3144882#:~:text=Complaints%20can%20be%20a%20signal,replacing%20them%20with%20positive%20ones.https://hackspirit.com/signs-youre-in-a-relationship-with-a-chronic-complainer/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It is easy to teach about the importance of self control. It is challenging to live with self control, especially in all aspects of our lives. In this episode, we discuss the importance of self-control with our income & with our expenses.Episode ResourcesBountiful episode “Is This Job Worth It?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls5e3/https://www.apa.org/topics/personality/willpower-financeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/brianboswell/2023/01/30/8-ways-to-take-control-of-your-spending-that-really-work/?sh=2cc080b55b2ahttps://hbr.org/2022/05/switching-jobs-heres-how-to-make-sure-you-wont-regret-ithttps://www.sofi.com/learn/content/getting-a-second-job/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Gentleness, while it’s one of the parts that make up the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, is something that we sometimes dismiss. It can seem like a vague idea, compared to joy or self-control. However, God’s wisdom included “gentleness” (some versions use “meekness”) as something we should strive for in our lives, even our financial lives.In this episode, we discuss gentleness and how we can cultivate it as we grow in our stewardship of the Lord’s material possessions.Fun quote in our research: “We are all here on earth to help others. What on earth the others are here for I don’t know.” This is attributed to W.H Auden.Episode Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/treat-others-respect-matter-what-subhan-sharif/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/24/fashion/fear-of-failure.html#:~:text=“What%20we%27re%20trying%20to,out%20of%20the%20learning%20experience. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★