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TEACHBACK TUESDAY: AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KATHY ASHLEY When Kathy Ashley heart about "AI," those letters brought two different words to her mind. Not "artificial intelligence," but Arrogance and Ignorance. This is the kind of AI that leads to an artificial inflation of self, and it's hazardous to our spiritual health. Arrogance is pride on steroids. When you mix arrogance with ignorance, this creates a puffed up conceit that is deceptive. We can become our own worst enemies when we're infected with the dynamic duo of arrogance and ignorance. The antidote to this infection is God's Word. He has the prescription for healing and recovery. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13) Visit the shop links below at Keep the Heart to find Kathy Ashley's excellent studies: Vitamins for the Soul, Minerals for the Mind, Herbs for the Heart, and Call Upon Him. Vitamins for the Soul by Kathy Ashley Minerals for the Mind by Kathy Ashley Herbs for the Heart by Kathy Ashley Call Upon Him by Kathy Ashley Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Bible Studies at Keep the Heart Gorgeous Bibles and Framed Shell Art Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Today’s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT—what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you. Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Gospel Spice ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant—not bland, boring, or stale. You’ll learn why delight isn’t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to, even in the hardest seasons of life. In This Episode: What is REAL delight?Stephanie Rousseau explains how the French word "délice" weaves together both "delight" and "deliciousness," inviting us to taste and see the goodness of God (04:23). The problem with vanilla testimonies:Heather Creekmore shares how she used to think her story was “vanilla,” and how Stephanie reframes the idea that every faith story is a reason for delight (05:45). Eating disorders & delight:Why is it so hard for many women to see deliciousness as a good gift from God? Learn how our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with delight, shame, and God (06:43). “Awaken Delight”—Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God:Discover why Stephanie chose the phrase “awaken delight” and how this perspective moves us from duty to genuine enjoyment of God (10:53). Does God really LIKE you?We discuss how Scripture invites us to go beyond intellectual acceptance to heartfelt experience, resting in God’s unwavering delight in us—even on our worst days (18:21). Moving from duty to delight:Are you stuck in a checklist, “onward Christian soldiers” mindset with God? Stephanie Rousselle shares how awakening delight brings you from drudgery to vibrant, embodied relationship (15:41). Practical steps & a special giveaway!Find out about Stephanie’s new book, practical ways to apply delight to spiritual disciplines, and how to get her exclusive 5-day devotional & enter a giveaway for a beautiful jewelry prize (34:51). Resources & Links: Get your FREE 5-Day Devotional & enter the Giveaway:Visit gospelspice.com/heather for your exclusive resource from Stephanie Rousselle and a chance to win jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking. Order “Awaken Delight”Stephanie Rousselle's new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God, is available wherever Christian books are sold.** (Amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who's ministry) Join the 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Check out Heather Creekmore's books here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Key Takeaways: God’s delight in you is not tied to your performance. He loves and enjoys you on your best and worst days. Delighting in God isn’t something you force; it’s something you AWAKEN to. Every story of coming to Jesus is DELICIOUS—never “vanilla” or boring. Understanding delight can transform both your spiritual life and your everyday experiences—the sensory, the beautiful, and even the hard. If you feel stuck in spirituality as duty, or if you wrestle with your sense of “delightfulness,” this episode is for you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.” Every parent hopes the resources they leave behind will bless their children. But a financial inheritance can have very different effects depending on the person receiving it. That is why wise wealth transfer requires more than simply deciding how much to leave—it requires careful thought, prayer, and an understanding of each child's unique circumstances. Ron Blue, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and longtime teacher on biblical stewardship, calls this the uniqueness principle. Equal Love Doesn't Always Require Equal Treatment Studies show that many parents divide their estates equally among their children. There is certainly nothing wrong with that approach, but Ron encourages parents not to make equality the automatic default. As he explains, God loves each of His children equally, but He often treats them uniquely. The same can be true within a family. Children may grow up in the same home and sit around the same dinner table, yet adulthood can take them in very different directions. They may marry differently, parent differently, pursue different careers, experience job losses, accumulate different levels of wealth, or develop very different approaches to money. Those differences can matter when determining how an inheritance should be passed down. The question is not simply, “How can I divide everything evenly?” A better question may be, “How can I steward these resources in a way that truly benefits each child?” Three Questions to Ask Before Leaving an Inheritance When Ron and his wife, Judy, began thinking seriously about their own estate plan, they used three questions to evaluate what an inheritance might mean for each of their five children. 1. What is the worst thing that could happen? Imagine giving a particular amount of money to a particular child. How could that money negatively affect his or her life? For one child, the concern may be minimal. The money might simply be given away. For another, however, a large inheritance could create tension within a marriage, reinforce unhealthy financial habits, reduce motivation to work, or create other unintended consequences. 2. How serious would that outcome be? Not every negative possibility carries the same weight. Some may be inconvenient but manageable. Others could damage relationships, character, or financial stability. Parents should carefully consider the seriousness of each potential consequence. 3. How likely is it to happen? Finally, consider probability. A possible problem is different from a probable one. Together, these questions provide a framework for thinking beyond percentages and dollar amounts to the actual impact an inheritance could have. Your Estate Plan Should Change as Life Changes Another important part of the uniqueness principle is recognizing that circumstances rarely remain the same. When Ron and Judy first began asking these questions decades ago, their children were at very different stages of life than they are today. Careers changed. Marriages developed. Families grew. Financial circumstances shifted. As a result, Ron says the answers they would give today are very different from the answers they would have given 25 years ago. That is an important reminder: An estate plan should not necessarily be a one-time decision. As circumstances change, parents may need to revisit both their assumptions and their plans. Don't Pass Wealth Without Passing Wisdom Underlying Ron's approach is one of his most important principles: Don't pass wealth unless you pass wisdom. Wealth does not automatically produce wisdom. In fact, money can magnify whatever attitudes and habits already exist. Wisdom, however, can help someone steward wealth faithfully—and even create additional resources through diligence, generosity, patience, and wise decision-making. That means preparing the next generation involves far more than preparing legal documents. Parents can begin transferring wisdom long before they transfer wealth by talking openly about stewardship, generosity, work, contentment, financial decision-making, and God's ownership of everything. The greatest inheritance may not be the money children eventually receive, but the biblical principles they learned while their parents were still living. Faithfulness Matters More Than Fairness The uniqueness principle does not mean every estate should be divided differently. After thoughtful consideration, parents may still conclude that an equal distribution is the wisest choice. The point is not that equal is wrong or unequal is better. The point is to avoid allowing cultural expectations, guilt, fear of conflict, or simple habit to make the decision for you. Instead, approach wealth transfer prayerfully and deliberately. Ask what each child's circumstances are. Consider what opportunities or challenges an inheritance might create. Think carefully about the consequences. Revisit those decisions as life changes. Ultimately, wealth transfer is an act of stewardship. The resources we leave behind still belong to God, and our responsibility is to manage them according to His wisdom rather than merely following human expectations. Before asking, “How can I make everything equal?” consider asking a deeper question: “What would faithfulness look like for each person God has entrusted to my care?” On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 60, own two rental properties outright, rent an apartment in Chicago for $2,100 a month, and have about $1.4 million in savings and investments. My rental income is seasonal, but I haven't had to draw from my portfolio yet. Is continuing to rent in Chicago financially reasonable, and is $1.4 million likely enough to support me long term? My wife and I are buying a new home and have about 60% of the purchase price in cash. We need the remaining 40% for only 60 to 90 days until our current paid-off home sells. Would a HELOC, bridge loan, or another short-term financing option make the most sense? Our 22-year-old daughter lives at home and has very few expenses or responsibilities. Would it be biblical and wise to start charging her rent, and how should we determine a fair amount? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An estimated $124 trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers to their heirs by 2048, marking one of the largest transfers of wealth in history. And women are expected to play a particularly significant role. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss this historic shift and the opportunity it presents for women to approach wealth with wisdom, preparation, and biblical faithfulness. Why Women Are at the Center of the Wealth Transfer Economists have been talking about the Great Wealth Transfer for years, but it is no longer simply a future prediction. The transfer is already underway. Women are uniquely positioned within it in part because they tend to live longer than men. As a result, many women will experience both intragenerational transfers—wealth passing from a spouse—and intergenerational transfers from parents and other family members. But inheritance is only one part of the picture. Women already earn income, manage household resources, invest, give, and make significant financial decisions. Research indicates that women are involved in approximately 94% of household purchasing decisions. That means the stewardship opportunity ahead doesn't begin when an inheritance arrives. It is already here. A Biblical Legacy of Women and Stewardship Women using financial resources to advance God's purposes is nothing new. Luke 8:1–3 describes several women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of their own means. These women were not merely observers of Christ's ministry. Their financial generosity helped make the work possible. Likewise, in Romans 16:1–2, Paul commends Phoebe and describes her as a benefactor of many, including himself. In a culture where women often had limited social and economic influence, Phoebe used what God had entrusted to her to serve others and help advance the gospel. Their examples remind us that financial stewardship has always been about something greater than accumulating or managing money. It is about faithfully using whatever God provides for His purposes. Faithfulness Changes With the Seasons 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” That calling applies to every believer, but the practical responsibilities of stewardship can look different in different seasons. A woman may move through seasons as a student, professional, wife, mother, caregiver, business owner, widow, retiree, or some combination of these roles. At various times, she may be an earner, an inheritor, a household financial manager, or all three. The circumstances change, but the responsibility remains: stay informed, equipped, and engaged with the resources God has entrusted to you. That can mean understanding the household finances, learning how investments work, participating in conversations about estate planning, preparing for retirement, or developing a thoughtful plan for generosity. Faithful stewardship does not require becoming a financial expert. But it does require engagement. Money as a Tool for Purpose For some women, managing finances comes naturally. Others may quickly say, “I'm just not a numbers person.” But stewardship is about much more than numbers. Money is a tool that can help us care for family, support ministries, meet needs, practice hospitality, create opportunities for others, and generously participate in work that matters to us. Seen through that lens, financial stewardship becomes less about mastering spreadsheets and more about connecting resources with purpose. Whether wealth is earned, inherited, or managed on behalf of a household, every dollar presents an opportunity to ask: How can I use what God has entrusted to me faithfully? An Opportunity for the Whole Family The Great Wealth Transfer also creates an opportunity for important conversations between husbands and wives, parents and children, and across generations. Preparing the next steward involves more than transferring assets. It means passing along wisdom. Families can begin discussing questions such as: What has God entrusted to us? What values do we want our financial decisions to reflect? How much is enough? What role should generosity play in our estate plans? Is the next generation prepared to manage what they may eventually receive? These conversations can help transform inheritance from a simple financial transaction into an intentional act of stewardship. Preparing for an Historic Stewardship Opportunity The coming wealth transfer represents an extraordinary financial moment, but for Christians, the most important question is not simply who will control the wealth. It is how that wealth will be stewarded. Women have faithfully earned, managed, given, and used resources for God's purposes for generations. As trillions of dollars change hands in the decades ahead, women of faith have another significant opportunity to continue that legacy. The goal is not merely to receive more wealth, but to be prepared to manage God's money God's way—using it wisely, generously, and faithfully for the purposes He places before us. This month, FaithFi is releasing its first-ever special edition of Faithful Steward magazine, entirely focused on women stewarding wealth. When you become a FaithFi Partner, we'll send you this special issue as our way of saying thank you for supporting the ministry. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can you recommend a reputable Christian debt consolidation company that could help lower a large monthly payment? I'm almost 69 and plan to wait until 70 to claim Social Security. If I keep working after 70, will my benefit continue to increase, and do I still pay Social Security taxes? I also keep having to pull from savings to cover my checking account. Who can help me build a realistic budget and get my spending under control? My wife and I earn a good income but still owe taxes each year. I've increased my 401(k) contributions to lower taxable income. Is that the best approach, or should I adjust my withholding or set money aside for taxes? I'm 65, plan to keep working, and have about $20,000 in savings with monthly expenses around $4,000. How should I use that money to prepare for retirement? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money is never just about money, and work is never just about a paycheck. Scripture teaches that God owns everything, gives us the ability to earn, and calls us to work with integrity because ultimately, we serve Christ. Howard Dayton, Founder of Compass Financial Ministry and author of Business God's Way, says those truths should shape not only how Christians manage money, but how we earn it in the first place. Remember Who You're Really Working For The foundation of biblical earning begins with recognizing that God owns everything and that He is ultimately the One we serve. Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” That applies whether you own a business, work for a large company, serve in ministry, or earn a paycheck somewhere in between. Your employer may sign the check, but your work is ultimately an act of service to Christ. Even the ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” That perspective guards against pride when things go well. Our abilities, opportunities, creativity, and strength are all resources God has entrusted to us. Let Integrity Define Your Work If we represent Christ in the workplace, honesty should characterize everything we do. For business owners, that means treating customers, employees, vendors, and even competitors with integrity. For employees, it means giving an honest day's work, using company resources responsibly, and refusing to take what does not belong to us—even when no one would notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our conduct at work can either reinforce or undermine the faith we profess. Biblical integrity means doing what is right because we belong to Christ, not simply because honesty is good for business. Plan Wisely Without Presuming on Tomorrow Running a business or managing a career requires planning. Scripture affirms the value of order and thoughtful preparation. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “All things should be done decently and in order.” While the immediate context concerns worship in the church, the broader principle reminds us that order and intentionality have value. At the same time, good planning should never become confidence that we control the future. James 4:13-14 warns those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” reminding them, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Christians should plan carefully while holding those plans with open hands. We prepare responsibly, but we remain dependent on God. Make Generosity Part of the Business Plan Many biblical principles such as honesty, diligence, and planning are also recognized as sound business practices. Generosity, however, can run against the world's instinct to accumulate and protect as much as possible. Proverbs 11:24-25 says: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is not a promise that generous people will always become materially wealthy. Scripture does not teach us to give in order to get more. Instead, generosity reflects trust in God and loosens money's grip on our hearts. For a business owner, generosity might mean giving a portion of profits, caring intentionally for employees, supporting ministry, or finding creative ways to use the company's resources to serve others. Some Christian business leaders have gone even further. Entrepreneurs such as Alan Barnhart and Stanley Tam structured their businesses around extraordinary generosity, viewing their companies not simply as vehicles for personal wealth but as resources entrusted to them for God's purposes. The form generosity takes will look different for every person and every business. The important question is whether we are willing to ask God how the resources He has entrusted to us can bless others. Work as a Steward Earning money God's way begins with a different definition of success. The goal is not merely to maximize income or grow a business. It is to faithfully steward the abilities, opportunities, relationships, and resources God provides. We work diligently because we serve Christ. We act honestly because we represent Him. We plan wisely while remembering that tomorrow belongs to God. And we hold what we earn with open hands so that generosity can become a natural expression of faithful stewardship. When we understand that God is both the Owner and our ultimate Employer, work becomes more than a way to make a living. It becomes another opportunity to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'd like to help my daughter buy a home by financing part of the purchase myself. Can we structure a private family mortgage using the applicable federal rate, and how should we handle the interest, paperwork, and tax reporting? I'm behind on filing my taxes and have been quoted more than $600 for preparation. I also run a nonprofit ministry and would like to keep costs down. Where can I find affordable or free tax-preparation help, and could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) assist? I received a Schedule K-1 from an investment held inside my IRA. How should I handle that for tax purposes? My husband and I are dairy farmers with operating and capital lines of credit around 8.5%. We're considering using money from his Roth IRA to pay down the debt. At age 60, would there be taxes or penalties, and is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Business God's Way by Howard Dayton IRS Free File | AARP Foundation Tax-Aide | IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailCasual faith sounds harmless until it starts reshaping your conscience. We sit down and talk honestly about the fear of the Lord and why it is not panic, paranoia, or an angry-God mindset. For us, it's reverence, awe, and a real awareness of God's holiness that shows up most in private, when nobody is watching and no one is clapping for you.We get practical about what that reverence produces: integrity, quick obedience, humility, and strong guardrails that keep your marriage, your mind, and your leadership from drifting. We share personal stories about early church “reverence moments,” the difference between religious fear and mature holiness, and why Proverbs says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If you've ever wondered how good people slowly slide into compromise, we name the small steps that lead there and the safeguards that stop it early.Then we go to the passages many people skip. We talk about Uzzah touching the ark, Ananias and Sapphira lying about an offering, and what those stories reveal about treating God's presence as holy instead of common. We also address the online culture of tearing down pastors and churches, the warning in Korah's rebellion, and what Scripture actually means by blasphemy. We close with a clear list of ways to grow in the fear of the Lord through Scripture, worship, repentance, community, and remembering who God is.Subscribe for new conversations every Thursday, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What part of this message challenged you most?GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888

