Podcasts about certified kingdom advisor

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless…” - Isaiah 1:17As believers, we're called to defend the powerless and stand up for those who can't stand for themselves. Right now, few places need that more than Lebanon, especially for its girls and young women. Today, Jack Hibbard is with us to share compelling stories of hope—and how you can be a part of this important mission. Jack Hibbard has been a passionate advocate for Heart for Lebanon for many years and previously served on the organization's board of directors.A Hidden Crisis for Girls in LebanonWhile global headlines often focus on Lebanon's war-torn landscape and economic collapse, an even deeper crisis is affecting the most vulnerable: young women and girls. Heart for Lebanon is responding to this crisis with bold, gospel-centered compassion, providing protection from human trafficking, early marriage, child labor, and violence.In refugee and impoverished communities, early marriage, domestic abuse, and forced labor are tragically common. One mother, now divorced with four children, shared how her own 14-year-old daughter was forced into marriage to escape abuse, only to find more of the same. In the midst of this pain, the light of the gospel is breaking through.Through Hope Centers, literacy programs, counseling, and discipleship, Heart for Lebanon offers girls a safe place to learn, heal, and flourish. They're helping young women understand who they are in Christ, not as tools or burdens, but as daughters of the King.One 5th-grade girl, forced to labor after school for just $20 a week, broke down in tears when a staff member shared her worth in Jesus' eyes. She had believed she only existed to serve others. But that day, she gave her life to Christ, choosing to walk in His light, despite the darkness around her.You Can Help Right NowWhen girls discover their God-given dignity and worth, it changes everything. The gospel doesn't just rescue—it prevents trafficking, early marriage, and abuse. It restores what the world has tried to steal.As believers, we have a chance to participate in this redemptive work. Every gift of $114 helps protect three at-risk girls from early marriage, child labor, and violence, while introducing them to the love of Jesus.When we loosen our grip on money, we loosen the grip of money on our hearts. Giving doesn't just bless others—it deepens our trust in God and draws us closer to Him.That's the vision behind our quarterly ministry partnership with organizations like Heart for Lebanon. Together, we're trusting God to help us reach 500 girls and young women in Lebanon with protection and hope.Join us in this life-saving mission. To give:Text FAITH to 98656Visit: FaithFi.com/LebanonEvery gift makes an eternal impact—rescuing girls, restoring dignity, and proclaiming the gospel in one of the world's most challenging places. Let's be faithful stewards together.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 75 and have two retirement accounts I'm not sure what to do with. One is a TSP from my military retirement with just under $5,000. The other is a New York Life annuity worth about $50,000, but it's only earning 2%. Should I move it into an indexed annuity or keep taking the RMDs as is?My wife passed away just two weeks ago, and I'm overwhelmed. She handled our finances; I haven't paid a bill in 25 years. We tried reaching out to a Certified Kingdom Advisor before she passed, but didn't have much success. I don't have a budget, and honestly, I don't know where to begin. I need help.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Heart for LebanonWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The Bible contains more than 2,300 verses related to money and possessions—a staggering number. But it's not because money is the most important topic. Rather, it's because money is one of the most accurate indicators of what's going on in our hearts.If you explore this subject, you'll find stats like “1 out of every 7 verses in which Jesus speaks involves money,” or “11 of His 39 parables are about money.” While I'm not sure if those stats are accurate, it is true that Jesus mentions money a lot. However, His teaching is rarely about money itself. It's always about something bigger, looming in the background.Money isn't just a resource; it's a reflection. It reveals our priorities, fears, hopes, and values. Whether we live paycheck to paycheck or have significant wealth, we all wrestle with what money means to us. That's why Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”From personal stress to relationship breakdowns, money often acts like a magnifying glass. It brings underlying values to the surface. For example, in marriage, financial tension is often less about dollar amounts and more about differences in values, such as security versus spontaneity, generosity versus comfort, and planning versus pleasure.Every Financial Decision Is a Spiritual OneEven small spending decisions carry spiritual weight. That morning latte? Those new shoes? They may seem trivial, but they reflect priorities. Matthew 6:24 reminds us that “no one can serve two masters…you cannot serve God and money.”This doesn't mean we can't enjoy God's provision. In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 says, “There is nothing better…than to be joyful and to do good…also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift.” However, that enjoyment must be balanced with the bigger picture: Are our financial decisions aligned with God's heart?In marriages and relationships, conflicting values around money are common, and they're not necessarily wrong. One spouse may dream of traveling to create family memories, while the other may want to boost their retirement savings. Both can honor God. The key is discovering common ground and inviting God into the conversation.Howard Dayton, the previous host of this program, used to say, “It's hard to quarrel when you're praying together.” Prayer aligns our hearts before we try to align our plans. Through honest conversations and mutual respect, differences can become opportunities for growth rather than division.If money disagreements persist, don't hesitate to bring in wise, biblical counsel. A financial advisor—especially a Certified Kingdom Advisor®—can help couples or individuals uncover shared goals and develop a plan that honors God and promotes unity.The Bottom Line: God Wants Your HeartWhether you're facing a tough decision or navigating financial tension in your home, remember: it's not ultimately about the money. God is after your heart. And when your heart is surrendered to Him, your financial decisions will reflect that trust.So whatever you're facing today, don't walk through it alone. Pray. Talk. Seek wisdom. And above all, treasure Christ above all else. When He has your heart, everything else—including your finances—will follow.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a credit card with a $9,300 balance and would like to know how to pay it off quickly while minimizing high-interest charges.I have an annuity and IRAs with Edward Jones that I'm unhappy with due to low performance and high fees. I'm considering moving my investments to Schwab or another financial institution and want advice on how to manage my approximately $500,000 in investable assets.I currently have two certificates of deposit and would like to know if I should liquidate them and open an IRA instead.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Bethany Frymire is a Financial Advisor with Blue Trust whose passion for serving people began early in her life while working at her family's John Deere and Kubota dealership in northwest Florida. This early experience set her on a path toward financial stewardship, with a calling that was affirmed through a series of divine open doors and moments of clarity. Now a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor, she combines technical expertise with spiritual insight to help clients steward their financial resources in alignment with biblical principles.    At Blue Trust, Bethany empowers women to grow confident in their finances, identity, purpose, and passions through a holistic approach to financial planning that serves as a tool for personal growth and empowerment. In her leadership role within Blue Trust's women's initiative, she fosters a welcoming space for open dialogue about the integration of faith and finances, encouraging women to share their experiences and build meaningful connections that bridge practical wealth management with a purpose-driven, values-based life.   Major Topics Include: Bethany's backstory of her faith and calling Being a woman in leadership in a mostly male profession Open doors that led her from administrative assistant to financial advisor Integrating faith and finances as a couple Development of the Women's Initiative at Blue Trust Serving women well as an organization Advice for professionals wanting to start their own women's initiative Walking through biblical wisdom around finances with a client  Engaging women in financial conversations Her soon-coming book about faith, identity, and finances The “Giving Grid” concept QUOTES TO REMEMBER “God has gifted us all with unique skills and abilities, and if we don't walk in the path that He has laid out for us, we're going to miss out and others will too.” “God truly owns it all. He doesn't just own the part that I've carved out for the tithe, but He owns every bit of our lives.” “If women had someone to speak life or possibility into them, what could God do?” “There is power in women being invited in.” “God doesn't actually need our money, it's about our hearts and how He's working inside of us.” “It's important to get away from the transactional mentality to figure out how we can impactfully build a generous heart into our children in this culture.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Eternity Portfolio by Alan Gotthardt The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Proverbs 16:9 | The Lord Establishes   The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.   1 Corinthians 16:2 | Save As You Prosper   On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Ryan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Certified Kingdom Advisor®. He graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in Criminal Justice. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy_QPX3_VxOqhK0weVt_owASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/30M1QuPOA1vg1rAnGtQKG3Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Harmony-Personal-Fulfillment-Sacrificing/dp/196391189X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SELOX1Z195OV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GX4mu45oMyfAzCD9jsJxIEvaiOqCzlxZOhJyW3GCK12QHuhLtm4iSt5fYO-Uy7oReQ8Q7Wslh0864IbIyavLUuWkdkOhB4zf8MfsD95iIaE94IVrrwHV2nSY__drNm8q2g61OknB9RHL68y1DVqPnM77w3GAylWDhpSp9VO07UgeflKE7WHDVpcOmIn0tCb_Hj-pGba1mt-nJfGEPFdCR9OKYzRu1lgBAuhScSSPoxM.fvawuZnKh3883R5YzrmFYQe1p0Y_Fc8Z4_5MKu2TOcA&dib_tag=se&keywords=financial+harmony&qid=1742221658&sprefix=%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1Website: https://templeton-cornerstonecolumbia.com/References: Podcast summary AI tool https://dexa.ai/Cody's content: https://linktr.ee/cjones803 #podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Brian Cochran said, “God cares about all uses of money, including taxes. We guide clients to pivot their perspective around taxes from punishment/penalty to gratitude. Brian is a Certified Kingdom Advisor and Financial Planner, and the President of John Moore Associates. For more financial insights go... The post Brian Cochran appeared first on ABQ Connect.

The Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.” These words are just as relevant today as they were in the 17th century, especially as we approach one of the largest wealth transfers in history.It's estimated that Baby Boomers will pass down as much as $68 trillion to their heirs by 2030. But is the next generation prepared to manage this wealth wisely? Research suggests that many are not. Let's explore what this historic transfer means, the potential challenges, and how families can prepare.Biblical Wisdom on Wealth and InheritanceAnne Bradstreet was undoubtedly inspired by Ecclesiastes 7:11-12, which says:“Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.”While passing down financial assets is important, passing down financial wisdom is even more crucial. However, research shows that many Boomers are not equipping their heirs with the knowledge needed to manage this wealth effectively.A recent study by investment giant Edward Jones found that:48% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance.50% will leave money and property to their children only.36% will pass down assets to both their children and grandchildren.While these numbers show a strong intention to pass down wealth, the study also revealed some concerning trends:Only 27% of Americans have discussed wealth transfer with their heirs.35% said they don't plan to have that conversation at all.That means millions of Millennials and Gen Z-ers may inherit significant wealth without the financial wisdom needed to steward it well. Experts warn that it is more important than ever for families to discuss wealth transfer and seek professional guidance when necessary.Four Common Approaches to Wealth TransferAlthough this is the largest generational wealth transfer in history, not all heirs will receive as much as they might expect. One major reason for this is increasing life expectancy—Boomers are living longer and consuming more of their assets, particularly due to rising healthcare costs.The Edward Jones study identified four main ways wealth is being transferred:1. Traditional GivingThis is the most common method, where parents pass their wealth—cash, stocks, real estate, and other assets—directly to their children. However, conversations are needed to ensure both generations understand the plan. Parents should also be mindful of using enough assets to maintain their own healthy and secure lifestyle in retirement.2. Giving While LivingRather than waiting until death, some Boomers are helping their children and grandchildren now by:Paying for educationAssisting with a home purchaseCovering major expenses like vacations or medical costsWhile this can be a blessing, it also raises concerns. Some heirs may wonder if there will be anything left for them later. Early conversations about financial plans can help alleviate these concerns and ensure realistic expectations.3. Generational SkippingSome Boomers are choosing to pass wealth directly to their grandchildren instead of their children. This may be done to:Pay for educationHelp start a businessSet up an investment accountA surprising one in four respondents in the Edward Jones study believes their grandchildren will be better stewards of wealth than their children. However, skipping a generation in inheritance can strain family relationships. Open communication is key to ensuring no one feels left out or overlooked.4. No Inheritance LeftSome Millennials and Gen Z-ers may find there is little or nothing left for them to inherit. Longer life spans and increasing costs may require Boomers to use up more of their assets in retirement.Financial experts generally recommend retirees withdraw no more than 4% per year from their retirement savings to preserve their assets. However, that may not always be possible, especially with rising medical expenses.How to Prepare for a Successful Wealth TransferOpen and proactive communication is the key to a smooth and responsible wealth transfer. Here are some steps families can take:1. Have the ConversationBoomers should sit down with their adult children and discuss their financial plans. This conversation should include:An overview of assets and how they will be distributedAny expectations about financial responsibilityA discussion of family values regarding stewardship and generosity2. Hold a Family ConferenceOne conversation may not be enough, as financial situations and family needs evolve over time. Regular discussions—perhaps with the help of a financial advisor—can help keep everyone on the same page.3. Seek Professional GuidanceFor families needing help navigating wealth transfer, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) can provide expert financial planning with a biblical perspective. A CKA® can help structure inheritance plans in a way that honors God and ensures responsible stewardship.4. Instill Biblical Financial WisdomMoney management isn't just about numbers—it's about values. Future heirs need to understand that:God owns everything, and we are stewards of His resources.Managing wealth wisely means providing for family needs.Generosity and giving back to God are part of faithful stewardship.The upcoming wealth transfer is unprecedented, but wealth can quickly be mismanaged or squandered without financial wisdom. The best legacy Boomers can leave is not just money but the knowledge and faith to steward it well.If you need help navigating these discussions, consider working with a Certified Kingdom Advisor®. You can find one at FaithFi.com by clicking “Find a Professional.”By combining wealth with wisdom, we can equip the next generation to handle God's resources faithfully and responsibly.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My friend's son is in a lot of trouble. His wife recently passed away, leaving him with a mountain of medical bills that he is overwhelmed by. He has moved into depression and is considering bankruptcy. Can you provide any advice or wisdom to help him navigate this situation?I'm concerned about taking $575,000 from a traditional IRA and putting it into a Roth IRA over the course of 5 years. I'm worried about being able to pay the taxes on that. After the 5 years, will I have to pay any more taxes on the money in the Roth IRA, or will it be able to grow tax-free from that point forward?My wife is now in a memory care facility, and I have documentation from her neurologist. Can I get any medical deductions on my taxes with this documentation? Also, I had to sell 40 acres of my farm for $297,000 to help pay for her healthcare. What kind of tax implications can I expect from that sale?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineFAIR Health Consumer | Healthcare BluebookLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

