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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.

“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” — Proverbs 19:8 Wisdom doesn't just shape what we believe. It shapes how we live—including how we handle money. That's why prudence has long been considered one of the cardinal virtues. It's not a word we use every day, but it speaks directly to the way Christians make decisions, set priorities, manage resources, and seek to honor God with what He has entrusted to us. In this new series on the financial virtues, Dr. Greg Forster, Affiliate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and Executive Director of the Christian Investing Council (CIC), joined the show today to discuss prudence and why faithful stewardship requires more than financial knowledge. What Is Virtue? Before we can understand prudence, we first need to understand virtue. Dr. Forster defines virtue as becoming a Christlike person. It is not merely doing the right thing outwardly. It is developing Christlike qualities in our character so that we obey God from the heart. Jesus often exposed the danger of outward obedience without inward transformation. He spoke of “whitewashed tombs” that looked clean on the outside but were full of death within. He also warned against cleaning the outside of the cup while leaving the inside filthy. Those images remind us that God cares not only about what we do, but also how and why we do it. That is especially important when it comes to money. Faithful stewardship is not a checklist. It is not simply giving a certain amount, following a set of financial rules, or making decisions that appear responsible on the surface. Stewardship is relational. It is part of our worship. It is one way we bring our whole selves before the Lord and say, “This belongs to You. How can I use it for Your purposes?” The Cardinal Virtues and the Christian Life The cardinal virtues—prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice—come from a long tradition in Christian moral reflection. The word “cardinal” comes from the Latin word for the hinge of a door. These virtues are “hinge” virtues because they help guide and shape the others. Christian ethics has often distinguished between theological virtues, which are known through God's revelation in Scripture, and moral virtues, which are more broadly recognized because God has made His moral order known through creation and conscience. That matters for two reasons. First, it reminds us that all people are accountable to God. Even those who have never read the Bible still live in God's world and bear His image. Second, it gives us a foundation for shared life with neighbors who may not share our faith. There are moral truths people can recognize because God has woven them into the world He made. Among those moral virtues, prudence has often been seen as especially important because it helps us discern how to put wisdom into practice. What Is Prudence? Prudence is often described as wisdom in action. It is not simply about having good goals. It is knowing the right means to pursue those goals faithfully. As Dr. Forster explained, we often say, “The ends don't justify the means.” In other words, having a good goal does not give us permission to pursue it in careless, wasteful, or sinful ways. Prudence helps us ask, "What is the right course of action?" What is the wise path forward? How do we pursue good ends in a way that honors God? That makes prudence deeply practical. It moves us from abstract desire to concrete obedience. It is one thing to say, “I want to be more Christlike,” or “I want to be a faithful steward.” It is another thing to ask, “What decision should I make today? What habit needs to change? What plan will help me move toward faithfulness?” Prudence is where the rubber meets the road. Prudence in Scripture The book of Proverbs is one of the clearest places we see prudence in Scripture. Proverbs repeatedly teaches that God cares not only about the goals we pursue, but also the path we take to reach them. Wisdom is practical. It shows up in our words, our work, our planning, our relationships, and our use of money. Jesus also points us toward prudence when He tells His disciples to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Innocence matters, but so does wisdom. Christ calls His people to pursue holiness with careful thought, discernment, and faithfulness. Paul gives a similar charge in Ephesians 5:15–16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.” That is a call to prudence. We are to pay attention to how we live, how we spend our days, and how we steward the opportunities God gives. Prudence draws us closer to Christ by moving us beyond surface-level obedience. It asks us to bring our motives, priorities, decisions, and plans under His lordship. Why Financial Rules Are Not Enough Financial rules can be helpful. Budgets, savings goals, debt repayment plans, and investment strategies all have their place. But rules alone cannot produce faithful stewardship. God is not merely after outward compliance. He desires fellowship with His people. Dr. Forster illustrated this by pointing to human relationships. We would never say in our families or friendships that motives do not matter as long as someone does the right thing. A parent does not merely want a child to obey externally while remaining distant, resentful, or unchanged inwardly. The same is true in our relationship with God. If we are only asking, “What is the minimum I have to do with my money to feel like I've done my duty?” we are missing the deeper invitation. God calls us to see all that we have as His and to ask how we can use it for His purposes. That kind of stewardship is not mechanical. It is worshipful. Wisdom in Action Prudence is wisdom in action. It is the virtue that helps us choose the right means to faithfully pursue God's ends. As Christians, we do not manage money merely to become more efficient, comfortable, or secure. We manage what God has entrusted to us because He is Lord over all of life. That means our financial decisions are never just financial. They are spiritual. They reveal what we value, what we trust, and what kind of people we are becoming. And by God's grace, prudence helps us become stewards who do not merely know what is right, but who increasingly learn to walk in wisdom. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Last year, I sold gold nuggets on eBay for about $7,000 and received a 1099. When I filed my taxes, I paid tax on the full amount, even though eBay charged more than $1,000 in seller fees. Once I receive my refund, can my tax preparer file an amended return so those fees are deducted? Several years ago, my son and daughter-in-law borrowed about $6,500 from us to build a tiny house. They're now selling it at a loss and using the proceeds to repay us, with about a $3,000 net loss overall. Are there any sales tax or income tax consequences for them or for us, or is this simply a personal loss? I recently tried to pay in cash, but the business said they couldn't make change and would have to keep the difference, which pushed me to use a card. Then I had a conversation with someone interested in Bitcoin. As Christians, how should we think about digital money, Bitcoin, and the move away from cash? What's the wisest way to approach it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Christian Investing Council (CIC) 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.

Psalm 92:14 says of the righteous, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” That's a beautiful picture of faithfulness across every season of life. And it gives us an important reminder: when it comes to retirement, Scripture invites us to think beyond escape. For many people, retirement is pictured as the finish line. Work hard, save diligently, invest wisely, and one day you'll finally arrive at a season of leisure—no alarm clocks, no deadlines, no demands. And after decades of work, rest is a good gift. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a slower pace, spending more time with family, traveling, or having more flexibility in your schedule. But Scripture gives us a deeper vision for our later years. Retirement may change the rhythm of our lives, but it does not end our calling as stewards. When Retirement Feels Disorienting Many people reach retirement and find themselves asking, “Now what?” Without the familiar structure of work, the transition can feel surprisingly difficult. For years, your calendar, responsibilities, relationships, and even your sense of purpose may have been shaped by your vocation. When that changes, it can feel like something has been lost. But in God's kingdom, no season is wasted. Retirement may bring changes in schedule, income, health, energy, and responsibility. But it also brings new opportunities to serve, invest in others, and bear fruit in ways that may not have been possible during busier working years. That's why the question is not simply “What am I retiring from?” The better question is, “What am I now free to do for the glory of God?” Moving From Labor to Legacy We see a helpful picture of this in Numbers 8. The Levites were instructed to begin their service in the tabernacle at age 25 and then transition at age 50. But they didn't stop serving altogether. They stepped back from certain forms of labor, but they continued to assist and minister to their brothers. In other words, they didn't retire from purpose. They moved from labor into legacy. That's a helpful way to think about our later years. As we age, certain types of work may no longer be possible. Energy changes. Capacity changes. Responsibilities change. But our purpose in God's kingdom does not expire. The same hands that once built, typed, managed, served, or led can now mentor, teach, encourage, pray, and support. The same heart that once poured itself into a career can now pour itself into people. Maybe that means volunteering with a ministry that reflects your passions. Maybe it means mentoring young professionals or young parents. Maybe it means serving more faithfully in your church, caring for aging parents, helping with grandchildren, or simply being more available to encourage others. Whatever the expression, the heart of stewardship remains the same: offering your time, wisdom, experience, and resources for the glory of God. Faithful Presence Matters Think of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2. Both were advanced in years, and yet both were living with expectancy and devotion. Simeon was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. Anna worshiped with fasting and prayer, night and day. Their lives remind us that faithful presence is a powerful gift. God does not retire His servants. He repurposes them. That does not mean retirement has to be frantic or overfilled. This is not about proving your value through constant activity. In God's economy, usefulness is not measured by productivity, but by faithfulness. That's a word many of us need to hear. Our culture often measures significance by title, output, income, and visible achievement. But God sees differently. He sees the quiet prayer, the faithful encouragement, the wisdom shared across the table, the hospitality, the generosity, and the steady presence in the life of a child, a neighbor, a church member, or a younger believer. Those things may not always make headlines, but they matter deeply in the kingdom of God. Stewarding the Freedom Retirement Brings If you're approaching retirement, one of the wisest questions you can ask is not merely “What am I done with?” but “What am I now free to do?” And if you're already retired, perhaps today is an opportunity to revisit that question. What experience has God entrusted to you? What wisdom has He formed in you? What time do you have now that you didn't have before? What relationships could be strengthened? What people could be encouraged? What ministry could be supported? Those are not leftovers. They are stewardship opportunities. Retirement may look different from your working years, but it is no less important. In fact, it may become one of the most spiritually rich chapters of your life if you choose to steward it well. So don't simply retire from something. Retire to something. Retire to deeper fellowship with Christ. Retire to greater availability for others. Retire to prayer, encouragement, generosity, service, and wisdom. Retire to a life that continues to bear fruit. Our Ultimate Treasure Our devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship, is designed to help you slow down, open God's Word, and consider what it means to treasure Christ above all else in every season of life. You can place your order today at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you'd like to go through it with your church or small group, we offer bulk discounts. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm retiring from my government job on July 31 and have money in the TSP. Should I leave it there, roll it into a traditional IRA, or consider a Roth IRA? I'd also like to take some cash out for home repairs. What's the wisest way to handle this? A few months ago, the company managing my retirement fund had a data breach, so I signed up for two years of free monitoring through Kroll. Now my bank has notified me of another breach and is offering 12 months of free monitoring through CyEx. Is CyEx reputable, and is it okay to have two different monitoring services at the same time? I lost my job yesterday after nearly 10 years. I'm 70 and already receiving Social Security, while my wife is 64 and not yet eligible for Medicare. I have a 401(k) and stock share accounts from my former employer, along with a rollover IRA I opened years ago. Given our income and health insurance situation, should I roll those accounts into my existing IRA? I own some individual stocks that are essentially worthless. I placed a sell order at about half a cent, but no one is buying. What should I do with these shares, and how can I properly document the loss for tax purposes? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) Healthcare.gov AnnualCreditReport.com | Credit Karma 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.