Sometimes one glimpse can change everything. For a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, fear and uncertainty can make it difficult to know what comes next. But seeing her baby through an ultrasound can bring a moment of clarity—and open the door to compassionate care, practical support, and hope. Dan Steiner, Founder and President of PreBorn!, joined the show today to explain how the ministry partners with pregnancy clinics across the country to reach women facing unexpected pregnancies. PreBorn! provides ultrasound machines, training, financial support, and other resources to help local clinics serve women at a critical moment. The Power of an Ultrasound One of PreBorn!'s primary tools is remarkably simple: giving a mother the opportunity to see her baby. A gift of $28 can fund one ultrasound, $56 can fund two, and $140 can fund five. For donors with greater capacity, a $15,000 gift can help provide an ultrasound machine for a pregnancy center. According to Steiner, those machines can remain in service for years and help thousands of women. The ultrasound itself can be a powerful moment. A woman may arrive feeling pressure from a boyfriend, family member, or overwhelming circumstances. But seeing her baby's arms and legs and hearing the heartbeat can make the pregnancy suddenly feel very personal. PreBorn! says that seeing an ultrasound significantly increases the likelihood that an abortion-minded woman will choose life. The ministry then seeks to walk alongside her with compassion and practical support rather than judgment. Strengthening Local Pregnancy Centers PreBorn! generally does not operate pregnancy centers directly. Instead, it works alongside local clinics, many of which have limited staff and resources. The ministry helps provide ultrasound machines, funds individual scans, trains staff, assists with marketing and leadership, and works to increase clinic capacity. Steiner said PreBorn!'s network includes roughly 300 clinics across the United States, with an emphasis on reaching women in communities with high abortion rates. That partnership allows local ministries to focus on serving women while receiving resources they might otherwise struggle to afford. When Seeing Her Baby Changes the Story Steiner shared the story of one young mother who arrived at a pregnancy center intending to have an abortion. She already had two boys at home, her boyfriend was unsupportive, and she feared another child would make it harder to care for the children she already had. During her first ultrasound, she saw her baby and began to cry—but she still planned to proceed with an abortion. The following week, however, she returned for another ultrasound. At 11 weeks, she could see her baby moving. She also learned she was expecting a daughter. Having always wanted a girl, she decided to continue the pregnancy. Steiner pointed out that a donor funded her ultrasound—illustrating how even a relatively small gift can become part of a much larger story. More Than Meeting an Immediate Need For PreBorn!, the work does not end when a woman chooses life for her child. The ministry also wants women and families to encounter the hope of the gospel. PreBorn! trains clinic staff to share Christ when appropriate while emphasizing that those conversations should never be forced. Steiner said evangelism remains central to the ministry's mission, alongside practical care for mothers and their babies. That reflects a broader picture of Christian compassion: caring for both immediate physical needs and eternal spiritual needs while recognizing the dignity of every person made in the image of God. An Opportunity to Come Alongside Women FaithFi is partnering with PreBorn! to help fund 1,500 free ultrasounds. Every $28 funds one ultrasound, while larger gifts can provide multiple scans or even help place an ultrasound machine in a pregnancy center. According to Steiner, PreBorn!'s network saw more than 84,000 babies saved from abortion in the previous year and provided more than 136,000 ultrasound scans across the country. For Christians thinking about generosity, this is a reminder that stewardship is not simply about giving money away. It is about prayerfully using what God has entrusted to us to serve others, meet tangible needs, and point people toward the hope of Christ. To learn more or support the campaign, visit FaithFi.com/PreBorn or dial #250 and say “BABY.” On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have money sitting in the bank and about $3,000 in credit card debt. Should I use some of my savings to pay off the cards, and where should I keep the rest so it earns more without being too easy to spend? I have an RMD of about $10,000 that I need for living expenses. Is there any way to reduce the tax impact, and what should I do with the money if I need to spend it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) PreBorn! Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the greatest benefit of financial advice isn't simply what happens to your portfolio, but knowing your financial decisions reflect what matters most? New research from Kingdom Advisors and Pinkston Group suggests that when financial counsel aligns with a person's faith and values, the benefits can extend well beyond investment performance. Clients report deeper trust, reduced financial anxiety, and a broader definition of financial success. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to unpack what the findings reveal about values-aligned investing, long-term advisor relationships, generosity, and the future of Christian financial advice. The Gap Between Interest and Action One of the study's most striking findings involves values-based investing. While 81% of Certified Kingdom Advisors® offer values-based investment options, only 15% of their clients currently use them. Why the gap? Epps believes several factors may be involved. Some investors still assume that aligning their investments with their values necessarily means accepting lower returns. Others may simply be unaware that faith-aligned options are available because they've never brought it up with their advisor. There may also be a natural progression in a person's stewardship journey. Christians often begin by thinking about giving as the primary way their faith intersects with money. Only later do they begin considering whether their saving and investing decisions can also reflect their convictions. That makes education essential. Advisors can help clients understand how values-based screening works, compare investment options, and evaluate them as part of a disciplined and diversified strategy. For hesitant investors, Epps suggests starting with a smaller portion of a portfolio rather than changing everything at once. The larger principle is simple: stewardship begins by asking what matters to us before asking how our investments are performing. Why Peace May Grow Over Time The research also found that the benefits of working with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® appear to deepen over time. Among CKA® clients who had worked with their advisor for more than five years, 66% reported a reduction in financial anxiety, compared with 49% among those in shorter advisor relationships. That may be partly because trust is cumulative. Over time, an advisor gets to know not only a client's financial situation but also their family, priorities, goals, and convictions. The relationship becomes less transactional and more of a long-term partnership. A sound financial plan can also provide perspective during difficult markets. Rather than reacting to every rise and fall, investors can return to a strategy built around long-term goals. For Christians, there is an even deeper source of peace. Biblical financial counsel continually reminds us that God owns everything and that we are His stewards. That changes the central question from, “How do I protect everything I have?” to, “Lord, how would You have me manage what You have entrusted to me?” That perspective cannot eliminate financial uncertainty, but it can keep uncertainty from becoming the foundation of our decisions. More Than Finding the Lowest Fee Another revealing finding involved the way clients choose advisors. Only 20% of CKA® clients said fees were the primary factor in selecting an advisor. Epps emphasized that fees still matter. Wise stewardship means understanding what you are paying and ensuring those costs are reasonable and transparent.  But financial advice is about more than purchasing a commodity at the lowest possible price. When an advisor understands a client's values, the relationship can encompass far more than investment returns. It can include planning, accountability, generosity, family decisions, and a shared understanding of what money is ultimately for. That changes the scorecard. The question becomes not simply, “Did my investments outperform?” but also, “Am I becoming more faithful with what God has entrusted to me?” Younger Investors Want Their Money and Values to Tell the Same Story The study offered encouraging insight into the next generation as well. Among adults ages 18 to 41, 52% said shared values are extremely important when choosing financial advice. Epps sees that as an important shift. Younger Christians often want greater consistency between what they believe and the decisions they make in every area of life—including their finances. Rather than viewing money as a separate, purely financial category, many see it as another tool that should reflect their convictions. That creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for financial advisors. The next generation is likely to expect conversations about purpose, values, generosity, and stewardship rather than treating those subjects as unrelated to financial planning. For Christian advisors, that opens the door to something deeper than portfolio management: helping clients understand biblical wisdom and their role as stewards. A Bigger Definition of Success Perhaps one of the clearest differences the research reveals is how Certified Kingdom Advisors® think about success. Investment performance still matters. But the scorecard can be broader. Epps pointed to outcomes such as greater peace, increased generosity, and helping clients faithfully pursue the purposes God has placed before them. The research found, for example, that CKA® clients were twice as likely to report that their giving had “significantly increased” since beginning work with their advisor. That is particularly noteworthy because many financial advisors are compensated, in some way, based on the assets they manage. Encouraging clients to give generously may reduce those assets, yet a Kingdom-minded advisor can celebrate that generosity because the goal is not merely accumulation. The goal is faithful stewardship. What to Look for in a Financial Advisor If you are looking for financial counsel that incorporates your Christian faith, the first meeting can tell you a great deal. Notice whether the advisor is asking questions only about your numbers or also about your values. Do they want to understand what matters to you? Are they comfortable discussing how faith influences financial decisions? Can they explain how biblical wisdom shapes the counsel they provide? Epps also encourages believers to pray about the decision and seek the Lord's wisdom as they choose whom to trust with such an important relationship. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Financial advice at its best should help us do more than grow wealth. It should help us grow in wisdom, make thoughtful decisions, and faithfully steward everything God has placed in our hands. If you'd like to find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® in your area, visit FindACKA.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 53, our home is paid off, and my husband and I have about $50,000 in checking but no retirement savings. We live simply, and both still work. How should we start putting this money toward retirement? I'm 33 and own an S corp law practice earning about $40,000 to $60,000 a month. I'm already tithing, using tax strategies, and funding retirement accounts, but I still have significant taxable income. How should I think about deploying the excess beyond simply growing the business? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Fidelity Go | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a daily chapter of Proverbs. This habit has the potential to increase your wisdom and understanding, especially if you will apply what you're hearing and reading. Here's a verse for the week: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." (Proverbs 25:11) When we choose our words with good intentions, our words become effective relationship-building tools. Use words to communicate, not as weapons. Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley More Great Books at Keep the Heart Bible Studies at Keep the Heart Gorgeous Bibles and Framed Shell Art Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Reverse mortgages have carried a negative reputation for years, especially among Christians who are cautious about debt. But as with any financial tool, faithful stewardship calls us to understand how it works before deciding whether it belongs in a financial plan. Harlan Accola leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, a FaithFi underwriter. He joined the show today to explain why reverse mortgages remain controversial, how today's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) differs from older products, and when it might play a useful role in retirement planning. Why Are Christians Hesitant About Reverse Mortgages? For many believers, the hesitation begins with debt itself. Scripture repeatedly encourages wisdom, contentment, and caution in financial matters, so borrowing against a home's equity can feel contrary to good stewardship. There is also the lingering reputation of earlier reverse mortgage products. Many people remember stories involving high costs, confusing terms, or homeowners facing difficult circumstances later in life. Accola says those concerns are understandable. “I felt the same way in the past before I understood them,” he said. But he argues that many people are evaluating today's federally insured reverse mortgages based on older versions of the product—or confusing them with other home-equity arrangements that work very differently. That makes it important to understand exactly which product is being considered and how its protections, costs, and obligations work. What Is a HECM? The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Unlike a traditional mortgage, a HECM generally does not require the borrower to make monthly principal and interest payments. Instead, the loan balance typically grows over time and becomes due when the borrower no longer occupies the home as a principal residence, sells the property, or dies. The homeowner still retains ownership of the home and remains responsible for obligations such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and property maintenance. HECMs also include protections designed specifically for older homeowners. Borrowers must complete independent counseling before obtaining the loan, and the loans are non-recourse, meaning the borrower or heirs generally will not owe more than the home's value when the loan is repaid. Certain eligible non-borrowing spouses may also be able to remain in the home after the borrowing spouse dies, provided they meet program requirements. Those features make today's HECM significantly different from some of the products that contributed to reverse mortgages' poor reputation in earlier decades. Turning Home Equity Into Retirement Flexibility For many retirees, a home represents one of their largest assets. Yet that wealth is often difficult to use without selling the property or taking on more debt. A reverse mortgage can potentially convert a portion of that equity into accessible funds. One possible benefit is improved monthly cash flow. Eliminating a required mortgage payment could help a retiree living on reduced income balance a budget without turning to credit cards or other higher-cost borrowing. Reverse mortgage proceeds may also provide additional resources for expenses such as home repairs, healthcare, or long-term care. A HECM line of credit can offer another form of flexibility. For example, retirees may be able to draw from home equity during a market downturn rather than selling investments after they have declined in value. Used carefully, that could give an investment portfolio more time to recover. Home equity might also help preserve other retirement assets for later years, a surviving spouse, or heirs. The goal isn't simply to access more money. It's to consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and ask how they can work together wisely. As Luke 16:10 reminds us, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Faithfulness includes not only how we accumulate resources but also how thoughtfully we use what God has already provided. Could a Reverse Mortgage Support Generosity? Accola has also seen situations where accessing home equity allowed retirees to give more generously during their lifetime rather than waiting for assets to transfer after death. That won't be the right choice for everyone. Giving should never come at the expense of maintaining appropriate provision for yourself or a spouse. But the example highlights an important stewardship principle: a home is not necessarily separate from the rest of a financial plan simply because its value is tied up in real estate. For some families, home equity may be another resource to consider prayerfully alongside savings, investments, retirement income, and other assets. Start With the Plan, Not the Product A reverse mortgage is not appropriate for every homeowner. Before pursuing one, Accola recommends beginning with the bigger financial picture. Ask questions such as: How long do we expect to remain in this home? How would a reverse mortgage affect our monthly cash flow? What costs are associated with the loan? How will we continue paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance? How could the loan affect what we eventually leave to our heirs? Are there other resources available that might accomplish the same goal? How does this decision fit within our overall retirement, estate, and generosity plans? That last question may be the most important. A reverse mortgage should not be viewed simply as a financial product to purchase. It should be evaluated within the context of a thoughtful retirement plan. Working with professionals who understand both the technical details of the loan and the homeowner's broader financial goals can help families consider the tradeoffs carefully. Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? A reverse mortgage isn't for every household, and using home equity should never be an excuse for careless spending. But you shouldn't reject the product simply because of its reputation. For the right homeowner, a modern HECM may turn otherwise inaccessible home equity into a flexible resource for cash flow, retirement planning, long-term care, or even greater generosity. Faithful stewardship means looking carefully at every resource God has entrusted to us, understanding our options, and making decisions that serve the larger financial plan. To learn more about reverse mortgages through Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter was approved for a $325,000 mortgage, but the rate wasn't locked. Now that she's found a home, the lender says she has to choose when to lock, with rates ranging from about 5.6% to 6.75%. How should she decide when to lock in her rate? I'm 78 and considering buying a $300,000 home in a 55+ community. I also own a rental property with about $88,000 left on a 4% mortgage, and I don't need the rental income to cover my expenses. Should I keep the rental or move into it? And if I buy in the 55+ community, how should I balance paying cash versus taking a traditional or reverse mortgage? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Movement Mortgage Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture: two men building two houses. One builds on rock. The other builds on sand. When the storms come, only one house remains standing. The difference isn't the weather. Both houses face the storm. The difference is the foundation. That picture from Matthew 7 offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives. Job losses, medical expenses, market declines, and unexpected bills eventually test every household. The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them. John Cortines, a Family Office Advisor with Blue Trust and co-author of God and Money and True Riches, offers a helpful framework: Think of your financial life as a house. Christ is the foundation. Gratitude, contentment, trust, and love form the walls. Our identity as stewards serves as the roof. And wise financial practices furnish the rooms. The Foundation: Christ, Not Money Every house begins with a foundation, and the Christian financial life begins with Christ. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. So before we ask how much to save, spend, invest, or give, we have to settle a more fundamental question: What—or whom—are we trusting? 1 Timothy 6 warns against placing our hope in wealth. Money is useful, but it was never designed to carry the weight of our security or identity. Instead, biblical stewardship begins by recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Haggai 2:8 reminds us that the silver and gold are His. What we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. That changes the way we approach money. Rather than asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” a steward begins asking, “What is the next faithful decision with what God has entrusted to me?” Money moves from being our master to becoming a tool we manage for God's purposes. The First Wall: Gratitude Once the foundation is in place, the first wall is gratitude. Gratitude protects us from one of wealth's most subtle dangers: pride.  Pride says, I earned this. I deserve this. Look at what I've accomplished. Gratitude answers, God provided this. Deuteronomy 8:18 warns God's people not to forget that He is the One who gives them the ability to produce wealth. Our abilities, opportunities, relationships, education, health, and circumstances are all gifts we did not create for ourselves. That doesn't diminish the value of hard work. It simply puts our work in its proper place. A grateful steward can work diligently without believing everything depends on personal achievement. Gratitude opens our hands because it reminds us that every good thing ultimately comes from God. The Second Wall: Contentment The second wall is contentment, which guards us from coveting and comparison. Our culture constantly invites us to look sideways. Someone always seems to have a nicer home, a newer vehicle, a larger portfolio, or a more comfortable lifestyle. The result can be a restless appetite for more. But biblical contentment allows us to experience peace in seasons of abundance and in seasons when resources are limited. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul explains that he learned the secret of being content whether he had plenty or was in need. His famous statement, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” comes in the context of learning contentment through Christ. Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means our peace is no longer waiting on the next financial milestone. We don't have to keep telling ourselves, I'll finally be satisfied when I get there or when I have that. In Christ, we can receive today's provision with gratitude while faithfully preparing for tomorrow. The Third Wall: Trust The third wall is trust. Financial anxiety often grows from the assumption that our future rests entirely on us. Am I saving enough? What if something happens? Will there be enough for retirement? What if the economy changes? Wise stewardship certainly includes preparation. But preparation can quietly turn into self-reliance if we begin believing our savings account is ultimately responsible for keeping us safe. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds His followers that the Father knows what they need. That frees us to seek His Kingdom first rather than allowing fear about tomorrow to dominate today. Our deepest security goes even further. For the Christian, our ultimate hope is not that we will avoid every financial problem. Our hope is in Christ, His victory over death, and the eternal future He has secured for His people. That perspective doesn't eliminate wise financial planning. It puts planning in its proper place. We prepare faithfully while trusting God completely. The Fourth Wall: Love The fourth wall may be the one we least often associate with money: love. It is easy for financial planning to become entirely inward-facing. We think about our budget, our goals, our retirement, and our future without considering how God may want to use what He has entrusted to us for the good of others. But Christian stewardship is shaped by Christ's love. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 point us to Jesus, who gave Himself generously for us. Our generosity toward others becomes a response to the generosity we have first received from Him. As we grow spiritually, we begin asking not merely, How much can I keep? but, How can what God has entrusted to me become an expression of love? That may mean financial generosity, hospitality, using our abilities to serve someone, supporting the local church, or simply noticing a need we might otherwise have ignored. Money becomes one more way to love God and love our neighbor. The Roof: Your Identity as a Steward Resting on those four walls is the roof: our financial identity. There are two unhealthy extremes. The first is ownership: It's mine. I earned it. I'll do whatever I want with it. The second is helplessness: Nothing I do matters. I'll never get ahead. Life just happens to me. Stewardship offers another way. A steward says, “Everything belongs to God, and I am responsible for faithfully managing what He has entrusted to me.” That perspective brings both responsibility and freedom. We take our decisions seriously because stewardship matters. But we also recognize that we are not the ultimate owners or providers. God is. Our task is faithfulness. Furnishing the House With Wise Financial Practices Only after the foundation, walls, and roof are secure do we begin furnishing the house. These furnishings represent the everyday financial habits Scripture commends: working diligently, spending purposefully, handling debt carefully, saving steadily for future needs, investing patiently and wisely, practicing generosity, and showing hospitality. These practical decisions matter. But they work best when they flow from the right heart. Otherwise, we can follow every financial rule and still be driven by pride, comparison, fear, or selfishness. That's why biblical financial wisdom goes deeper than behavior. God is interested not only in what we do with money but in what is happening in our hearts while we do it. Four Questions Before Your Next Financial Decision This financial-house framework can become a practical tool whenever you face an important money decision. Before making a major purchase, investment, career move, or other financial choice, prayerfully ask: Am I approaching this from pride or gratitude? Am I being driven by coveting or contentment? Am I responding from anxiety or trust? Am I acting with indifference or love? Those questions can expose motivations that a spreadsheet never will. Sometimes they may lead us away from something we originally wanted. Other times, they may give us greater freedom to move forward. Either way, they help us consider not merely whether we can make a financial decision, but whether that decision fits the kind of steward God is shaping us to become. Build From the Inside Out It's tempting to begin our financial lives with tactics: budgets, investments, debt repayment plans, and retirement accounts. Those things are important. But Scripture invites us to start deeper. Build your foundation on Christ. Strengthen your life with gratitude, contentment, trust, and love. Remember that your identity is not owner but steward. Then let wise financial practices flow from those convictions. Storms will come. Jesus never suggested otherwise. But a financial life built on the Rock has something stronger than money holding it together. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a 3% mortgage on about $300,000 and keep seeing ads promoting simple-interest home loans. Would it make sense to convert my current mortgage, or consider a simple-interest loan when we move in a few years? My husband and I are considering living off our savings for a year while I attend an accelerated nursing program at full out-of-state tuition. We live very frugally and have built up substantial savings. Does using that money to fund my schooling make financial sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption by Jeff Manion FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ESG investing promises to align your portfolio with your values. But an important question remains: Whose values are shaping the standards? Environmental, social, and governance ratings are often presented as measures of corporate responsibility. Yet the assumptions behind those ratings may not always align with biblical convictions. Nick Schmitz, Professor of Finance at The Catholic University of America and a Board Member of the Christian Investing Council (CIC), joined the show today to explain the differences between ESG and faith-based investing—and why Christians should pay attention not only to what they own, but also to how their shares are voted. ESG and Faith-Based Investing Start in Different Places ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. ESG ratings attempt to evaluate companies based on their performance in each of those areas. But Schmitz points out that ESG standards are developed by secular ratings agencies and can shift with cultural and political trends. Faith-based investing starts somewhere different: with convictions rooted in biblical truth. That distinction matters because a company may receive strong ESG ratings while supporting practices that conflict with a Christian investor's beliefs about issues such as the sanctity of human life, religious liberty, family, or human dignity. There may certainly be areas of overlap. Christians care about justice, responsible stewardship, fair treatment of employees, and care for creation. But agreement on certain issues does not mean the underlying moral frameworks are the same. Faith-based investing asks a deeper question: Does the way this company operates—and the way my ownership stake is used—reflect the convictions I am seeking to live by? Your Shares Come With a Voice One area investors may overlook is proxy voting. Owning shares in a publicly traded company generally gives investors the opportunity to vote on certain corporate matters. But individual investors rarely cast those votes themselves. Instead, asset managers often rely on large proxy advisory firms to provide recommendations or process votes on their behalf. That means Christians may unknowingly own investments whose shares are being voted in ways that conflict with their beliefs. Schmitz offered an example involving shareholder proposals related to Google and crisis pregnancy centers. Some proposals sought changes in how those organizations appeared in search results and were characterized positively within ESG-oriented frameworks. Faith-based investors, however, could reach a very different conclusion because of their convictions regarding the unborn and the work of pro-life ministries. For Christian investors, then, screening a portfolio may be only part of the stewardship equation. How shares are voted can matter too. Moving Beyond Passive Ownership Schmitz has been involved in developing proxy-voting policies designed to better reflect Catholic investment principles. The effort grew from concern that existing guidelines did not always reflect the convictions they claimed to represent. The broader lesson applies to Christian investors of many traditions: we do not necessarily have to outsource our influence without asking questions. Faith-based investing can involve both screening and engagement. Screening considers whether a company's products, services, or practices conflict with an investor's convictions. Engagement asks whether shareholders can encourage companies toward practices that better promote human flourishing. That makes faith-based investing more than a list of companies or industries to avoid. Shareholders can also use their ownership to advocate for positive change. Christians Can Care About Creation Without Agreeing on Every Policy The “E” in ESG stands for environmental, which sometimes creates the impression that faith-based investors give little attention to environmental stewardship. Schmitz argues that this does not have to be the case. Christians may disagree about exactly how environmental concerns should be addressed, but waste, pollution, and responsible care for creation are legitimate stewardship concerns. Investors can support companies working to reduce genuine environmental harm while also considering the economic consequences of particular policies, especially for workers and lower-income communities. The difference is that Christians can recognize room for prudential disagreement. Biblical stewardship gives us principles to guide our thinking, but believers may reach different conclusions about the best policies or business practices to address a particular environmental concern. That calls for humility, wisdom, and careful discernment rather than assuming every issue has a one-size-fits-all solution. Look for Managers With “Skin in the Game” Schmitz also encouraged investors to consider whether the people managing their money have what author Nassim Nicholas Taleb famously called “skin in the game.” When Schmitz worked as a fund manager, for example, he invested his own capital alongside the investors whose money he managed. That kind of alignment can matter. A manager who shares both the potential rewards and the downside risk has an added incentive to exercise discipline and think long-term. For Christian investors, alignment can go even deeper. Do the people managing your investments understand your convictions? Do their investment policies reflect them? Are they transparent about how companies are screened, how proxies are voted, and how shareholder engagement is conducted? Christian investors should not assume that an investment is biblically aligned simply because it carries a faith-related label. Transparency matters. Common Misconceptions About Faith-Based Investing Schmitz highlighted several misconceptions investors should reconsider. First, ESG is not morally neutral. Like every investment framework, it rests on assumptions about what is good, responsible, and worth promoting. Second, faith-based investing is not merely negative screening. Christian investors can encourage good corporate behavior through shareholder engagement, proxy voting, and collaboration with other investors. Third, bringing Christian convictions into investing is not an inappropriate intrusion of faith into an otherwise neutral marketplace. Every investor brings values into financial decisions in some form. Christians should not feel compelled to leave deeply held beliefs outside the investment process. Finally, individual investors are not necessarily powerless. Shareholders can work together, support resolutions, engage company leadership, and influence how large asset managers vote. The question is whether Christians will use that influence intentionally. Questions to Ask About Your Investments If you want to know whether your investments reflect your convictions, start by asking questions. If you work with a financial advisor or investment manager, ask how your investments are screened and how proxy votes are handled. If most of your retirement savings are held through an employer-sponsored plan, ask your plan provider what proxy-voting policies apply to the funds you own. You can also examine Christian mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that publicly disclose their screening standards, voting policies, and shareholder-engagement practices. The goal is not perfection. Investing in a complex economy will always require wisdom and discernment. But greater transparency can help investors make more informed stewardship decisions. Keep Your Investment Horizon Eternal Schmitz closed with advice he regularly shares with young people entering finance: Character matters more than credentials. Work ethic, courage, and integrity can open doors over the course of a career, but ambition must remain submitted to something greater than personal achievement. For the Christian, that means keeping Christ at the center. Financial markets reward investors who are willing to think beyond the next quarter or the next headline. Christians have an even longer horizon. We make financial decisions knowing that earthly returns are temporary and faithfulness to Christ has eternal significance. That perspective changes the way we think about investing. We are not merely asking, “What return can this investment produce?” We are also asking, “What am I supporting with the resources God has entrusted to me?” Faith-based investing is ultimately another opportunity to practice faithful stewardship—seeking to align our financial decisions with our convictions while remembering that our ultimate treasure is not found in any portfolio, but in Christ. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm an elementary teacher looking to supplement my income, and I recently earned my life and health insurance license. A friend invited me to join WFG. Is that a good option for part-time work, or are there better ways to use the license? I opened a savings account after receiving a promotion offering a cash bonus if I deposited funds and left them there for 90 days. I met those requirements, but now the bank says I failed to enroll in the promotion, even though the invitation didn't mention that step. What should I do to dispute this? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Investing Council (CIC) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailA marriage can be stable on paper and still feel strangely far apart at home. We're talking about the slow drift: the subtle, gradual disconnect that happens when life gets loud, schedules take over, and the relationship starts running on autopilot. If you've ever thought, “Nothing is technically wrong, but something feels off,” this conversation is your wake-up call and your roadmap back. We get personal about what drift looked like in our own marriage after 27 years, including how stress, travel, shifting health seasons, and changing intimacy needs can create distance without either person meaning to. We break down why couples often hide these struggles, how assumptions spiral when communication goes quiet, and why “good enough” is one of the most dangerous places a relationship can live. We also talk about honoring each other's different workloads without belittling, because respect fuels emotional safety. Then we go practical with marriage advice you can use immediately: weekly family meetings with a real agenda, date nights that bring fun back, affection that isn't only about sex, and honest conversations that repair small hurts before they harden into walls. We also share why faith matters here: when we put God back at the center, we regain perspective, grace, and the power to pivot through every season together. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a couple you love, and leave a review so more marriages can stop the drift.GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888

Risk is unavoidable in investing—and in life. But not all risks deserve equal attention. It is easy to focus primarily on the probability that something will happen. If an investment, career move, or financial strategy has a high likelihood of succeeding, we may assume it is a good decision. But Mark Biller, Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing, suggests another question may be even more important: If things go wrong, how wrong could they go? That shift—from focusing on probabilities to considering consequences—can help us make wiser financial decisions and protect ourselves from risks that could permanently derail our plans. A Small Probability Can Carry a Huge Consequence Suppose someone told you there was a 99% chance an opportunity would succeed. Those odds sound compelling. But what if the remaining 1% chance of failure meant complete financial ruin? Suddenly, the decision looks very different. A simple illustration is crossing a busy street. The probability of being hit by a vehicle may be relatively small, but we still look both ways because the potential consequence is catastrophic. A low probability does not make a severe consequence irrelevant. The same principle applies to investing. An outcome may be statistically unlikely, but if it could wipe out your savings, destroy your retirement plan, or leave you unable to meet your obligations, it deserves serious consideration. Financial thinker Peter Bernstein summarized the principle well: the consequences of being wrong can matter more than the probabilities of being right. That leads to two important questions: If this goes wrong, how wrong could it go?  And how much would it matter? Why Humility Matters in Investing Financial history offers plenty of reminders that even highly intelligent investors cannot anticipate every outcome. One famous example is the collapse of Long-Term Capital Management in 1998. The hedge fund was run by some of the brightest minds in finance and relied on sophisticated mathematical models. Those models worked under most circumstances—but a combination of leverage and extraordinary market conditions caused enormous losses. The lesson is not that investors should avoid risk altogether. Risk is part of investing. Rather, wise investors recognize the limits of their knowledge. We cannot predict every market decline, economic shock, or unexpected life event. That reality should lead us toward humility and encourage us to build financial plans with room for error. Build a Margin of Safety One practical way to prepare for uncertainty is to maintain a margin of safety. That begins before investing. A strong financial foundation includes reducing burdensome debt and establishing adequate emergency savings. Then, as you invest, diversification can help reduce the danger of concentrated bets, while avoiding excessive leverage can protect against losses that permanently impair your financial position. The goal is not to eliminate every possible risk. That would be impossible. Instead, margin allows your plan to survive when circumstances do not unfold as expected. Biblical wisdom encourages this kind of prudence. Proverbs 22:3 says: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Wise stewardship does not require us to live fearfully. But it does call us to recognize potential danger and prepare appropriately. Your Emergency Fund Protects More Than Emergencies An emergency fund may seem separate from an investment portfolio, but the two are closely connected. Think of investing like climbing a ladder. Before climbing higher, you want to make sure the ladder is resting on firm ground. Emergency savings provide that foundation. Unexpected expenses are inevitable. A furnace fails. A vehicle needs replacing sooner than expected. A major repair suddenly becomes necessary. Without adequate savings, those expenses may force you to sell investments at exactly the wrong time—perhaps when the market is down significantly. What began as an ordinary household expense can then cause lasting damage to a long-term investment plan. An emergency fund creates financial breathing room so temporary problems do not become permanent setbacks. Protecting Retirees From Sequence-of-Returns Risk Consequences become especially important as retirement approaches. One risk retirees face is known as sequence-of-returns risk. This occurs when significant investment losses happen early in retirement while a retiree is simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Two retirees could experience similar average investment returns over several decades but have very different outcomes depending on when the losses occur. A steep market decline early in retirement can be particularly damaging because withdrawals compound those losses. Even strong returns later may not fully repair the damage. Diversification can help manage this risk. Some retirees also choose to keep several years of anticipated spending in cash or relatively low-risk investments so they are less likely to sell stocks during a severe market downturn. The appropriate strategy will vary by household, but the principle remains the same: consider not only what is likely to happen, but what would happen to your plan if difficult circumstances arrived at an inconvenient time. How Much Risk Can You Afford? Risk tolerance is often discussed in terms of emotion: How comfortable are you when markets fall? That matters, but consequence-based thinking adds another dimension. Ask what would happen if an investment or strategy failed. Would the loss merely be disappointing? Or would it prevent you from retiring, eliminate your emergency reserves, jeopardize your home, or keep you awake at night? If a negative outcome would derail your financial goals, you may be taking more risk than you can afford—even if the probability of success appears high. On the other hand, if you can absorb the downside without seriously damaging your financial plan, then probability can play a larger role in the decision. This framework also guards against becoming too conservative. Avoiding stocks entirely in retirement may reduce short-term market volatility, for example, but it introduces another potential consequence: a portfolio may fail to keep pace with inflation over a retirement that lasts several decades. Wise risk management considers both sides. Stewardship Leaves Room for the Unexpected We cannot know exactly what markets, inflation, interest rates, or the economy will do next. And Scripture never promises that careful planning will remove uncertainty from our lives. Our confidence ultimately rests somewhere deeper. As Christians, we believe God is sovereign and that our ultimate security is found in Christ—not in the performance of our portfolios. That frees us to approach financial decisions with both wisdom and humility. We can plan carefully without pretending we know the future. We can prepare for risk without being ruled by fear. And we can leave margin in our finances because we recognize our own limitations. The goal is not to predict every possible outcome. It is to build a financial life capable of enduring when some of our predictions inevitably prove wrong. Before taking a significant financial risk, don't simply ask, “What are the odds that this will work?” Ask one more question: “If it doesn't, can my financial plan withstand the consequences?” That question may be one of the most valuable safeguards a wise steward can use. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My son and daughter-in-law have a car loan with a payment over $900 a month and likely a very high interest rate because of poor credit. Are there any options to refinance, reduce the rate, or lower the payment? I'll reach full retirement age later this year and plan to keep working. Should I start Social Security then so I can save, invest, and give more, or delay benefits to receive a larger amount later? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Focus on Consequences, Not Probabilities (Article by Austin Pryor at Sound Mind Investing) When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management by Roger Lowenstein Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael Blue Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Long-term care isn't just a health issue. It can become a major financial and family decision. Most of us hope we'll never need extended care, but wise stewardship means preparing for possibilities before they become a crisis. And while long-term care insurance may be part of that preparation, the first step isn't necessarily buying a policy. It's having a plan. Nathan Sanow, President of LTC Consumer and MasterCare LLC, has spent more than two decades helping individuals and families navigate long-term care planning. He says the most important place to begin is understanding what would happen if you or someone you love needed care for an extended period. Start With a Long-Term Care Plan People often hear “long-term care” and immediately think about insurance premiums. But insurance is simply one potential way to fund a larger plan. A good long-term care plan begins by asking several practical questions: Who would provide your care if you needed help? Would that person be physically and emotionally able to do it? Where would you prefer to receive care? How would your care affect your family? Most importantly, how would you pay for it? These conversations can be difficult, but they are much easier to have before a crisis occurs. Planning ahead also gives family members an opportunity to understand your wishes rather than making major decisions under pressure. What Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance Actually Cover One of the most common misconceptions about long-term care is that Medicare or regular health insurance will cover the cost. In most cases, they will not. Medicare may pay for certain short-term rehabilitation services after a qualifying hospital stay. For example, someone recovering from a stroke or surgery may receive temporary rehabilitative care. But Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial care—the type of help someone may need with everyday activities over an extended period. Traditional health insurance generally does not cover that kind of care either. Medicaid can pay for long-term care, but eligibility requires meeting strict financial requirements. That often means spending down assets significantly before qualifying for assistance. Another common source of confusion is long-term disability insurance. Long-term disability insurance replaces a portion of your income when you are unable to work. Long-term care coverage, by contrast, helps pay for the care you need when you can no longer adequately care for yourself. Where Long-Term Care Insurance Fits Long-term care insurance is essentially a risk-transfer tool. Instead of assuming the full financial risk of an unpredictable long-term care event, you pay a predictable premium and transfer some of that risk to an insurance company. Many policies allow considerable flexibility in how benefits are used. Depending on the policy, coverage may help pay for professional care at home, assisted living, or a long-term care facility. That flexibility matters because many people would prefer to remain at home as long as possible. Some policies also provide caregiver support services. When a long-term care event occurs, families are suddenly forced to navigate providers, facilities, benefits, and major financial decisions. Having professional guidance available during that process can be valuable in itself. How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? The cost of coverage varies significantly depending on the type of policy, age, health, benefits selected, and length of coverage. Sanow says consumers can think of long-term care insurance much like buying a vehicle: there are inexpensive options, premium options, and many choices in between. Based on his company's experience with thousands of consumers, hybrid life and long-term care policies may cost considerably more than traditional coverage, while shorter-term policies can cost less. The important point is that coverage can often be customized. Rather than asking, “How much does long-term care insurance cost?” a better question may be, “How much of this risk do I need to insure?” A household might choose insurance that covers only part of the potential cost while planning to pay the remainder from savings or other assets. The Financial Risk of Long-Term Care The potential cost of extended care is what makes planning so important. According to figures discussed by Sano, roughly half of Americans may eventually need professional long-term care services lasting 90 days or more. Women face an especially significant risk of needing care for an extended period. And the costs can add up quickly. In some areas of the country, facility-based care can cost well over $10,000 per month. Even one year of care could consume more than $100,000. For someone with substantial savings, that may simply represent an expense they have chosen to self-insure. But for many households, an extended care event could significantly alter a retirement plan, affect a surviving spouse, or reduce assets intended for other purposes. That is why every household should at least identify how those expenses would be paid. Should You Self-Insure? Not everyone needs long-term care insurance. Some households with significant assets may be comfortable paying for care themselves. Others with limited resources may ultimately depend on Medicaid. But many families fall somewhere in between. For those households, the question is whether they could comfortably absorb a long-term care expense without jeopardizing other financial priorities. If you decide to self-insure, the plan still needs to be specific. Which assets would you use? Are those funds liquid enough to access when needed? Would spending them affect the financial security of your spouse? Simply saying, “We'll use our savings,” is not the same as having a plan. When Should You Consider Coverage? For many people, the early 50s through mid-60s can be an important window for considering long-term care insurance. Waiting too long can create challenges because premiums generally increase with age, and health problems may make coverage more difficult—or impossible—to obtain. At the same time, newer insurance products have created additional options for some older consumers who might not have qualified for traditional coverage in the past. That makes it important to evaluate your options while you are still healthy rather than assuming you can purchase coverage later. What About Premium Increases? Long-term care insurance has faced criticism over the years because some traditional policies experienced significant premium increases.  