What small things can you do to enrich the lives of those around you?  In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Thomas discuss: Learning to save and give generously from a young age. Encouraging generosity in our children. Giving back to our abundant God. Understanding different giving models.   Key Takeaways: Involve your kids in your giving, from small gifts to neighbors during the holidays to mission trips. They will learn through your example and experience. Be a good steward of giving - ensure the funds are going to worthwhile organizations and causes.Cash is the most expensive way to give. A very small portion of most people's balance sheet is cash - look deeper for better giving. There are more ways to give than just cash. You can give in small ways that will make a big impact on people's lives.   "If we've been given the most, we need to be the most generous people of all." —  Thomas Talbott Episode References: Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids by Kara E Powell - https://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Faith-Everyday-Ideas-Lasting/dp/0310329329 About Thomas Talbott: Thomas Talbott, a CFP®, CKA®, and CAP® Professional, joined Stewardship Advisors, LLC, a fee-only independent Registered Investment Advisor in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, as a Financial Advisor in 2014 and became a partner of the firm in January of 2017.  As a Financial Advisor, Thomas thoroughly enjoys helping people plan, manage, and distribute their assets. He has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years and seeks to serve others by integrating his faith and experience. He incorporates his five core values of integrity, others-oriented, service, godliness, and quality delivery into his advice and encourages others to be good stewards of their resources. He enjoys the relationships he has built with his clients and desires to help them have clarity, security, and confidence in their financial futures. Thomas earned his BA from Messiah University (Grantham, PA) and his MA from Columbia International University (Columbia, SC). Thomas was awarded his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2012 and his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® in 2020. He is a member of Kingdom Advisors and earned his Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation in 2016. What's important to Thomas is his faith and family. As a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, he has been active with his church, various ministries, and in his community for years. Thomas has raised funds, served on non-profit leadership teams, promoted local candidates, mentored students and engaged couples, and led Sunday School classes, mission trips, and small groups. He loves to serve and influence others.Having lived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania since the mid-1980s, Thomas and his wife of four decades, Cindy, have five daughters, four sons-in-law, and twelve grandchildren. He relishes the time he spends with his family and enjoys it when they join him in his outdoor interests, among which are wilderness adventures, fly fishing, bicycling, and skiing. He has run several marathons and bicycled across the United States in 2007 with just his daughters.  Connect with Thomas Talbott:Website: https://www.mystewardshipadvisor.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-talbott-9a6036a3   Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Rob sits down with John Manwiller, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, to discuss market trends, investing strategies, and the importance of trust in financial planning. John shares how he built his career from a young age, his faith-driven investment approach as a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and why starting early with even small investments can lead to big returns. Tune in for practical insights on navigating financial uncertainty and finding the right advisor for your goals.   00:34 Navigating Market Uncertainty 02:37 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor 04:41 John's Journey into Financial Advising 06:08 Faith-Based Financial Advising 08:34 Starting Your Investment Journey 10:10 The Realities of Building a Financial Practice 12:00 The Importance of Trust in Financial Advising 13:50 Reaching Out to Financial Advisors     Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/john-manwiller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJAdvisorJohnManwiller Email: john.manwiller@edwardjones.com   John Manwiller, AAMS™, CKA® Financial Advisor 9829 Spencer Rd 205 Brighton, MI 48114 Bus. 517-618-0696 • Cell 734-926-6026

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14At one time, finding someone who shared your Christian values and could give you expert financial guidance was quite a challenge. But today, a nationwide network of Christian financial professionals fills that void. Sharon Epps joins us today to explain “What is a CKA®?”Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi's parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.The Origin of Certified Kingdom AdvisorsIf you're new to the concept of a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA), you might wonder what sets these financial professionals apart. CKAs are not only trained in financial services but also rooted in a biblical worldview, helping individuals and families make faith-based financial decisions. There are over 1,500 CKAs across the U.S. and Canada, and that number continues to grow.Larry Burkett and Ron Blue inspired the concept of Kingdom Advisors, realizing that God's people needed trusted, biblically minded financial advisors to help them steward their resources. This vision laid the foundation for the CKA designation, the only credential in the financial industry dedicated to biblically wise financial advice. CKAs are financial professionals, such as planners, accountants, investment advisors, insurance professionals, and lawyers, who are passionate and qualified to integrate faith and finances into their practice.What Does It Take to Become a Certified Kingdom Advisor?Becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor involves rigorous training. CKAs complete 90 hours of study at the college level, capped by a five-hour proctored exam. This training includes navigating financial decisions from a biblical perspective through a case study of a real family, Bob and Debbie.This process equips financial professionals with deep biblical convictions about financial decision-making and enhances their ability to give competent, faith-aligned advice to their clients. The CKA credential is highly valued across the financial services industry and recognized by firms for its commitment to biblically-based stewardship.Stories of TransformationOne of the most rewarding aspects of the CKA program is hearing stories from advisors who have completed the training and how it has impacted their practice. Sharon shared a few examples, including an advisor who wrote:“My practice is no longer just about financial acumen. It's about integrating faith and finance, reshaping how I interact with my clients.”Another advisor reflected: “Becoming a CKA has been more than an educational pursuit; it has been a catalyst for spiritual growth and discernment. With each scripture memorized and lesson learned, I've gained clarity on God's calling and purpose for me as a leader and disciple-maker.”These stories illustrate how the CKA designation transforms financial professionals' professional growth and personal faith journeys, allowing them to serve their clients more holistically.Why Choose a Certified Kingdom Advisor?Why should you choose a Certified Kingdom Advisor if you're considering financial guidance? Money is a tool, and having an advisor who shares your biblical worldview ensures that your financial decisions are aligned with your faith. CKAs help you steward your resources wisely and offer spiritual encouragement through prayer and scripture.If you're ready to take the next step and find a Certified Kingdom Advisor, visit FaithFi.com and click “Find a Professional.” You can connect with a CKA in your area who can guide you in faithful financial stewardship.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My son got into a terrible car accident and suffered a brain injury. It took him four years to recover and get back on his feet. He's in his early 30s and has a job, but he's worried about losing his Medicare disability payments if he earns too much. I'm unsure of the rules around the substantial gainful activity limit and the trial work period. Can you help me understand how he can continue working without jeopardizing his disability benefits?My husband and I just sold one of our investment properties for $200,000, and we made about $140,000 in profit. We're about three years away from retirement. Should we use that $200,000 to buy another investment property to avoid paying capital gains taxes? Or should we invest the money elsewhere instead of doing a 1031 exchange?27 years ago, I bought some savings bonds for my sons, who are now adults. The bonds have been sitting in a safe all this time. My sons know about the bonds, but I'm unsure what to do with them now. Should I just hold onto the bonds until they mature in three more years? Or should I go ahead and cash them out and give the money to my sons now? I'm still determining if the bonds will be worth much in a few years, so I wonder if I should just let my sons handle it.Can I find the current CD rates from different banks in one place? I'd like to compare the rates and minimum deposit requirements across various banks to find the best CD options. Can you recommend a website or resource that allows me to easily see and compare CD rates from multiple banks?I recently retired and am still figuring out what to do with my 401(k). It has about $130,000 in it, and I still need the money. Should I leave the 401(k) where it is, or should I roll it over into an IRA? I'm not sure how to manage it myself, so I would like to know if I should hire a financial advisor to help me with that. What do you recommend I do?Resources Mentioned:TreasuryDirect.govBankrate | NerdWalletLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.”As Baby Boomers age, it's estimated they'll leave a tidal wave of wealth to their heirs, perhaps as much as $68 trillion by 2030. But is the next generation ready for that wealth?The Biblical Perspective on Inheritance Anne Bradstreet's wisdom likely stemmed from Ecclesiastes 7:11-12, highlighting wisdom's value alongside an inheritance. This biblical perspective underscores the importance of preparing heirs with wealth and the wisdom to manage it.Current State of Wealth Transfer PreparednessResearch indicates that while Boomers are poised to make the greatest wealth transfer in history, they may need to prepare their heirs adequately. A study by Edward Jones revealed that while 48% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance, only 27% have discussed wealth transfer with their heirs, leaving many millennials and Gen Zers unprepared.The Impact of Longer Lifespans on Inheritance Longer lifespans mean Boomers might consume more of their assets due to rising healthcare costs, potentially reducing what's available for inheritance. This reality necessitates early and ongoing conversations about wealth transfer to set realistic expectations.Four Approaches to Wealth Transfer The Edward Jones study identified four ways Boomers might transfer wealth:Traditional Giving—Assets like cash, stocks, and real estate are passed directly to children. Parents must discuss these plans with their children to ensure mutual understanding and preparation.Giving While Living—Boomers may help the younger generation by funding education, purchasing homes, or even paying for vacations. Early conversations about these financial supports can help manage expectations and alleviate concerns about future inheritance.Generational Skip—Some Boomers might transfer wealth directly to grandchildren, aiding in education or business ventures. Clear communication is vital to avoid resentment from the skipped generation and ensure a smooth wealth transfer.No Inheritance—Due to longer lifespans and increased expenses, some may find little or nothing left to inherit. Retirees are generally advised to draw down no more than 4% annually from retirement assets to preserve principal, but this might not always be feasible.The Solution: Communication and Wisdom Transfer Boomers must start discussing their plans with their adult children to ensure a smooth wealth transfer. Passing on financial wisdom is crucial, preparing heirs to be faithful stewards. Family conferences, possibly facilitated by a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, can be an effective way to start these conversations and ensure ongoing communication as circumstances change.Preparing the next generation to manage inherited wealth involves more than just transferring assets; it requires imparting the wisdom to steward those resources responsibly. By fostering open communication and providing financial education, Boomers can help their heirs honor God and manage their inheritance wisely. Teaching them that everything belongs to God and instilling values of stewardship, provision, and generosity is the greatest inheritance they can leave.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a question about setting up a will since I have never made one. What do I need to do to set it up?I recently became widowed and retired, with a total net worth of around $500,000, including the value of my home that I plan to sell. With an annual income of $31,000 from Social Security, I wanted advice on how much of my $500,000 I should reasonably invest in a new home, considering I also want to become a foster parent and live in the house myself.I am asking about applying for Social Security benefits since I was informed that my job was being phased out at age 64. However, I had already earned more than the allowed amount for the year. I wanted to know if I started receiving Social Security later in the year, after August, if I would still get a check or if there is some sort of "clawback" since I exceeded the earnings limit earlier in the year.I have a question about updating my will, which I created 20 years ago in North Carolina. Is it still valid, or do I need to change it since I now live in Florida?Resources Mentioned:The Great Wealth Transfer Starts with the Great Wealth Talk (Edward Jones Research Study)Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Dr. Richard Swenson, author of The Overload Syndrome and Margin, writes that… “We must have some room to breathe. We need freedom to think and permission to heal. Our relationships are being starved to death by velocity.”Too many people are physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially overloaded these days. So, we'll look at rest from a biblical perspective today.The Concept of MarginIn his writings, Dr. Richard Swenson introduces the concept of "margin"—essentially, it's the space to take a break before you break down. Many of us feel there's just not enough time, money, or energy left at the end of the day to recuperate, leading us to start the next day at full throttle again. This lifestyle, lacking margin, can have severe physical and financial consequences.Consider sleep, for instance. The Sleep Foundation reports that nearly half of people in the U.S. struggle with sleep, and about one-third of adults sleep less than seven hours each night. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to expensive health issues like diabetes, anxiety, obesity, and heart disease. Additionally, research from Sleep Advisor indicates that over 2 percent of the U.S. GDP is lost due to workers' lack of proper sleep.Working late nights and weekends might seem necessary if you feel like life is moving too fast. However, burning the candle at both ends is ultimately unproductive. Exhaustion leaves no energy for the most important things—your relationships with others and the Lord.Work and Rest: Finding the Right BalanceWhile God calls us to work for our families, His Kingdom, and the community, He also emphasizes the need for rest. Rest is God's idea as much as work is. God rested on the seventh day of Creation—not out of tiredness, but because His work was complete. He blessed that rest and called it holy. The Sabbath, enshrined as one of the Ten Commandments, shows how much God values rest. We need time to be with the Lord, reconnect with loved ones, relax, enjoy God's creation, exercise, breathe deeply, and sleep!Technology enables us to work from anywhere at any time, but that doesn't mean we should. Creating margin in our work means getting enough rest to do our jobs “as unto the Lord” with purpose and energy. Staying late at the office or skipping vacations might make you look diligent, but the stress and broken relationships that follow are too high a price for professional progress.However, it's important to distinguish between proper rest and laziness. Laziness is choosing not to do what you're supposed to or doing the bare minimum. This goes against God's purpose for us, which involves good works. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul advises the church to “…warn those who are idle and disruptive,” implying that inactivity can lead to trouble. The saying “Idle hands are the devil's workshop” is a testament to this idea.The Dangers of IdlenessIn 1 Timothy 5, Paul highlights other dangers of idleness, such as gossiping and leading others into sin. Idleness, unproductiveness, and laziness open the door to harmful habits. Contrarily, Proverbs 31 praises the “woman of noble character” for her hard work in caring for her family, running her business, training her workers, and providing for the poor. Verse 27 confirms that she “does not eat the bread of idleness.”Laziness can also mean spending too much time on unimportant activities like endless scrolling through Instagram or mindlessly shopping online. At its core, laziness is a failure to take care of responsibilities. Paul provides a stern example in 1 Timothy 5:8, stating, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”If laziness tempts you, turn to Jesus in prayer. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”Whether your issue is working too hard or hardly working, it's time to restore the margin in your work and finances. Do your work “as unto the Lord,” as Colossians 3:23 advises. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, find comfort in Jesus' words from Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Where should I go to find a Certified Kingdom Advisor to get a referral for a godly estate planning attorney?I paid a capital gains tax a few years ago when I sold some stock. Even though my income from my job was below the limit to be taxed at 0% for long-term capital gains, they taxed me on the full capital gains amount as if that was my adjusted gross income. I want to check with my tax preparer since I thought I should have gotten taxed at 0% based on my income that year.Please give me a simplified explanation of a money market account. My new husband and I are considering putting some retirement money into one.Given all the economic uncertainties, does it make sense for someone in their 70s who is still working, with money in a 401k and savings account, to consider spending that money now on something of value like real estate? I'm concerned about the dollar's devaluation and wanted your perspective on proactively spending the money versus letting it sit in investments and seeing what happens.Resources Mentioned:The Overload Syndrome: Learning to Live Within Your Limits by Dr. Richard SwensonMargin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Dr. Richard SwensonBankrate.comRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Today, we sit down with David Strege to explore how he and his partner successfully transitioned their firm to thrive beyond their tenure. David delves into the importance of letting go, serving others, and engaging in industry organizations. His insights offer invaluable takeaways for purpose-focused advisors at every career stage. In this episode, Rob, Phil, and David delve into:The importance of succession planning and determining the ideal time to start crafting your plan… it's sooner than you thinkUsing a two-advisor strategy for client meetingsPhilanthropy as part of the retirement planning conversationHow to “practice” your retirement before you actually retireAn insider's view of the future growth of the financial planning industryFostering increased public trust and confidence in financial professionalsKey Takeaways: Build your firm from the beginning with the end in mind. Understand what you want your firm to accomplish and work towards that every step of the way.You will get out of industry associations what you put into them.You should understand your client's estate plan in order to appropriately compile a comprehensive financial plan. Part of wisdom comes from making decisions, letting go, and seeing how those decisions play out. Know what you're going to do in retirement before you retire. You need to know what your purpose will be and what makes you come alive. “We spend a lot of time on philanthropic giving, because life's not about things. You try to satisfy your soul or your personality with things, but it's really when you find using your gifts to serve others, that's when you come alive.” – David StregeAbout David Strege: David Strege serves clients as a Senior CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at Syverson Strege in West Des Moines, Iowa. David earned a degree in finance from Drake University. He earned his CFP® certification in 1982 and in 2008 served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the CFP Board. In 1987, he received the Chartered Financial Analyst® certification and earned the Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation in 2017.He has also served on the National Boards of the Financial Planning Association and of the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®), serving as Chairman in 2018. David still competes nationally and internationally in Men's indoor volleyball.Connect with David Strege: Website: https://www.onlyworkforyou.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-strege-planner/ Episode References:The Truest Fan MastermindConnect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:Website: http://truestfan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoachingLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan

The Financial Impact of College EducationGoing to college is a financial decision, second only to buying a house. More specifically, it's an investment decision. Will it pay off? Perhaps the most important factor determining that is whether you graduate with a degree. Fail to do that, and any money you spend, or borrow, for college, will likely be money down the drain in terms of future earnings.The good news is that data just released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that earning a college degree is still financially worthwhile—generally speaking. The data shows that recent college grads working full time earn about $25,000 a year more than those with only a high school diploma.The catch is, they have to be working. That means majors chosen by college grads must give them skills that managers are willing to pay for.Another study by the American Educational Research Journal shows that engineering and computer science degrees give the highest rate of return on dollars spent for education. They're followed by business, health, math, and science majors.So for example, those with a bachelor degree in engineering can expect to start out at around $80,000 a year, and significantly higher with a master's degree. The highest paid engineers working on aircraft, satellites, bridges and other infrastructure can earn several hundred thousand dollars a year. One catch, though, you have to be really good at math.Meanwhile, computer systems managers make, on average, a bit over $140,000, but can earn significantly more than that depending on the level of complexity and responsibility with the job.Managing Student Loan DebtThe study also showed that education, humanities and arts majors ranked the lowest in return on investment. Now, to be clear, we're not telling you to avoid those fields if that's where your passion lies. But college is expensive, and it's important to know the earning potential of any major you're considering, especially if you're borrowing to attend college.U.S. Census Bureau data shows a median salary of around $53,000 for degrees in Family and Consumer Services and Fine Arts … and $55,000 for degrees in Elementary education and Social work. If that's where you're headed, you'll need to watch your expenses like a hawk, and borrow as little as possible.Now consider that according to the National Education Association, teachers with student loan debt owe an average of $56,000. We'll take that with a grain of salt because the NEA exists to advocate for higher teacher salaries, but if that figure is even close to accurate, it shows the difficulty many teachers have in paying back their student loans—when they only make that much in a year.Remember, college is an investment, so always consider how long it will take to pay back your student loans on the salary you can expect to get with your major. Obviously, the less you borrow, the faster that will be. But also, the higher the salary, the faster you'll get out of the red and into the black.Perhaps the ultimate example of that is the emergency room physician. That person will leave medical school with an average of $215,000 in student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative. That sounds like an awful lot, and it is, but consider that the median salary of an emergency room physician is now $350,000 a year. A doctor will almost certainly pay off student loan debt before a teacher.But again, we're not telling you not to become a teacher or social worker if you feel that's your Godly calling. Just do everything you can to minimize your student loan debt. That's good advice regardless of the major you choose.Remember Proverbs 22:7— just 15 words that you need to memorize: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”Practical Advice for Future StudentsSo, take as many Advanced Placement classes as possible. Get a part time job in high school and college and put your earnings toward tuition. But perhaps the most productive use of your time will be applying for scholarships.Set up a scholarship application assembly line and apply for dozens of them. It will pay off, but it takes time and effort. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to graduate from college with little or no debt. That way, you'll hit the ground running when you take on the world as a new grad.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have an investment property that I'm planning to sell, but at the same time after I sell that, I was planning on paying off a mortgage at my primary residence. I was wondering if there are any tax advantages to doing that? I'm 71 and still working. I'm a widow and have my husband's pension and my own social security that I'm drawing from so I'm in a good place with my income. I'm trying to play catch-up on my retirement to prepare for that and I max out my 401(k) and I'm doing fine there. Does it make sense if I take $7,000 out of savings to lump sum into an IRA before April 15th so that it counts for 2023? If I do that, I can do another $7,000 for 2024 but I'm worried about whether I will be taxed again on that since I've already been taxed on that money as earned income. My husband and I are believers and are in our mid 60's. We're dual citizens of the U.S. and Canada and half of our working income was gained in each country where we own and operate a farm and have for the past 40 years. There is no successor in view right now and we want to continue to farm as long as our health allows. But we have no retirement accounts or plans for retirement. However, we are completely debt-free. So we're not sure if we should start with an accountant or a lawyer or another place but we were wondering if there is a Certified Kingdom Advisor that would be familiar with agriculture, qualified to practice in both the U.S. and Canada for retirement planning?Resources Mentioned:An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life by Jeff HaanenRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

WILL BASICS:A will is a simpler document that names an executor and beneficiaries.It must go through probate court and becomes public record, potentially delaying heirs' access to assets.Drafting a will through an estate attorney is recommended to minimize probate delays, typically costing around $500. TRUST BASICS:Trusts manage assets both before and after death, bypassing probate and keeping transactions private.Types include revocable (living) and irrevocable trusts, with the former being alterable during the grantor's lifetime.Trusts can designate a successor trustee to manage assets if the grantor becomes incapacitated, ensuring continuity and privacy. KEY REASONS FOR A WILL:Designating a guardian for minor children to avoid court-appointed guardianships.Disinheriting individuals or managing how minors receive assets.A will only takes effect after death, whereas a trust operates both during the grantor's life and after. ADVANTAGES OF A TRUST:Avoids probate, keeping estate management private and efficient.Allows for immediate successor trustee management if the grantor is incapacitated.Provides specific management of assets for minors or those deemed incapable of responsible financial management. CONCLUSION:Both a will and a trust may be necessary for comprehensive estate planning, especially for those with minor children or a preference for privacy and control over asset distribution. Consulting with a state attorney, preferably with a Certified Kingdom Advisor designation for alignment with Christian values, is advised for drafting these essential documents. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:My husband wants to sell our house in Florida for a profit, invest some in stocks, and live on the rest with our Social Security in North Carolina, but I'm concerned about moving and leaving my elderly parents.I have savings in a credit union and am considering moving to a regular bank to see my money grow; I'm looking for advice on making this transition effectively.Is it advisable to leave my wife's 401(k) with her former employer, where it's invested in a target retirement fund, or should we move it to an IRA with a similar investment strategy? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom AdvisorBankrateChristian Community Credit Union Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Matt Syverson is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. He's also a specialist in helping families understand and set up ABLE accounts.  WHAT ARE ABLE ACCOUNTS AND HOW DO THEY COMPARE TO 529 EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS?ABLE accounts, akin to 529 education savings accounts in terms of contributions and tax treatments, are designed to assist individuals with disabilities by allowing for the accumulation of resources without affecting their eligibility for government assistance.ABLE accounts, initially referred to as 529A plans, are intended for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save beyond the typical asset limits set by government assistance programs.These accounts enable the saving of funds for a broad range of needs beyond just educational expenses, providing a more flexible financial support system for people with disabilities. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ABLE ACCOUNT, AND WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTION LIMITS?ABLE accounts are specifically for individuals receiving or eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability onset before age 26, with annual contribution limits matching the federal gift tax exclusion amount.Eligibility for ABLE accounts extends to individuals with significant disabilities with an onset before age 26, who are recipients of or qualify for SSI, allowing for a greater financial cushion without risking their SSI benefits.The annual contribution limit to an ABLE account is set at $18,000, aligning with the annual gift tax exclusion, enabling families and the individual to contribute without tax penalties and without affecting the individual's SSI asset limits. HOW DO ABLE ACCOUNTS AFFECT SSI BENEFITS, AND WHAT ARE QUALIFIED DISABILITY EXPENSES?ABLE accounts do not count towards the SSI $2,000 asset limit, and funds can be used for a wide array of disability-related expenses without impacting SSI benefits, offering significant flexibility and financial relief.Contributions to ABLE accounts and the savings therein do not affect an individual's eligibility for SSI as long as the account balance stays below $100,000, thus providing a secure means to save and support disability-related needs without jeopardizing SSI benefits.Qualified disability expenses are broadly defined, covering any costs related to living with a disability, including but not limited to housing, education, healthcare, and personal support services, thereby offering a versatile tool for financial planning and care. HOW ARE ABLE ACCOUNTS MANAGED AND WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS?ABLE accounts are state-sponsored, similar to 529 plans, with investment options ranging from aggressive to conservative portfolios, as well as offering FDIC-insured options with debit card access for day-to-day expenses.Each state sponsors its own ABLE program, with only a few exceptions; individuals can choose to open an account in any participating state, often guided by the specific features and benefits offered by each state's plan.Investment options within ABLE accounts vary, allowing for tailored investment strategies according to the beneficiary's needs and risk tolerance, including the possibility of a portion being allocated to a checking-like account with FDIC insurance for immediate needs.ABLE National Resource Center:able nrc.org ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:I have a 401k from a previous employer and a portable pension; I'm wondering if I can roll these over into an existing IRA Roth, or if I need to consolidate them into a new IRA.My daughter is looking to buy a house or land and pay cash, but someone suggested delayed financing to get her cash back and then get a mortgage; I'm trying to understand what that is.We have a family business and are currently with a credit card processing company that does not share our Christian values. We are looking for recommendations on credit card processing companies that might be more aligned with our values. RESOURCES MENTIONED:Inspire InsightChristian Community Credit Union Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles. WHAT ARE THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES RELATED TO CASH FLOW AND LIVING EXPENSES?Sharon emphasizes the importance of spending less than we earn, drawing from Philippians which teaches contentment in all situations. Contentment is key in managing finances as it helps us be satisfied with what we have and avoid unnecessary spending.To improve financial health, it's vital to spend less than what we earn.Contentment with our current situation is crucial for financial stability.Reducing living expenses is a quick way to enhance cash flow. HOW CAN WE TRAIN OUR CHILDREN IN FINANCIAL MATTERS FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE?Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train children in the way they should go, including financial education. Sharon suggests setting an example through actions rather than just words, teaching children both financial literacy and a biblical worldview of money.Train children in financial matters, including the importance of savings and understanding debt.It's essential to model good financial behavior as children learn more from what they see than from what they hear.A biblical worldview of money, emphasizing stewardship and generosity, should be part of their financial education. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BORROWING AND DEBT?Proverbs 22:7 warns about the dangers of borrowing, portraying the borrower as a slave to the lender. Borrowing can sometimes prevent us from seeing God's provision and often presumes on the future. Sharon advises careful consideration before taking on debt, ensuring there's a guaranteed way to repay.Borrowing should be approached with caution, as it can lead to financial slavery.It's important to consider if the economic return of borrowing outweighs the cost.Before taking on debt, ensure unity with a spouse, exhaust all alternatives, and have a guaranteed repayment plan. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOAL SETTING ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL WISDOM?Sharon highlights the importance of setting goals, referencing Proverbs 16:3 which directs us to commit our plans to the Lord. Goal setting, when done prayerfully, aligns our financial plans with God's will and allows for flexibility as He leads.Setting financial goals helps align our plans with God's will.Goals should be set prayerfully, keeping open to God's guidance and changes.Flexibility in goals allows for God's intervention and redirection. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS APPROACH PAYING TAXES ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?Referencing Luke 20:25, Sharon says that Jesus teaches to render to Caesar what is Caesar's. Paying taxes should be seen as a part of God's provision, recognizing that income is the reason for taxation. She emphasizes that seeking tax deductions shouldn't lead to unnecessary spending.Paying taxes is part of our duty and a reflection of God's provision.Taxes are symptomatic of income; reducing them often costs more in the long run.Rejoicing in the ability to pay taxes acknowledges God's provision in our lives. Sharon also discussed the principles of investing, understanding net worth, life insurance, life planning, and the role of a Certified Kingdom Advisor in integrating faith into financial decision-making. For more information on becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor or finding one, visitKingdom Advisors. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:I recently bought a car with cash after initially considering financing it, and I'm receiving notifications about a hard credit check; can you explain why this impacts my credit score?We came into some money, about $25,000, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to manage it without nickel-and-diming it away.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Bankrate for finding the best online savings account rates:bankrate.comRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Matthew 6:28-29: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”John Putnam is a certified financial planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and founder of Smarter Stewardship, a marketplace ministry.  HOW DO YOU COUNSEL PEOPLE WHO WORRY ABOUT MONEY, ESPECIALLY WITH TALK OF A LOOMING RECESSION?John Putnam discusses Matthew 6:28-29 and what it teaches us about God's provision and the importance of not being anxious.Focus on God's provision, as shown in nature, to minimize worry.Striving, or being overly concerned with the future, should be replaced by thriving, or being present in the moment God created.Anxiety does not add value to life; instead, it distracts from experiencing God's blessings. WHAT DOES REPLACING STRIVING WITH THRIVING LOOK LIKE?Replacing the struggle of striving with thriving involves being present in financial moments, patient, and generous, aligning with Jesus' approach to life.Being present in financial moments God gives, avoiding debt which can delay God's provision.Being patient, following Jesus' example of intentional ministry without haste.Being generous to others as a way to combat worldly worries and emulate Jesus' actions. HOW IMPORTANT IS UNDERSTANDING OUR ROLE AS STEWARDS IN THIS CONTEXT?John emphasizes the importance of stewardship, highlighting that everything belongs to God and leaving room for God's intervention in our finances and life can lead to peace and amazement.Acknowledging everything as God's provision leads to peace.As stewards, we should play our part but also allow God to work in our lives.Realizing the holistic provision from God helps replace worry with thriving. SUMMARY OF JOHN PUTNAM'S ADVICE ON MONEY AND STEWARDSHIPJohn Putnam concludes by encouraging people to focus on the overall provision from God and not let money concerns hinder enjoying life's blessings.Replace worry and striving with a focus on God's overall provision.Embrace the specialness of life and God's goodness without being held back by money concerns.Trust in God's plan and stewardship to lead a fulfilling life. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:I purchased a used vehicle and was offered an extended warranty. Is it advisable to get an extended warranty for a used car?I have the option to receive a buyout from my pension plan now or wait until retirement for a monthly payout. Should I take the lump sum to pay off my house, or wait for the monthly payments later?I own an older vehicle and am transitioning to newer models. When is it appropriate to switch from full coverage to just liability insurance?I have an old Honda Accord with a recall issue and now face a costly repair. Should I invest in repairing it, or consider buying a newer car considering I have upcoming housing expenses and a new job?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE:Tax preparers are typically CPAs (Certified Public Accountants), Enrolled Agents, or specialized attorneys. CPAs have more stringent requirements than Enrolled Agents.There's a shortage of CPAs and Enrolled Agents, leading to firms hiring high school interns at competitive rates to encourage CPA careers.Due to professional shortages, there's a risk of encountering unscrupulous tax preparers, potentially leading to scams like refund fraud and identity theft. SAFEGUARDS AGAINST FRAUD:Seek preparers available year-round, especially useful in case of audits.Verify the preparer's IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) through the IRS directory.Inquire about their professional credentials and continuing education to ensure they're up-to-date with tax laws.Check their professional history via the State Board of Accountancy for CPAs, the IRS for Enrolled Agents, and State Bar Association for attorneys. WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:Avoid preparers who base fees on refund percentages or boast unusually high refunds.Ensure preparers offer and use IRS e-file; reluctance to e-file can be a red flag.Legitimate preparers will request documents and receipts; be cautious of those who don't or who offer to file with inadequate documentation, like just a pay stub. KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS & BEST PRACTICES FOR TAX FILERS:Understand that only CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and attorneys can represent you in audits. Non-credentialed preparers, like a numerically skilled relative, cannot offer this representation.Never sign a blank or incomplete tax return.Review and understand your tax return before signing, ensuring refunds are directed to your account. One way you can avoid any potential problem with your tax preparer is to look for a CPA, Enrolled Agent or tax attorney with the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation FaithFi.com.  ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:I've been with a broker for 10 years and am concerned about unknowingly investing in companies that don't align with Christian values; how can we identify these companies and make faith-based investment choices?I'm retiring soon and under an old pension plan; should I take my pension to pay off debts or roll it into an IRA and pay off debts gradually?I have the opportunity to buy a two-acre parcel with two old trailers across from my house, but it's overpriced and would require a HELOC; is this a good financial decision?Living in Cook County, I found my house was over-assessed and doesn't have a basement or attic as claimed; I appealed, but it was rejected because the market value assessment remains high – what should I do next?RESOURCES MENTIONED: FaithFi.com/show (for a list of faith-based investment firms)Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Joe Schmitz has built a comprehensive retirement planning company focused on helping clients grow and preserve their wealth. Under Joe's leadership, a team of experienced financial advisors use tax-efficient strategies, investment management, income planning, and proactive health care planning to help clients feel confident in their financial future – and the legacy they leave behind. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, he has not only passed a rigorous education program and certification exam to receive the CFP® designation, he has spent over 6,000+ hours of professional experience to meet the CFP's experience requirements. What's more, Joe has received the Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation, showing that he has learned the finer points of retirement planning, investing, insurance and taxation in accord with Christian principles. By creating a firm to help you have a deep sense of purpose in how you steward your wealth. Joe got his start in the financial services industry in 2015. Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance and financial planning from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he played basketball and ran track. He has lived near Columbus his entire life. When Joe is not in the office, you can find him running, hiking, biking or reading. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. In addition, Joe sponsors and coaches a youth basketball team for Nova Village Athletic Club.   Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Joe Schmitz about navigating retirement planning. Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How Peak Retirement Planning helps people achieve the retirement they deserve. - Why people need help safely navigate the transition from the accumulation phase to the distribution phase of retirement. - How Peak Retirement Planning uses a five-pillar approach that includes tax planning, income planning, investment planning, healthcare planning, and estate planning. - Why you should make wise financial decisions that align with your personal beliefs. - How Peak Retirement Planning focusses on education and aims to improve the financial industry's standards.   Connect with Joe: Links Mentioned: https://peakretirementplanning.com/ Facebook: Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077579853181 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/peak-retirement-planning-inc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt Cornfield is a retired financial planner and Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University. He joins the show today to discuss his career and why he is passionate about growing the Kingdom Advisors Association, the leading advocate for the Christian financial industry. If you are seeking a community of Christian-based financial planners, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Kurt shares his journey from the wirehouse channel to becoming a key figure in financial planning education. He delves into his pivotal role in developing the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program at Liberty University, the unique aspects of the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation—including insights into its influential annual conference—and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sKzUbO