As our nation celebrates Independence Day and marks the 250th anniversary of our founding, it's worth pausing to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. We have the freedom to worship, work, give, speak, serve, and live with opportunities many people around the world do not have. Those are gifts worth receiving with gratitude. But Scripture points us to a freedom even deeper than national liberty. For the Christian, freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever we want. It is not the removal of all restraint, and it is certainly not permission to live for ourselves. Biblical freedom is the freedom Christ gives us from the power of sin so that we can love God and serve others. Jesus says in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That is the deepest freedom any person can know: freedom from condemnation, freedom from slavery to sin, and freedom from the false masters that promise life but cannot give it. Freedom Is Something We Steward The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” But later in that same chapter, Paul helps us understand what Christian freedom is for. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” That is important. Freedom is not merely something we possess. It is something we steward. Peter says it this way in 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Christian freedom is not the freedom to be ruled by worldly desires. It is the freedom to no longer be ruled by them. It is the freedom to say no to sin, no to selfishness, no to the world's definition of the good life, and yes to God. And that has everything to do with the way we handle money. True Financial Freedom True financial freedom is not measured by what we have, but by what no longer has a hold on us. We may say we are free, but fear can still control our decisions. Comparison can still shape our spending. Comfort can still become our highest goal. Accumulation can still feel like our source of security. The desire for control can still keep our hands closed, even as God invites us to trust Him. That is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” Money is a good tool, but a terrible master. It can be received with gratitude, managed with wisdom, and used for love of neighbor. But when it becomes our master, it distorts everything and leaves us empty. As evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow who has nothing but money is poorer still.” Free from the Love of Money Hebrews 13:5 gives us a beautiful picture of financial freedom: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.” Why can we live that way? Because the verse continues, “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Contentment is possible because God is present. Generosity is possible because God provides. Wisdom is possible because God owns it all. And open-handed living is possible because Christ has set us free. That does not mean financial stewardship is always easy. Many people are carrying real burdens—debt, rising expenses, medical bills, job uncertainty, or the pressure of providing for a family. But even in those places, Christ invites us into a deeper freedom: not freedom from every difficulty, but freedom from fear as our master. We belong to the One who will never leave us or forsake us. Living with Open Hands So this Fourth of July weekend, let's thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. But let's also ask Him for a deeper freedom: the freedom to no longer be ruled by fear, greed, comparison, or control. In Christ, we are free to love God. Free to serve our neighbor. Free to use money as a tool for His purposes. Free to live with open hands because our treasure is secure in Him. That is the heart of everything we do here at FaithFi. We exist to help Christians see God as their ultimate treasure so they can manage God's money God's way. If this message has encouraged you, we invite you to become a FaithFi Partner. When you give $35 a month or $400 a year, your support helps share biblical wisdom with millions of people through this radio broadcast, podcast, website, app, magazine, and studies.  You can become a partner today at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are nearing retirement and planning a home addition. We have about $140,000 set aside and no debt, but we also have a HELOC available. Should we use the HELOC for the project, or would it be better to borrow against my 401(k)? We're considering moving from Indiana to Illinois. My current home is worth about $235,000, and I owe about $70,000. We found a home in a high-demand area that may sell quickly, but our house isn't on the market yet. How can we move forward without taking on too much financial risk? My mother-in-law passed away and left an estate that includes a house and retirement investments. There are several siblings, and the bank wants each sibling's information so it can issue checks directly to us. I thought the executor was responsible for distributing assets. Why would the bank pay each sibling directly instead? 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.

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is finding his place in it, while really it is finding its place in him.” That is a sobering warning. Prosperity can be a blessing from God, but it becomes dangerous when it begins to shape our identity. Wealth itself is not the problem. The danger comes when our possessions begin to speak for us—when they become a way of saying, Look how successful I am. Look how secure I am. Look how important I've become. That temptation is not new. We see it clearly in the life of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah's Moment of Testing Hezekiah was one of Judah's better kings. Scripture tells us he trusted in the Lord, removed idols, and led the people back toward faithful worship. When Jerusalem was threatened by Assyria, Hezekiah prayed, and God miraculously delivered the city. Around that same time, Hezekiah became gravely ill. Once again, God showed him mercy and extended his life by fifteen years. So Hezekiah had much to testify about. He had seen God's deliverance. He had received God's mercy. He had literally been spared from death. But then came a test. 2 Kings 20 tells us that envoys arrived from Babylon after hearing about Hezekiah's illness. They brought letters and a gift, and Hezekiah welcomed them. Verse 13 says, “And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.” There was nothing he did not show them. Hezekiah had a golden opportunity to point these visitors to the God who had healed and delivered him. Instead, he opened his vault. When Wealth Becomes Our Testimony Hezekiah's failure was not that he had treasure. His failure was that he magnified what he owned rather than the God who gave it. His wealth became his testimony. Later, the prophet Isaiah came to Hezekiah and asked a piercing question: “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.” Isaiah's response was sobering. The very wealth Hezekiah had displayed would one day be carried off to Babylon. It is a powerful warning for us. Hezekiah treated God's provision as a monument to his own success. He forgot that everything in his storehouses had first been entrusted to him by the Lord. Wealth becomes spiritually dangerous the moment we look at what we have and say, “Look what I built,” instead of, “Look what God has done.” The Better Boast Jeremiah 9:23 says, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.” That verse names three things people have always been tempted to trust: intelligence, influence, and wealth. We are drawn to whatever makes us feel strong, secure, or significant. But the next verse gives us a better boast: “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.” That is the only boast that lasts. Not what we own. Not what we earn. Not what we build. Not what others think of us. Our true boast is that we know the Lord—the God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. Is Wealth Creeping Into Your Identity? So what does Hezekiah's story mean for us as modern-day stewards? First, we should ask whether wealth has begun creeping into our identity.  There is nothing wrong with enjoying God's provision. Scripture teaches us to receive His gifts with gratitude. But provision should lead us toward worship, humility, and generosity—not self-importance. When we begin to believe that our possessions prove our worth, success, or security, we are no longer simply using wealth. We are allowing it to define us. That is a dangerous place for the heart. What Are Your Possessions Pointing To? Second, we should ask what our possessions are pointing to. A home, a car, a vacation, a wardrobe, or a lifestyle can easily become a subtle way of saying, “Look at me.” We may not say it out loud, but our hearts can still use possessions to seek approval, admiration, or status. Faithful stewardship flips the script. Instead of saying, “Look what I have,” it says, “Everything I have has been entrusted to me by God.” That shift changes how we hold our possessions. We can enjoy them without worshiping them. We can use them without needing them to prove something about us. We can share them because they were never truly ours to begin with. Practice Hidden Faithfulness Third, we should practice hidden faithfulness. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against doing righteous things in order to be praised by others. Whether giving, praying, or fasting, He calls His people away from performance and toward sincerity before the Father. That principle applies to stewardship, too. Faithfulness is not about being seen as generous, successful, disciplined, or impressive. It is about honoring God with what He has entrusted to us. Sometimes the healthiest stewardship happens quietly: a gift no one knows about, a sacrifice no one applauds, a wise decision no one sees, or a generous act that never becomes a story we tell about ourselves. Hidden faithfulness helps loosen the grip of pride. What Do You Have That You Did Not Receive? The apostle Paul brings all of this into perspective in 1 Corinthians 4:7 when he asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” That question is a safeguard for the soul. Your income, abilities, opportunities, possessions, influence, and resources are all gifts. Yes, we work. Yes, we plan. Yes, we make decisions. But underneath every good thing we have is the kindness and provision of God. Wealth is a tool, not a trophy. It is a gift, but it is not our glory. So if we are going to boast, may we boast in the One who gave it all to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My mom is 80, and since my dad passed away, she's mostly just signed whatever her longtime financial advisor puts in front of her. I've seen some red flags, including last-minute estate changes involving my brother and me and long-term care insurance she may not need. What warning signs should I watch for, and how can I help protect her while still respecting her wishes? We have a HELOC that matures about two years after our mortgage is paid off. The bank told us we should always keep a HELOC open because it can help protect against someone fraudulently borrowing against our home. Is that true, or is the bank just encouraging us to keep a product we don't need? I'm trying to understand how a trust works. If I buy a $1 million life insurance policy and put it in a trust, can I borrow from or withdraw money from that trust? How does that work, and how would I set one up? I'm 50 and getting a late start on retirement. I'm contributing enough to get my company's 6% match, have a small Roth from a previous job, and about $5,000–$6,000 in emergency savings. I have about $200 extra each month. Should I keep building my emergency fund, invest more for retirement, or do something else? 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.