Today, however, consumers may have additional choices. Some hybrid life and long-term care policies offer premiums that are contractually guaranteed not to increase. Sanow also notes that insurers now have decades of additional claims and interest-rate data that were not available when many older policies were originally priced. That information can help companies make more informed assumptions when designing newer products. Still, consumers should understand whether premiums are guaranteed or whether they could increase over time before purchasing any policy. Newer Long-Term Care Options Long-term care products have also become more flexible. One growing option is a cash-benefit policy. Once the policyholder qualifies for benefits, the insurance company provides a set cash amount that can potentially be used more freely—including paying certain family members or other caregivers, depending on the policy. Another development is the movement from daily benefit limits toward monthly benefits. That distinction can be especially helpful for people receiving home care only a few days each week. Instead of being limited to a specific amount per day, a monthly benefit provides more flexibility in how the available benefit is used throughout the month. As always, policy details vary, so understanding exactly how benefits are calculated and paid is essential. Have the Family Conversation First Long-term care planning ultimately begins with people, not policies. Before researching insurance, sit down with your spouse, children, or other family members and talk honestly about what you would want if you needed extended care. Ask: Who would provide care? Where would you want to receive it? What would that responsibility require from your family? And where would the money come from? Once you understand the answers, you can begin evaluating whether savings, investments, insurance, or some combination of those resources should fund the plan. If insurance may be appropriate, consider working with an independent professional who understands the underwriting requirements of multiple carriers. Health standards can vary significantly between insurers, and the right guidance may help you evaluate the options available to you. Long-term care insurance isn't right for every household. But long-term care planning is something every family should consider. Preparing ahead can protect more than your finances. It can give your family clarity, preserve choices, and reduce the burden of making difficult decisions during an already stressful season.  That, too, is part of wise stewardship.  To learn more about long-term care planning and explore your options, visit LTCConsumer.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My family and I want to buy the home we've been renting, and our landlord is offering us a good price. We have about 25% saved for a down payment. Since we already know the property, who should we work with to handle the legal documents, closing, and other purchase details? I'm 39 and expect about $100,000 from an ESOP payout in 2027. My wife and I have roughly $60,000 in credit card and tax debt. Should we use the payout to eliminate the debt or roll it into my 401(k) for retirement? I'm updating my will and would like to leave part of my estate to my three children and a meaningful portion to three ministries I support. Is that a wise and God-honoring way to structure my estate? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) LTC Consumer | MasterCare Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we replay the most popular episodes from previous seasons. Have you ever gotten into an argument with a stranger? It's an enormous drain on the emotions, and often ends poorly. Most of all, it's sure not a great advertisement for Christianity. We need to be careful in this generation, because we're always on duty as ambassadors for Christ. If you go toe-to-toe with someone, trying to have the last word while matching wits, you could come out the loser while losing an opportunity to represent Christ. God didn't call us to debate, He called us to copy Him. He came to seek and to save that which was lost, not to argue and push them deeper into darkness. There are reasons why unbelievers don't understand believers, and we make the division worse when we get into arguments just to score points. Let's consider just a few reasons why there is this communication gap, considering our own roles and making sure that we're not becoming repellant and annoyingly self-assertive. Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley More Great Books at Keep the Heart Bible Studies at Keep the Heart Gorgeous Bibles and Framed Shell Art Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Stewardship isn't a one-time decision. It's an ongoing way of life—a cycle that begins with gratitude, moves through faithful growth, and leads to generosity. Tim Tassopoulos, Former President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A, has seen that cycle at work throughout his life and career. During his decades with the company, he helped shape a culture known not only for operational excellence but also for servant leadership, hospitality, and investing in people. For Tassopoulos, faithful stewardship starts with a foundational truth: God owns it all. That includes our finances, but it extends much further. Our abilities, relationships, opportunities, time, experiences, and even the challenges we encounter are all things God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is the process of receiving those gifts gratefully, developing them faithfully, and ultimately using them for the good of others and the glory of God. Stewardship Begins With Gratitude The first step in the cycle is gratitude. Before we can faithfully manage what God has given us, we must recognize that it came from Him in the first place. Gratitude shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. That contrast is clear in Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. The man repeatedly speaks of “my crops,” “my barns,” and “my grain.” His mistake wasn't simply having an abundant harvest. He had forgotten the One from whom his abundance came. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 offers another picture. The first two servants received different amounts, yet both faithfully put what they had been entrusted with to work. Their focus wasn't on comparing what they received but on faithfully managing it. Gratitude allows us to do the same. And it requires intentionality. Tassopoulos encourages making gratitude part of the daily rhythm of life through prayer, Scripture, and consciously recognizing God's provision. That gratitude doesn't have to be limited to the things we naturally consider blessings. We can thank God for relationships, resources, and good health, but also recognize that challenges and opportunities can become gifts He uses to shape us. When we begin with gratitude, we are better prepared to steward whatever God places in our hands. Growth Requires Humility Gratitude naturally leads to the next stage of stewardship: growth. If God has entrusted us with abilities, relationships, opportunities, knowledge, or financial resources, faithful stewardship asks how we can develop those gifts—not merely for our own benefit, but so they can increasingly serve others. That requires becoming a lifelong learner. Tassopoulos puts it simply: without humility, there is no growth. Learning begins by acknowledging that we don't know everything. We need the wisdom, experience, correction, and perspective of others. That may come through books, mentors, colleagues, Scripture, or simply reflecting carefully on our own experiences. The more we learn, the more we may be able to contribute. For Tassopoulos, one practical expression of that commitment was something he called a library day. Throughout his career at Chick-fil-A, he intentionally reserved one day each month to leave the office and work from a public library. Away from the distractions of the corporate support center—and with less opportunity to constantly check his phone—he could study, evaluate his schedule, reflect on recent experiences, and look ahead to the next 90 days. Those days became opportunities for restoration, reflection, and refocusing. When Tassopoulos became president of Chick-fil-A and knew the demands on his time would increase considerably, he made what might seem like a counterintuitive decision: he added a second library day each month. Greater responsibility meant he needed more time to think, not less. There is a lesson there for all of us. Growth rarely happens accidentally. Whether we are developing our finances, our professional abilities, our relationships, or our spiritual lives, we need margin to learn, reflect, and make wise decisions. Generosity Is About More Than Money Growth, however, isn't the destination. The purpose of developing what God has entrusted to us is not simply to accumulate more. Growth creates greater opportunities to serve. That leads to generosity.  Financial giving is certainly part of generosity, but biblical generosity is much larger. We can be generous with our time, our attention, our knowledge, our relationships, our encouragement, and our willingness to invest in other people. Tassopoulos saw that modeled repeatedly by Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy and the Cathy family. Their generosity has included financial giving, but also mentoring future leaders, investing in employees and communities, and creating organizations designed to serve others. That reflects Chick-fil-A's corporate purpose, developed during a difficult period for the company in the early 1980s: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” Notably, that purpose says nothing about restaurant growth, revenue, or the number of chicken sandwiches sold. It centers on glorifying God, practicing faithful stewardship, and influencing people for good. Business success became something to steward rather than the ultimate goal. Truett Cathy's 10-10-10 Principle Truett Cathy also communicated stewardship through a simple financial principle Tassopoulos remembers well: Give 10%, save 10%, and work 10% harder. The order mattered. Giving came first, reinforcing that generosity should be intentional rather than something we practice only when there happens to be money left over. Saving acknowledged the importance of preparing wisely for both present needs and the future. And working harder reflected Cathy's continual challenge to give your best effort. That philosophy was connected to another biblical principle that shaped Cathy's life. Proverbs 22:1 says: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Reputation, integrity, and faithfulness mattered more than financial success. That same mindset can also be seen in Chick-fil-A's emphasis on “second-mile service,” drawn from Jesus' words in Matthew 5:41: “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Going beyond what is required is another expression of generosity. Generosity Brings Us Back to Gratitude This is why stewardship is best understood as a cycle rather than a checklist. We receive what God provides with gratitude. We faithfully grow and develop what He has entrusted to us. Then we generously share the fruit of that growth with others. And when we experience the privilege of giving, serving, mentoring, encouraging, or investing in someone else, we have another reason to be grateful. Then, the cycle begins again. That perspective changes the way we think about money and everything else God places in our hands. The question is no longer simply, “How much can I accumulate?” Instead, we begin asking, “How faithfully can I manage what God has entrusted to me?” Stewardship begins with gratitude, grows through faithful action, and comes full circle in generosity. And as we continue that cycle throughout our lives, the resources God provides become opportunities to glorify Him and bless the people around us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm turning 65 but plan to keep working and stay on my employer's HSA-eligible health plan. Can I delay Medicare enrollment and continue contributing to my HSA, or do I need to enroll at 65? I need significant home repairs, may have water damage or mold, and also have about $8,000 in credit card debt. I don't want to refinance because my mortgage rate is 3%. Would a HELOC be a reasonable way to cover the repairs and debt, or should I consider another option? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Credit card fees rarely wreck a budget all at once. Instead, they tend to chip away at it little by little. Interest charges, late fees, annual fees, cash advances, and other costs can quietly consume resources that could have been used for saving, giving, or meeting other financial priorities. That's why wise stewardship includes understanding what your credit cards cost and making sure they're serving your financial plan rather than working against it. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” This isn't a call to hoard what God provides. It's a reminder that wisdom pays attention. Good stewardship means knowing where our money is going and refusing to let avoidable expenses unnecessarily consume what God has entrusted to us. Start With the Biggest Cost: Interest Technically, interest isn't a fee, but for anyone carrying a credit card balance, it's usually far more expensive than the other charges associated with a card. When interest rates are high, reward points and cash-back offers quickly lose their appeal. A few dollars in rewards can't compensate for months of interest on an unpaid balance. The best practice is straightforward: Don't charge more than you can afford to pay off when the bill comes due. If you're already carrying a balance, consider putting the card away while you develop a plan to eliminate the debt. Continuing to add new purchases while trying to pay down old ones can make progress much more difficult. Avoid Late and Returned-Payment Fees Late fees vary by card issuer, so review your cardholder agreement and know exactly when your payment is due. Payment alerts and automatic payments can be helpful safeguards. At minimum, consider automating the required payment so an overlooked due date doesn't create another unnecessary expense. Ideally, pay the full statement balance each month so you avoid interest altogether. If you use automatic payments, however, make sure there's enough money in your checking account when the payment is scheduled. A returned payment may result in a fee from the card issuer and possibly another fee from your bank. Keeping a small cushion in checking can help protect against those surprises. Think Twice About Annual Fees Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge hundreds of dollars in exchange for travel benefits, rewards, or other perks. In many cases, avoiding an annual fee altogether is the simpler choice. The benefits may not justify the cost, especially if rewards encourage you to spend more than you otherwise would. The goal isn't to maximize points. It's to make wise decisions with the resources God has provided. For responsible credit users who want their financial tools to reflect their values, FaithFi appreciates AdelFi Christian Banking. Formed through the merger of Christian Community Credit Union and AdelFi Credit Union, AdelFi provides purpose-driven banking solutions designed to help Christians align their finances with their faith. Since 1995, AdelFi members' card activity has generated more than $6.9 million for Christian causes. You can learn more at FaithFi.com/Banking. Be Especially Careful With Cash Advances Cash advances are one of the most expensive ways to borrow. They may include an upfront fee, and unlike ordinary purchases, interest often begins accruing immediately. That makes a cash advance a costly solution to a short-term cash-flow problem. A better long-term approach is to build financial margin. Start with a small emergency fund, then work toward a larger reserve over time. Having cash available for unexpected expenses can help keep a financial setback from turning into high-interest credit card debt. Watch for Foreign Transaction Fees If you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants, check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee. Some cards charge a percentage of each transaction, while others waive these fees entirely. Knowing your card's policy before traveling can help prevent unnecessary surprises. Review Your Statements Every Month One of the simplest financial habits is also one of the most valuable: review every credit card statement. Look for unexpected fees, forgotten subscriptions, duplicate charges, or transactions you don't recognize. Regularly reviewing your statements helps you catch problems early and stay engaged with your financial life. It also gives you an opportunity to ask a larger question: Is this card still helping me accomplish what I intended it to? A Credit Card Should Be a Tool, Not a Master Credit cards aren't inherently good or bad. What matters is whether they help or hinder faithful stewardship. If using a credit card consistently leads to interest charges, fees, or overspending, the wisest decision may be to stop using it. There's no spiritual virtue in having a credit card, and there's no shame in choosing cash or debit if those tools help you manage money more faithfully. Faithfulness often shows up in small financial decisions: paying bills on time, avoiding unnecessary costs, living within God's provision, and directing more of what He has entrusted to us toward His purposes. Take a few minutes this week to review the credit cards you use. Know what they cost. Know why you have them. And make sure they're serving your financial plan rather than quietly shaping it. If you're looking for a financial institution that shares your Christian values, consider AdelFi Christian Banking. FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking or savings account or a Cash Rewards Visa credit account. Visit FaithFi.com/Banking and use the code FAITHFI to learn more. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have investments, but I don't have a tax-planning strategy, and I'm paying a lot in taxes each year. My advisor doesn't seem very proactive. How can I find someone who can coordinate my investment and tax planning? I'm 67, debt-free, have a good income, and about $97,000 in savings and cash, but no retirement plan or investments through work. How should I start investing at this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Richard Swenson, author of The Overload Syndrome and Margin, writes that we need room to breathe—freedom to think, permission to heal, and space for relationships that can easily be starved by the relentless pace of life. That may describe more people today than ever. Many of us are physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially overloaded. There never seems to be enough time, money, or energy left at the end of the day to recover before everything starts again at full speed. The answer, at least in part, is something our culture often neglects: margin. Margin means leaving enough room in our lives to rest, reflect, recover, and reconnect with what matters most. It is, in a sense, taking a break before you break. The Cost of Living Without Margin A life without margin can carry serious physical, emotional, relational, and even financial consequences. Consider sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, many Americans regularly struggle to get adequate rest, with a significant number of adults sleeping fewer than seven hours each night. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with health concerns including diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and heart disease. Lack of sleep also affects emotional health, relationships, and decision-making. That means rest is not merely a luxury. It is part of living wisely and caring responsibly for the bodies, relationships, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. Perhaps life simply feels too fast right now. Working late nights and weekends may occasionally be necessary, but continuously burning the candle at both ends eventually becomes counterproductive. Exhaustion leaves little energy for the things that matter most—especially our relationships with others and with the Lord. God Designed Us for Work—and Rest Scripture consistently affirms the goodness of work. God calls us to provide for our families, serve others, practice generosity, and faithfully use the abilities and opportunities He has given us. We work to pay bills, save for future needs, give generously, and contribute to our communities. Productive work is part of God's design. But work is not all there is. Rest is God's idea too. In Genesis, God rested on the seventh day of creation—not because He was exhausted, but because His work was complete. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart. Later, Sabbath rest became part of the Ten Commandments given to Israel. Rest reminds us of an important spiritual reality: our worth does not depend on how much we accomplish. Author Rich Villodas has observed that Sabbath reminds us that our standing in Christ is not based on our works. A day of rest allows us to stop producing and remember that God's love for us has not changed. That can be especially difficult in a culture where technology makes it possible to work almost anywhere, at almost any hour. But just because we can keep working does not mean we always should. Healthy margin allows us to return to our work with purpose, energy, and gratitude, doing it “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Professional progress can be valuable, but chronic stress, damaged health, and neglected relationships are a high price to pay for it. Rest Is Not the Same as Laziness Biblical rest should not be confused with laziness. Laziness means neglecting the responsibilities God has given us or consistently refusing to do what needs to be done. Scripture repeatedly warns against that kind of idleness. Paul tells believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to admonish the idle. In 2 Thessalonians 3, he addresses those who were refusing to work and instead becoming busybodies. There is an important distinction here. Rest restores us so we can return faithfully to the work God has given us. Idleness avoids that work altogether. Proverbs 31 gives us another picture of faithful diligence. The noble woman cares for her household, conducts business, helps the poor, and looks after those entrusted to her. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Fruitful labor honors God. But so does recognizing when it is time to stop. When Busyness Becomes Another Form of Distraction There is another danger worth recognizing: constant activity can sometimes disguise a lack of purpose. We may appear busy without actually being productive. Without intentional rest and reflection, our activity can become aimless distraction rather than faithful work. We move constantly but rarely stop long enough to ask whether we are moving in the right direction. Laziness can sometimes take an unexpected form as well. Instead of doing nothing, we may spend hours scrolling, shopping, watching, or distracting ourselves while neglecting relationships or responsibilities that matter more. Proverbs 24:30–34 paints a memorable picture of a neglected field covered with thorns and weeds. The lesson is simple: neglect eventually has consequences. If you struggle with procrastination or laziness, the answer is not shame. Bring that struggle to Christ. He offers forgiveness, wisdom, and strength to grow in faithfulness and diligence. Finding a Rhythm of Grace The encouraging news is that God's grace meets us in both extremes. Some of us are exhausted because we never stop working. Others feel stuck because we continually avoid the work before us. Christ invites both groups into something better: rhythms shaped by grace rather than guilt. Rest is not something we earn after proving ourselves productive enough. It is something we receive as a gift from God. Jesus gives this invitation in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If your life feels overloaded, perhaps the next faithful step is not finding a way to accomplish more. It may be creating enough margin to remember who you are, what matters most, and Who ultimately sustains you. Work faithfully. Rest gratefully. And remember that your security is not found in how much you accomplish, but in Christ. In Him, there is room to breathe. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Someone I know has seen their credit card debt grow from about $10,000 to $25,000, and the account is now closed. I suspect missed payments and interest are driving the increase. How can I help them understand what's happening and make a plan to deal with the debt? My husband and I are both 77 and would like to avoid probate, but we don't have significant assets. Would an irrevocable trust make sense for us, and how can we find a qualified elder law attorney in Texas to help us understand our options? I'm retired and living comfortably on my pension, with about $125,000 in savings and $19,000 in checking. My bank keeps encouraging me to put the savings into CDs, but the rates don't seem very attractive. What should I consider doing with this money? I'm 59, debt-free, have a fully funded emergency fund, and am contributing to my 401(k). I also have about $200,000 to invest. I want reasonable growth without taking excessive risk. How should I think about investing this money, especially compared with options like fixed annuities or crypto? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors AdelFi Christian Banking Eventide | Praxis | GuideStone | OneAscent | Timothy Plan FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailThe most dangerous prisons don't have bars, they have beliefs. Ken and Tabatha Claytor go straight at the core of spiritual warfare: the lies that shape how we see ourselves, how we see God, and what we think is possible. We talk about deliverance in a way that's both biblical and practical, not just a moment in a corner somewhere, but the everyday freedom that happens when you replace deception with truth.We unpack why you can accept Christ and still feel bound, and why deliverance can be both an event and a process. Tabitha shares personal examples of identity lies that kept her living small, from feeling like a mistake to believing certain opportunities “weren't for people like me.” Ken challenges a common spiritual trap too: treating God's forgiveness like permission to keep sinning, instead of pairing confession with repentance and real change. Along the way we explain how Satan's subtle strategy works, why “Did God really say?” still wrecks people today, and how wrong beliefs create wrong outcomes in mental health, healing, finances, and relationships.Then we get very specific. We name ten common lies like “you're not enough,” “God forgot you,” “you'll never change,” “your past defines you,” and “you're alone,” and we counter each one with Scripture, identity in Christ, and real declarations you can speak out loud. We also pray to renounce lies, uproot strongholds, and open our hearts to the truth of God's Word. If you need hope for your marriage, your mind, your body, or your future, this conversation is a reset.Subscribe, share this with someone who needs freedom, and leave a review so more people can find the truth that makes us free.GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888