Do you like helping people get their finances in order? Maybe you have a gift for numbers? A while back we broke the news about a whole new career field that's opening up— the Christian Financial Planner. Kurt Cornfield is here today to give us an update. Kurt Cornfield is Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University. He's also a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL PLANNER PROGRAM? Seven Christian universities that have offered certified financial planner (CFP) programs are adding certified kingdom adviser content. So students are learning what the Bible says about money and finances.Prior to the last 13 years, there were zero universities offering this kind of education. It's exciting to see students learn that they can take their faith with them into the financial planning field.Since 2015, 100% of Liberty's Christian CFP planners found jobs out of school.Cornfield says students are also moving into financial coaching and counseling, including new peer coaching programs, and this is having a tremendous impact on college campuses.Cornfield urges parents to help Christian students investigate this field if they show an interest in the financial services industry position.To learn more, visit the Kingdom Advisors website.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: When does it make sense to take control of your own annuity instead of leaving it under management with a labor union?Is Christian debt management a good option for paying down debt?RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom AdvisorChristian Credit CounselorsRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Summary - Pursuing Spiritual Wealth, with Marcus HallFaith Ventures welcomes Marcus Hall, financial planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor. In this thought-provoking episode, Marcus emphasizes the connection between faith and finances, urging us to view money as a tool to align with their beliefs and actively contribute to their faith. He shares insights on financial stewardship, the power of giving, and incorporating Christian values into financial decision-making. Proper planning isn't merely about adding zeroes to your account, but about what you will do with what you earn and save. Moreover, these lessons apply in a parallel fashion to everywhere we are working: service is primary. His efforts to educate his fellow believers in this manner are non-trivial, including authoring a book about what he terms "spiritual wealth". Enjoy a great conversation that challenges our perspectives on wealth, generosity, and work.Check out "Pursuing Spiritual Wealth" here: https://amzn.to/3tly1C6

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast… ” We've all heard the famous “love passage” from I Corinthians 13 at weddings, but can love inform the way we invest? We'll explore this concept with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. She's a leader in the field of helping investors integrate their Christian values with their investment decisions.On this program, Rachel shares how love can influence our investing. She says that when the Israelites were waiting for Messiah to come, they expected him to come as a strong military and political leader that would bring about deliverance from Rome. But in Luke 17:1, Jesus reveals this radical concept that the kingdom of God is within us.And she shares a fresh perspective on a couple of verses: I Cor 13: 13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” And I Cor 16:14, which reminds us that everything we do should be done in love. As God's agents in the world, as his stewards, we must be careful to invest the resources He entrusts to us in a manner worthy of our calling. And his standard of excellence, in all things, is love.HOW CAN WE DISPLAY LOVE IN OUR INVESTING? We can start with the simple framework of avoid, embrace, and engage. Avoid the companies that are not blessing humanity, embrace those that do, and utilize asset managers who will actively engage with the companies they select for investment on our behalf.There is, of course, a lot of nuance to this, but in general, we can avoid companies that kill, steal, and destroy, for those are the works of the enemy, described in John 10. At a minimum, we don't want to take money that God has entrusted to us and give it to the enemy for his purposes. That would not be loving.For example, MGM Resorts Int'l is a company in the S&P 500 that owns and operates gambling facilities as well as manufactures gambling systems.OPTIONS FOR A LOVE-BASED APPROACHThere are currently over 150 faith-oriented investment products being managed by 19 different asset management firms. There has been a tremendous amount of growth and innovation. There are far more strategies to choose from and the creative ways in which asset managers are integrating biblical, loving principles has also matured. Learn more about faith-based investing at www.wealthsq.com.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How can you ensure the credibility and stability of a financial institution with which you're investing? What are the tax implications related to inherited property? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

Pursue righteousness and find prosperity - Proverbs 21:21 The Bible is the world's most underrated finance book. In fact, Christianity makes the importance of your finances for your spiritual well being crystal clear. But many believers separate their investments from their faith these days. Or they don't know how to invest in alignment with their values in the first place.  That's where a Certified Kingdom Advisor comes in, who combines the knowledge about financial planning with Biblical wisdom regular advisors ignore. And in today's episode, Roger Stukkie, one of our advisors, shares how a CKA certificate makes everyone a better financial advisor, what makes biblical investing so lucrative, and the timeless financial wisdom of the Bible you can use today. Listen now! Show highlights include: How to tell if a Christian financial advisor is genuine and competent   (2:49) The weird way this Christian core value makes your investments succeed (5:18) What sets all “Kingdom Advisors” apart from financial planners with average results (5:42) How program-related investments support your community (instead of feeding shady corporations) (8:46) How Biblical investors combine generating wealth with generosity for the people close to them (11:57) Disclosure:  "Clicking the Like button does not constitute a testimonial for, recommendation or endorsement of our advisory firm, any associated person, or our services. Clicking the Like button is merely a mechanism to circulate our social media page. “Like” is not meant in the traditional sense. In addition, postings must refrain from recommending us or providing testimonials for our firm."

Do you like helping people get their finances in order? Maybe you have a gift for numbers? A while back we broke the news about a whole new career field that's opening up— the Christian Financial Planner. Kurt Cornfield is here today to give us an update. Kurt Cornfield is Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University. He's also a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL PLANNER PROGRAM? Seven Christian universities that have offered certified financial planner (CFP) programs are adding certified kingdom adviser content. So students are learning what the Bible says about money and finances.Prior to the last 13 years, there were zero universities offering this kind of education. It's exciting to see students learn that they can take their faith with them into the financial planning field.Since 2015, 100% of Liberty's Christian CFP planners found jobs out of school. Cornfield says students are also moving into financial coaching and counseling, including new peer coaching programs, and this is having a tremendous impact on college campuses. Cornfield urges parents to help Christian students investigate this field if they show an interest in the financial services industry position. To learn more, visit the Kingdom Advisors website. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: When does it make sense to take control of your own annuity instead of leaving it under management with a labor union? Is Christian debt management a good option for paying down debt? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom AdvisorChristian Credit CounselorsRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach. 

Those are wise words, especially when it comes to investing. These days, we have several ways to invest our money, but each requires a certain amount of oversight. We'll talk through your options today on Faith and Finance. “Know well the condition of your flocks … and pay attention to your herds. For riches are not forever … nor does a crown endure to all generations.” (Proverbs 27:23-24)Today our flocks and herds are likely to be stocks and bonds. And you certainly do need to pay attention to them no matter which method of investing you choose, and we'll go over three of them.THREE METHODS FOR WATCHING YOUR INVESTMENTS1. Do it yourself: This approach is sometimes called “self-directed” investing. Why would you choose this method? Most likely because you don't like the idea of paying fees to someone else to manage your investments.And of course, if you choose to go it alone, you really have to stay on top of things. That doesn't mean you watch the market every day and decide to buy or sell at the drop of a hat. No matter which style of investing you choose— it must be for the long run.So, here's the key to a successful D-I-Y approach: You have to keep your emotions in check no matter what the market is doing. These days, technology allows you to make a trade with the push of a button, but you still have to stay disciplined and stick to a long-range investment plan.And even though you're taking active control of your investments, you can still put your money into mutual, index, or target date funds that lower your risk and reduce or eliminate the need for frequent trading.The greatest danger in self-directing your investments is that you'll fall victim to market swings, selling out of fear when the market takes a tumble, or buying out of greed when the market is hot. You have to keep your emotions in check and stay the course.Let's move on to investing method number two. 2. Robo-advisors: A robo-advisor is sophisticated software, and they're now offered by most of the big online brokerage houses, like Fidelity and Vanguard.So, how do robo-advisors work? You input some basic information, such as your age and retirement goals. The robo-advisor then recommends a diversified portfolio tailored to your needs — with an emphasis on low-cost exchange-traded funds and bonds.The benefit is that you get pre-packaged investing advice tailored to your needs but at a much lower cost than from a human. For an annual fee of around 0.25%, the robo-advisor will automatically rebalance and diversify your portfolio as needed.We've talked about managing your investments yourself or getting a robo-advisor. Here's your third option: 3. Hire a financial advisor: This would be for folks who want more than just investing advice. As the name implies, a financial advisor can assist you in all areas of your finances, from investing to tax strategies and estate planning.Financial advisors come with various specialties, but for the widest range of assistance, you probably want to go with a Certified Financial Planner. They have a fiduciary responsibility to give you advice that's best for you, even if it doesn't make them the most money.And of course, no matter what type of financial advisor you need, you can find one that shares your Christian worldview and values by choosing a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Now, going with a financial advisor will cost more than the other methods we've talked about, but there are two major benefits with this approach.First, it might actually be the most cost-effective method. How can that be if it's more expensive? Because the advice you receive will likely more than pay for itself in increased gains and reduced taxes. So it's not really accurate to say hiring a financial advisor will “cost you more,” because it probably won't.Second, going it alone or hiring a robo-advisor won't get you the personalized service you receive from a financial advisor, especially from one with the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation.That person will take your specific circumstances and needs into account, and very often become a trusted friend to help you through all of your financial decision-making. We think that's “worth its weight in gold” … pun intended.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: Is there a way to reduce the interest rates on your student loans to pay them off faster? When does it make sense to buy an investment property? When is it a good time to start a business financially?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."  Christians are called to be faithful stewards of God's resources. When we do that, we leave a LEGACY for generations. Rob talks with Tom Conway about what that means and how you do it.Tom Conway is a CPA by training, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and founder of Legacy By Design. Tom and Rob cover these topics and questions on this episode of Faith&Finance.Rob - I think we all leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren, whether we know it or not, but there are actually three kinds of legacies. What are those and can you flesh out the details?Tom -The one you receivedThe one you will leaveThe one you are leaving every dayRob - You help families plan their legacy and this isn't a “one size fits all” process, is it?Tom -Every family is uniqueTheir situation is uniqueThe family members are uniqueRob - How exactly do you help families prepare a legacy?Tom -It starts with a conversation. involving 5 areas of their legacy:Personal LegacyFamily LegacyFinancial LegacyBusiness Legacy if you are a Business OwnerKingdom or Charitable LegacyRob - Perhaps people aren't thinking of their legacy quite this way or with the intentionality you've brought to the process, right?Tom -  The most important legacy you leave does not involve money.Rob - What goals should guide us as we think about the legacy we want to leave?Tom -Two Biblical Goals for families:1 - Hear ‘Well Done' at end of life – Matthew 25:212 - Present every man complete in Christ – Col. 1:28-29 defines this: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”Rob - How have you been successful once a family realizes the importance of the faith legacy they're leaving?Rob - What about when a family realizes their kids are not "there" spiritually?Rob - How do you counsel parents who just feel like it's their responsibly to leave money to their kids?Rob - Should you struggle with treating each child uniquely?Tom -Statistically, 70 to 90% of wealth transfer plans failsIn 60% of the cases, its due to lack of communication and Trust in the Family25% is due to Unprepared HeirsCommunication is a mustI tell people, “There will be a family meeting. It's just a matter of whether you will be there or not!”Rob - What's the benefit of all this?Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:If you're 32, have a 401(k) for which your employers matches up to 10% but you're currently contributing 8%, what is the best way to maximize plan?You're a senior and you'd like to open some sort of account that will earn as much interest as possible, where should you look?Ally, Marcus and Capital One 360Be sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button.