Debt always costs more than the interest rate. It can affect your budget, your marriage, your margin, and even your ability to respond freely when God leads. That doesn't mean borrowing is always wrong. But it does mean Christians should approach debt carefully, prayerfully, and with wisdom. Ron Blue, a pioneer in biblically wise financial planning and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss principles from his article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” featured in the latest issue of our Faithful Steward magazine. Here are several key questions to ask before taking on debt. Will This Debt Produce More Value Than It Costs? Ron's first rule is that borrowing always mortgages the future. When you borrow money today, you commit future income to yesterday's decision. That's why it's important to consider whether the economic return is greater than the economic cost. In some cases, borrowing may help you purchase something that can grow in value or produce long-term benefits, such as a home or a business. But that is very different from borrowing for things that immediately decline in value. Credit cards and auto loans are common examples. While using a credit card for convenience and paying it off every month can be reasonable, carrying credit card debt to fund consumption is a dangerous pattern. As Ron put it, borrowing to build wealth is one thing. Borrowing for something that steadily loses value is another. That road can quickly lead to bondage. Am I Presuming Upon the Future? The second rule is simple but often overlooked: never presume upon the future. When you borrow, you are making an assumption about tomorrow. You assume your income will continue. You assume your health will remain stable. You assume your circumstances will allow you to repay what you owe. But life does not always unfold the way we expect. Jobs change. Markets shift. Health challenges come. Unexpected expenses arise. That's why every borrowing decision needs a clear repayment plan. Before taking on debt, ask, “How will I pay this back?” If the answer depends on overly optimistic assumptions, it may be wise to pause. Borrowing without a sure path to repayment can create unnecessary pressure and reduce financial flexibility. Are We in Full Agreement as Husband and Wife? Debt not only affects a balance sheet. It affects the whole household. That is why Ron's third rule is that spouses should be in full agreement before any borrowing takes place. Husbands and wives often think differently about money. They may have different experiences, fears, preferences, and priorities. One spouse may be more comfortable with risk, while the other feels the weight of debt more deeply. Those differences are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can be a gift. Ron reminds couples that God does not give us a spouse to frustrate us, but to complete us. When spouses slow down, listen well, and work through disagreements, they often make wiser decisions together than either would make alone. But when borrowing decisions are made without unity, they can create resentment, tension, and a growing sore spot in the marriage. Before taking on debt, couples should ask: “Are we truly united in this decision?” Have I Given God an Opportunity to Provide? Ron's fourth principle may be the most surprising: never deny God an opportunity to provide. Before borrowing, it is worth asking: Have I prayed about this? Have I asked God for wisdom? Have I considered whether there may be another way to meet this need? Sometimes borrowing feels like the fastest solution. But speed is not always the same as wisdom. God may provide through delayed timing, a different opportunity, a generous gift, a creative solution, or simply a change in desire. He may also confirm that borrowing is the right path. But the key is not to leave Him out of the decision. Wise stewardship means bringing our needs before the Lord and giving Him room to lead. Borrow Carefully, Prayerfully, and Wisely Debt is not always sinful, but it is never neutral. It places a claim on future income and can shape a household's freedom, peace, and flexibility. Before you borrow, ask whether the debt makes economic sense, whether you are presuming upon tomorrow, whether you and your spouse are in agreement, and whether you have given God an opportunity to provide. For Ron Blue's full article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” become a FaithFi Partner at FaithFi.com/Give. FaithFi Partners receive Faithful Steward magazine every quarter, along with other resources to help them integrate faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a retirement account with a broker, and I've asked him about investing in line with biblical values. He asked me for about five screening filters. I thought of pro-life/anti-abortion, but what other filters would you suggest for faith-based investing? I have a two-part question about charitable giving. What tax-advantaged giving options are available—such as donor-advised funds—and at what ages can someone use each one? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Five Rules for Borrowing by Ron Blue (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6) National Christian Foundation (NCF) OneAscent | Timothy Plan | Eventide | Praxis | Guidestone 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.

1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Faithful stewardship does not happen by accident. The choices we make with money can either create unnecessary pressure or help us manage God's resources with wisdom, margin, and faithfulness. Here are six financial choices that can help us steward well what God has entrusted to us. 1. Spend With a Plan Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” For us, that means knowing what is coming in, what is going out, and whether our spending reflects our values. Without a plan, money tends to drift. A budget helps us practice faithfulness with what God has provided. A spending plan is not about restriction for its own sake. It is about clarity. It helps us make decisions with purpose instead of simply reacting to whatever feels urgent in the moment. 2. Choose the Right Car for Your Budget Most of us need reliable transportation. We need to get from point A to point B safely. But it is easy to confuse reliable transportation with a vehicle that strains the budget. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle transaction price was more than $49,000. Experian reports that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle reached $770. And that is before insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation. At FaithFi, we generally prefer being free and clear of car debt when possible. That may mean buying used, driving a car longer, or choosing function over status. The point is not to impress others with what we drive. The goal is to get where we need to go safely and wisely. 3. Count the Cost Before Taking on Debt Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” That does not mean all borrowing is sinful. But borrowing should never be treated casually. If we go into debt, we should make sure the economic benefit outweighs the cost. The question is not simply, “Can I afford the payment?” A better question is, “Will this strengthen my financial position, or will it create more pressure later?” Debt often makes today feel easier while making tomorrow more difficult. Wise stewardship requires us to look beyond the monthly payment and consider the long-term cost. 4. Prepare for the Unexpected Cars break down. Medical bills come. Jobs change. Homes need repairs. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Saving is not hoarding when it is done with humility and wisdom. An emergency fund can help us avoid high-interest debt and make decisions prayerfully rather than desperately. Preparedness does not mean we are trusting in money instead of God. It means we are stewarding what He has provided so we can respond wisely when needs arise. 5. Choose Housing That Leaves Margin Homeownership can be a worthy goal, but owning a home is not the definition of financial faithfulness. Renting is not a waste when it provides affordable shelter and flexibility. The danger comes when we feel pressured to buy simply to say we have “made it.” If the payment is too large, we may become house poor—owning a home but lacking margin for giving, saving, repairs, utilities, food, transportation, and other necessities. We typically recommend keeping housing costs at 25-30% of take-home pay. We also generally recommend a 20% down payment when possible. But the goal is not simply to get into a house. The goal is to maintain affordable shelter and utilities while stewarding the rest of the budget. Recent housing data shows why this matters. A typical family earning the national median income needed about 32% of its income to cover the mortgage payment on a median-priced home. If homeownership is possible within wise limits, that is wonderful. But if renting allows you to maintain margin and faithfulness, do not despise it. 6. Make the Most of a Workplace Retirement Match Investing may not feel urgent when there are bills to pay today. But if your employer offers a retirement match, failing to contribute enough to receive it may leave part of your compensation unused. This is not about trusting in wealth for security. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us not to set our hopes “on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.” But trusting God does not mean ignoring wise preparation. If a workplace match is available, it can be a practical opportunity to steward well what has been provided through your employment. Start With Honesty and Surrender So where do we begin? Not with guilt or fear, but with honesty and surrender. Stewardship means being responsible in both the big and small financial decisions because everything we have belongs to God. That includes the budget, the car, the debt decision, the emergency fund, the housing payment, and the retirement match. None of these choices is isolated. Together, they shape how we manage what God has entrusted to us. If you need help setting up a budget, tracking your spending, or creating a plan, check out the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com/App. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 70, and my husband is 71. He's been self-employed for most of our marriage, and we've never really invested or saved much for retirement. We don't have a 401(k), and if we retired, we'd mostly rely on Social Security and would need to cut back significantly. My husband doesn't really want to retire, but I feel like we haven't been faithful stewards and need to start doing something. Where should we begin? My wife passed away in December, and I may be receiving life insurance proceeds. If I deposit that money into my checking account, will it affect my Social Security benefits in any way? I have to take required minimum distributions from my IRA each year. I've heard that if I give to charity directly from my IRA, it can reduce the taxable amount of my RMD. Is that correct, and is there a specific way I need to do that? I'm almost 70 and in a blended family. The money I earned and invested before marriage is separate from my husband and will go to my daughters. After I moved investments between firms and lost money, my current advisor put me into three annuities. I want security, wise stewardship, and a way to leave something for my children, but I'm confused about the annuities, taxes, and withdrawals from these pre-tax IRA accounts. I'd also like a Certified Kingdom Advisor to review my situation. What should I do? 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.