Debt carries a cost beyond dollars and interest. It can steal your sleep, strain relationships, affect your health, and make the future feel uncertain. For many people, financial stress gradually becomes an emotional burden as well. But gaining clarity, seeking wise counsel, and developing a practical plan can begin to lift that weight. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, says one of the most important things she has learned from counseling thousands of individuals and families is that debt is rarely just a financial issue. Understanding that broader impact can be an important first step toward finding a way forward. Debt Isn't Always the Result of Poor Decisions People struggling with debt often carry shame or embarrassment about their circumstances. But financial hardship can develop for many reasons, including circumstances largely outside someone's control. Job loss, divorce, unexpected medical expenses, early retirement, caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and the rising cost of everyday necessities can all put significant pressure on a household budget. Sometimes debt develops not because someone was reckless, but because they were simply trying to make it through a difficult season. Recognizing that reality doesn't remove the responsibility to address what is owed, but it can help replace shame with a clearer perspective. The goal is not to dwell on how you arrived at this point, but to understand your situation well enough to begin moving forward wisely. When Financial Stress Becomes an Emotional Burden Financial stress often begins affecting other areas of life long before someone asks for help. You may find yourself lying awake at night wondering how you will ever repay what you owe. Perhaps you avoid opening credit card statements because it feels discouraging to see how little progress you are making. You might take on extra hours at work simply to remain current, leaving less time for family, rest, and other responsibilities. Those can all be signs that debt has become more than a budget problem. When financial pressure dominates your thoughts, avoiding the problem may feel easier in the moment. But uncertainty often magnifies anxiety. Understanding exactly where you stand can be uncomfortable, yet that clarity is often the beginning of relief. Seeking Help Is an Act of Wisdom One of the most important steps someone in debt can take is simply asking for help. Seeking wise counsel is not an admission of failure. In many cases, the earlier you reach out, the more options may be available. A Certified Credit Counselor can help you understand where your money is going, evaluate your debts, explore repayment options, and create a realistic plan. That kind of clarity can replace the feeling of being overwhelmed with a series of manageable next steps. A counselor cannot make the debt disappear overnight, but having a plan can change the way you view the problem. Instead of wondering whether there is any way out, you can begin seeing measurable progress toward a specific destination. That clarity can restore hope. Face Financial Challenges With Faith and Wisdom For Christians, addressing debt also involves remembering that God cares about every area of our lives—including our finances. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds believers not to be consumed by anxiety, but to bring their concerns before God in prayer. That does not mean ignoring financial problems or assuming they will resolve themselves. Biblical faith calls us to bring our concerns to the Lord while also pursuing wisdom and taking responsible action. Scripture consistently commends wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” When debt feels overwhelming, faith and practical action are not competing responses. We can trust God while honestly facing our circumstances, seeking wise guidance, changing financial habits where necessary, and steadily working toward repayment. Clarity Can Be the Beginning of Hope If debt has taken over both your budget and your thoughts, remember that you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Start by understanding exactly what you owe and where your money is going. Seek trustworthy counsel. Develop a realistic repayment plan. Then begin taking one faithful step at a time. The situation may not change immediately, but having a clear path forward can begin lifting the emotional weight even before the balances are gone. Christian Credit Counselors is a nonprofit organization that may be able to help lower interest rates, develop a clear repayment plan, and provide support as you work toward paying what you owe. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received a settlement after being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Is that settlement taxable, does it count as income, and could the tax treatment vary by state? I have about $4,000 in credit card debt and need to replace my car after an accident. I also want to improve my credit score. Should I focus first on paying down the card balance, and does paying it off all at once help my score more than monthly payments? I'm planning to retire next year at 62. My wife has been a homemaker throughout our marriage, and I want to make sure she's provided for while also continuing to give generously. One advisor recommends delaying Social Security until 67, while another says I should claim at 62 and move my investments to his firm. How should I evaluate these competing recommendations and decide when to claim Social Security? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can respect everyone by following Jesus' example, showing forgiveness, and caring for the people God loves. John 21:16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

Bob Goff once said, “We won't be distracted by comparison if we're captivated by purpose.” That's especially true when it comes to money. Comparison tempts us to measure our success against someone else's income, lifestyle, investments, or possessions. But when we understand who we are in Christ and why God has entrusted resources to us, money becomes a tool for fulfilling God's purposes rather than a scorecard for measuring our worth. Jim Rasmussen, co-founder and brand ambassador at Pandowealth and a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, has spent years helping individuals, families, and business owners approach financial decisions with wisdom and purpose. Through that work, he has seen how easily comparison can creep into our financial lives—and how biblical stewardship can help us escape it. When Comparison Takes Root Comparison often begins innocently. For business owners, it might start by comparing sales, expenses, or profitability with another company. Before long, however, that same mindset can spill into personal finances. Who has the bigger house? Who takes better vacations? Who has accumulated more? Who seems further ahead? For high earners in particular, there can be a subtle temptation to connect net worth with self-worth. And without a clear sense of purpose, financial success can actually make the problem worse. A successful business should ultimately support a financial plan, and a financial plan should support the life God is calling us to live. But when that larger purpose hasn't been defined, it becomes easy to look around and simply copy what others are doing. That is where comparison begins replacing stewardship. Resources Are Gifts, Not Trophies 1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that what we have is a gift from God. Our resources were never meant merely to become trophies that demonstrate how successful we are. They are entrusted to us so that we can serve others, provide for those God has placed in our care, practice generosity, and participate in His purposes. That perspective changes the questions we ask. Instead of asking, “How much more can I accumulate?” we begin asking, “How much do I actually need?” and “How might God want me to use the rest?” Rasmussen often encourages families to consider three questions: How much do I need?  How much do my children need?  What might God want me to do with the rest? Scripture doesn't give us a universal percentage for determining how much lifestyle is enough. That requires prayer, wisdom, and discernment—and for married couples, a willingness to seek the Lord together. The starting point is simple: seek God first. Know Your Financial Finish Line One of the dangers of comparison is that there is always someone with more. Without a financial finish line, “enough” continually moves farther away. A larger paycheck creates room for a larger house. A growing portfolio creates another wealth target. Greater success creates expectations for an even more expensive lifestyle. Defining “enough” can interrupt that cycle. A finish line isn't about creating an arbitrary limit or feeling guilty for enjoying God's provision. It is about intentionally deciding what level of resources is sufficient for your needs so that additional wealth can increasingly be directed toward generosity and other God-honoring purposes. It moves us from constantly asking, “What else can I get?” toward asking, “What has God entrusted to me, and what is it for?” Watch for Identity Drift One warning sign that comparison is taking hold is when possessions and accomplishments increasingly become part of how we describe ourselves. Our conversations begin revolving around the new car, lake house, vacation, clothes, investment returns, or latest purchase. None of those things are necessarily wrong. But they can become warning signs when possessions begin defining our identity. The Christian's identity is ultimately found in Christ—not in what we earn, own, accomplish, or accumulate. That foundation becomes especially important in a culture where social media gives us a constant window into what everyone else appears to have. Don't Copy Someone Else's Financial Plan Comparison can also shape the way we invest. Learning from others can certainly be wise. But blindly copying someone else's portfolio can be dangerous because their financial plan may have little to do with yours. Rasmussen compares it to taking a road trip. If your destination is New York but you follow someone driving west simply because they appear confident, you won't arrive where you intended. The same is true financially. Another investor may have a different time horizon, risk tolerance, income, family situation, or financial objective. What is appropriate for them may create unnecessary risk or anxiety for you. A good investment strategy should flow from your goals and convictions—not from whatever someone else happens to be doing. Purpose should determine the path. Let Gratitude Replace Comparison One of the most powerful ways to resist comparison is gratitude. When we intentionally recognize God's provision, our attention shifts from what we lack to what He has already supplied. That might mean keeping a gratitude journal, regularly thanking God for specific blessings, or simply creating more space for prayer. Rasmussen points to Psalm 139:23–24 as a helpful prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” That prayer invites God to expose the desires, fears, and anxieties that may be quietly pushing us toward comparison. Sometimes we need to pay attention to the tension we feel when someone else succeeds, purchases something new, or appears to be further ahead. Those reactions can reveal something about our own hearts. Give Yourself Permission to Use Money Purposefully Financial wisdom doesn't always mean saying no. Sometimes faithful stewardship means giving generously. Other times, it might mean taking the family vacation you have repeatedly postponed or spending money on something meaningful that fits within your financial plan. Rasmussen has seen families experience a genuine sense of relief when they realize that their financial plan gives them permission to act. Good planning can help answer the question, “Can we afford this?” But biblical financial planning should go deeper by asking, “Does this fit the purposes God has given us?” When the answer is yes, wise stewardship can sometimes mean confidently moving forward rather than endlessly accumulating out of fear. A Practical Step for This Week Start with prayer. Spend time with Psalm 139:23–24 and invite God to search your heart. Ask Him to reveal where comparison, fear, pride, or discontentment may be shaping your financial decisions. If you're married, consider having an honest conversation with your spouse. You might also ask a trusted friend or advisor a difficult but helpful question: What do you see in my life that I may be too close to see myself? Wise accountability can help expose patterns we overlook. And when fear of missing out begins creeping in, remember that you do not have to follow someone else's path. Their financial life is not your financial life. Seek God first and faithfully follow the purposes He has given you. The Cure for Comparison Ultimately, the comparison trap is about far more than money. It is an issue of the heart. The cure isn't accumulating enough to finally feel successful. There will always be another benchmark, another purchase, or another person who seems further ahead. Freedom begins when we remember who we are in Christ and recognize that everything we have belongs to God. When our identity is secure and our purpose is clear, money no longer needs to measure our success. It becomes something far better: a tool we can faithfully steward for God's purposes. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've heard you recommend a company for reverse mortgages, but I never caught the name. Which company do you suggest listeners contact? I'm retired and still have a 401(k) with my former employer. I thought RMDs started at age 70½, but I've also heard age 73. What age applies to me now? If I use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD's) for a few years, can I later stop and go back to receiving those withdrawals myself? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Pandowealth Movement Mortgage FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can respect everyone by choosing humility, showing grace, and remembering that we all need God's love and forgiveness. Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! Proverbs chapter 11 is loaded with instructions on how to live in a way that pleases God. Righteousness is blessed by God. In contrast, wickedness leads to destruction. We don't use terms like "righteousness" or "wickedness" in everyday speech, but these are two polar opposites that happen daily. Righteousness is living in accordance with God's Word. Wickedness moves us away from walking with God, trading godliness for evil practices. Here's a verse to remind us of the contrast: "The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness." (Proverbs 11:5) Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley More Great Books at Keep the Heart Bible Studies at Keep the Heart Gorgeous Bibles and Framed Shell Art Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Diversification is a key part of wise investing, and for many portfolios, that means looking beyond U.S. markets. But Christian investors may wonder whether they can pursue international opportunities while still aligning their investments with biblical convictions. Benjamin Bailey, Vice President of Investments at Praxis Investment Management, says the answer is yes. Faith-based investing can extend across a portfolio—including its international holdings. What Is Faith-Based Investing? Faith-based investing begins with the belief that financial decisions can be informed by faith. Rather than viewing investment returns as the only consideration, this approach seeks to balance two priorities: putting financial resources to productive use while also considering the impact investments may have on individuals, communities, and God's creation. For Christian investors, that means asking not only, “How might this investment perform?” but also, “What am I supporting with the resources God has entrusted to me?” Interest in this approach continues to grow. Bailey points to estimates suggesting that Christian households collectively hold trillions of dollars in investments, creating significant opportunity for believers who want their portfolios to reflect their convictions. Why Invest Internationally? International investments can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio. Different countries and regions do not always experience the same economic conditions or market cycles at the same time. Investing across global markets can therefore give investors exposure to companies, industries, and opportunities they might not encounter through U.S. investments alone. That principle applies to faith-based investors as well. If an investor wants biblical values reflected throughout a portfolio, those considerations should not necessarily stop with domestic holdings. Until recently, however, Christian investors have had fewer faith-based choices in the international marketplace. “People want choices, and people want options,” Bailey says. The Challenges of Faith-Based Investing Overseas Applying faith-based investment criteria internationally can be more complicated than doing so in the United States. Investors need reliable information about companies around the world, including their business activities and practices. Cultural differences, regulatory environments, and varying levels of corporate disclosure can make that research more difficult. That is why investment managers often rely on global research organizations with experience evaluating companies across countries and industries. There is another challenge as well: certain markets may contain a higher concentration of companies involved in business activities that conflict with an investor's faith-based guidelines. Depending on the screening approach being used, that can limit the available investment universe. These challenges make careful research and a clearly defined investment process especially important. Expanding Faith-Based Choices With PRXI Praxis recently expanded its international offerings with the launch of PRXI, a faith-based international exchange-traded fund. The new ETF is designed to address an area where investors have historically had relatively few faith-based options. Praxis has been investing internationally for years through its international mutual fund. PRXI brings that experience into an ETF structure while using what Praxis describes as an optimized index approach. Rather than attempting to dramatically outperform a market benchmark through active stock selection, the strategy seeks performance that is generally similar to its benchmark while incorporating Praxis' faith-based investment criteria. For investors who want international diversification without moving away from their convictions, that approach provides another potential tool for building a portfolio aligned with their values. Faithful Stewardship Across the Portfolio Faith-based investing does not have to stop at the water's edge. International diversification may be appropriate for many investors, and the growing number of faith-based investment options means Christians increasingly have opportunities to pursue diversification while remaining attentive to what their investments support. As with any investment decision, the goal is not simply to choose a product because it carries a faith-based label. Investors should understand the strategy, risks, expenses, diversification benefits, and underlying holdings and consider how each investment fits within their overall financial plan. Ultimately, investing is another area of stewardship. The resources God provides can be managed with wisdom, intentionality, and a desire to honor Him—not only in how much we earn, but also in how and where we invest. Praxis Investment Management has offered faith-based investment solutions since 1994, incorporating approaches that extend beyond investment screening to include shareholder engagement and other forms of impact. To learn more, visit PraxisInvests.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a seven-year-old granddaughter and want to start saving for her college education. What's the best way to invest for that, and can I use my RMD to help fund it? My husband and I are 64, retired, debt-free, and have substantial savings, including about $700,000 in TSP. We've never worked with a financial planner and are considering a Certified Kingdom Advisor, though none are local. How should we think about managing these assets from here, and where might Roth IRAs fit into the plan? We rarely use credit and haven't needed much of it in decades. Is there any downside to freezing our credit reports? We have an investment account whose earnings we give to ministry, and over about five years we've given away roughly what we originally invested. Should we keep the principal invested and continue giving the proceeds, or liquidate it and give the full amount now? We also planned to leave it to our children with instructions to give it to ministries after we die—does that make sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Praxis Investment Management | PRXI SavingForCollege.com  Charity Navigator | ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) National Christian Foundation (NCF) Experian | TransUnion | Equifax FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sean Azzaro welcomes Melanie Shankle and her daughter, author Caroline Shankle, to discuss Caroline's book, "The Lion and the Bear: A 100-Day Devotional for Teen Girls." Caroline shares how she discovered a love for writing in college, how a difficult breakup coincided with a pivotal publisher Zoom call, and how she felt God leading her to accept a book contract at age 20. She describes the devotional as an honest, big-sister voice for girls facing issues like mean girls, sports injuries, and heartbreak, and talks about the challenge of writing 100 entries and adapting to public speaking despite a fear of it. Melanie reflects on seeing God's multi-generational plans and encourages mining life experiences for ministry. Caroline's speaking requests can be made at carolineshankle.com.00:00 Show Intro Banter00:36 Book Gift Talk01:15 Meet The Guests03:17 Caroline Writing Origin05:44 Melanie Sees The Calling07:09 First Contract Breakup12:15 Writing Is Hard13:30 Mentoring And Mining Stories15:34 Devotional Overview16:41 Public Speaking Nerves19:04 Generational Ministry Joy20:47 Wrap Up And How To Book22:05 Final Blessing Outro

Sean Azzaro welcomes Melanie Shankle and her daughter, author Caroline Shankle, to discuss Caroline's book, "The Lion and the Bear: A 100-Day Devotional for Teen Girls." Caroline shares how she discovered a love for writing in college, how a difficult breakup coincided with a pivotal publisher Zoom call, and how she felt God leading her to accept a book contract at age 20. She describes the devotional as an honest, big-sister voice for girls facing issues like mean girls, sports injuries, and heartbreak, and talks about the challenge of writing 100 entries and adapting to public speaking despite a fear of it. Melanie reflects on seeing God's multi-generational plans and encourages mining life experiences for ministry. Caroline's speaking requests can be made at carolineshankle.com.00:00 Show Intro Banter00:36 Book Gift Talk01:15 Meet The Guests03:17 Caroline Writing Origin05:44 Melanie Sees The Calling07:09 First Contract Breakup12:15 Writing Is Hard13:30 Mentoring And Mining Stories15:34 Devotional Overview16:41 Public Speaking Nerves19:04 Generational Ministry Joy20:47 Wrap Up And How To Book22:05 Final Blessing Outro

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can respect everyone by using words that are kind, truthful, and full of grace to reflect the love of Jesus. In Colossians 4:6  "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person."  