Often when parents make out a will, they simply divide their assets equally among their children, including property. But maybe that's asking for trouble. We'll talk about that  on Faith and Finance.One of the most common sentences included in a will is this: “My estate will be divided equally among my children.”That's fairly easy to do when the estate consists entirely of financial accounts that can quickly be converted to cash for distribution to heirs.It's quite another thing when the estate contains property, as most do. It immediately forces your heirs— usually your children— to make a difficult decision. Do they continue to hold the property in joint ownership? Or do they sell it and divide the proceeds? A third option exists if one or more heirs are willing to “buy out” the others.Ideally, the heirs will all agree on a fair and equitable settlement. That usually means selling the home and splitting the proceeds. Or, the heirs could decide to divide up other assets so that one or more heirs are able to hold onto the property. But far too often, heirs have trouble reaching that kind of agreement.Deciding as a group what to do with property becomes a complicated business. There are serious financial and emotional considerations.Financially, what you think is a blessing may actually become a burden when you factor in maintenance costs, taxes, insurance, homeowners association fees, and other expenses. Who makes decisions about maintenance and hires contractors to perform needed work? Will the heirs divide those expenses equally? What happens if one heir doesn't pay his or her share?Sometimes, depending on location, the property becomes something like a “timeshare” for the various heirs and their families. But then who determines the schedule for using the place?Emotionally, inheriting real estate may cause heirs to make unwise decisions based on feelings, rather than wise money management.In many cases, the family home becomes a money pit that fosters arguments among surviving children who can't even agree on minor things like what color to paint the living room.Children often have different ideas about what to do with inherited property, based on their experiences growing up. Resentments that were hidden for years may boil up to the surface when Mom and Dad aren't around anymore.This is often made worse when one sibling is made executor of the estate. That person is then in a position to “lord it over” the others. Or the opposite can happen, with the executor heir taking grief from siblings who all demand different things. Handling the estate becomes a nightmare for them as siblings squabble. So as a side note, consider appointing an outside executor or personal representative for your estate.To avoid these potential problems with leaving a house in joint ownership to your heirs, many experts suggest you handle it like any other asset in your will. Simply stipulate in your will that upon your death, all property will be sold and that the proceeds then are to be divided among your heirs.When you do that, some heirs may decide to take the proceeds of that sale as part of their share in the estate. Others may want to “buy out” the others if they want to take on full ownership of the home or vacation property.You don't always have to divide the proceeds equally among your heirs. In his book "Splitting Heirs,” financial teacher and author Ron Blue says that “if you love your children equally, you'll treat them uniquely” in your will.Some may have greater needs than others. Some may not be able to handle money as well as others. In those cases, dividing things equally may not be best for your heirs.But the key to making any of this work is transparency. You should discuss your wishes with your family so that no one is surprised after you go home to the Lord. Everyone needs to understand not only your decisions, but why you made them.By having serious discussions about your estate ahead of time, you can eliminate the potential for infighting and resentment later, especially if you make it known that all real property is to be sold upon your death. That's one less thing your heirs can squabble about.If you need help drawing up a will  —or changing one— it's important to work with an estate attorney who shares your Christian worldview. You can do that by finding a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Just go to FaithFi.com/find.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How do you determine whether to leave funds in a 403(b)?How should you go about selecting a financial advisor?RESOURCES MENTIONED:FaithFi.com/findRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

Asked if he'd like dinner, a budget airline passenger asked, “What are my choices?” The attendant responded, “Yes or no.” When you're on a budget, you may forget that you still have choices and flexibility. Today John Putnam joins Rob West to talk about the “3-D Budget” and how it can help you get your priorities straight. This is Faith and Finance - biblical wisdom for your financial decisions.John Putnam is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and founder of Smarter Stewardship, a marketplace ministry.I recently came across the 3-D budget you offer as a free resource at SmarterStewardship.com and I really want to share this with listeners as a fresh, new way to look at their spending plans. Why is that important?Over time, your budget categories can begin to look “the same” and you can overlook the simple options you have for control, efficiency and impact to reach your respective financial goals. So often, we look at our budget and forget an important fact: All expenses are not created equally.How does your 3-D budget help someone get better control of their money?It's designed to remind you of the expenses you have each month and categorize them in a way that creates a fresh perspective that can highlight related opportunities. This can refresh your goals, decrease flexible outflows, increase cash flow and provide a written record that can be shared with your spouse, friends or advisor.What are the nuts and bolts of a 3-D budget?Imagine a grid with 3 columns: Budget, Need to pay, have to pay and want to pay.Column 1 is what I NEED to pay - needed, but flexible (ex. Internet, cable, dry cleaning, maybe ‘rent').Column 2 is what I HAVE to pay – payment that is contractual or required (ex: credit card).The third column is what I WANT to pay – 100% optional (ex. Eating out, coffee shops, movies).The third column is what you can take to zero, for example, during recessions.The NEED TO and HAVE TO columns also hold opportunities for flexibility, they're just more difficult to affect.How does this help you prioritize your actions — what you can do now, or in the next few months, and even longer range planning?It helps provide a fresh perspective of flexibilities and efficiencies in budgeting for listeners and gives them additional options.You can get your own copy of the 3-D budget on the resources page at SmarterStewardship.com.Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:What should you do with an annuity IRA you inherited from your husband who passed away last year, and you are the primary beneficiary but his brother is the contingent beneficiary and you want to the funds to benefit your children? (Rob referred the caller to a CKA professional, by going to faithfi.com and clicking the Find a CKA at the top of the page.).Should you pay for a company to guard your credit or just freeze your credit report, if you don't want to get scammed?Is it true that you don't have to worry about capital gains tax if you purchased 60 acres of raw land 20 years ago for about $1000 an acre and could sell it now for up to six times as much?What should you do if you are attempting to roll over a 401k from a company that closed in 2021, and the plan administrator is saying you need to contact the employer but they no longer exist?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app.

Are annuities the best product since sliced bread … or a house of mirrors? Or could they be both? We'll talk about it today with Mike Miller on Faith and Finance. Mike Miller is a Partner and Senior Private Wealth Advisor at the South Carolina office of Ronald Blue Trust. He's also a certified financial planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor.  Mark Miller is a Certified Kingdom Advisor. If you want to learn even more about annuities, you can listen to his two-part podcast on the topic at TalkingMoneyRadio.com.At Faith and Finance, we're generally not fans of annuities. But let's take a closer look. First, what is the main problem with any investment that guarantees returns, such as annuities?Miller says they're always a tradeoff. Guarantees come with a cost. Typically, the lower the risk, the lower the return. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?You won't find the word “annuities'' in the Bible, but there is a biblical principle to guide us on this topic. Miller talks about the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25. One of the servants buried his talent in the ground. The master asked why he did that. The servant said he was afraid, and the master was displeased.Miller says all too often, annuities are marketed and purchased based on fear. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FORIf a salesperson is ONLY selling annuities, rather than a full suite of investment options, that's a potential problem. If he or she only has a square peg to sell, they'll always try to sell a square peg, regardless of whether the hole is a square, a circle, or a triangle. Also, if an annuity salesperson is trying to get you to put a large percentage of your money into an annuity? If so, watch out! It's always a good idea to diversify. And do you feel like someone is trying to sell it because it's in your best interest? … or because they're trying to win a contest? Listen to those spirit checks if you feel like they're not acting in your best interest. There are three different types of annuities: Fixed, indexed, and variable. Fixed annuities do have some advantages in an era of elevated interest rates. You usually get a higher guarantee than in other types of annuities, at least for a period of time. Variable annuities have a higher potential upside, but a higher potential downside as well. Whatever the annuity, it always makes your money less liquid and available. And if you're going to leave that money alone for a long period of time, why not invest in the things the insurance companies are investing in (the market)? Just take a long-term approach and diversify properly. There are some limited situations in which an annuity makes sense. That could be a situation in which you've exhausted other investment options. Seek out a kingdom adviser if you want to evaluate annuities for your needs. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What is the best option to consolidate debt? How can a married couple get out of a living paycheck-to-paycheck situation? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Bankrate.comRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

Ecclesiastes 7:8 encourages us to be patient in trials of all kinds, including our investments. If patience is a virtue, how do we apply that to our portfolios? We'll talk about it with investing expert Mark Biller. Mark Biller is executive editor at Sound Mind Investing.If you're feeling despondent about the losses suffered over the past year, be encouraged! PATIENCE IS A VIRTUEBiller reminds us that time is on the side of the long-term investor. This has always been the case — it was true after the dreadful losses of 2008's Financial Crisis, it was true after the Covid shock in 2020, and it's still true after last year's losses, whether or not this bear market is over yet.The U.S. stock market has been remarkably resilient. A portfolio divided 50-50 between large and small company stocks has returned about +11% per year over the last 95 years. Think about everything the market has been through since then — the Great Depression, a World War, and so on.Admittedly, that average obscures some wild rides along the way. There have been 12-month periods where losses were as horrifying as -69% and gains were as breathtaking as 240% (those two extremes actually happened back-to-back in 1932-1933). In fact, it's been very uncommon for stocks to actually return close to that  +11% average in any particular year — only about 5% of all the 12-month rolling periods over the last century or so have been within one percent of that 11% long-term average.What that means is that it's perfectly normal for the stock market's returns to be all over the place from year to year. And yet, despite that, time is on the side of the long-term investor. The longer you're willing to keep your money in the market, the greater your  likelihood of success.Biller writes about all this in a recent article at SoundMindInvesting.org, titled “Market Probabilities: What the Past Suggests About the Future.” It features a chart that shows that if you had randomly picked any 12-month period between 1926 and 2022 to own stocks, you would have had a 74% chance of making money. [1]How much money? The table shows you would have had about a 39% probability of making more than 20%, a 20% chance of making between 10% and 20%, and a 15% chance of earning between 1% and 10%.The chart shows these types of probabilities for holding periods of 1-year, 2-years — all the way out to 10-year holding periods. And that's where the numbers are really so reassuring.When you get out to five-year holding periods, losses occurred only 11% of the time. In other words, if you held your stocks for at least five years, the likelihood of making money increased to 89%.The chart also shows that as the holding period lengthens, the very large gains and losses gradually disappear as the market moves closer to its long-term historical average. And by the time you reach holding periods of 8-to-10 years, the likelihood of losing money falls to just 2%-3% of the time.Now, this assumes certain things, like your portfolio being properly diversified.This study reinforces the importance of diversification. The article notes that the S&P 500 Index, which is really a measure of large-company stock performance, was negative -1.4% for the 10-year period ending in 2008. But when we diversify that portfolio by splitting it evenly between large and small company stocks, that 10-year loss flips to a small gain of +2.7%.One of the main points of this article and the chart is to show how volatile stock market returns are over the short-term, and how that volatility rapidly diminishes as you stretch out your time horizon. Short-term returns are very unpredictable, but they become much more predictable the longer the time horizon extends. That's why SMI has always recommended at least a five-year time frame as a minimum for investing in the stock market, and 10 years is really what they prefer to see. You can't guarantee that a person will have a positive return investing in stocks over any given five or 10-year period, but historically, the odds of success go way up with those longer periods.And again, it's reassuring that even the worst recent 10-year period — that 1999 to 2008 period that ended with the Global Financial Crisis — still provided modest gains for diversified investors.DON'T TRY TO TIME THE MARKET ON YOUR OWNAll of the research suggests that most individual investors do a poor job of trying to time the market on their own. And most who try to do that, end up hurting their long-term results.So for someone who is NOT following along with a very disciplined, mechanical strategy like they're using at SMI, but has a 5-year time horizon and is contributing every month to their 401k, they should stick with simple dollar cost averaging. They should probably just keep making those contributions and count on the market to bounce back from any further damage that might be in store before they reach the end of their 5-year time period. This article we've been discussing today says that historically a person has an 89% chance of making money in stocks over a 5-year time period. That's the argument for continuing to dollar-cost-average right through a bear market like this.SEEKING A FINANCIAL ADVISERWhat kind of person needs a financial advisor?Biller says there are two main groups:  one is the person who doesn't enjoy financial stuff and doesn't want to do this on their own. Chances are, that type of person isn't going to do a particularly good job with it because they don't like it and it's a chore. So that's one good reason to offload it to an advisor.The second is a little less obvious, but it's a primary reason why many of SMI's do-it-yourself newsletter people eventually transition over to using SMI's Advisory service, and that's because they want to ensure their spouse is well cared for after they're gone. Many people tell SMI they don't mind handling their own investing, but their spouse would be lost because they haven't been involved. So they'll come over to work with an SMI advisor to make sure the transition is smooth for their spouse's benefit.And of course, we regularly recommend you seek out a Certified Kingdom Advisor if you need help with your investments. You should interview two or three of them, and you can start that process by visiting FaithFi.com/find. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What is the best way to select a lender for a home refinance? What kinds of retirement income are taxable? When does it make sense to refinance an auto loan? RESOURCES MENTIONED:CreditKarmaLendingTreeBe sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button. I realize we may not be able to post this. But just in case we can, I decided to paste it in.

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”   Proverbs 20:5  Man's ultimate purpose is to glorify God, but deciding how we do that can be a challenge. Sometimes we need help from a trusted advisor. We'll talk about that with Rachel McDonough.Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner anda Certified Kingdom Advisor. And lately, she's been deep in thought about Proverbs 20:5 and how it relates to fulfilling our purpose in life with our financial decisions. All Christians would like to honor God with the way they use the resources He's given them, but sometimes it's difficult to find the right path for that.McDonough shares that our culture makes it difficult. There's so much in our culture that makes us think it's all about us. We ask, “What are my financial goals?”  But if that's our starting point, it's almost like: Ready, fire, aim! But it's wise to take a step back and think through a more biblical framework for how we should determine those financial goals. The thing that is your treasure will control your heart. And what controls your heart will control your words, your behaviors, and your decisions. The place to start is with your HEART, our values, and priorities as believers. McDonough encourages listeners to take a step back and think through the foundation of our values and priorities first, and then choose specific financial goals that give us the right target to be aiming toward. Turning to a Christian adviser can help you think through those factors. Of course, this is why Kingdom Advisors exists, to train a dedicated group of professionals with the CKA designation … to come alongside side believers and help them find their purpose.Learn more about Kingdom Advisors at kingdomadvisors.com or visit FaithFi.com to Find a CKA. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How do you combat fear over your finances? Does it make sense to use all cash on hand to pay off credit card debt? Be sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button. 

Asked if he'd like dinner, a budget airline passenger asked, “What are my choices?” The attendant responded, “Yes or no.” When you're on a budget, you may forget that you still have choices and flexibility. Today John Putnam joins Rob West to talk about the “3-D Budget” and how it can help you get your priorities straight. This is Faith and Finance - biblical wisdom for your financial decisions.John Putnam is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and founder of Smarter Stewardship, a marketplace ministry.I recently came across the 3-D budget you offer as a free resource at SmarterStewardship.com and I really want to share this with listeners as a fresh, new way to look at their spending plans. Why is that important?Over time, your budget categories can begin to look “the same” and you can overlook the simple options you have for control, efficiency and impact to reach your respective financial goals. So often, we look at our budget and forget an important fact: All expenses are not created equally.How does your 3-D budget help someone get better control of their money?It's designed to remind you of the expenses you have each month and categorize them in a way that creates a fresh perspective that can highlight related opportunities. This can refresh your goals, decrease flexible outflows, increase cash flow and provide a written record that can be shared with your spouse, friends or advisor.What are the nuts and bolts of a 3-D budget?Imagine a grid with 3 columns: Budget, Need to pay, have to pay and want to pay.Column 1 is what I NEED to pay - needed, but flexible (ex. Internet, cable, dry cleaning, maybe ‘rent').Column 2 is what I HAVE to pay – payment that is contractual or required (ex: credit card).The third column is what I WANT to pay – 100% optional (ex. Eating out, coffee shops, movies).The third column is what you can take to zero, for example, during recessions.The NEED TO and HAVE TO columns also hold opportunities for flexibility, they're just more difficult to affect.How does this help you prioritize your actions — what you can do now, or in the next few months, and even longer range planning?It helps provide a fresh perspective of flexibilities and efficiencies in budgeting for listeners and gives them additional options.You can get your own copy of the 3-D budget on the resources page at SmarterStewardship.com.Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:What should you do with an annuity IRA you inherited from your husband who passed away last year, and you are the primary beneficiary but his brother is the contingent beneficiary and you want to the funds to benefit your children? (Rob referred the caller to a CKA professional, by going to faithfi.com and clicking the Find a CKA at the top of the page.).Should you pay for a company to guard your credit or just freeze your credit report, if you don't want to get scammed?Is it true that you don't have to worry about capital gains tax if you purchased 60 acres of raw land 20 years ago for about $1000 an acre and could sell it now for up to six times as much?  What should you do if you are attempting to roll over a 401k from a company that closed in 2021, and the plan administrator is saying you need to contact the employer but they no longer exist?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app.

For more than a quarter century, financial advisors have used the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals. So why change it now? Some advisors are now saying 4% may be too high, while the man who wrote the rule says it's too low. In today's Faith and Finance Rob West weighs into the debate. This is Faith and Finance -  biblical wisdom for your financial decisions.We'll start by consulting God's Word about saving and spending, which lays down a basic principle. Proverbs 21:20 tells us, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”We certainly don't want to be foolish, so choosing the right percentage that we can withdraw from our holdings each year in retirement is important, to say the least. Too little and you may not be able to meet your expenses. Too much, and you run the risk of running out of funds during retirement.You might be curious about where the 4% rule came from in the first place. Way back in 1994, investment advisor Bill Bengen published an article that detailed how and why he was recommending to his clients that they only withdraw 4% a year from their assets in retirement.Bengen said he created his 4% rule based on a hypothetical investor who retired in October, 1968, and was promptly hit with an extended bear market and high inflation. In other words, a “worst case scenario.”And even though you might be tempted to think history is repeating itself now, Bengen believes that by tweaking asset allocation, a retiree would actually be safe withdrawing up to 4.7% annually, as he is doing now. To be fair, he's suggesting that 4.5% would be safer, until we see what inflation will do in the near future.So how did Bengen arrive at the new, 4.7% figure? He says it's due to the greater gains he's seen by adding small and microcap asset classes to his portfolio. He says that increased volatility, but also gains, which made his 4.7% calculation possible.Besides the benefit of increasing the rate of withdrawal in retirement, the new rule also allows the retiree to reduce allocation in stocks over bonds. The old 4% rule was based on a 50 to 70% stock allocation, which could make many retirees jittery.The new higher withdrawal rate of 4.7% over the long haul is based on an ideal stock allocation of only 55 to 60%.Bengen says having less than that in equities will lower your return enough enough to make 4.7% unworkable, but having more than that will create enough volatility to also threaten your safe withdrawal rate.But not all investing experts are as optimistic as Bengen. In fact, Morningstar is now suggesting that the old 4% rule is too high a withdrawal rate for the times. They're recommending that figure be reduced to just 3.3%.Remember that the goal is to have enough built up to last for a 30-year retirement, say from age 65 to 95. Market returns and inflation will no doubt fluctuate a great deal over that time, but in the end, they should balance out.And whether you use 3.3, 4, or 4.7% as your safe withdrawal rate in retirement, they all assume that percentage of your portfolio will be enough to live on when Social Security is added to the mix.Anyone contemplating an earlier retirement will need a great deal more in assets or a lower withdrawal rate, or both. That certainly won't be easy.Some investment advisors suggest that maximum diversification is one way to overcome the uncertainties of bear markets and inflation. That means not just having a broad spectrum of stocks and bonds, but also having several different “buckets” of retirement holdings.Some might be in a 401k or traditional IRA with their tax-deferred benefit. Some could also be in a Roth IRA, that's funded with after tax money but allows for tax-free withdrawals. Some equity holdings could be income-producing, some dividend-paying.Some fixed income securities could be I bonds, which are taxable; others could be municipal bonds which aren't subject to federal tax. Some “munis” even escape state taxes, as long as you live in the state that issued the bonds.This can all get pretty confusing. There's a case for having an experienced financial advisor help you with your retirement investing, whether you're already retired or you're still working. We believe strongly in the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation. With a CKA, you'll not only have an experienced advisor, but one who shares your Christian values. You can find a local CKA professional, by going to faithfi.com and click the Find a CKA at the top of the page.Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.comHow can you give up a timeshare that you purchased last year if the sellers are telling you that it can't be sold back to them? (Rob referred the caller to the Timeshare Users Group).What's your best recourse to pay off about $7000 in credit card debt and buy now pay later loans if you are 64, living on a fixed income, and don't want to get further in debt? (Rob referred the caller to Christian Credit Counselors).Would it hurt your credit rating to close a Mastercard you opened last year when you were trying to get out of a timeshare, but never activated the card? (Rob referred the caller to annualcreditreport.com).What is the purpose of opening a Roth IRA now if you were told by an advisor you should have one waiting to be funded for when you retire in five years?How do you report interest paid to you by a home buyer who was initially renting from you?Be sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button.

Are we headed for a recession? The answer is always “yes,” but no one knows when it'll come or how deep it will be. We'll talk about how you can prepare today with financial coach John Putnam.John Putnam is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, author of He Spends, She Spends and founder of Smarter Stewardship, a marketplace ministry offering resources, podcasts and content.A just-released survey of economists by Bankrate found that nearly two-thirds of them believe the U.S. will enter a recession in 2023. And the Fed's rapid increase in interest rates is probably driving that. What are your thoughts on that?John reminds of the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which tells us that for everything there is a season. There will be times of plenty, but there will also be recessions. We don't know if tough financial times for you personally or for the entire US economy will arrive this year. But we know recessions happen, and we should be prepared.When you have a plan in place, it is much easier to pivot for those plans than without any plan at all.In a time of recession, your vision can get blurry. Your mission will be challenged, and your values will be tested. And that's why prayer, scripture, and leaning more on the Body of Christ around you becomes even more important in a time of a recession.John says the first step in preparing for lean times is to spend more time in prayer and in the Word.What other steps should we take to prepare for a recession? John explains how the following things are critically important:BudgetingReining in spending and putting an emergency fund in placeMinimizing debt.Some people believe that preparing for tough financial times shows a lack of faith. But John says God's Word tells us otherwise. We know that God is the great provider, and we should not trust in our savings, but in Him. At the same time, the Bible tells us to be prudent and prepared for the lean times.Learn more about John Putnam SmarterStewardship.com.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How do you determine whether it makes sense to continue contributing to a 529 account?When does investing in an i-bond make sense?Is a Roth IRA better than a Roth 401k? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can connect with a FaithFi Coach, join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app.

There are also no secrets to successful investing. In the long run, several key factors will determine your results. Mark Biller lays those out for us today on Faith and Finance. Mark Biller is the executive editor at Sound Mind Investing. (RW) Mark, today we want to look at an article you have up at SoundMindInvesting.org titled, Eight Key Factors That Determine Your Long-Term Investing Results. We'll dive into those in a moment. But first, let's talk about the big-picture message we hope you'll take away today. In a nutshell, it's to focus on what you can control rather than worry about what you can't. That's good advice for all aspects of life, including money management. For investors, it's a timely reminder as well, given the ever-present uncertainty about the stock market's future direction. But regardless of which way the market moves this year, there are still several factors you have direct control over. So those are the things to focus our attention on. KEY FACTORS 1. The rate of return you earn: This is what investors focus most of their attention on, which causes them to spend their time trying to pick winning stocks, the best funds, or the most astute market guru to follow. And it's not that your rate of return doesn't matter. It obviously does. It's just that, unfortunately, this is the one factor we'll discuss today that's largely out of your control, unless you're willing to settle for guaranteed CD-like returns. No matter how hard you study or how much you know, you can't predetermine exactly what your rate of return will be. So instead, it makes sense to turn your attention to the factors where you do have a lot of control. 2. Building on a strong foundation: This is the first factor that you DO have control over. You don't have as much to fear from economic storms and bear markets if you're debt-free, have an emergency reserve, and use a cash flow plan that produces a monthly surplus. Your ability to put such a foundation in place is affected by how big a house you buy, how new a car you drive, how responsibly you handle credit, and a host of other decisionsmost of which are under your direct control. 3. How much you save and invest: Invest $200 a month for 20 years at 10.0% and it will grow to $152,000. You could improve that to $198,000 by either (1) increasing your annual rate of return from 10% to 12%, or (2) by increasing your deposit by $60 per month. A lot of investors will try to move heaven and earth to boost that return, while boosting the monthly deposit is much more certain and under their direct control. 3. How much you lose to taxes: The example I just gave assumes you're investing in a tax-deferred retirement account. If you made your $200 monthly investments into a regular taxable account, you'd need to earn 12.6% per year rather than 10%, just to reach even the lower $152,000 target. (That's assuming a 29% combined federal/state rate.) So you want to make full use of tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. 4. How long you save: Examples of compound interest and investment growth show us that amazing things happen when you leave money invested for long periods of time. That means you should start contributing to your investment accounts as early as possible and plan to leave the money working tax-deferred for as long as possible. 5. Whether you're playing the short game or the long game: With the long-term investing game, you win by plotting your strategy very carefully at the outset, and then letting that strategy play out over time. Short-term news, current market fads, and so-called expert opinions are largely irrelevant to long-term investors. So turn off the financial shows on TV and stop looking at your daily returns. 6. Whose advice you listen to: Is your strategy in sync with biblically based financial principles, or more reflective of the conventional thinking offered by the secular investing world? It's your choice. And there we can recommend two sources for biblical financial advice: Obviously at Sound Mind Investing. Also, you can connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor. You can do that at FaithFi.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What is the best approach to saving for and purchasing a car? ● How can you get the best possible return on your money with minimal risk? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can connect with a FaithFi Coach, join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

In this weeks episode of "Glass Half Full" Chris talks with Bob DePasquale. Bob DePasquale, "The Generosity Guy" is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, and Certified Kingdom Advisor.  He's the Founder of Initiate Impact Virtual Family Offices, a wealth management firm focused on generosity, and he loves to talk to organizations and families about the giving mindset.  Everyone has gifts and skills to make the world a better place.  Bob wants everyone to use their resources for just that. bobdepasquale.cominitiateimpact.comtwitter.com/bdepainstagram.com/bdepalinkedin.com/in/bobdepasqualeSupport the show

Proverbs 11:14 says, Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Those are wise words in any situation, but particularly when it comes to your finances. Are you seeking the safety of a wise financial counselor? We'll talk about that today with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor and she's seen firsthand the benefits of getting outside advice on managing money. THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLICALLY BASED FINANCIAL ADVICE Rachel says it is especially important for Christians to seek wise counsel about their finances. She says any competent financial advisor who is confident can help you achieve your financial goals, such as planning for college or retirement. But a Christian financial adviser with a biblical worldview is really uniquely able to help you make financial decisions in harmony with the principles found in God's Word. A Christian financial adviser will help you to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Another great example of this comes in our investing. A lot of Christians would like to invest in a way that aligns with their biblical values and not have profits in their portfolio coming from industries that violate them. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ADVISER Of course, being a Christian isn't enough. It's important to understand the qualifications of an adviser before taking their advice. One way to be sure about the competence of a financial adviser is to seek out a Certified Kingdom Adviser. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How do you determine how best to proceed with bringing a mortgage forbearance current? ● When does a real estate investment trust make sense? ● When does it make sense to use investment funds to pay off credit card debt? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can connect with a FaithFi Coach, join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The 4 H's of Financial Wisdom Part 4Join Ross as he takes a biblical approach, introducing financial topics found in scripture. Part 4 of the 4-week series on the 4 H's of financial wisdom. Ross Haycock, CFP®, AIF®, CKA®, is the Vice President and Financial Advisor with Summit Wealth Group and manages the Colorado Springs branch office. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Ross is unique in that he offers a biblical approach to financial planning. Ross believes that the financial principles found in Scripture build the foundation for a healthy relationship with money. With the heart of a teacher, Ross specializes in carefully and thoughtfully guiding clients through often complex financial topics.Ross is a 40+ year Colorado resident. He joined Summit Wealth Group in 2003 and became partner in 2006. He specializes in retirement and retirement income planning, focusing on pre-retirees/retirees and those in a major life transition. Ross regularly meets with clients in-person in Colorado Springs, Denver and surrounding areas, and also has clients located in various parts of the country who he meets with virtually. Ross also oversees the marketing team at Summit. Prior to Summit Wealth Group, Ross spent a decade in sales and marketing in the telecommunications industry, serving small businesses to Fortune 100 clients. He worked for AT&T as well as a couple of startup telecom companies. Ross graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration. He is a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC). He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and life/health/LTC insurance licenses.  Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter (719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network.

Join Ross as he takes a biblical approach, introducing financial topics found in scripture during part 3 of Ross Haycock's 4 part series on 4 H's of financial wisdom. Ross Haycock, CFP®, AIF®, CKA®, is the Vice President and Financial Advisor with Summit Wealth Group and manages the Colorado Springs branch office. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Ross is unique in that he offers a biblical approach to financial planning. Ross believes that the financial principles found in Scripture build the foundation for a healthy relationship with money. With the heart of a teacher, Ross specializes in carefully and thoughtfully guiding clients through often complex financial topics.Ross is a 40+ year Colorado resident. He joined Summit Wealth Group in 2003 and became partner in 2006. He specializes in retirement and retirement income planning, focusing on pre-retirees/retirees and those in a major life transition. Ross regularly meets with clients in-person in Colorado Springs, Denver and surrounding areas, and also has clients located in various parts of the country who he meets with virtually. Ross also oversees the marketing team at Summit. Prior to Summit Wealth Group, Ross spent a decade in sales and marketing in the telecommunications industry, serving small businesses to Fortune 100 clients. He worked for AT&T as well as a couple of startup telecom companies. Ross graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration. He is a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC). He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and life/health/LTC insurance licenses.  Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter (719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network.

One of the most loved and theologically rich Christmas carols is O Holy Night. But is it just about Christmas? The third stanza of that carol boldly proclaims: Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease. Today we'll talk with Rachel McDonough about how investing relates to this verse. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Faith-based investing continues to grow as a movement, and we're constantly hearing from folks who want to get involved. McDonough says that through our investing we can be ambassadors of Jesus so that investing becomes more than just about risk and return, but it becomes redemptive. McDonough calls attention to the connection between slavery and our investing. When people hear O Holy Night, they don't often think about slavery. And they almost certainly don't think about investing. Some of the companies many of us invest in or from which we buy products benefits from borderline slavery or even literal forced labor overseas. McDonough says it's estimated that the supply chain currently enslaves more people today than at any other time in human history, more than 50 million worldwide. She adds that these are, sadly, people who are indirectly working for you and me because of our shopping and investing patterns. It's a problem that's very hidden deep within the supply chain. Some industries plagued by this evil are the coffee, chocolate, seafood, and textile industries. McDonough says that to address this problem, we have to change the way we invest and shop. It's important for us to research the products we buy and the companies from which we buy them to ensure they're not benefiting from forced labor. On the investing side of the equation, she notes that there are now numerous organizations that offer faith-based investing options that screen to ensure they're operating ethically. If we will care enough to slow down and learn about the options, then we can show love for our exploited neighbors across the world by changing how we invest. Learn more about Rachel McDonough and her services at WealthSQ.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Could a Christian cost-sharing plan be a better alternative to traditional healthcare insurance? ● When does it make sense to cash in CDs early? ● When is it wise to pay off a mortgage early? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● chministries.org One of the most loved and theologically rich Christmas carols is O Holy Night. But is it just about Christmas? The third stanza of that carol boldly proclaims: Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease. Today we'll talk with Rachel McDonough about how investing relates to this verse. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Faith-based investing continues to grow as a movement, and we're constantly hearing from folks who want to get involved. McDonough says that through our investing we can be ambassadors of Jesus so that investing becomes more than just about risk and return, but it becomes redemptive. McDonough calls attention to the connection between slavery and our investing. When people hear O Holy Night, they don't often think about slavery. And they almost certainly don't think about investing. Some of the companies many of us invest in or from which we buy products benefits from borderline slavery or even literal forced labor overseas. McDonough says it's estimated that the supply chain currently enslaves more people today than at any other time in human history, more than 50 million worldwide. She adds that these are, sadly, people who are indirectly working for you and me because of our shopping and investing patterns. It's a problem that's very hidden deep within the supply chain. Some industries plagued by this evil are the coffee, chocolate, seafood, and textile industries. McDonough says that to address this problem, we have to change the way we invest and shop. It's important for us to research the products we buy and the companies from which we buy them to ensure they're not benefiting from forced labor. On the investing side of the equation, she notes that there are now numerous organizations that offer faith-based investing options that screen to ensure they're operating ethically. If we will care enough to slow down and learn about the options, then we can show love for our exploited neighbors across the world by changing how we invest. Learn more about Rachel McDonough and her services at WealthSQ.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Could a Christian cost-sharing plan be a better alternative to traditional healthcare insurance? ● When does it make sense to cash in CDs early? ● When is it wise to pay off a mortgage early? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● chministries.org Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The 4 H's of Financial Wisdom Part 2In this week's mini-episode, Ross Haycock in our Colorado Springs office continues his 4-week series on the 4 H's of financial wisdom. Here's episode 2 of that mini-series. Ross Haycock, CFP®, AIF®, CKA®, is the Vice President and Financial Advisor with Summit Wealth Group and manages the Colorado Springs branch office. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Ross is unique in that he offers a biblical approach to financial planning. Ross believes that the financial principles found in Scripture build the foundation for a healthy relationship with money. With the heart of a teacher, Ross specializes in carefully and thoughtfully guiding clients through often complex financial topics.Ross is a 40+ year Colorado resident. He joined Summit Wealth Group in 2003 and became partner in 2006. He specializes in retirement and retirement income planning, focusing on pre-retirees/retirees and those in a major life transition. Ross regularly meets with clients in-person in Colorado Springs, Denver and surrounding areas, and also has clients located in various parts of the country who he meets with virtually. Ross also oversees the marketing team at Summit. Prior to Summit Wealth Group, Ross spent a decade in sales and marketing in the telecommunications industry, serving small businesses to Fortune 100 clients. He worked for AT&T as well as a couple of startup telecom companies. Ross graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration. He is a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC). He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and life/health/LTC insurance licenses.  Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter (719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network.

In this week's mini-episode, Ross Haycock in our Colorado Springs office will start a 4-week series each Friday on the 4 H's of financial wisdom. Join Ross as he takes a biblical approach, introducing financial topics found in scripture. Ross Haycock, CFP®, AIF®, CKA®, is the Vice President and Financial Advisor with Summit Wealth Group and manages the Colorado Springs branch office. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Ross offers a biblical approach to financial planning. Ross believes that the financial principles found in Scripture build the foundation for a healthy relationship with money. With the heart of a teacher, Ross specializes in carefully and thoughtfully guiding clients through often complex financial topics.Ross is a 40+ year Colorado resident. He joined Summit Wealth Group in 2003 and became partner in 2006. He specializes in retirement and retirement income planning, focusing on pre-retirees/retirees and those in a major life transition. Ross regularly meets with clients in-person in Colorado Springs, Denver and surrounding areas, and also has clients located in various parts of the country who he meets with virtually. Ross also oversees the marketing team at Summit. Prior to Summit Wealth Group, Ross spent a decade in sales and marketing in the telecommunications industry, serving small businesses to Fortune 100 clients. He worked for AT&T as well as a couple of startup telecom companies. Ross graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration. He is a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC). He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and life/health/LTC insurance licenses.  Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter (719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network.

Are you a planner and a goal-setter? Someone who likes to help others arrange their finances with a biblical worldview? If that sounds like you, you may be excited to hear about a new career field as a Christian Financial Planner. We'll talk about that today on MoneyWise. We're joined by Kurt Cornfield. He's Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. Cornfield has been heavily involved in the development of the Christian Financial Planner program and explains it on today's program. The program is not just offered at Liberty University. It's also available at many other schools around the country. Each school offering this program may handle it a bit differently but at Liberty University, it's part of its school of business. When students graduate, they receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration on financial planning. That leads to their ability to sit for the CFP exam and puts them on a fast track to becoming certified financial planner. And becoming a Certified Kingdom Advisor brings the biblical worldview alongside the other education. In addition to a bachelor's education, there are seven courses that are added to their education, such as estate planning, retirement planning, investment planning, and insurance planning. Cornfield says this helps students become remarkably well-prepared for the workplace. He adds that there are currently more financial planners retiring every year than are coming into the business, which creates a tremendous opportunity. If you would like to learn more by reaching out to one of the following universities: Liberty University Charleston Southern University California Baptist University Mt. Vernon Nazarene University Biola University Taylor University Calvin University Indiana Wesleyan University On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How can you help someone create a budget when they're deeply in debt on a fixed income? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Proverbs 27:23 tells us, Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds. Our herds and flocks these days are our finances, including our investments. Do you know the condition of yours? We'll talk about that today with Cassie Laymon. Cassie Laymon is president of LightPoint Portfolios, an underwriter of this program. She's also a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. On today's program Laymon shares her journey in learning about faith-best investing and what led LightPoint Portfolios to start working with company and church retirement plans. Laymon details the most common advice she gives to participants about investing for the future, including the importance of taking advantage of matching funds from your employer. Most Americans have a bulk of their savings in an employer-sponsored plans, LightPoint recognized the need for a 401(k) and a 403(b) platform that would provide Christian companies, churches and other groups, as well as their employees, the opportunity to align their retirement assets with their deeply held faith values. She explains how that works and offers the advice she gives to business owners about saving and investing and how best to help their employees save for the future. Laymon says that many of the people who oversee retirement plans (plan sponsors) don't realize that it's best-practice to benchmark their plan every three years. That includes doing a fee analysis. With that in mind, LightPoint offers a complimentary objective analysis of your company's current plan to see where there might be opportunities for improvement and to make sure you're clear about the fees you're paying. She also explains what a participant can do if they want to invest in faith-based funds but find that they're not available in their retirement plan. To learn more about LightPoint, visit LightPointPortfolioSolutions.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How do you know when it's time to get out of the market? ● What is the best way to establish a retirement plan with limited savings? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Proverbs 27:23 tells us, Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds. Our herds and flocks these days are our finances, including our investments. Do you know the condition of yours? We'll talk about that today with Cassie Laymon. Cassie Laymon is president of LightPoint Portfolios, an underwriter of this program. She's also a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor. On today's program Laymon shares her journey in learning about faith-best investing and what led LightPoint Portfolios to start working with company and church retirement plans. Laymon details the most common advice she gives to participants about investing for the future, including the importance of taking advantage of matching funds from your employer. Most Americans have a bulk of their savings in an employer-sponsored plans, LightPoint recognized the need for a 401(k) and a 403(b) platform that would provide Christian companies, churches and other groups, as well as their employees, the opportunity to align their retirement assets with their deeply held faith values. She explains how that works and offers the advice she gives to business owners about saving and investing and how best to help their employees save for the future. Laymon says that many of the people who oversee retirement plans (plan sponsors) don't realize that it's best-practice to benchmark their plan every three years. That includes doing a fee analysis. With that in mind, LightPoint offers a complimentary objective analysis of your company's current plan to see where there might be opportunities for improvement and to make sure you're clear about the fees you're paying. She also explains what a participant can do if they want to invest in faith-based funds but find that they're not available in their retirement plan. To learn more about LightPoint, visit LightPointPortfolioSolutions.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How do you know when it's time to get out of the market? ● What is the best way to establish a retirement plan with limited savings? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The market's always headed up or down. Which way, no one knows, but you have to plan for either. We'll talk about that today with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor and she's passionate about helping investors integrate their Christian values with their financial decisions. McDonough says if you've felt a strong, emotional impulse to sell your investments, you're not alone! Volatile markets test our resolve and conviction in our strategy. Wealth that took you years to accumulate may appear to be evaporating every day as account balances dwindle under the pressure of falling markets. Researchers in behavioral finance have studied how an investor's emotions, biases, and irrational decision-making, especially relevant during times like these, can lead to bad investing results, and that following your instincts can (and typically does) lead to financial self-sabotage. J.P. Morgan looked at this and found that the average investor experienced only a 2.9% annualized return over the past 20 years, but the SP 500 had a 7.5% return for that period. While multiple factors impact performance, the biggest factor hurting performance is poor timing when the average investor decides to buy, sell, and switch investments. Irrational emotions are thought to be the culprit, triggering investors to sell low and buy back in higher, when markets have recovered and feel safer. EMOTION IN INVESTING Financial advisors are trained to take a more rational approach and encourage clients to do the same, generally ignoring emotion, instinct, or intuition. Instead, they take their cues from software, graphs, and historical data, idealizing a purely academic approach to investing. In fact, inside the financial services industry, anytime someone uses the term emotion in the context of investing, it's largely assumed that a poor decision was made. But emotion became an undesirable term because it was narrowly referring to a couple of negative emotions, specifically: fear and greed. We all experience these to varying degrees, and if left unchecked, they most certainly can sabotage one's financial future. But are emotions always a bad thing when it comes to investing? And is it possible or wise to turn them off when it comes to something as emotionally charged as investing our life's savings? Let's look at the biblical narrative regarding our design and nature. That's where we can find some guidance on how to get our emotions working for us, rather than against us, in a way that could lead to more successful investment outcomes. The Bible teaches, in Genesis 1:26-27, that all people (regardless of their faith) are made in the image of God. Part of God's nature is logical and orderly, and part of his nature is emotional and passionate. In the Garden of Eden, God pronounced his design of human beings as very good. So as a starting point, let's acknowledge that the complex and intricate design of our human soul is good, even the sometimes messier, emotional part. We can also glean from the Scriptures that our emotions should be governed by self-control (one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23). But rather than forcing a good part of our nature to be silent so we can presumably make savvier decisions, let's explore positive and productive ways to include our emotional selves in our investing. Very little research, if any, has been done on the effect of virtuous emotions like compassion, joy, humility, contentment, or patience, on investor behavior and outcomes. While unproven, McDonough believes this concept is worth exploring. Emotional engagement and buy-in can be incredibly helpful to investors, especially those motivated by their faith, allowing them to develop a strategy to which they have a higher degree of conviction, allowing them to stay the course more easily in moments of stress. This in turn can mitigate the risk of selling during market downturns, locking in losses, and missing out on the recovery. So how can using our emotional intelligence lead us to better decision-making? By tapping into your heart for successful investing in a volatile market. It helps you consider factors that a merely rational (numbers only) approach might overlook. Investing has many outcomes in the world other than the numbers on your financial statement. Investing choices lead to many different real-world impacts, such as enabling businesses to innovate, care for their customers, meet basic human needs, address slave labor from their supply chains, and provide equitable benefits for their employees. When we apply compassion in our investing, we can avoid partnering with companies whose products and services harm people (such as tobacco companies) and intentionally choose to channel our capital into positive companies that are serving humanity well. These are valuable outcomes that resonate deeply within our soul and can lead to a sense of emotional satisfaction and contentment when we see them connected with our investment choices. We don't often think of Jesus' 2nd Commandment in terms of investing, but it seems we should. This approach to investing applies the principle of loving our neighbor in a practical and specific way. Knowing that we're investing in alignment with Jesus' teachings can give us a feeling of confidence as we are proactive with the decisions we can control and trusting Him with the outcomes. It helps us avoid second-guessing our strategy because we know it's in alignment with his Word. There's nothing like a clean conscience to help us sleep well at night, no matter what happens in the market. The bottom line is that emotions aren't necessarily bad for investing. Investors aren't well served by timing their trading around their emotions, but they can certainly benefit from emotional engagement when developing their investment strategy. Doing so can help ensure a good fit with both the logical mind and the emotional mind. The heart of Christian investing is to invest in such a way that it is aligned with our hearts and our heads, and, most importantly, is pleasing to the Lord. (RW) Rachel McDonough is a Certified Kingdom Advisor, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Wealthfluence.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Is it a good idea to keep a home equity line of credit open? ● Does it make sense to take money out of retirement accounts to pay off credit card debt? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The market's always headed up or down. Which way, no one knows, but you have to plan for either. We'll talk about that today with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor and she's passionate about helping investors integrate their Christian values with their financial decisions. McDonough says if you've felt a strong, emotional impulse to sell your investments, you're not alone! Volatile markets test our resolve and conviction in our strategy. Wealth that took you years to accumulate may appear to be evaporating every day as account balances dwindle under the pressure of falling markets. Researchers in behavioral finance have studied how an investor's emotions, biases, and irrational decision-making, especially relevant during times like these, can lead to bad investing results, and that following your instincts can (and typically does) lead to financial self-sabotage. J.P. Morgan looked at this and found that the average investor experienced only a 2.9% annualized return over the past 20 years, but the SP 500 had a 7.5% return for that period. While multiple factors impact performance, the biggest factor hurting performance is poor timing when the average investor decides to buy, sell, and switch investments. Irrational emotions are thought to be the culprit, triggering investors to sell low and buy back in higher, when markets have recovered and feel safer. EMOTION IN INVESTING Financial advisors are trained to take a more rational approach and encourage clients to do the same, generally ignoring emotion, instinct, or intuition. Instead, they take their cues from software, graphs, and historical data, idealizing a purely academic approach to investing. In fact, inside the financial services industry, anytime someone uses the term emotion in the context of investing, it's largely assumed that a poor decision was made. But emotion became an undesirable term because it was narrowly referring to a couple of negative emotions, specifically: fear and greed. We all experience these to varying degrees, and if left unchecked, they most certainly can sabotage one's financial future. But are emotions always a bad thing when it comes to investing? And is it possible or wise to turn them off when it comes to something as emotionally charged as investing our life's savings? Let's look at the biblical narrative regarding our design and nature. That's where we can find some guidance on how to get our emotions working for us, rather than against us, in a way that could lead to more successful investment outcomes. The Bible teaches, in Genesis 1:26-27, that all people (regardless of their faith) are made in the image of God. Part of God's nature is logical and orderly, and part of his nature is emotional and passionate. In the Garden of Eden, God pronounced his design of human beings as very good. So as a starting point, let's acknowledge that the complex and intricate design of our human soul is good, even the sometimes messier, emotional part. We can also glean from the Scriptures that our emotions should be governed by self-control (one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23). But rather than forcing a good part of our nature to be silent so we can presumably make savvier decisions, let's explore positive and productive ways to include our emotional selves in our investing. Very little research, if any, has been done on the effect of virtuous emotions like compassion, joy, humility, contentment, or patience, on investor behavior and outcomes. While unproven, McDonough believes this concept is worth exploring. Emotional engagement and buy-in can be incredibly helpful to investors, especially those motivated by their faith, allowing them to develop a strategy to which they have a higher degree of conviction, allowing them to stay the course more easily in moments of stress. This in turn can mitigate the risk of selling during market downturns, locking in losses, and missing out on the recovery. So how can using our emotional intelligence lead us to better decision-making? By tapping into your heart for successful investing in a volatile market. It helps you consider factors that a merely rational (numbers only) approach might overlook. Investing has many outcomes in the world other than the numbers on your financial statement. Investing choices lead to many different real-world impacts, such as enabling businesses to innovate, care for their customers, meet basic human needs, address slave labor from their supply chains, and provide equitable benefits for their employees. When we apply compassion in our investing, we can avoid partnering with companies whose products and services harm people (such as tobacco companies) and intentionally choose to channel our capital into positive companies that are serving humanity well. These are valuable outcomes that resonate deeply within our soul and can lead to a sense of emotional satisfaction and contentment when we see them connected with our investment choices. We don't often think of Jesus' 2nd Commandment in terms of investing, but it seems we should. This approach to investing applies the principle of loving our neighbor in a practical and specific way. Knowing that we're investing in alignment with Jesus' teachings can give us a feeling of confidence as we are proactive with the decisions we can control and trusting Him with the outcomes. It helps us avoid second-guessing our strategy because we know it's in alignment with his Word. There's nothing like a clean conscience to help us sleep well at night, no matter what happens in the market. The bottom line is that emotions aren't necessarily bad for investing. Investors aren't well served by timing their trading around their emotions, but they can certainly benefit from emotional engagement when developing their investment strategy. Doing so can help ensure a good fit with both the logical mind and the emotional mind. The heart of Christian investing is to invest in such a way that it is aligned with our hearts and our heads, and, most importantly, is pleasing to the Lord. (RW) Rachel McDonough is a Certified Kingdom Advisor, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Wealthfluence.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Is it a good idea to keep a home equity line of credit open? ● Does it make sense to take money out of retirement accounts to pay off credit card debt? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

You pay into the system your whole working life, but are you taking steps to maximize your Social Security benefits? We'll talk about that today on MoneyWise. Most people don't save enough to live on their retirement investments alone and depend heavily on Social Security. Retirees are far more dependent today on a system that was only designed to provide 40% of retirement income. One reason for that is due to the changing landscape of retirement over the years. In 1935 when the program was introduced, pensions were common and provided guaranteed retirement income for as long as you lived. One reason employers no longer provide pensions is that the average lifespan of Americans has increased considerably over the years. In 1935, it was around 60 years. Today, it's more like 79 years. The result is that Americans now need many more years of retirement income. Most workers are bound to the Social Security system and that means you need to make the most of your potential Social Security benefits. We say potential because the decisions you make can raise or lower those benefits. HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS There are actually many things you can do. Some of them are fairly complex and only apply to certain people. But here are five that everyone should be able to do. 1. Make sure you work a full 35 years. That's because the Social Security Administration uses your highest 35 years of earnings to determine your level of benefits. Any years less than 35 count as zeros and lower your benefits. If you work more than 35 years, each additional year of higher earnings replaces one of lower earnings, and the net result is a higher monthly benefit. 2. Work more as you near retirement. After age 60 your earnings count more and they have a greater, positive impact on your benefits. Sometimes people scale back work as they near retirement, but that can lower your benefits. So if possible, work more hours after age 60 until you retire, not fewer. 3. Delay benefits until you reach at least your full retirement age. For most people working today is 66 or 67. Every year that you delay benefits beyond your full retirement age increases your benefits by about 8%. And every year after age 62 that you elect to receive benefitsbut before your full retirement agewill cost you 8% in benefits. Let's say you're eligible to receive $2000 a month at age 66. By waiting until age 70 to receive benefits that monthly amount would increase to $2,640. That's a 32-percent gain. 4. For married couples: Delay your benefits while claiming those of your spouse. If you and your spouse both work and have reached full retirement age, claim spousal benefits, but let the benefits based on your own work record continue to grow until you reach age 70. 5. Watch out for taxes on your Social Security benefits. If you continue to work after you begin receiving benefits, anywhere from 50 to 85 percent of those benefits could be counted as taxable income. The IRS uses a fairly complicated formula to determine what percentage of your Social Security income is taxable, but in simple terms, the more you can spread out income from other sources, the better off you'll be. It's also a good idea to consult with a financial advisor on the best ways to minimize your tax liability during retirement. A Certified Kingdom Advisor can help you do that. So, those are some things you can do to maximize your Social Security benefits, but remember, Social Security is a very poor substitute for investing as much as you can in a qualified retirement plan like a 401k or IRA. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How can you respond to property deed fraud? ● How do you handle a debt collection notice for a debt you believe to be paid in full? ● What is the best way to handle a $4,000 emergency fund? ● What are the beneficiary rules surrounding I-bonds? ● Does closing credit card accounts hurt your credit rating? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor ● Ally Bank ● Capitol One 360 Checking ● Marcus ● Treasurydirect.gov Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

You pay into the system your whole working life, but are you taking steps to maximize your Social Security benefits? We'll talk about that today on MoneyWise. Most people don't save enough to live on their retirement investments alone and depend heavily on Social Security. Retirees are far more dependent today on a system that was only designed to provide 40% of retirement income. One reason for that is due to the changing landscape of retirement over the years. In 1935 when the program was introduced, pensions were common and provided guaranteed retirement income for as long as you lived. One reason employers no longer provide pensions is that the average lifespan of Americans has increased considerably over the years. In 1935, it was around 60 years. Today, it's more like 79 years. The result is that Americans now need many more years of retirement income. Most workers are bound to the Social Security system and that means you need to make the most of your potential Social Security benefits. We say potential because the decisions you make can raise or lower those benefits. HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS There are actually many things you can do. Some of them are fairly complex and only apply to certain people. But here are five that everyone should be able to do. 1. Make sure you work a full 35 years. That's because the Social Security Administration uses your highest 35 years of earnings to determine your level of benefits. Any years less than 35 count as zeros and lower your benefits. If you work more than 35 years, each additional year of higher earnings replaces one of lower earnings, and the net result is a higher monthly benefit. 2. Work more as you near retirement. After age 60 your earnings count more and they have a greater, positive impact on your benefits. Sometimes people scale back work as they near retirement, but that can lower your benefits. So if possible, work more hours after age 60 until you retire, not fewer. 3. Delay benefits until you reach at least your full retirement age. For most people working today is 66 or 67. Every year that you delay benefits beyond your full retirement age increases your benefits by about 8%. And every year after age 62 that you elect to receive benefitsbut before your full retirement agewill cost you 8% in benefits. Let's say you're eligible to receive $2000 a month at age 66. By waiting until age 70 to receive benefits that monthly amount would increase to $2,640. That's a 32-percent gain. 4. For married couples: Delay your benefits while claiming those of your spouse. If you and your spouse both work and have reached full retirement age, claim spousal benefits, but let the benefits based on your own work record continue to grow until you reach age 70. 5. Watch out for taxes on your Social Security benefits. If you continue to work after you begin receiving benefits, anywhere from 50 to 85 percent of those benefits could be counted as taxable income. The IRS uses a fairly complicated formula to determine what percentage of your Social Security income is taxable, but in simple terms, the more you can spread out income from other sources, the better off you'll be. It's also a good idea to consult with a financial advisor on the best ways to minimize your tax liability during retirement. A Certified Kingdom Advisor can help you do that. So, those are some things you can do to maximize your Social Security benefits, but remember, Social Security is a very poor substitute for investing as much as you can in a qualified retirement plan like a 401k or IRA. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How can you respond to property deed fraud? ● How do you handle a debt collection notice for a debt you believe to be paid in full? ● What is the best way to handle a $4,000 emergency fund? ● What are the beneficiary rules surrounding I-bonds? ● Does closing credit card accounts hurt your credit rating? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor ● Ally Bank ● Capitol One 360 Checking ● Marcus ● Treasurydirect.gov Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29