Credit card rewards can look like easy money, especially when you hear stories of people earning flights, hotel stays, and cash bonuses simply by opening new cards. But one increasingly popular strategy—known as credit card churning—may carry more risk than reward. As Christians, we're called to think about financial tools with wisdom, not just ask whether something is technically allowed or potentially profitable. The better question is this: Does this help me become a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me? What Is Credit Card Churning? Credit card churning is the practice of opening new credit cards primarily to earn sign-up bonuses. A person opens a card, spends enough to qualify for the bonus, collects the reward, and then moves on to the next offer. On the surface, it may sound clever. After all, if a card offers hundreds of dollars in rewards, why not take advantage of it? But for most people, the strategy is far more complicated than it appears. Opening multiple credit cards can trigger hard inquiries on your credit report. It can reduce the average age of your accounts. It can create more payment due dates to manage. And many card issuers have become more restrictive with these offers than they were in years past. Some companies limit how often you can receive a bonus. Others may claw back rewards if they believe the system has been abused. And even when everything goes according to plan, one missed payment, one overlooked annual fee, or one spending requirement that encourages unnecessary purchases can quickly erase the benefit. For most people, it is simply more effort than it is worth. A simpler setup—a reliable rewards card, a debit card, and perhaps a business card if needed—will meet most needs without adding unnecessary risk. Not All Rewards Are Unwise That does not mean all credit card rewards are unwise. If someone pays the balance in full every month, tracks spending carefully, and already lives within a healthy budget, rewards can provide real value. A cash-back card may reduce everyday expenses. A travel card may help with a planned trip. And credit cards often provide stronger fraud protections than debit cards. But here is the key: rewards should enhance good financial habits, not compensate for weak ones. A rewards card is not a solution for overspending. It is not a substitute for a budget. And it should never become an excuse to buy more than you planned simply to earn points. If you carry a balance, the interest will almost always outweigh the rewards. When Does It Make Sense to Open a Credit Card? It may make sense to open a credit card when someone has already demonstrated financial consistency. That means they pay bills on time. They track their spending. They are not carrying consumer debt. They have a stable plan for their money. In that context, a credit card may help build credit history and provide useful benefits. But it is wise to be cautious about opening a new card if you are already carrying credit card debt, struggling to manage monthly expenses, recovering from missed payments, or tempted to spend more because of rewards. The issue is not simply whether a credit card is good or bad. The issue is whether it supports faithfulness—or creates unnecessary temptation and complexity. Is There a Moral Concern With Credit Card Rewards? Some argue that rewards benefit financially healthy cardholders at the expense of those in debt. Others point out that rewards are often funded through merchant fees, which businesses agree to pay when they accept cards. There is a moral dimension worth considering, but we should be careful not to oversimplify it. Rewards are generally tied to creditworthiness and financial behavior. Many households at a variety of income levels can qualify for rewards by building strong habits, maintaining a good credit score, and using credit responsibly. So the better focus is not shaming someone for receiving rewards. It is helping more people develop the wisdom and discipline to use financial tools responsibly. Churning, Personality, and the Pull of Quick Gain Credit card churning also reveals how personality shapes financial decisions. Some people love optimization. They enjoy spreadsheets, rules, deadlines, and the feeling of “winning the game.” Others need simplicity and predictability. But personality does not determine financial faithfulness. Habits do. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Credit card churning often appeals to the hasty part of us—the part that wants quick gain, clever advantage, and immediate reward. But Scripture calls us to something better: diligence, patience, contentment, and faithful stewardship. A Better Question to Ask Before chasing the next bonus, ask a better question: Does this help me become a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me? If the answer is no, it may be best to leave the reward on the table and choose the freedom of simplicity instead. The best financial strategy is not the one that squeezes every possible point out of the system. It is the one that helps you live faithfully, give generously, avoid bondage, and remember that everything you have belongs to God. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I sold my camper last year and put $5,000 into a regular savings account, earning very little interest. Since this is basically my only emergency fund, I'd like to keep it liquid but earn more. How can I find a higher-interest savings account with no penalties for accessing the money? I'm 78 and trying to decide when and how to buy a safer car. My granddaughter needs my current car, and I have about $30,000 in local bank accounts and $226,000 in an IRA. Should I buy new or used, use savings, withdraw from my IRA, finance it, or possibly borrow against myself? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking Bankrate | NerdWallet 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.

Do you know whether your retirement plan is on track, or are you simply hoping it is? Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, it's wise to pause and take a closer look at your plan today. A retirement checkup can help you know where you stand, identify potential gaps, and make adjustments before small issues become major problems. Many people know they should be saving, but they're less certain whether they're saving enough. That's where a thoughtful review can bring clarity—not just about the numbers, but about faithful stewardship in the season ahead. Know Your Retirement Savings Target No single rule of thumb fits everyone. Your retirement goal depends on many factors, including when you retire, how long you live, your lifestyle, your health, your generosity goals, and whether you'll have income from Social Security, a pension, rental property, or part-time work. Still, benchmarks can be helpful. As a starting point, one common guideline is to aim for about 10-12 times your income by age 67. The point isn't to become discouraged if you're behind. The point is to know where you stand. Once you have a clearer picture, you can make wise adjustments. Know Your Retirement Spending Number Your spending number may be even more important than your savings balance. A million dollars can be plenty for one household and not nearly enough for another because spending determines how much income your portfolio must produce. Start with your current budget, then consider what may change in retirement. Will your mortgage be paid off? Will travel increase? Will transportation costs go down? Will you support adult children or aging parents? Will you downsize, relocate, or stay where you are? Those questions help you see not only what retirement may cost, but also what kind of stewardship this next season may require. Have a Withdrawal Plan It's also important to think carefully about how much you'll withdraw from your savings each year. A common guideline has been the 4% rule, first developed by financial planner William Bengen. He has since updated his research, suggesting the number may be closer to 4.7% with a more diversified portfolio. Fidelity describes it more broadly as a 4%-5% sustainable withdrawal range. So, if you retire with $500,000, you might begin by withdrawing around $20,000 to $25,000 in the first year, then adjust over time. Of course, this is not a guarantee, and it does not mean you'll never touch the principal. Your actual withdrawal rate should depend on your age, health, investment mix, inflation, market conditions, and whether your essential expenses are covered by guaranteed income. The danger is assuming you can withdraw 8%, 10%, or even 12% from your portfolio every year without consequences. For most retirees, that's not a plan. It's a countdown. Prepare for Health Care Costs Medicare is a blessing, but it doesn't cover everything. Retirees may still face premiums, deductibles, co-pays, prescription costs, dental care, vision care, hearing expenses, and more. Long-term care is a separate issue altogether. Recent estimates suggest that a 65-year-old retiring today may need well over $170,000 for health care costs throughout retirement—and that does not include long-term care. For a married couple, health care becomes a major planning item. That's why it's important to prepare in advance and not assume Medicare will cover every need. Understand Social Security For many retirees, Social Security will be one of the largest sources of guaranteed income. You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but doing so can permanently reduce your monthly benefit by as much as 30%. Delaying past full retirement age until age 70 can increase your benefit by 8% for each full year you wait—up to 24% if your full retirement age is 67. Of course, delaying is not always the right answer. Health, family history, income needs, marital status, and work plans all matter. But because this is often a permanent decision, it's worth looking carefully before you claim. Review Your Investment Allocation As you approach retirement, your portfolio may need to become more conservative. But that doesn't mean moving everything to cash. Retirement may last 20 or 30 years, and inflation can quietly erode your purchasing power over time. A wise allocation should balance the need for stability with the need for continued growth. This is one area where trusted counsel can be especially helpful. A Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) can help you think through your investments, income needs, and long-term stewardship goals through a biblical lens. Retirement Is Not the End of Stewardship Finally, remember that retirement is not the end of stewardship. Psalm 92 says of the righteous, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (Psalm 92:14). That's a richer vision than simply withdrawing from work and responsibility. Retirement is not about drifting. It's about faithfulness in a new season. So yes, check the numbers. Know your savings target. Build a realistic spending plan. Prepare for health care. Understand Social Security. Review your investments. But also ask, “Lord, what fruit do You want to grow in this season of my life?” If you'd like help reviewing your retirement plan with an advisor who shares your biblical values, visit FindACKA.com to connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've worked at qualifying universities for nearly 10 years under Public Service Loan Forgiveness, but deferments and forbearances kept me from reaching 120 qualifying payments. I now qualify for the buyback program and could pay for about 15–17 missed months to reach forgiveness sooner. Should I do the buyback now or keep making regular payments until I reach 120? I have a home equity loan at 6% with a $32,000 balance and eight years left, and a car loan at 6.09% with a $35,000 balance and six years left. Which should I focus on paying off first? My job is ending soon, and I have only a small amount saved for retirement. I'm about to receive a $16,000 settlement. Given my situation, how should I use or invest that money? I've been with my local bank since 1996, but it's been bought out three times. How do I know when it's time to switch banks, and what should I look for in a new one? I'm turning 73 this August and will need to begin taking RMDs from my IRA based on the end-of-year 2025 balance. I'd like to use Qualified Charitable Distributions to reduce taxable income. When should I make the QCDs so they count toward my RMD? I'm trying to understand fixed indexed annuities. Are they a good option, and what should I consider before using one as an investment? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) 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.

It's easy to assume generosity will grow over time. We tell ourselves we'll give more after we earn more, save more, pay off debt, or reach a certain level of financial security. But what if waiting causes us to miss something God wants to do today? That's the question Cody Hobelmann invites us to consider. Cody is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and co-founder of the Finish Line Pledge with his brother, Keelan. He also contributed to FaithFi's new field guide, How Much Money Is Enough?—a resource designed to help believers think biblically about setting financial finish lines. For Cody, this isn't merely a financial planning concept. It's personal. Early in his stewardship journey, he believed the best way to serve the Kingdom was to accumulate substantial wealth and give generously later. But over time, God began to reshape that perspective. “I started to wonder,” Cody shared, “what am I missing by not giving more today?” That question gets to the heart of biblical generosity. Giving is not only about transferring money to a worthy cause. It is also about joy, spiritual formation, trust, and eternal impact. The Joy of Giving Now Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” For some believers, generosity begins with the heart. They discover that giving produces a joy that spending and saving cannot replicate. When we give, we step into something larger than ourselves. We participate in the needs, stories, and mission of others. That joy can become contagious. As Cody explained, generosity often draws us into relationships with people and organizations doing meaningful work. We begin to see the impact of our gifts. We share in the purpose of the ministry. We become part of a story God is writing through His people. And the more we experience that joy, the harder it becomes to put generosity off until later. Giving now also allows us to encourage others. Stories of generosity can awaken generosity in someone else. Cody noted that hearing the stories of radically generous givers helped challenge his own assumptions. In the same way, our generosity can become an invitation for others to ask, “What are they experiencing that I'm missing?” Generosity doesn't just meet needs. It multiplies. Generosity as Spiritual Formation Other givers are motivated by what Cody describes as the “soul” dimension of giving. For them, generosity is part of spiritual formation. Giving requires trust. It asks us to surrender something we may feel we have earned, controlled, or secured for ourselves. That first step can be the hardest, because it often exposes what we really believe about God's provision. But like a muscle, generosity grows stronger with practice. At first, giving may feel difficult or like a sacrifice. But as we give consistently, we learn to listen for the Lord's leading and respond with obedience. Over time, generosity becomes less about fearfully letting go and more about joyfully participating in God's work. This is one reason giving now matters. Delayed generosity may preserve our resources, but it can also delay the work God wants to do in our hearts. Through generosity, God loosens our grip on money. He shifts our identity away from what we have, what we earn, or what we can control, and roots it more deeply in Him. Accumulation may give the illusion of safety, but generosity teaches us dependence. Giving becomes a way of saying, “Lord, these resources belong to You. What would You have me do with them?” That kind of prayerful surrender draws us closer to God in a way accumulation never can. The Wisdom of Strategic Giving Generosity is not only emotional or formative. It can also be strategic. Some believers think carefully about impact. They want to steward resources wisely, evaluate outcomes, and give in ways that bear fruit. Cody calls this the “head” dimension of giving. From that perspective, giving now has a practical advantage: it gives us experience. When we give today, we can see what happens. We can learn which ministries are bearing fruit, which need to align with our calling, and where future gifts might have the greatest impact. Cody compares it to planting seeds. Year after year, we learn where the harvest is growing and where to sow next. This kind of giving is not impulsive. It is thoughtful, prayerful, and engaged. Financial planners often talk about the power of compound interest. But Cody points to something even greater: compound impact. A dollar invested may grow over time, but a gift given today may change a life today. And God can do far more with our obedience than we can calculate on a spreadsheet. That doesn't mean every dollar should be given away immediately or that planning for the future is unwise. Scripture commends wisdom, provision, and prudent planning. But it does mean we should be careful not to assume that “later” is always the more faithful option. Sometimes waiting to give can mean delaying the impact God intended for today. Don't Hold Too Tightly Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Earthly resources are temporary. Markets change. Circumstances change. Needs arise. Life is uncertain. Even when we intend to give later, we are not guaranteed we will have the opportunity. That reality is not meant to create fear. It is meant to cultivate a sense of faithful urgency. As Ron Blue has often said, “Do your giving while you're living, so you're knowing where it's going.” There is wisdom in being able to see, participate in, and learn from the impact of generosity while we are still here. Giving now turns temporary resources into lasting Kingdom impact. How Finish Lines Help Us Give Freely One practical way to accelerate generosity is by setting financial finish lines. A lifestyle finish line changes the question from “How much should I give?” to “How much should I keep?” Once we prayerfully define enough for our lifestyle, we are free to ask what God would have us do with the resources beyond that point. A lifetime finish line works similarly. It helps us consider how much is appropriate to accumulate over the course of our lives. When we know what is enough, we can begin dreaming with God about how to deploy His resources for His purposes. Finish lines are not about legalism. They are about freedom. They help us resist the endless pull of accumulation and open our hands to the joy, adventure, and impact of generosity. Take One Step This Week For the person waiting for the “right time” to become more generous, the encouragement is simple: start now. That step does not have to be dramatic. It may be small. It may be quiet. It may be a first act of obedience that stretches your faith just enough to remind you that God can be trusted. But don't wait to be generous. Giving shapes your heart. It deepens your faith. It strengthens your trust in God. And it multiplies Kingdom impact in ways delayed generosity never can. The question is not merely, “How much can I give someday?” The better question may be, “Lord, what would You have me do today?” On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Scripture calls men to provide for their families, but what does that look like today? Is there a minimum income a man should aim for to support a family, and what kind of financial goal or ambition should we encourage young men to pursue? I'm praying about how to advise a friend with over $40,000 in debt. He has small investments and a small business, but the business is declining, and he feels overwhelmed. Would a Christian credit counselor be the right next step? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) 10 Reasons to Give Now Rather Than Later by Cody Hobelmann (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6) The Finish Line Pledge 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.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” That promise from James 1:5 is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not something we have to manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God, and He invites us to ask for it. When we think about financial decisions, we often turn first to budgets, spreadsheets, calculators, or professional advice. Those tools can be helpful, and wise counsel has an important place in biblical stewardship. But for followers of Christ, wisdom begins with prayer. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi's parent organization, joined the show today to talk about inviting God into our financial lives and seeking His guidance with trust and humility. Prayer Reminds Us Whose Money It Is When people think about managing money, prayer may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Sharon says it should be central to the way believers make financial decisions because we are not ultimately managing our own resources. We are managing God's. She offered a simple illustration: imagine being asked to care for someone else's home while they were away on an extended trip. Would you let them leave without asking for specific instructions about how they wanted things handled? Of course not. In the same way, because everything we have belongs to God, we should want His instruction for how to steward it. Prayer reminds us that we do not have to carry financial decisions alone or rely only on our own understanding. It helps us approach money with dependence, trust, and humility. Prayer also shifts our posture. Instead of trying to control every outcome, we begin to ask what faithfulness looks like with what God has entrusted to us. The Most Powerful Question We Can Ask So what does this look like in everyday life? Sharon says it starts by bringing financial decisions to the Lord before we act. Whether we are deciding how to spend, save, give, invest, or pursue work, prayer gives us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom first. Our friend and mentor Ron Blue has often said that one of the most powerful questions we can ask is: God, what would You have me do with Your money? That question changes everything. It reminds us that money is not merely a tool for personal comfort or security. It is a resource entrusted to us by God for His purposes. Sharon shared a personal example from when she and her husband were praying about their oldest daughter's college tuition. They had not saved enough to pay for her education in full, and they were committed to avoiding debt. As they prayed, God brought something to mind: He had already provided what they needed, but they had mentally set those funds aside for another purpose. Once Sharon and her husband sat down and talked it through, they realized God had shown them an option they had never considered. Prayer did not simply give them peace; it gave them perspective. That is one of the gifts of prayer. Over time, it shapes our desires, priorities, and motives. It trains us to seek God first rather than simply react in the moment. Learning What Is Enough One of the great financial questions every believer must wrestle with is, “How much is enough?” Our culture constantly pushes us to want more. More income. More comfort. More security. More possessions. But Scripture points us toward contentment. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” That word learned is important. Contentment does not come naturally. It is formed in us as we walk with Christ and learn to trust Him more deeply. Prayer helps us bring our desires honestly before the Lord. It gives us space to ask whether our financial choices are being driven by needs, wants, fear, comparison, or trust. Sharon pointed to David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: “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 is a fitting prayer for our financial lives as well. We can ask the Lord to search our hearts, reveal our motives, and lead us toward a healthier understanding of what enough really is. And when we become more content with God's provision, we are often freed to become more generous. When the Next Step Is Unclear Many people face financial decisions that feel overwhelming. A career change. A major purchase. A giving decision. A medical bill. A retirement question. A move. A season of uncertainty. When the path is not clear, Sharon's counsel is simple: turn to prayer before you turn to spreadsheets. That does not mean spreadsheets are unimportant. It means they should not be our first refuge. Before we run the numbers, we should ask God for wisdom. We should also seek wise counsel from trusted believers who share our commitment to biblical stewardship. God often guides us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. And even when the way forward is not perfectly clear, we can trust that God is faithful to guide His people as they seek Him. Financial Decisions as Acts of Trust Prayer turns financial decisions into opportunities to trust God more deeply. It reminds us that God owns it all. It invites Him into the details of our daily lives. It exposes our motives and reshapes our desires. It helps us move from fear to faithfulness, from control to stewardship, and from self-reliance to dependence on the Lord. The next time you face a financial decision, begin with this simple prayer: God, what would You have me do with Your money? And then listen with humility, seek wise counsel, and trust that your generous God delights to give wisdom to those who ask. By the way, finding an advisor who shares your faith and values does not have to be difficult. Visit FindaCKA.com, answer a few questions about what you're looking for, and you'll receive a list of Certified Kingdom Advisors® in your area who can help you take the next step on your stewardship journey. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We sold our old house after buying a new one, so we now have a lump sum in savings. We planned to use most of it to recast the new mortgage and lower our payment, but we're wondering whether we should keep some in savings or invest part of it. How can we steward this money wisely? My 23-year-old granddaughter struggles to manage money. Can you recommend a budgeting plan, tool, or app that could help her? I'm 70 and have heard you talk about Qualified Charitable Distributions. What exactly is a QCD, and can I use it for my tithes? My husband and I are nearing 65. In retirement, we expect $5,000–$6,000 a month in income, a paid-off home, about $80,000 in emergency cash, and another $100,000–$200,000 to invest, plus around $50,000 already in Nasdaq and S&P 500 stocks. What conservative investment options should we consider so we can draw from that money monthly if needed, especially from a Christian perspective? 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.

When God's people respond with generosity, real lives are changed—and doors open for hope that lasts. That has been the story behind FaithFi's partnership with Heart for Lebanon, a ministry serving families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. On today's show, we welcomed May-Lee Melki, U.S. Managing Director of Heart for Lebanon, to share what God has already made possible through the generosity of FaithFi listeners—and why the need remains urgent. Over the past few months, May-Lee and her father, Camille, have helped listeners understand the tremendous challenges facing families in Lebanon. The war has displaced thousands, placed communities under severe strain, and left many families carrying emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens. While there have been temporary pauses in the fighting, May-Lee explained that a ceasefire has not meant true peace for many families. “Families are beginning to experience different effects of the ongoing war, instability, and repeated disruption,” she said. “There's a lot of fear, and there's a lot of uncertainty.” Many are still facing food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, interrupted livelihoods, and the constant fear that conditions could worsen without warning. Generosity That Has Already Made a Difference FaithFi listeners originally set out to help 275 displaced families in Lebanon. By God's grace, that goal has now been met. Those 275 families represent more than 1,000 individuals receiving life-sustaining support through Heart for Lebanon. That support includes food, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, diapers for adults and children, and care for newborns entering a world marked by war and uncertainty. But the impact goes beyond supplies. May-Lee shared the story of Ibrahim, a six-year-old boy whose family had to flee in the middle of the night as violence intensified. His parents carried their children and ran into the unknown, unsure where help would come from. Through the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners and the ministry of Heart for Lebanon, Ibrahim's family received practical care and ongoing support. His mother later told the team, “Please don't stop your children's activities, even throughout the war.” Ibrahim's favorite Bible story is Jesus feeding the 5,000. For him, that story has become deeply personal. He told the team, “Jesus loves us, and I know He will not let us go hungry.” That is more than humanitarian aid. It is a picture of God's provision working through His people. Meeting Physical Needs and Building Trust Heart for Lebanon's ministry begins by meeting urgent physical needs wherever families are—whether in shelters, makeshift tent settlements, or other temporary spaces. Food, bedding, and hygiene supplies help families survive while preserving their dignity. But the ministry does not stop there. May-Lee emphasized that Heart for Lebanon is not simply dropping off supplies and leaving. Their team is present for the long haul, walking with families through an open-ended season of displacement and uncertainty. That consistent presence creates trust. And trust opens the door to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and the love of Christ. May-Lee shared the story of Najwa, a woman who first came to Heart for Lebanon looking for food for her family. Over time, through relationships with the team, she found something she had not expected. She said her heart had been longing for a kind of spiritual nourishment she did not even know existed. Through the ministry's care and the message of the gospel, Najwa came to understand that she had not been forgotten by God. That kind of transformation takes time. It does not happen through a single package of supplies. It happens as God's people listen, serve, build relationships, and bring the hope of Christ into the deepest places of need. Hope in the Midst of Crisis In times of crisis, hearts are often more open than before. But May-Lee said that what truly points people to Jesus is not only the immediacy of help but also the authenticity of a long-term relationship. Heart for Lebanon's team is made up of local believers serving other locals—many of whom are experiencing the same hardships. Some members of the team in southern Lebanon have been displaced themselves, yet they continue to serve. That shared experience gives their ministry a unique credibility. Families see that these believers are not there temporarily. They are staying, serving, and carrying the burden. As a result, families are attending Bible studies in growing numbers, asking questions about faith, and seeking spiritual truth. May-Lee shared another story of a single mother named Nawal, who said, “Even during the war, someone was still thinking about us.” Through that care, she began to understand Jesus' love in a tangible way. “He's with me even in my darkest hour,” she said. That is the opportunity before Heart for Lebanon—to model the gospel in action during an ongoing crisis. Caring for the Whole Person The needs in Lebanon are not only physical. Children have witnessed things no child should have to see. Families have lost homes, routines, stability, and a sense of safety. Heart for Lebanon is helping turn crowded shelters and temporary spaces into places of care. Their team provides trauma-informed activities, play, art, and listening—simple but meaningful ways to help children process fear and begin to experience safety again. The ministry's approach is holistic because people are whole persons, made in the image of God. Food and supplies matter. Dignity matters. Emotional care matters. And above all, eternal hope in Christ matters. May-Lee put it plainly: tangible aid is important because it restores dignity, but it also becomes a vehicle for building trust and creating relationships that can flourish for God's Kingdom. The Need Remains Great Because of the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners, more than 275 displaced families are already receiving ongoing care. We praise God for that. But the need remains tremendous. Heart for Lebanon has committed to continue supporting these families with monthly care, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, and relational support. They also hope to expand that care to reach even more families who are still facing fear, displacement, and uncertainty. Every $90 given helps provide a full month of care for a displaced family, while also allowing Heart for Lebanon to continue building relationships and sharing the hope of Christ. If you would like to help, visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon or text the word FAITH to 98656. When God's people respond with generosity, families receive more than temporary relief. They receive care, dignity, relationship, and a glimpse of the lasting hope found only in Christ. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received a letter from Social Security about the Social Security Fairness Act and the end of the Windfall Elimination Provision. They also deposited a lump sum into my checking account. I'm confused about why I received it, what it means, and whether I'll owe taxes on it. A friend borrowed about $500 from a company called Elastic, but the balance quickly grew to around $3,200. My family and I want to help her pay it off, but I'm concerned it may be predatory or a scam. How can we protect her, and what steps should we take? My husband and I are 57 and 54. We once had about $200,000 in savings, but after COVID and serious health and life challenges, that money is gone. We earn about $65,000 a year, have only about $500 across our accounts, and are living paycheck to paycheck. We each have about $25,000 in life insurance or retirement, but we're essentially starting over. How can we rebuild a financial plan at this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Heart for Lebanon 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.

Minimalism isn't about removing the things you love. It's about removing the things that distract you from the things you love. That insight from Joshua Becker gets to the heart of a much deeper issue than messy closets or crowded garages. Clutter competes for more than our space. It competes for our attention, affection, time, energy, and generosity. Joshua Becker, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of Becoming Minimalist, joined the show today to talk about his book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World.  His message is not that every Christian needs bare walls, a tiny home, or a life stripped of beauty and enjoyment. Rather, it's an invitation to ask a better question: Are the things we own helping us live faithfully, or are they quietly distracting us from what matters most? Minimalism Is Not One-Size-Fits-All For many people, the word “minimalism” brings to mind stark white rooms, empty shelves, or getting rid of nearly everything they own. But Becker is quick to point out that minimalism will look different from one person to another. Some may enjoy a simpler aesthetic. Others may not. Some may feel called to live with very little. Others may simply need to become more intentional about what they own and why. Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it.” That definition moves the conversation from rules to purpose. The goal is not to own less for its own sake. The goal is to make room for what God has called us to value most. When Possessions Begin to Possess Us Becker's journey began on an ordinary Saturday morning. He set out to clean his garage while his young son wanted him to play. Hours later, still surrounded by stuff, he realized he had spent his day maintaining possessions instead of investing in his son. That moment became a turning point. He and his wife began removing unnecessary possessions from their home, eventually giving away or discarding 60 to 70 percent of what they owned. With each step, Becker noticed practical benefits. Their home became easier to maintain. Their lifestyle costs less. They had more time and energy. They also found new opportunities for generosity. As a pastor, Becker began to see the connection between simplicity and faith. Jesus had been inviting His followers into this kind of life all along—not as deprivation, but as freedom. He calls us away from storing up treasures on earth and toward a life oriented around the Kingdom of God. Consumerism Shapes Us More Than We Realize We live in a culture that constantly tells us more is better. Advertisements, social media, algorithms, and comparison all work together to convince us that the next purchase will make us happier, more secure, more admired, or more complete. The message is subtle but powerful: your life will be better if you buy what we're selling. Over time, that message shapes our desires. We begin to define success by accumulation. Bigger homes, newer cars, fuller closets, upgraded technology, and constant consumption start to feel normal. But normal is not always wise. And common is not always faithful. Scripture repeatedly warns us that riches and possessions can deceive us. In Luke 8, Jesus describes the seed choked by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life,” keeping it from bearing mature fruit. Possessions are not evil in themselves, but they can become thorns when they crowd out our attention to God, neighbor, and calling. Simplicity Is Not Deprivation Biblical simplicity does not mean rejecting every comfort or refusing to enjoy God's gifts. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Money can be used for celebration, hospitality, beauty, rest, and meaningful experiences with family and friends. Those are good gifts from a generous God. The issue is not whether we enjoy what God provides. The issue is whether those gifts become idols. When possessions begin to promise identity, security, comfort, or joy in ways only God can provide, they no longer serve us. They master us. That is why simplicity can be a path toward abundance. When we own less of what distracts us, we gain more of what matters: time, margin, focus, generosity, relationships, and availability to God's work. Clutter Steals Margin Many people today feel hurried, anxious, and stretched thin. While clutter is not the only reason for that exhaustion, it often contributes more than we realize. The more we own, the more we must clean, organize, protect, repair, insure, store, and pay for. Possessions require attention. They make demands. They quietly add weight to already busy lives. A less cluttered life can create margin—space to pray, rest, serve, listen, give, and be present. It can help us become more attentive to God and to the people He has placed before us. Becker shared the story of a woman named Trish, whose grandmother modeled a simple and faithful life. Her grandmother gardened, gathered eggs, sat on the porch, and lived with a peaceful attentiveness that left a lasting mark. Trish remembered that example as the kind of life she wanted to cultivate in her own family—not disconnected from the world, but less rushed by it. That kind of legacy is often caught more than taught. Owning Less Can Free Us to Give More One of the clearest connections between simplicity and faith is generosity. When we spend less on accumulation, we have more freedom to give. For someone in debt, owning less may create room to pay down what is owed. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, it may provide breathing room. For someone already financially stable, it may open the door to greater generosity. This is not merely a financial principle. It is a spiritual one. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our spending and giving reveal what we value. And as we direct our resources toward God's Kingdom, our hearts are shaped in the process. Generosity helps loosen the grip of materialism. It reminds us that money is not our treasure, our protector, or our purpose. It is a tool entrusted to us by God for His glory and the good of others. A More Faithful Question The goal of an uncluttered faith is not to make everyone's home look the same. It is not to shame people for enjoying good gifts. And it is not to create a new form of legalism around how much a Christian should own. The better question is this: What is God calling me to make room for? Maybe it's more time with your children. Maybe it's more generosity. Maybe it's less anxiety. Maybe it's a greater availability to serve. Maybe it's simply the freedom to stop chasing what the world says you need and begin living more deeply in what Christ has already given. Owning less is not the treasure. Christ is. But when we remove what distracts us, we may find ourselves freer to love Him, love others, and make an impact with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can I borrow from my 401(k) instead of taking out a loan from the bank? My house is paid off, but I'm considering moving and may need funds available for a bridge loan. As the primary beneficiary of my late husband's IRA, do I have to move the full account into my name, or can I transfer part of it directly to my children since they're listed as contingent beneficiaries? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World: A Minimalist Book by Joshua Becker Becoming Minimalist 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 you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you, and encouraged you, and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 With Father's Day approaching, it's worth asking a deeper question: What kind of legacy are we leaving as men, as dads, and as stewards of what God has entrusted to us? Jonathan Lewis, President of Eastport Financial Group and Founder of Fathers for Fathers, joined the show today to discuss fatherhood, faith, and the financial discipleship that can shape generations. Fathers for Fathers is a faith-based organization that restores hope, healing, and purpose in the lives of men, especially fathers. A Story God Redeemed Jonathan's passion for fathers is deeply personal. At 15 years old, he experienced the traumatic loss of his father in Nova Scotia. In the years that followed, he carried guilt, grief, and brokenness. He couch-surfed, slept in his car, and eventually joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where discipline helped steady his life. Looking back, Jonathan sees how God used even the painful parts of his story. The wounds and scars that once felt like liabilities have become part of the way he ministers to hurting men today. He points to Revelation 12:11, which speaks of overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” God did not waste Jonathan's story. Instead, He redeemed it and now uses it to help other men find hope and healing. Your Story Is Not Over Many fathers carry silent shame or regret. Some feel they have failed their children. Others feel absent, discouraged, or unsure how to begin again. Jonathan's message to them is simple: Your story is not over if you are still breathing. Too often, men rehearse their failures and live in what Jonathan calls the “depreciation room,” constantly reminding themselves of what they have done wrong. But the gospel invites men to step out of shame and into repentance, responsibility, and renewed purpose. That does not mean minimizing sin or pretending failure has not happened. It means acknowledging what is true, bringing it into the light, and receiving the grace of Christ. As Jonathan explained, change requires contrition. It requires owning mistakes. And ultimately, it requires the substitute who has already stepped in for us: Jesus Christ. The First Step Toward Faithful Fatherhood For fathers who feel distant from their children, the first step may be small, but it should be faithful. Jonathan especially encourages absent fathers not to hide behind excuses. Many men who are not actively involved in their children's lives genuinely want to be, but they feel trapped by regret, conflict, or past failures. Still, faithfulness begins with taking responsibility. That may mean reaching out. It may mean providing financially. It may mean supporting your children's mother with humility and integrity. It may mean confessing hidden sin to a spiritually mature man and inviting him to hold you accountable. The goal is not to shame men, but to call them forward. Fatherhood requires courage, humility, and community. Men were not meant to carry the weight alone. Stewardship Begins at Home Because Jonathan also works with families through Eastport Financial Group, he sees stewardship as more than managing money. Biblical stewardship includes how we handle our time, relationships, influence, responsibilities, and resources. A man may be generous with money but neglect generosity with his love, presence, patience, or encouragement. That misses the point. Faithful stewardship begins at home. It starts with loving one's wife, caring for one's children, and dying to selfishness. Ephesians 5 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. That kind of love is not merely dramatic sacrifice in a crisis; it is daily self-denial, service, and humility. Jonathan encourages men to “board up the depreciation room” when it comes to their wives and families. Instead of rehearsing frustrations and failures, men should intentionally practice gratitude, honor, and appreciation. From there, stewardship extends into work, provision, financial management, generosity, and spiritual leadership. Providing for one's family matters. Managing finances wisely matters. Going to work matters faithfully. But all of it should flow from a heart submitted to Christ. Financial Discipleship That Shapes Generations Fathers teach financial stewardship whether they realize it or not. Children notice what their fathers value, what they fear, what they chase, and what they trust. A father's legacy is not only measured by what he leaves behind financially. It is also measured by the priorities he models. Does he hold money loosely? Does he give generously? Does he trust God in uncertainty? Does he speak about provision with faith rather than fear? Does he show that people matter more than possessions? Financial discipleship begins when fathers connect money to worship, responsibility, generosity, and dependence on God. It is not merely about teaching children how to budget or save, though those skills matter. It is about showing them that everything belongs to God and that we are called to manage His resources for His glory. Hope for Every Father Some dads feel discouraged. Some feel like failures. Others may be doing many things well, but still sense that God is calling them deeper. The hope of the gospel is that no father is beyond the reach of God's grace. Romans 8 reminds us that nothing can separate God's people from the love of Christ. Not failure. Not regret. Not past sin. Not years of absence. God's grace is not permission to remain passive, but it is the power to repent, return, and walk in newness of life. Fatherhood is a calling that requires courage, but no man has to walk it alone. Through Christ, through the help of godly brothers, and through daily steps of obedience, fathers can leave a legacy of faithfulness that reaches far beyond finances. To learn more about Jonathan Lewis and the ministry of Fathers for Fathers, visit FathersForFathers.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I just paid off one credit card and plan to pay off another by the end of the year. Should I stop using them completely, or make a small purchase each month to keep them active? I used to work in real estate and recently found an old cashier's check for about $8,000, possibly from an escrow account. How can I find out whether the bank will still honor it and what steps I need to take to get it paid? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Fathers for Fathers Eastport Financial Group 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.

During our working years, giving often feels straightforward. A paycheck comes in, and many believers give a set portion from that income. But retirement can make the question more complicated. That's why Anthony Saffer, CEO of One Degree Advisors, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and host of the Retire Confidently YouTube channel, joined the show today to help retirees think wisely and biblically about giving in this season of life. Instead of a single paycheck, income may come from Social Security, pensions, investments, rental income, or savings. Some of that money may represent new earnings or investment growth. Some of it may be money already earned—and perhaps already tithed on—during the working years. So how should Christians think about tithing in retirement? The goal is not to create a perfect formula, but to pursue faithful, joyful generosity before the Lord. Giving Begins with the Heart Before considering the practical details, it's important to begin with the biblical foundation. 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.” While Christians may differ on how the Old Testament tithe applies today, Scripture consistently calls God's people to generosity. Giving is not meant to be driven by guilt, fear, or pressure. It is a response to God's grace. That remains true in every season of life—including retirement. For many believers, the tithe continues to serve as a helpful starting point. Randy Alcorn has called it the “training wheels of giving” because it provides structure, consistency, and a simple framework for generosity. But the tithe is not the finish line. It is a starting point for a life of open-handed stewardship. Why Retirement Makes Giving More Complicated In retirement, the question often becomes less about whether to give and more about how to apply giving wisely. That's because retirement income can come from several sources. Social Security may reflect years of payroll taxes. Pension income may include contributions from both the employee and employer. Investment withdrawals may include both principal and growth. Brokerage accounts, IRAs, and rental income can blur the lines even further. This is where the distinction between “increase” and “return of principal” becomes helpful. Increase refers to new earnings or growth. A paycheck is typically easy to identify as an increase. Investment gains, interest, dividends, or employer-funded benefits may also fall into that category. Return of principal refers to money already earned or contributed in the past. For example, if you withdraw money from an account that was funded with income you already tithed on, part of that withdrawal may simply be returning money you previously set aside. That distinction does not answer every question, but it gives retirees a helpful lens for thoughtful giving. Approach One: Give on the Increase One option is to tithe on the portion of retirement income that represents new growth or increase. For example, someone withdrawing from an investment account may try to estimate what portion of the account represents original contributions and what portion represents growth. The tithe could then be based on the growth portion rather than the full withdrawal. This approach may be especially meaningful for those who tithed consistently on gross income during their working years and want to avoid “re-tithing” on money they already gave from. Of course, the calculation will rarely be exact. Many retirees may not have decades of contribution records available. In that case, it may be wise to review statements, consider contribution history, and choose a reasonable estimate that can be applied consistently. The goal is not precision for precision's sake. The goal is thoughtful, intentional stewardship. Approach Two: Give on Income as It Is Received A second approach is to tithe on retirement income as it is received, including Social Security, pension payments, and investment withdrawals. This mirrors the way many people gave during their working years: income comes in, and a portion is given back to the Lord. The benefit of this approach is simplicity. It avoids ongoing calculations and allows giving to remain consistent and easy to understand. For many retirees, that clarity helps them stay faithful in their generosity. Some may ask, “But wouldn't that mean I'm giving again on money I already tithed on?” In some cases, yes. But those who take this approach often prioritize generosity over precision. They see every provision as a gracious gift from God and respond by giving systematically and joyfully. For them, the question is not, “What is the least I am required to give?” but, “How can I continue to honor the Lord with what He has entrusted to me?” Which Approach Is Best? There is not one answer that fits every retiree. Some believers value precision and want to avoid double-counting. Others value simplicity and consistency. Some are working with tight retirement budgets and need to think carefully about sustainable giving. Others may be able to give more generously than ever before. Married couples should talk and pray through the decision together. A financial advisor who understands biblical stewardship can also help retirees evaluate their income sources, giving goals, and long-term needs. What matters most is that the decision is made prayerfully, joyfully, and without compulsion. Both approaches can honor the Lord when they flow from a heart of gratitude and faithfulness. Faithfulness Is Not a Math Equation It is easy to overcomplicate giving in retirement. Some may feel pressure to find the perfect formula. Others may feel guilty because they are unsure whether they are doing enough. But Scripture points us back to the heart. Jesus warned against a kind of religious precision that counted every detail while neglecting justice, mercy, and love. Giving matters, but it must never become merely a calculation. It is an act of worship. So when the paycheck stops, and retirement income begins, the question is not simply, “What counts as income?” The deeper question is, “How can I continue to reflect God's generosity in this season?” Retirement may change the way income arrives, but it does not change the calling to steward faithfully. Whether you give based on estimated increase or on income as it is received, the goal is the same: faithful, joyful giving that honors God and blesses others. In the end, tithing in retirement is not about perfect math. It is about a faithful heart. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My mom is 78 and still manages her own finances, but we're planning ahead. She doesn't want a general power of attorney because she wants to keep control for now. She's interested in a springing power of attorney, but I'm having trouble finding one. How can we get that set up? I live in Magnolia, Texas, where many families can't afford youth sports like flag football, baseball, or jiu-jitsu. I've been meeting with kids at the park once a week, but the group is growing, and I need help with equipment. How do I ask NFL teams or others for sponsorship? Do I need to start a nonprofit first, or can I seek support as I am? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) One Degree Advisors | Retire Confidently | Anthony Saffer & Alex Okugawa 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, a simple phone call becomes more than a request for help. It becomes a picture of the body of Christ at work. A few months ago, a listener named Renee from North Carolina called the show during a difficult season. As a widow raising her special-needs grandchildren on a fixed income, she was carrying a heavy burden. Medical bills were mounting, daily expenses were rising, and her grandchildren's needs were increasing. Renee later described that season as a time when she felt she was “running out of options.” There was only so much money available, and the girls were beginning to need more care and intervention than she could provide on her own. “It was disconcerting,” she said. “Things were falling apart.” But that phone call did not end with her struggle. It became the beginning of something deeply encouraging. A Listener Responds After Renee shared her story on the program, another listener, Dwayne, heard her need and felt led to help. Renee had never met him. She did not know his name at the time. But within a couple of days, she received word that someone wanted to step in and assist. Her first response was disbelief. “I'm still trying to process it,” she said. “There certainly had to be more people deserving than me.” But as the situation unfolded, Renee began to see the Lord's hand in it. “This had to have come from God,” she said. “You don't turn God down.” Help Given With Care FaithFi works with Helping Hands in situations like this to ensure needs are carefully reviewed and assistance is handled wisely. Helping Hands walks through a process that includes reviewing documents and bills, conducting interviews, and confirming the specific needs. In Renee's case, the ministry met with her several times, verified the situation, and then paid the bills directly. That support helped provide relief in several areas. Renee received assistance with her mortgage, groceries, and gas. She had recently started going to a food bank, but her grandchildren's doctor appointments often prevented her from getting there. As food and gas prices continued to rise, even practical help with daily expenses made a significant difference. “It was just mind-boggling,” Renee said. The Gift of Prayer While the financial assistance was meaningful, Renee also wanted listeners to know that their prayers were felt. “To the listeners, first, you can feel the prayers that go out,” she said. “It's palpable.” She described a series of events that followed, moments where she knew people were actively praying for her and her grandchildren. That spiritual support helped lift the burden she had been carrying. “I'm able to smile and give genuine hugs and devote my brain to my girls,” she said. “That is God's gift.” A Word of Thanks When Renee finally learned Dwayne's name, she said she could now add him to her prayers. “To Dwayne, I am forever in your debt,” she said. “Your heart is huge. I don't know your situation, but God bless you. Truly, God bless you, because you made a world of difference for my girls and me.” Her gratitude was not only for the financial support but for the reminder that she had not been forgotten. God had used the generosity of one listener, the prayers of many, and the careful work of a ministry partner to bring help at just the right time. Bearing One Another's Burdens Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” That is what we see in Renee's story. One member of the body of Christ carried a heavy load. Another member saw the need and responded. Others prayed. A ministry came alongside with wisdom and care. This is not merely a story of generosity. It is a picture of Christian love in action. When God's people respond to real needs with compassion, wisdom, and humility, burdens are shared. Hope is strengthened. And the body of Christ bears witness to the love of Christ. Renee's story reminds us that no act of generosity is too small when placed in God's hands. A phone call, a prayer, a gift, or a willingness to step into someone else's burden can become a powerful expression of grace. And sometimes, when one person's burden becomes another person's calling, we get to see the church become what it was always meant to be. If you ever hear a story on this program and feel prompted to help, we'd love to hear from you. While we can't meet every need, we do have a careful process through our partnership with Helping Hands to connect generous listeners with verified needs.  If you'd like to explore how you might come alongside someone in that way, email us at info@faithfi.com or let us know when you call the program. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm looking for advice on credit repair. What steps can I take to improve and rebuild my credit? My two grandchildren, ages 17½ and 16, inherited about $10,000 currently in CDs that are coming due. Should we let the CDs roll over for another two years at about 4%, or is there a better way to invest the money so it can grow and they won't have full access until closer to age 21? I'm a sole proprietor and have worked for 47 years. I often help family members during emergencies, but some struggle with consistent work. How do I balance generosity with not enabling dependence, and where should I draw the line? I have a 401(k) through Empower, and my investments seem very volatile. Should I keep using the current options, switch to a target-date fund, or consider their managed account service—especially given the fees? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Helping Hands Charitable Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® | Fidelity Go® 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 workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many investors are wondering whether the market is getting ahead of itself, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence and technology stocks. But perhaps the better question is not, “Are we in a bubble?” The better question may be, “How should we respond if we are?” That was the focus of today's conversation with Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing. With AI continuing to drive market enthusiasm, many investors are feeling both excitement and concern. The challenge is learning how to respond with wisdom rather than fear. Why Investors Are Concerned About AI and Tech The AI story has been driving markets for several years. One clear example is the tech-heavy Nasdaq, which has risen sharply since the end of the 2022 bear market. More recently, many companies have reported rapid profit growth and have credited AI as a key factor. That has encouraged investors because it shows AI is not merely hype. Companies across many industries are beginning to see real benefits from AI tools, including improved efficiency and increased profitability. At the same time, the demand for AI computing power has caused certain sectors—especially semiconductor stocks—to soar. When any part of the market begins rising almost straight up, investors naturally become nervous. It brings to mind previous market manias that ended in painful declines. Is This Really a Bubble? Calling a bubble in real time is extremely difficult. Even when someone identifies one correctly, acting on that information too early can be costly. Mark pointed to the late 1990s internet bubble as an example. Many investors suspected that Internet stocks were overheated long before the bubble actually burst. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan famously warned about “irrational exuberance,” but that warning came more than three years before the market peak. Investors who sold immediately missed significant gains before the downturn finally arrived. That illustrates an important point: even if a bubble is forming, that does not tell investors exactly what to do or when to do it. Markets are forward-looking. Investors are pricing companies not only on current earnings but also on what they believe those companies may earn in the future. If expectations rise dramatically, stock prices often rise with them. So it is possible that some parts of the market, such as semiconductor stocks, may be showing bubble-like characteristics while the broader market does not look as overheated. But the practical question remains: how should investors respond? Avoid Fear-Based Market Timing Most investors would love to avoid downturns without missing the upside. But in practice, that kind of market timing is extremely difficult. Investors often make one of two mistakes. Some sell too early and miss major gains. Others wait too long and sell only after stocks have already fallen, and fear has taken over. That is why a disciplined plan matters. Instead of trying to predict the exact top of the market, wise investors focus on staying invested while managing risk thoughtfully. Historically, some of the market's strongest gains occur late in bull markets. That does not mean investors should ignore risk, but it does mean that fear-based decisions can be costly. Diversification Still Matters One of the most practical ways to manage risk is through diversification. A well-balanced portfolio helps reduce the risk of becoming overly exposed to a single hot sector. Mark offered a helpful way to think about it: if everything you own is rising at the same time, or if nothing you own is rising, you may not be truly diversified. But if some holdings are doing very well while others seem to be lagging, that may actually be a sign that your portfolio is properly balanced. Diversification can feel frustrating when one part of the market is racing ahead. But its purpose is not to maximize every short-term gain. Its purpose is to help investors remain steady through a variety of market environments. Rebalancing Is a Disciplined Way to Manage Risk Another practical tool is rebalancing. When one part of a portfolio has grown significantly, rebalancing allows investors to shift some gains out of fast-rising assets and back into areas that have not run up as much. This helps manage risk without requiring investors to predict the future. Rebalancing also has an emotional benefit. It gives investors a clear process to follow. Instead of asking, “Should I sell everything?” they can simply make measured adjustments in line with their plan. That kind of discipline can help investors avoid impulsive decisions driven by fear or excitement. Keep Reasonable Expectations Investors also need realistic expectations. Markets do not move up in a straight line forever. If you stay invested in strong-performing sectors, there is a good chance you will eventually give back some gains when leadership changes or when a bear market arrives. That is part of investing. The goal is not to avoid every decline. The goal is to participate in the market's long-term growth while managing risk wisely along the way. Even defensive investing comes with trade-offs. Playing defense too aggressively—or too early—can lead to false alarms and missed returns. Staying invested longer may bring more growth, but it also means enduring discomfort when markets pull back. There is no perfect way to avoid every downside while capturing every gain. Know Your Temperament Successful investing is not only about knowledge. It is also about behavior. Investors who tend to do well over time are often those who can remain patient, diversified, disciplined, and emotionally steady in both strong and difficult markets. That is especially important when headlines are filled with bubble talk. Fear can push investors to sell too soon. Excitement can push them to chase what has already risen. Neither is a wise foundation for financial decision-making. A Wise Response to Market Uncertainty When markets look overheated, investors do not have to ignore the risks. But they also do not have to be ruled by them. A wise response begins with a disciplined, diversified, long-term plan. Rebalance periodically. Keep expectations realistic. Understand your own temperament. And avoid making major decisions based on fear, excitement, or the latest market chatter. Markets can stay hot longer than many people expect, and guessing the exact turning point usually creates more problems than it solves. But a thoughtful strategy can help investors respond with wisdom rather than react emotionally. For more on this topic, you can read Mark Biller's article, “How to Handle a Bubble,” at SoundMindInvesting.org. Sound Mind Investing has been helping Christians make biblically informed investing decisions for more than 30 years, offering practical guidance for investors who want to approach the markets with wisdom, discipline, and a long-term perspective. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have some very old debts that have been removed from my credit report. I want to handle them ethically and with integrity. Should I try to negotiate reduced settlements with creditors, or should I aim to repay the full amount I originally owed? I have a whole life insurance policy I no longer need because I already have adequate coverage. With a child heading to college in about a year and a half, is there a tax-wise way to use the policy's cash value for college savings? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) | SMI Private Client How to Handle a Bubble by Mark Biller (Article on SoundMindInvesting.org) 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 workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.