If you have ever wished your giving could be both simpler and more strategic, there is a powerful tool worth considering: a donor-advised fund, often called a DAF. A donor-advised fund can help you organize your charitable giving, make tax-efficient contributions, and thoughtfully support the ministries and causes you care about. But before considering any financial strategy, it is important to begin with the heart. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Generosity begins in the heart, not in the tax code. At the same time, wise stewardship may include using financial tools that help us give more effectively. When used properly, a donor-advised fund can help you give joyfully while managing charitable resources efficiently. What Is a Donor-Advised Fund? You can think of a donor-advised fund as a charitable giving account designed to support the causes you care about. You contribute cash, stocks, real estate, business interests, or other eligible assets to the fund. You may then receive an immediate charitable tax deduction and recommend grants to qualified ministries and charities over time. In other words, a donor-advised fund separates the act of contributing from the act of distributing. You might make a larger contribution during a high-income year or before selling an appreciated asset. Then, rather than immediately deciding where every dollar should go, you can prayerfully consider which ministries or organizations to support. The fund is administered by a sponsoring organization that handles recordkeeping, reviews grant recipients, issues grants, and provides tools for managing the account. We often recommend the National Christian Foundation (NCF), one of the largest Christian charitable-giving organizations in the country. Its founders included Christian financial leaders Larry Burkett and Ron Blue. How a Donor-Advised Fund Works Suppose you are preparing to sell a business, a piece of real estate, or another asset that has significantly increased in value. Selling the asset yourself could result in a substantial capital-gains tax. However, you may be able to contribute the asset to a donor-advised fund before the sale. Because the contribution is an irrevocable charitable gift, you may receive a tax deduction based on the asset's value and potentially avoid capital-gains taxes that otherwise would have been due. That can allow more money to be directed toward charitable purposes. Once the asset is sold within the donor-advised fund, the proceeds can be granted to ministries immediately or invested for potential growth while you determine where to give. When you are ready, you recommend a grant—perhaps $10,000 to your church, a missions organization, or another qualified charity. The sponsoring organization verifies the recipient and sends the gift either in your name or anonymously. The Benefits of a Donor-Advised Fund Donor-advised funds have become a popular charitable-giving tool because they combine flexibility with professional administration. Simpler Record-keeping: Instead of collecting tax receipts from numerous organizations, you generally receive one receipt for your contribution to the donor-advised fund. You can then manage and track your charitable grants in one place.   Potential Tax Benefits: You generally receive the charitable deduction when you contribute to the fund, rather than when grants are later distributed. Contributing appreciated assets may also help reduce or eliminate capital-gains taxes, allowing more of the asset's value to support ministry. Because tax situations vary, consult a qualified tax professional before making a significant contribution.   Flexibility in Giving: You can contribute now and recommend grants later. This allows you to practice generosity while taking time to pray, research organizations, and discern where the resources may have the greatest impact.   Legacy Planning: Many donor-advised funds allow you to name successor advisers, such as children or grandchildren. This can give your family an opportunity to continue recommending grants and participating in a legacy of generosity.   Greater Focus on Ministry: Because the sponsoring organization manages the administrative work, you can spend more time evaluating ministries, praying about opportunities, and discerning where God may be directing your giving. Important Limitations to Consider Although donor-advised funds can be helpful, they are not appropriate for every situation. Contributions Are Irrevocable: Once an asset is contributed, the gift is complete. You cannot later withdraw the money for personal use. For that reason, you should never contribute resources that may still be needed for living expenses, emergencies, debt repayment, or other financial responsibilities.   Grants Must Go to Qualified Charities: Grants generally may only be made to eligible, IRS-approved charitable organizations. A donor-advised fund cannot normally be used to give money directly to an individual or to support political candidates.   Giving Can Be Delayed: Money can remain in a donor-advised fund for years before it is distributed. While that flexibility can be useful, it can also delay meaningful charitable impact. At FaithFi, we encourage believers to view a donor-advised fund as a tool for timely and intentional generosity—not as a place to indefinitely accumulate charitable assets. A donor-advised fund should help organize your generosity, not postpone it. Ministries and people have real needs today, and resources already committed to charitable purposes should ultimately be put to work. Is a Donor-Advised Fund Right for You? A donor-advised fund may be especially helpful when you: Regularly give to several ministries or charities Want to contribute appreciated assets Expect an unusually high-income year Are preparing to sell a business, property, or investment Want to involve your family in long-term generosity Prefer a simpler way to organize charitable giving However, the strategy should always serve the greater purpose of faithful stewardship. The goal is not simply to reduce taxes or create a more efficient financial plan. It is to use what God has entrusted to us in ways that reflect His priorities, care for others, and advance the work of the gospel. Continue Growing in Biblical Stewardship You can learn more about donor-advised funds in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine, an exclusive resource for FaithFi Partners. FaithFi Partners receive Faithful Steward in their mailbox each quarter, along with additional resources designed to help them grow in biblical stewardship. You can become a FaithFi Partner with a gift of $35 per month or $400 per year at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm debt-free and have $100,000 in savings. Rather than leave it sitting in cash, how should I think about putting that money to work? I've been paying $100 a month toward a hospital bill, but my statements aren't showing the payments or reducing the balance. I've called twice without getting a response. What should I do next? My son wants me to join a pooled investment account with him, some friends, and family members, and even roll my 401(k) into it. What are the risks of investing through a joint account like this, and what tax or penalty issues could come with moving money out of my 401(k)? I'm encouraging my adult children to start Roth IRAs, even with small contributions. Where can they open accounts with low fees, and would a resource like Sound Mind Investing be a good place to start learning? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) National Christian Foundation (NCF) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Betterment | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailAn introduction and invitation to join in a 7-Day devotional of Ezekiel 12-14. An episode unit in Ezekiel's prophecy.Bible Insights with  Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation   https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Today Pastor Jeff begins the final letter R in the word SUMMER by sharing how we can respect everyone because each person is created in God's image and deeply valued by Him. James 3:9  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.

Wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom. Both wisdom and wealth can offer a measure of protection, but only wisdom can guide us in using money faithfully. Wealth can disappear through poor decisions, changing circumstances, or simply the passage of time. Godly wisdom, however, shapes our character, directs our choices, and helps us place money in its proper role. John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart, explored this theme while writing FaithFi's study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money last year. Ecclesiastes can initially feel mysterious or even discouraging. Yet beneath its reflections on life's brevity is a deeply hopeful message: achievement, pleasure, possessions, and wealth cannot bear the weight of our souls—but God can. A Tale of Three Inheritances Cortines illustrates the importance of wisdom with the true story of three siblings who each received a substantial inheritance at age 18—roughly $1 million in today's dollars. The first sibling followed a path resembling the Prodigal Son. Poor decisions led to the inheritance being squandered, leaving that person in a difficult position both financially and personally. The second sibling managed the money somewhat better but continued spending more than they earned. Eventually, most of the inheritance disappeared, although the sibling was able to retain a home. The third sibling responded differently. After watching what happened to the older siblings, this young adult began meeting with mature, godly leaders in the community. The heir asked questions, sought counsel, and hired a Christian financial advisor. Rather than assuming that money alone would provide security, this person recognized the need for wisdom. Over time, the third sibling completed a college degree, learned to invest thoughtfully, practiced generosity, and developed a healthier relationship with money. Three siblings received essentially the same financial opportunity. Yet they experienced radically different outcomes. The difference was not the amount they inherited. It was the wisdom with which they handled it. Wealth and Wisdom Can Both Provide Shelter Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 acknowledges that both wisdom and money can provide protection. Wealth can meet practical needs, create opportunities, and offer a financial buffer during difficult seasons. Scripture does not teach that wealth is inherently evil. Money is a resource God may entrust to us for provision, enjoyment, generosity, and service. But Ecclesiastes also identifies an important distinction: wisdom preserves those who possess it. Money can provide temporary shelter, but it cannot tell us what is worth pursuing. It cannot form our character, govern our desires, or teach us how to live faithfully. Without wisdom, wealth may amplify our existing weaknesses rather than resolve them. That is why wisdom must come before wealth. When Wealth Grows Faster Than Wisdom For many people, wealth grows gradually through earnings, saving, investing, and compound growth. In other cases, it arrives suddenly through an inheritance, business sale, insurance settlement, or unexpected opportunity. Either way, the principle remains the same: as wealth grows, wisdom must grow even faster. When financial resources outpace spiritual and emotional maturity, money can become dangerous. It may encourage self-reliance, intensify unhealthy desires, or create the illusion that we no longer need counsel. Sudden wealth can make this imbalance especially visible. Someone may receive significant financial responsibility before developing the discernment needed to manage it. The third sibling recognized this danger. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, the young heir sought mature believers and professional guidance. That humility became an expression of wisdom. When wealth increases, our first response should not simply be, “What can I buy?” or even, “Where should I invest?” We should also ask: How can I grow in wisdom? Whose counsel should I seek? What responsibilities come with these resources? How can this money be used in a way that honors God? Wisdom Is More Than Financial Knowledge We often think of wisdom as a collection of sound practices: create a budget, avoid unnecessary debt, save consistently, diversify investments, and give generously. Those practices matter, but biblical wisdom is much deeper than a financial checklist. Wisdom is both a perspective and a person. In 1 Corinthians 1:24, Paul describes Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Ultimately, wisdom begins not with mastering financial principles but with knowing Jesus. We grow in wisdom as we pray, study God's Word, seek counsel, and learn to view money through the truth of Scripture. Christ reshapes our desires, exposes our misplaced trust, and teaches us to use money as a tool rather than treating it as our treasure. Financial wisdom is not merely about making better transactions. It is part of becoming more like Christ. Pass Wisdom Before Passing Wealth The principle of wisdom over wealth also has important implications for parents and grandparents preparing to transfer assets to the next generation. A financial inheritance can be a blessing, but wealth without preparation may become a burden. The goal should not simply be to transfer money successfully. It should be to prepare faithful stewards. That process should begin long before an estate is distributed. Families can talk openly about money, generosity, faith, responsibility, and legacy while children are still young. Parents can explain not only what financial decisions they are making but also why they are making them. Children can be given age-appropriate opportunities to earn, save, spend, and give. As they mature, families can have deeper conversations about wealth, contentment, investing, and the purposes God may have for the resources He provides. The least effective approach is to prepare legal documents, remain silent about money, and hope the next generation knows what to do after the inheritance arrives. Passing wisdom requires intentionality, relationships, and time. Ecclesiastes Reminds Us That Life Is Brief Although Wisdom Over Wealth focuses on money, one of the strongest themes in Ecclesiastes is the brevity of life. Ecclesiastes repeatedly confronts us with the reality of death—not to make us hopeless, but to awaken us to the gift of today. Our time is limited. Our possessions will eventually belong to someone else. Our accomplishments cannot provide lasting meaning. Yet each day gives us another opportunity to enjoy God, serve others, practice generosity, and glorify the One who gave us life. Recognizing life's brevity changes the way we approach money. We no longer need to squeeze ultimate meaning from temporary possessions. We can receive God's provision with gratitude, enjoy it within its proper limits, and hold it with open hands. Money becomes a servant rather than a master—a tool we can use during the brief number of days God has entrusted to us. Make Every Day Count The message of Ecclesiastes is not that life is meaningless. It is that life apart from God cannot provide the meaning we seek. Our work, wealth, possessions, and pleasures are limited. They were never designed to satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. But when received as gifts from God and used for His purposes, they can become part of a life marked by gratitude, faithfulness, and joy. Wisdom over wealth does not mean rejecting money. It means refusing to ask money to do what only God can do. Christ is our wisdom. He is our security. He is our ultimate treasure. Our lives are brief gifts, and every financial decision presents an opportunity to become more faithful stewards. As we seek God, learn from His Word, and invite wise counsel, we can manage money with greater clarity and purpose. Wealth may offer temporary shelter. But wisdom teaches us how to live—and points us to the One who gives life its lasting meaning. Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money is available for individuals, small groups, and churches at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm selling my house and expect to use $100,000 to $120,000 of the proceeds to open a coin shop specializing in gold, silver, and numismatics. I may also need a $30,000 to $35,000 business loan. I've started researching the local market and developing a business plan, and I'll continue working full time while the shop gets established. How should I fund the business, and does a brick-and-mortar coin shop still make sense as more sales move online? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can be an example for Jesus at any age by encouraging others through our words, actions, love, faith, and choices. 1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,[a] in faith, and in purity.

Have you been trying to carry more than God ever intended? So many Christian women feel overwhelmed by endless responsibilities, constant pressure, and the guilt of never quite measuring up.In this encouraging conversation, Ellen Krause is joined by theologian and author Kelly Kapic to learn how how embracing our God-given limits can lead to greater freedom, deeper trust in Christ, and lasting peace.Plus, we're giving away a copy of Kelly Kapic's new book! Enter by leaving a comment and your email address through this link.In this episode, you'll learn:Why so many Christian women feel overwhelmedWhat God really expects of you each dayHow to rest without feeling guiltyThe biblical purpose of our God-given limitsPractical ways to slow down and trust God moreWhy your worth isn't based on how much you accomplishYou Were Never Meant to Do It All: A 40-Day Devotional on the Goodness of Being Human by Kelly KapicScripture referenced:Genesis 1About Kelly Kapic:KellyKapic.comKelly's favorite Bible study tools:Large print ESV | Multicolor pen | Highlighters | YouVersion | Accordance | Logos (get a free trial here!)

Send us Fan MailYour words are doing more than describing your life. They're shaping it. Ken and Tabatha Claytor dig into the Scripture “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” and make a bold case that prophecy isn't reserved for a select few with a title. It's a Spirit-empowered way for everyday believers to speak God's truth with faith, authority, and love, whether you're navigating marriage stress, parenting worries, a hard workplace, or a health report you didn't want. We unpack the difference between the office of a prophet and the gift of prophecy, then walk through what prophecy looks like in the New Testament: strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. You'll hear why the written Word of God must anchor every prophetic word, how to test what people say “God told me,” and why accountability in the local church keeps the prophetic from getting weird or harmful. We also break down foretelling versus forthtelling, including the powerful Ezekiel 37 picture of speaking life into dry bones. Tabatha shares a personal testimony of freedom after years of depression, including the practical steps that helped her rebuild: studying healing and identity scriptures, declaring God's promises daily, and learning to resist oppressive spiritual attack with confidence. We close with five clear ways to grow in prophetic sensitivity: stay rooted in Scripture, pray consistently, remove constant noise, stay humble, and test every word. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. What's one promise you're ready to start speaking over your life today?GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888

Psychologist and educator Fitzhugh Dodson once wrote, “Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Goals matter, but they accomplish little without a thoughtful plan. And for Christians, that plan should involve more than increasing net worth, reaching retirement, or achieving financial independence. It should help us consider how God may be inviting us to use our time, abilities, and resources for His purposes. Ron Anderson, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® and Founder of Plan A Wealth Management in Lincoln, Nebraska, has spent more than 30 years helping people plan their financial futures. Increasingly, however, his work has also focused on something broader: life planning. What Is Life Planning? Traditional financial planning often begins with practical questions: How much should I save? When can I retire? How should I invest? What lifestyle can I afford? Life planning goes beneath those questions to address the deeper motivations behind them. Why do you want to succeed? What contribution do you hope to make? How will you use your time if you reach your financial goals? What unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities has God entrusted to you? “You need to know what your financial goals are,” Anderson explains, “but you also need to ask why you want to be successful. If you are financially on track, what will you do with your time and your life to make the contribution God has placed you here to make?” Life planning does not replace financial planning. It gives financial planning a greater purpose. Begin With the Deeper “Why” Financial decisions are often only the visible part of a much larger picture. Financial teacher Ron Blue has compared this to an iceberg. The decisions above the waterline—saving, spending, investing, and giving—represent only a small portion of our financial lives. Beneath the surface are our beliefs, priorities, values, fears, and faith. That is why a meaningful plan must begin with more than numbers. It requires honest reflection: What do I believe God has entrusted to me? What relationships and responsibilities deserve my attention? What needs or opportunities has God placed before me? What would faithfulness look like in this season? How might my financial choices help me become more available to serve? These questions may not produce immediate or easy answers. But asking them can help us move from simply accumulating resources to managing them with intention. Creating the Freedom to Say Yes A financial planner can play an important role in life planning by helping someone establish a reasonable lifestyle, prepare for future needs, and create financial margin. That margin can provide the freedom to respond when God redirects our plans. “If God nudges your heart to do something different with your time, energy, or occupation,” Anderson says, “you want to have the flexibility to say, ‘Yes, Lord, I will follow,' rather than, ‘I cannot afford to do that.'” This is one reason defining “enough” can be so important. Without a clear sense of enough, lifestyle expenses can continue rising alongside income. More money leads to more spending, which can make us increasingly dependent on maintaining a certain salary or standard of living. A reasonable lifestyle is not about deprivation. It is about creating the capacity to give generously, pursue meaningful work, care for others, and remain responsive to God's direction. The Value of Wise Counsel Life planning can be difficult to do alone. Our thoughts may feel clear internally but become more complicated when we attempt to put them into words. A trusted financial advisor, pastor, mentor, or mature friend can provide a place to process those questions honestly. Talking through your goals can reveal inconsistencies, clarify priorities, and expose assumptions you may not have recognized. Wise counsel can also challenge you when your financial plan and your stated values do not align. The goal is not for someone else to determine God's will for your life. Rather, wise counsel can help you think carefully, pray faithfully, and make decisions with greater clarity. What Scripture Says About Planning Your Life Ephesians 5:15–17 offers an important foundation for life planning: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Scripture calls us to live intentionally. Our time is limited, and wisdom requires that we pay attention to how we use it. Understanding what the Lord desires involves spending time in His Word, seeking Him in prayer, listening to wise counsel, and honestly examining the opportunities and responsibilities He has placed before us. Life planning should therefore be approached with humility. We make plans, but we acknowledge that God directs our steps. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” The goal is not to create a perfect roadmap for the rest of our lives. It is to become more attentive and available to follow wherever God leads. When Financial Planning Serves a Greater Purpose Anderson has seen clients use life planning to pursue opportunities far beyond a traditional retirement plan. One couple gave a significant financial gift and later traveled overseas, where they helped translate the Bible while supporting their own ministry work. After returning to the United States, they purchased a property in Colorado where people serving in ministry could find much-needed rest. Their financial resources became tools for service, hospitality, and generosity. Not every life plan will involve moving overseas or beginning a ministry. Faithfulness may mean caring for aging parents, mentoring younger believers, volunteering in the community, supporting a local church, spending more time with family, or becoming more generous. The specific expression will differ from person to person. The important question is whether our plans are preparing us merely to become more comfortable—or helping us become more faithful. Planning for a Life of Faithful Stewardship Financial planning asks, “Will I have enough?” Life planning adds another question: “What will I do with what God provides?” Money is not the final destination. It is one of many resources God entrusts to us, along with our time, relationships, experiences, and abilities. A wise plan prepares for future needs, establishes healthy financial boundaries, and creates room for generosity. But most importantly, it helps us remain ready to respond when God presents an opportunity to serve. To learn more about Ron Anderson and Plan A Wealth Management, visit PlanAWM.com. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 75 and legally blind. After helping my daughter with a loan and a car, I expect to have about $5,000 a month available once the car is paid off in seven months. I'm uncomfortable with investing and would rather put that money into savings. Is that a wise approach? I have about $50,000 in consolidated student loans at 6% interest. Is it true that the remaining balance could be forgiven after 20 years? I also give generously to ministries and missionaries. Should I reduce my giving temporarily to pay down the debt faster? I have an indexed annuity with seven years remaining, and I'm charged a liquidity rider fee on each monthly withdrawal. What is that charge, and is there any way to avoid it? A collector is contacting me about a medical bill from 13 to 15 years ago, but they haven't provided documentation, and the hospital says I owe nothing. How long can someone legally pursue an old medical debt, and could they garnish my Social Security benefits? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Plan A Wealth Management AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can encourage others every day by reminding them they are loved, valued, and never alone. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” - Proverbs 27:23 Most of us no longer measure our wealth in flocks and herds, but the wisdom of Proverbs 27:23 remains just as relevant today: faithful stewardship requires attention. When we do not know what we have, where it is going, or what it is accomplishing, we cannot manage it wisely. That is where a budget can help. A budget is simply a plan for managing what God has entrusted to us. It is not intended to be a burden, a source of shame, or a rigid set of restrictions. It is a practical tool that helps us practice faithfulness. Begin With the Heart Biblical budgeting starts with the recognition that everything belongs to God. Our income, possessions, savings, spending, and giving have all been entrusted to our care. That means budgeting begins with a spiritual question before it becomes a financial exercise: Lord, how would You have me manage what You have provided? That question changes the purpose of a budget. We are not merely trying to make the numbers balance. We are asking whether our financial decisions reflect what we truly value. A budget can reveal where our money is drifting. Are our resources being absorbed by impulse, comfort, comparison, and accumulation? Or are they being directed toward generosity, provision, responsibility, and contentment? The goal is not simply greater financial control. It is greater faithfulness. Make Generosity Intentional Scripture never treats generosity as an afterthought. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” A budget allows us to give intentionally rather than reactively. Instead of waiting to see whether anything remains at the end of the month, we can prayerfully decide in advance how we want to support our church, ministries, neighbors, and others in need. Generosity should not be driven by guilt or compulsion. It should flow from gratitude for God's provision and a desire to participate in His work. Know Your True Income For those who receive a predictable paycheck, identifying monthly income may be relatively simple. A spending plan can be built around regular take-home pay. Variable income requires a little more care. Business owners, commission-based workers, freelancers, seasonal employees, and hourly workers may see their income fluctuate from month to month. In that situation, it is usually wise to build a budget around a conservative baseline. Review the previous six to 12 months and identify the lower-income periods. Then build your essential expenses around a realistic minimum—not your best month. When income is higher, decide beforehand how those additional dollars will be used. They might help you: Build savings Pay down debt Prepare for upcoming expenses Increase your generosity Without a plan, additional income can easily disappear into increased spending. With a plan, it can strengthen your financial foundation and expand your ability to serve others. Give Every Dollar a Job Giving every dollar a job does not mean spending every dollar. Saving is a job. Giving is a job. Paying bills is a job. Preparing for future expenses is a job. Your budget might include money for: Housing and utilities Food and transportation Debt repayment Emergency savings Retirement Insurance premiums Medical needs Car and home repairs School expenses Holidays and gifts The purpose is not unnecessary restriction. It is intentional direction. When every dollar has a purpose, your money is less likely to be consumed by whatever feels most urgent in the moment. Prepare for Irregular Expenses Many budgets fail because they account only for monthly bills. But real life includes expenses that do not arrive every month. Car maintenance, home repairs, annual subscriptions, insurance premiums, travel, gifts, school costs, medical expenses, and Christmas can all place pressure on a spending plan. These expenses are not true emergencies when we know they are coming. A wise budget sets aside smaller amounts throughout the year. Saving a little each month can turn a large, disruptive expense into a manageable one. Planning ahead does not mean we can predict everything. It simply means we prepare for what we reasonably can and trust God with what we cannot foresee. Build Financial Margin Margin is the space between what comes in and what goes out. Without margin, even a relatively small disruption can create stress or lead to additional debt. With margin, we are better prepared to respond wisely when needs and opportunities arise. Margin also makes generosity possible. Ephesians 4:28 instructs believers to work honestly so that they “may have something to share with anyone in need.” Budgeting helps create that kind of readiness. The goal is not to accumulate excess merely for our own comfort. It is to manage resources in a way that allows us to provide responsibly, respond compassionately, and give freely. Review and Adjust Regularly A budget is not a document you create once and then ignore. It should be reviewed and adjusted as circumstances change. Some months will require different priorities. Certain categories may prove unrealistic. Income may rise or fall. Unexpected needs may emerge. The goal is not perfection. The goal is faithfulness. For married couples, regular budget conversations can also create greater unity. Rather than allowing money to become a source of confusion or conflict, spouses can pray together, clarify their priorities, and make decisions as a team. A regular review gives you an opportunity to ask: How has God provided? Are we living within our means? Do our spending decisions reflect our values? Are we preparing wisely for the future? Is there room to grow in generosity? How Budgeting Shapes Us Budgeting is about far more than numbers. It can become part of our spiritual formation. It teaches us to recognize God's provision. It trains us to say no to one thing for the sake of a greater yes. It helps us practice contentment in a culture of comparison. It creates a framework for generosity before money is absorbed by lesser priorities. A budget cannot guarantee that life will go according to plan. But it can help us respond to God's provision with wisdom, gratitude, and purpose. Take the Next Step With the FaithFi App The FaithFi App is a Christian money-management tool designed to help you integrate biblical wisdom with practical financial decisions. More than a budgeting app, it helps you consider both the numbers and the heart behind them so you can steward God's resources with greater clarity and intentionality. Join more than 80,000 believers pursuing faithful stewardship and begin your 30-day free trial at FaithFi.com/App. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I need 12 more Social Security credits and recently took a job as a household manager. Should I be classified as a household employee or an independent contractor, and how would the IRS view that arrangement? I have a federal student loan with significant accrued interest. Do I need to pay off that interest before my payments begin reducing the principal? I've also been advised to refinance through a private lender. Should I keep the loan federal or convert it to a personal loan? I'm considering selling a mortgage-free multi-unit property worth about $700,000 to $800,000 and using the proceeds to buy two rental homes for around $250,000 each. What tax, financing, or ownership issues should I consider before making that move? My husband and I are debt-free, live within our means, and expect to receive an inheritance. We want to plan wisely for retirement, investing, Social Security, Medicare, our family, and generosity, but we struggle with analysis paralysis. How can we find a trusted advisor who shares our faith and can help us build a comprehensive plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your identity becomes so tied to your output, your wins, or your performance that a single setback feels like a crushing defeat? In this insightful episode of She Will Flourish, Rachel Earp invites author Elizabeth Laing Thompson to dismantle the dangerous lie that our worth is measured by our stats. Discover practical, scripture-rooted strategies to build true spiritual resilience, navigate seasons of rejection, and anchor your heart in the unshakeable identity of a daughter of God. Whether you are a young athlete stepping onto a competitive court, a mom guiding a daughter through high-pressure seasons, or a female founder trying to survive the roller coaster of business—the trap of a performance-based identity will exhaust your soul.We've been conditioned to believe that we are only as good as our last win, our last launch, or our last stat line. When things go well, we feel valid. But when setbacks, injuries, or rejections hit? Our peace completely unravels.In this beautiful conversation, host Rachel Earp pulls up a chair with author and speaker Elizabeth Laing Thompson to discuss her powerful new devotional, In Season: A 90-Day Devotional for Female Student Athletes. Elizabeth opens up about her own journey through athletics, writing, and seasons of rebuilding faith, offering a refreshing blueprint for training a resilient mindset.Together, Rachel and Elizabeth debunk the myth that resilience is just "emotional toughness" and reframe it as a deep, spiritual rootedness in God's Word. If you are ready to stop measuring your value by your productivity, learn how to navigate hard seasons with biblical gratitude, and anchor your heart in an inheritance that never changes, this episode is a soothing, urgent invitation to rest in who you are.Visit the Front Porch: Ready to stop hiding, start growing, and flourish alongside women who will encourage your God-given calling? Join the sisterhood today inside the Flourish Collective at www.wewillflourish.orgConnect with Elizabeth Laing Thompson: Follow Elizabeth on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@elizabethlaingthompson⁠⁠⁠⁠ and learn more about Elizabeth, for biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, and grab a copy of her powerful devotional, In Season: A 90-Day Devotional for Female Student Athletes HERE.Follow Rachel Earp: Stay connected with Rachel on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@iamrachelearp⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rachelearp.com⁠⁠ for daily encouragement, faith-filled inspiration, and practical resources.About the She Will Flourish Podcast: The She Will Flourish Podcast is a welcoming space where women grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and embrace God's calling. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and practical encouragement, Rachel equips women to flourish in every season of life.Subscribe & Review: If this conversation encouraged you to let go of performance-based living and anchor your identity in Christ, please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps more women discover the She Will Flourish Podcast and become part of this growing community.Remember: Your worth isn't found in your performance—it's found in whose you are. Rest in your identity as a beloved daughter of God, and let His truth be the foundation that carries you through every season.This episode is powered by ⁠⁠⁠⁠EARPware.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can encourage others to stand firm in faith, be strong, and remember that Jesus is always with us through every challenge. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

I am personally familiar with flashbacks, and until I came to Christ, I did not know how to handle the torment these experiences would bring. The flashbacks from my childhood were related to the passing of my Dad when I was 10. In my teen years, I survived an attempted assault by a person I should have been able to trust. Both of those events happened before I was born again. Learning how God uses His Word to help us rescued me from years of torment. I finally found the help I needed. God's Word is a bottomless well of vital help, guidance, instruction, comfort, and correction. When it comes to flashbacks, we need all these things. This episode will give you a starter list of verses to turn to for help when you are wrestling with flashbacks of any kind. Whether your flashbacks are from grief, abuse, or some other form of trauma, God's Word is a source of healing.  Be sure to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart for books, Bible studies, beautiful Bibles, and more! NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley More Great Books at Keep the Heart Bible Studies at Keep the Heart Bibles & Gifts at Keep the Heart Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Human trafficking often thrives in the shadows, hidden within complex supply chains and ordinary commercial activity. But Christian investors are discovering that their influence can help bring exploitation into the light. Will Lofland, Managing Director of Faith-Based Investing at GuideStone Funds, joined the show today to explain how investors can encourage companies to identify forced labor, protect vulnerable people, and pursue meaningful change. A Tragedy Hidden in Plain Sight According to estimates from Walk Free, nearly 50 million people worldwide are living in modern slavery. More than 27 million are trapped in forced labor, including approximately 3.3 million children. Those numbers can feel distant, but exploitation may be connected to products people use every day. Forced labor can appear deep within the supply chains that produce clothing, food, electronics, and other consumer goods. Because these networks are complex, companies may not always recognize where exploitation is occurring. But that does not make the problem any less urgent—or remove the responsibility to address it. For Christian investors, this concern is rooted in more than economics or risk management. It reflects the biblical command to defend those who are vulnerable: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” - Proverbs 31:8–9 Biblical stewardship is not passive. God entrusts His people with resources, relationships, and influence that can be used to pursue what is good and protect those at risk. Moving Beyond Investment Screening Faith-based investing has often focused on screening—seeking to avoid companies whose primary business activities conflict with Christian values. That can remain an important part of a values-aligned investment strategy, but it is not the only approach available. GuideStone has expanded its work to include shareholder advocacy, which allows investors to engage the companies they own rather than simply excluding them. This advocacy generally involves two primary tools: proxy voting and direct corporate engagement. Through proxy voting, shareholders can vote on company leadership, policies, and proposals presented at annual meetings. GuideStone seeks to vote the proxy ballot for every company held within its investment strategies, evaluating each decision through the lens of faithful stewardship and long-term shareholder interests. Direct engagement involves meeting with corporate leaders to discuss concerns such as child labor, forced labor, and online sexual exploitation. These conversations give investors an opportunity to ask difficult questions, encourage greater transparency, and help companies strengthen their policies and practices. The goal is not merely to criticize companies publicly. It is to pursue constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue that protects vulnerable people while supporting responsible corporate leadership. Bringing Experts Into the Boardroom One recent example of this work is GuideStone's involvement as a founding member of the Eagle Freedom Alliance, a collaboration focused on combating human trafficking through corporate engagement. Rather than simply sending letters or publicly condemning businesses, the alliance seeks to bring anti-trafficking experts into conversations with corporate decision-makers. These experts can help companies recognize vulnerabilities within their operations and supply chains, improve oversight, and implement practical solutions. Many companies do not want forced labor or trafficking connected to their business. They may, however, need better information, stronger processes, or outside expertise to identify and eliminate those risks. By approaching these companies as partners in problem-solving, investors may be able to encourage more lasting change than they could through confrontation alone. This kind of engagement can also protect long-term shareholder value. Companies that ignore exploitation may face reputational damage, regulatory consequences, supply disruptions, and a loss of consumer trust. Protecting people and promoting responsible business practices are not opposing goals. The Power of Christian Collaboration Collaboration is especially important when addressing a problem as large and complex as human trafficking. A single investor may have limited influence, but a coalition of faith-based investors can bring a stronger and more unified voice into the boardroom. Working together demonstrates that concern about exploitation is not isolated—it is shared by a broader community of investors seeking meaningful change. This cooperation also reflects the biblical picture of believers working together for a common purpose. By combining their knowledge, relationships, and influence, Christian investors can shine a brighter light on harmful practices and encourage companies to take the issue seriously. Investors may not be able to eliminate human trafficking on their own. But they can refuse to remain indifferent. They can ask better questions, support greater transparency, vote thoughtfully, and encourage companies to protect the dignity of every person touched by their operations. Stewarding More Than Financial Returns Investing will always involve financial considerations, including risk, diversification, and long-term goals. But for followers of Christ, stewardship also invites a broader question: How can the resources God has entrusted to us reflect His heart and purposes? Faith-based investing offers one way to bring those convictions into financial decision-making. Through careful screening, active ownership, and collaboration with other believers, Christian investors can seek both prudent financial outcomes and positive influence in the marketplace. Human trafficking may flourish in darkness, but faithful stewardship can help expose it. By speaking for the vulnerable and encouraging responsible corporate action, investors can use their influence to pursue justice, protect human dignity, and honor God with the resources He has provided. GuideStone Funds offers investment strategies designed to help individuals, churches, and ministry organizations pursue their financial goals while reflecting Christian values. Learn more at FaithFi.com/GuideStone. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are in our 70s and live on our pensions, so we've preserved our investments for future Kingdom work. Our portfolio is about 80% stocks and 20% bonds. I'm not interested in gold or silver, but would putting 5% into classic cars be a reasonable alternative investment? What does Scripture teach about tithing today? Are Christians still expected to give 10% based on the Old Testament, or does the New Testament call us to give freely and according to what God puts on our hearts? I'm a retired pastor with some additional income. How do I know what income must be reported and when it is considered self-employment income subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes? I'm 87, and all my assets have designated beneficiaries. Could my estate still go through probate? Is there an estate-value threshold that would make a trust advisable? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) GuideStone Funds FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Pastor Jeff shares how we can encourage others by choosing words and actions that build people up and reflect God's love. Romans 15:2 Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Most of us do not wake up intending to serve money. Yet financial pressures, ambitions, and fears can quietly begin shaping our choices. Before long, money may influence where we find security, how we measure success, and what we believe will bring us peace. Jesus speaks directly to this danger in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” Money was never meant to be our master. But when it is placed in its proper role, it can become a useful tool for serving God, caring for our families, and blessing others. So, what does a biblical approach to money look like? Money Is a Gift to Receive With Gratitude The Bible speaks frequently about wealth, possessions, generosity, and stewardship. One of its clearest principles is that money is not the goal. It is a resource entrusted to us by God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says: “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or the appropriate enjoyment of what He provides. His gifts should be received with gratitude rather than guilt. We see a picture of God's abundant provision when Jesus feeds the five thousand in Matthew 14. Christ not only meets the immediate needs of the crowd, but the disciples also collect twelve baskets of leftovers. The point is not indulgence or excess. It is that God is a generous provider who delights in caring for His people. Everything we possess ultimately comes from Him. Recognizing that truth allows us to enjoy His provision without believing we own it independently of Him. Money Reveals What We Trust Although money can be a gift, it also carries spiritual significance because it reveals the condition of our hearts. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Paul does not say that money itself is evil. The danger arises when we love money or look to it for something only God can provide. Money cannot give us lasting security, establish our identity, or bring genuine peace. When we expect it to do those things, a useful tool begins to take the place of our faithful Provider. Every financial decision can reveal something about our trust. Our spending may expose what we value. Our saving may show whether we are preparing wisely or attempting to control an uncertain future. Our generosity may reveal whether we believe God will continue to provide. The question is not simply, “What am I doing with my money?” It is also, “What is my money doing to my heart?” Money Is Meant to Serve God's Purposes Ephesians 4:28 gives us a broader vision for our work and resources. Paul instructs believers to work honestly “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” We do not earn merely to accumulate. God enables us to work so that we can provide for our responsibilities, prepare wisely for the future, and share with others. That perspective transforms the purpose of our financial lives. Work becomes more than survival or personal advancement. It becomes one way we participate in God's generosity. Saving becomes thoughtful preparation rather than an attempt to eliminate every uncertainty. Investing can become an act of stewardship when it supports future responsibilities and generosity. This purpose often expresses itself through ordinary decisions: choosing to give even when the budget feels limited, avoiding unnecessary debt, setting aside money for future needs, or creating enough margin to respond when someone needs help. Those individual choices may feel small, but over time they shape both our finances and our hearts. Money becomes especially useful when it flows outward in service rather than being gathered inward as a source of identity or control. Money Must Remain a Servant When Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, He was establishing the proper order of our allegiance. Money must remain a servant rather than becoming our master. In his sermon “The Use of Money,” John Wesley described money as a valuable gift when it is used in the hands of God's people. It can feed the hungry, provide clothing for those in need, and offer shelter to the traveler and stranger. That is a beautiful picture of money placed in its proper role. It is not worshiped, feared, or pursued as an end in itself. It is directed toward purposes that reflect God's love and generosity. Money may help us accomplish many good things, but it is never qualified to lead our lives. Only God deserves our trust, devotion, and obedience. Money Is Temporary, but Its Use Can Matter Eternally 1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us, “We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” Every dollar we manage is temporary. Homes, accounts, investments, and possessions will eventually pass from our hands. Yet the way we use those temporary resources can have lasting significance. When we remember that money is temporary, we can begin to hold it more loosely. We can enjoy God's provision without being controlled by it. We can plan wisely without placing our hope in wealth. And we can give generously because we know that God—not our bank account—is our ultimate provider. Before your next decision about spending, saving, investing, or giving, consider asking a different question: Lord, how can this money serve You and others? Money is never the destination. It is simply a tool God places in our hands to accomplish purposes greater than ourselves. This is a central theme of Our Ultimate Treasure, a 21-day devotional designed to help you treat money as a tool rather than a treasure so that it can find its proper place in your life. You can order a copy—or copies for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father gave me $75,000 after my mother passed away. My husband and I are nearing retirement with no emergency savings, about $140,000 in personal-loan debt from his failed business, plus a mortgage and car loan. We spend nearly $10,000 a month. After giving, should we use the money to build savings, pay down debt, or invest some of it? My husband and I are approaching 65, qualify for Social Security, and plan to keep working. I'm also eligible for a teacher pension. Should I claim Social Security now, delay it, or rely on my pension first? Would a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) be the right person to help us evaluate our options? My father-in-law recently passed away, and I'm helping my mother-in-law with her finances. She has about $11,000 across six credit cards. Some issuers have offered to freeze the accounts and stop the interest while she repays them. Should she accept those arrangements or consolidate the balances into one loan? Her Social Security benefit is small, and my father-in-law's check has stopped. Could she qualify for a survivor benefit based on his record? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, can be a valuable tool for long-term saving. But like any financial tool, it needs to be understood and used wisely. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” That's good wisdom for every area of life, including how we manage money. As stewards, we don't want to make financial decisions simply because an account is popular or because someone told us we ought to have one. We want to understand the tools available to us and use them with wisdom, patience, and trust in the Lord. So, how well do you really know your IRA? Let's walk through a few common misconceptions with a simple true-or-false quiz. True or false: You can contribute to an IRA even if you already have a retirement plan through your employer. True. You can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA even if you also participate in a 401(k), 403(b), or another workplace retirement plan. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute across all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined is $7,500, or $8,600 if you're age 50 or older. You'll need enough taxable compensation to support your contribution, and income limits may affect whether you can deduct a traditional IRA contribution or contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The important point is that having access to a workplace retirement plan does not necessarily prevent you from contributing to an IRA. These accounts can often work together as part of a thoughtful long-term strategy. True or false: An IRA is an account that holds investments, not an investment by itself. True. Think of an IRA as a container. The account itself provides certain tax advantages, but what happens to the money depends largely on the investments you choose to hold inside it. Depending on your IRA custodian, those investments might include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, money market funds, or other investment options. That distinction matters. Sometimes someone will say, “I bought an IRA,” when what they really mean is that they opened an IRA and then invested the money inside it. The IRA is the account. The investments within that account determine how the money is put to work. There are also limits on what an IRA can hold. IRA funds generally cannot be invested in life insurance or collectibles. Certain precious metals may qualify if they meet specific IRS requirements and are held properly. Self-directed IRAs can provide access to more specialized investments, but greater flexibility can also bring greater complexity and risk. As with any financial decision, it's important to understand what you own and why you own it. True or false: Your will determines who receives your IRA, regardless of the beneficiary listed on the account. False. An IRA allows you to name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the account when you die. Those assets generally transfer directly to the beneficiaries outside of probate. In most cases, the beneficiary designation on the account takes precedence over what your will says. That's why beneficiary designations shouldn't be treated as something you set once and forget. Review them periodically, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the birth or adoption of a child. Estate planning is about more than documents. It's about making your intentions clear and preparing well for those who may one day steward what you leave behind. True or false: Traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions. True. Traditional IRAs are generally subject to required minimum distributions, commonly called RMDs. For those subject to the current age-73 rule, the first distribution generally must be taken by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. After that, annual RMDs are typically due by December 31. Failing to withdraw the required amount can result in a significant tax penalty, though that penalty may be reduced when the mistake is corrected promptly. Roth IRAs work differently. The original owner generally does not have to take required minimum distributions during his or her lifetime. Because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals can also be tax-free. Those differences are important when deciding how various retirement accounts may fit into your broader financial plan. Retirement Accounts Are Tools, Not Our Security So, how did you do on the quiz? The goal isn't to become a retirement expert overnight. It's to keep growing in wisdom. An IRA can be a useful tool for preparing for the future, but no retirement account can provide ultimate security. Our hope is not in an IRA, a pension, a 401(k), or the number on a balance sheet. Our hope is in Christ. That changes the deeper question we ask about retirement planning. Instead of simply asking, “How much can I accumulate?” we can also ask, “Am I using what God has entrusted to me in a way that reflects faithfulness, generosity, and eternal priorities?” Retirement accounts are simply tools in the hands of a steward. Understanding how they work helps us use them wisely—but remembering whom they ultimately belong to helps us use them faithfully. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 68, and my husband is 71. We're retired with about $500,000 invested, a $100,000 mortgage at 2.75%, and a $30,000 car loan at 4.99%. We wanted to pay them off from our investments, but our advisor says the tax bill would be about $37,000 and recommends using a HELOC instead, then making one annual payment from our investments. Does that strategy make sense? He also recommends a trust, but we already have wills and our final arrangements paid for. Why might we still need one? My grandson is moving to Bali for two years for work. Should he send his earnings back to the U.S., or open a local bank account and keep the money there? I'm 61 and hope to retire at 63. About 80% of our retirement savings is pre-tax, and 20% is Roth. If we withdraw from pre-tax accounts first, our income could exceed the ACA subsidy limits. Should we consider Roth conversions or use Roth withdrawals earlier to better manage our MAGI and healthcare costs? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when you still love your spouse, but you honestly do not like them right now? We go straight into the real-life stuff couples actually fight about: lights left on, shoes where they “shouldn't” be, house rules, and that moment when a simple reminder suddenly sounds like disrespect. We laugh, but we also get serious about how tiny irritations can grow into contempt when we turn a habit into a verdict on someone's character. From there, we unpack a marriage truth that saves relationships: love and like are different. When people say they have “fallen out of love,” we believe the fastest path back is often rebuilding like. We talk about intentional ways to do that in a long-term marriage, like choosing shared activities again, creating new experiences like you did while dating, and changing the inner narrative you repeat about your spouse. Instead of building a case against them all day, we practice building a case for them, which changes how we show up at home. We also ground everything in Christian marriage principles, including agape love from 1 Corinthians 13: love as a choice, love as a commitment, love that forgives, keeps no record of wrong, and believes the best. We share practical relationship advice you can use immediately: get curious instead of frustrated, name unmet needs, close emotional distance with small conversations, seek counseling or pastoral support without shame, and pray honestly for God to soften your heart. If you want faith-based marriage help that stays practical, this one is for you. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so more couples can find the support.GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888

Your home may be more than a place to live in retirement. For some homeowners, it can also become a strategic financial resource—one that may help manage taxable income, protect investments during market downturns, and create greater flexibility around retirement withdrawals. Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to explain how a reverse mortgage—specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—can fit into a thoughtful retirement income strategy. A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But when used carefully as part of a broader financial plan, home equity may provide retirees with options they would not otherwise have. Why Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Are Different From Income One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that homeowners sell or give up ownership of their homes. That is not the case. A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the home, and the homeowner retains title as long as the requirements of the loan are met. Because the money received through a reverse mortgage is generally considered loan proceeds rather than earned or investment income, it is not typically included as taxable income on a federal income tax return. That distinction can be significant in retirement. Many retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts generally increase taxable income, potentially affecting tax brackets and other income-based thresholds. Home equity can provide another source of cash. Instead of withdrawing every needed dollar from a traditional IRA or 401(k), a retiree may be able to strategically use home equity for a portion of living expenses. That could reduce the amount that must be withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts in a given year. The goal is not simply to avoid taxes. It is to thoughtfully manage when and how taxable income is recognized. Managing Retirement Withdrawals More Strategically Taxes in retirement are often about timing. Withdraw too much from a traditional retirement account in one year, and you may move into a higher tax bracket or cross other important income thresholds. Later in retirement, required minimum distributions can further limit how much control retirees have over taxable withdrawals. Social Security also adds another consideration. Depending on a retiree's income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. That makes coordinating income sources especially important. For some retirees, access to home equity may allow them to take smaller taxable distributions during certain years while drawing on a reverse mortgage for additional cash needs. Meanwhile, money that remains invested has more opportunity to continue growing. That does not mean borrowing against a home is always preferable to withdrawing from investments. Reverse mortgages have costs, interest accrues on the loan balance, and using home equity reduces the equity that may otherwise remain available later. The question is whether strategically combining these resources could produce a better overall retirement outcome. Creating Flexibility for Roth Conversions Home equity may also play a role in Roth conversion planning. A Roth conversion involves moving money from a traditional IRA or other eligible tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA. The amount converted is generally taxable in the year of the conversion, but qualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. For some retirees, converting portions of traditional retirement accounts during lower-income years can make sense. The challenge is paying the resulting tax bill. Suppose someone converts a significant amount from a traditional IRA and then withdraws even more from that IRA to pay the taxes. That additional withdrawal can create additional taxable income, potentially making the strategy less efficient. A reverse mortgage may provide another option. Home equity could potentially be used to cover living expenses or the tax liability associated with a Roth conversion, allowing the retiree to better control how much is withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts. Over time, carefully planned conversions can also reduce the amount remaining in traditional accounts that may eventually be subject to required minimum distributions. Roth conversions involve many variables—including current and future tax rates, income needs, Medicare considerations, estate goals, and the retiree's overall financial picture—so they should be evaluated with qualified tax and financial professionals. Protecting Investments During Market Downturns Another potential use of a reverse mortgage is addressing what financial planners call sequence-of-returns risk. Sequence risk refers to the danger of experiencing significant investment losses early in retirement while simultaneously withdrawing money from the portfolio. Imagine that the market falls sharply and a retiree must sell investments to pay living expenses. Those shares are sold at depressed prices and are no longer invested when markets eventually recover. That combination of losses and withdrawals can make it much harder for a portfolio to recover. For retirees with sufficient home equity, a reverse mortgage line of credit may serve as what some planners call a buffer asset. Instead of selling investments during a severe market decline, a retiree might temporarily draw from home equity. When markets recover, withdrawals could shift back to the investment portfolio. Depending on the loan and financial circumstances, homeowners may also choose to repay some of what they borrowed, preserving greater home equity for future use. The broader principle is diversification—not merely among investments, but among the resources available to fund retirement. Home Equity Is a Tool, Not the Goal For many Americans, their home represents one of their largest financial assets. Yet traditional retirement planning often treats that wealth as untouchable until the home is sold or passed to heirs. A reverse mortgage can provide another option. That does not mean every retiree should borrow against a home. The costs, interest, estate implications, housing plans, and long-term needs all matter. Homeowners must also continue meeting loan requirements, including paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintaining the property. But for the right household, home equity may become one piece of a coordinated retirement strategy—helping manage taxable withdrawals, create flexibility for Roth conversions, or avoid selling investments at an unfavorable time. As stewards, the goal is not simply to preserve every dollar of home equity or maximize every investment account. It is to wisely consider all the resources God has entrusted to us and use them with purpose. A home is first a place to live. But in retirement, it may also be a financial resource worth thoughtfully considering as part of the bigger picture. To learn more about reverse mortgages and Movement Mortgage, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My daughter turns 20 in December and recently earned her nail technician license, but she isn't working yet. How can I help her start building credit and develop good saving habits? My husband and I are considering a reverse mortgage. Would we still own our home, and could we eventually sell it to a family member if we want to keep it in the family? I live on Social Security, have a paid-off home, a four-month emergency fund, and $75,000 in a CD. I received an offer to buy $5 gold pieces for $469 each, with a minimum purchase of five. Would buying gold like this be a wise move for me? My husband passed away, I used up my savings, and now I'm overwhelmed by debt. I enrolled in a debt-relief program that promised to lower my interest rates, but I'm not seeing much progress. What should I do next? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Movement Mortgage Capital One Savor Rewards Card for Students Bankrate | NerdWallet Open Hands Finance FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Generosity can begin with a simple gift, but when it becomes a family rhythm, its impact can last for generations. Most parents want their children to grow into generous adults—people who see what God has entrusted to them as something to be stewarded for His purposes and the good of others. But generosity rarely develops by accident. It is cultivated over time through example, experience, and intentional practice. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and Co-Founder of Women Doing Well, joins the show today to encourage families to begin teaching generosity early and continue nurturing it through every stage of life.  The goal is not simply to raise children who give money, but to help them discover the joy of living generously with everything God has provided. Start by Modeling Generosity Young children may not understand much about money yet, but they are always watching. That makes the early years an ideal time to model generosity through simple, tangible experiences. Parents might take their children grocery shopping for items to donate to a local food pantry, allowing them to choose the food and deliver it. The lesson is simple: We have something we can share, and together, we can use it to help someone else. Families can also find creative ways to connect generosity with celebrations. Sharon suggests hosting a “reverse birthday party,” where guests bring items for a ministry or charity the child helps select. Another simple practice is keeping blank cards nearby so children can draw pictures or write encouraging notes for someone who may be lonely, sick, or going through a difficult season. None of these activities requires a child to understand complex financial concepts. They simply allow children to see generosity in action. Give Children Hands-On Opportunities to Serve As children grow, parents can begin inviting them into more direct experiences of giving. One powerful approach is volunteering together at a local ministry, especially an organization serving other children or families. Serving side by side allows generosity to become something children experience personally rather than merely hear about. Families might also consider sponsoring a child through a trusted ministry. Sharon shared how her own daughter began sponsoring a child at age five and continued that relationship as they both grew older. Experiences like these can help children recognize that generosity is relational. It is not simply about transferring money from one place to another. It is about seeing people, caring about their needs, and responding with compassion. Connect Generosity to a Teenager's Passions As children enter their teenage years, their interests and passions become clearer. That creates an opportunity to help them connect generosity with the things they already care about. A teenager who loves the outdoors, for example, might become interested in supporting a Christian camp ministry. A young person passionate about sports might enjoy serving through an organization that uses athletics to mentor children. Families can also make service part of their normal rhythms. Spring break or other holidays, for instance, can include opportunities to serve together. Sharon shared that her children participated in spring break mission trips while growing up. Those experiences became so meaningful that they continued serving during college because generosity had simply become part of what their family did. That is one of the most powerful lessons parents can pass along: Generosity is not an occasional project. It can become part of the way we live. Let Generosity Involve Sacrifice Biblical generosity often involves more than giving from what is left over. Sometimes it requires choosing to give something up so that someone else can benefit. Teenagers are old enough to begin experiencing that kind of sacrifice intentionally. One creative idea is a “pantry challenge,” where a family spends a period of time eating primarily what is already in the house while limiting grocery purchases. The money saved could then be given toward a ministry or someone in need. Practices like this help young people understand that generosity involves choices. We may choose to spend less so we can give more. We may give up some of our time to serve. We may share our skills, possessions, or opportunities with someone else. Sacrifice helps generosity move from an abstract idea to a lived experience. Encourage Generosity Into Adulthood Parents can continue encouraging generosity even after their children become adults, but their role begins to change. Rather than directing their children's giving, parents can create opportunities for them to make their own decisions. One option Sharon suggests is helping an adult child establish a donor-advised fund. Parents might provide an initial amount and even offer to match what their child contributes toward charitable giving. The purpose is not simply to create another financial account. It is to encourage intentionality. What causes do they care about? Where do they see God at work? How might the resources entrusted to them become part of that work? Questions like these help adult children develop their own convictions about generosity and stewardship. Expand Your Family's Definition of Giving Perhaps one of the most important lessons families can learn is that generosity is about far more than money. We can give our time. We can offer our skills. We can share our relationships, possessions, influence, and opportunities. This broader understanding allows generosity to become what Sharon describes as “whole-life, purpose-filled generosity.” And that means every member of the family has something to give. A young child can draw an encouraging picture. A teenager can spend a Saturday serving. An adult can use financial resources, professional skills, or relationships to help others. Generosity begins by asking a simple question: What has God entrusted to me that I can use for the good of someone else? Generosity Is Often Caught More Than Taught Parents can certainly talk with their children about giving, but some of the most powerful lessons will come from what children see practiced consistently at home. When they watch their parents give joyfully, serve willingly, and hold their resources with open hands, they begin to understand that generosity is not merely something Christians do. It is part of who we are becoming as faithful stewards. And when families practice generosity together—from childhood through adulthood—they plant seeds that may continue bearing fruit long after the original gift has been given. A generous family legacy is ultimately about more than what we leave to the next generation. It is about helping prepare the next generation to faithfully steward whatever God places in their hands. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have an annuity and want to borrow $200,000 to buy an investment property. I've been told I could qualify for the loan based on my assets, then withdraw from the annuity to pay it off without owing taxes because the withdrawal wouldn't be earned income. Is that correct, or would the annuity withdrawal still be taxable? I set up a trust for my wife while she was living with Alzheimer's, and she passed away a couple of years ago. How often should a trust be reviewed, and should I update or redo it now? I have about $250,000 in home equity and a 3.85% mortgage, so I don't want to do a cash-out refinance. Are home equity sharing agreements a legitimate option, and what should I know before considering one? I'm 62, single, and have property and investments. I want to get my estate in order. What's the difference between a will and a trust, do I need a power of attorney, and what's the best way to get these documents set up? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Women Doing Well Movement Mortgage Trust & Will Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan Accola FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. In five minutes or less, you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs, gaining wisdom while spending time in God's Word. There is no substitute for biblical wisdom. As you listen and apply the principles of these practical chapters, you will notice that the way you handle challenges improves over time. Here's a great verse for the week, reminding us that we want the kind of "influencers" who will speak the truth in love: "He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue." (Proverbs 28:23) Be sure to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart for books, Bible studies, beautiful Bibles, and more! NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook