Podcasts about day journey

In Genesis 11, the people of Babel said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” That ancient temptation is still alive today. It can surface in seasons of success, when achievement becomes less about serving God and others and more about building a monument to ourselves. Success is not inherently wrong. Scripture commends diligence, wisdom, excellence, and faithful stewardship. But prosperity also brings spiritual danger. It can reveal what is already happening in the heart. That was the focus of today's conversation with Jim Wise, Senior Partner, Senior Private Wealth Advisor, and Director of Ministry Services for Blue Trust in Orlando. Jim is also a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), bringing both financial expertise and a deep commitment to biblical stewardship. Jim recently gave a presentation to Kingdom Advisors titled, “My Practice: A Ministry to My Clients or a Monument to Myself?” While the message was directed to financial advisors, the question applies to all of us. Are we using what God has entrusted to us for His glory, or are we quietly building a name for ourselves? The Warning of Saul Jim's message grew out of his study of King Saul. Early in Saul's life, we see humility and dependence on God. He did not begin as a man obsessed with power or reputation. But as he experienced success as king, something changed. What began as humility slowly gave way to pride, arrogance, and self-protection. Eventually, Scripture tells us that Saul went to Carmel and “set up a monument for himself” (1 Samuel 15:12). That image stayed with Jim. Saul's story is not merely an ancient warning about a fallen king. It is a mirror for anyone who has experienced influence, achievement, wealth, or vocational success. Success often does not create pride as much as it exposes it. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Prosperity has a way of bringing hidden desires to the surface. When Pride Replaces Humility Many people begin their careers with a deep sense of dependence on the Lord. They pray for guidance, wisdom, provision, and open doors. But over time, success can distort our vision. We may come to believe that the results are mainly due to our talent, intelligence, discipline, or strategy. Jim described this as “believing our own press clippings.” In a culture that celebrates wealth, platform, and achievement, even a small measure of success can bring attention and praise. That attention is spiritually dangerous if it leads us to forget the Source of all we have. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Everything we have comes from God and belongs to God. Our abilities, opportunities, influence, and resources are entrusted to us. They are not ours to use however we please. Choosing an Advisor: Character Matters This conversation also has practical implications for those choosing a financial advisor. Credentials, experience, and technical knowledge matter. But according to Jim, character matters even more. A highly competent advisor who lacks character may not lead to the kind of relationship or results a client needs. For Christians, it is especially important to find someone who shares a biblical worldview and understands generosity, stewardship, and accountability before God. A faithful advisor does not merely ask, “What can we accumulate?” but “What has God entrusted to you, and how can it be used wisely for His purposes?” That kind of counsel requires more than financial knowledge. It requires wisdom, humility, and a heart submitted to the Lord. Asking the Right Question: Why? Success itself is not the issue. The deeper question is why. Why has God entrusted this platform, business, income, influence, or opportunity to me? What are His purposes for it? What does faithfulness look like in this season? Jim emphasized that successful Christians should not feel guilty for working hard or pursuing excellence. In fact, when resources are stewarded for the kingdom of God, success can become a powerful means of blessing others and advancing the gospel. But we must continually return to the Owner and ask, “What do You want me to do with what You have entrusted to me?” Without that question, success can easily turn inward. Goals become centered on personal achievement, business growth, accumulation, comfort, or reputation, while generosity and kingdom purpose become afterthoughts. When Ambition Replaces Kingdom Purpose One warning sign is when selfish ambition begins to replace kingdom purpose. That may show up in the goals we set. We may have detailed plans for growth, income, retirement, lifestyle, or advancement, but no meaningful goals for generosity, discipleship, service, or eternal impact. That imbalance reveals something important. Our goals often show what we treasure. The issue is not whether we are successful. The issue is whether we are surrendering our success to God. Are we asking how our resources can serve His kingdom, or are we simply trying to secure our own comfort and reputation? Naming the Danger Honestly Words like materialism and idolatry can sound strong, but Jim believes we need to name these dangers honestly. We cannot repent of what we refuse to confront. If someone who loves us sees us drifting toward pride, selfish ambition, or materialism, it is an act of love for them to speak the truth. That kind of accountability is not judgmental when it is rooted in concern for our souls and desire for God's glory. The human heart is remarkably skilled at turning good gifts into ultimate things. That is why we need Scripture, prayer, community, and wise counsel to help us see clearly. Success as a Platform for God's Glory The goal is not to reject success. The goal is to receive it rightly. Every opportunity, every dollar, every relationship, and every platform is entrusted by God. The question is whether we will use those gifts to make a name for ourselves or to make much of Him. The people of Babel wanted to build upward for their own glory. Saul built a monument to himself. But followers of Christ are called to a different path. Real success is not ultimately measured by what we gain, but by who we are becoming in Christ. So as God entrusts us with work, wealth, influence, or opportunity, we should keep asking: Is this becoming a ministry to others, or a monument to myself? That question may be uncomfortable, but it is also a gift. It can help us remember that all we have is from God, belongs to God, and is meant to be used for His glory. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: A couple of years ago, my wife and I enrolled in a debt relief program after medical issues and job loss led us to rely heavily on credit cards. I didn't fully understand that the company would let accounts go to collections before negotiating settlements, and now I'm seeing the downsides—including tax consequences from forgiven debt. Today, my wife was served with papers for one account that hasn't been settled. Do we have to stay in the debt relief program, or can we get out and switch to credit counseling? And what should we know now that a lawsuit is involved? My mother is almost 80 and still has a mortgage. Should I pay it off and put the house in my name in case she needs nursing home care, or should I leave everything as it is and handle it through her estate when she passes? I'm also the executor of her will and want to know what steps, if any, I should take now. Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Blue Trust Breaking the Cycle by John Rinehart (Article in Issue 1 of Faithful Steward Magazine) Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Falling behind on taxes can feel overwhelming. Maybe you missed one year, then another. Maybe a job change, a divorce, an illness, a death in the family, or a season of financial hardship made it hard to keep up. Or perhaps you started gig work, received a 1099 for the first time, and were surprised to discover that you owed more than expected. Whatever the reason, failing to file your taxes for several years is serious—but it is not the end of the road. The IRS would rather see you come back into compliance than continue avoiding the issue. The most important step is to begin. Kevin Cross has helped many people walk through this very situation, and his counsel is simple: don't panic, don't ignore it, and don't assume it's too late to get help. Start With the Current Year If you have not filed taxes in several years, your first instinct may be to go back to the earliest missed return and start there. But Kevin often recommends a different first step: filing the most recent tax year. The goal is to show the IRS that you are trying to come back into compliance. Filing the current year helps convey that this was not willful neglect but a season when something went wrong, and that you are now taking responsibility. The further behind you are, the harder it can feel to catch up. But beginning with the most recent return can give you a clear starting point and stop the pattern from continuing. Why People Fall Behind There are many reasons someone may stop filing taxes. Some are self-employed or gig workers who receive a 1099 and discover they owe thousands of dollars because taxes were not withheld throughout the year. Others fall behind after a divorce, death, disability, job loss, or another major life disruption. Since the COVID years, many people have also struggled to keep up with their tax responsibilities. Once one year is missed, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and avoid the next one, too. But avoidance only makes the problem heavier. The path forward begins with gathering information and getting the right help. Not Filing Is Different From Not Paying It is important to understand the difference between not filing and not paying. If you owe taxes, the April deadline matters. You can file an extension to extend the time to file your return, but that extension does not extend the time to pay any tax you owe. However, if you are due a refund, there is generally no penalty for filing late. But there is a time limit. If you wait too long—typically more than three years—you may lose the ability to claim that refund. Some people may not be required to file at all. For example, if Social Security is your only source of income, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return. But the challenge is that many people do not know whether they owe or not until their information is reviewed. Other income can change the picture, such as interest, dividends, retirement distributions, self-employment income, or the sale of a home. Even a home sale that qualifies for the primary residence capital gains exclusion may still need to be reported properly so the IRS understands why no tax is owed. Gather Your Wage and Income Transcripts One practical step is to request a wage and income transcript from the IRS. This transcript shows what the IRS has on file for you, including W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest forms, retirement distributions, and other tax-related documents. You can request this through the IRS website. Searching for “IRS wage and income transcript” should take you to the right place. This can be especially helpful if you do not have all your old tax documents. It gives you a starting point for reconstructing the missing years. Work With a Qualified Tax Professional While you can download your transcripts yourself, you may not know what to do with them once you have them. IRS transcripts do not look like regular tax forms, and catching up after multiple missed years can involve more than simply filling out returns. That is why Kevin recommends working with a tax professional who understands tax representation and IRS procedures. A qualified CPA, enrolled agent, or tax professional can help determine which years need to be filed and how to communicate with the IRS. According to Kevin, the IRS typically focuses on the past six years when bringing a taxpayer back into compliance. That does not mean every situation is identical, but it does mean you should not simply assume you need to start with a very old return from decades ago. A knowledgeable professional can help you determine the proper path. The IRS Will Work With You Many people avoid filing because they are afraid of what they might owe. But the IRS has options for taxpayers who cannot pay everything at once. Depending on your situation, those options may include a payment plan or, in some cases, an offer in compromise. The key is to take the first step rather than remain silent. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. But taking action can begin to restore order, clarity, and peace of mind. A Faithful Step Forward Taxes may not be pleasant, but handling them honestly is part of faithful stewardship. Romans 13:7 says, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed.” If you have fallen behind, do not let shame keep you stuck. Begin with the next faithful step. Gather your documents. Request your transcripts. File the current year. Then find a qualified tax professional who can help you walk through the rest. And if you would like to find a trusted financial professional who shares your values, visit FindaCKA.com to connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) near you. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have about $18,000 in credit card debt. I may have the opportunity to work in Alaska's fishing industry for three months and earn enough to pay it off quickly. Should I contact Christian Credit Counselors before I go, or wait to see how much progress I can make during those three months? I have a Thrift Savings Plan and plan to retire within the next five years. I was told I could roll over part of my TSP into something that would protect the principal, keep it from going down, and still leave my TSP open for contributions. Is that wise, and is it really guaranteed not to lose value? I'm 59 and have contributed to my company's traditional 401(k) for years, with a 50% employer match. I'm near the end of my career and likely at my highest income level. Should I keep contributing to the traditional 401(k), or would a Roth option make more sense? I've been studying the Bible for just over a year and recently began tithing. I want to honor the Lord faithfully, but I'm not sure where the tithe should go. Biblically, who should receive it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More Christians are asking whether their financial lives reflect their deepest convictions. That question often shapes how we give, spend, save, and invest. But increasingly, believers are also asking another important question: Where should I bank? For followers of Christ, stewardship is not limited to major financial decisions. It includes the ordinary, everyday choices we make with what God has entrusted to us. Banking may seem like a purely practical matter, but it can also become one more way to align our financial lives with our faith. Aaron Caid of AdelFi Christian Banking joined the show today to discuss how everyday banking can reflect biblical values and even support Kingdom work. Why Banking Matters Many believers are becoming more intentional about how their values shape their financial decisions. They want their spending, investing, and giving to honor God. So it makes sense that they would also begin asking thoughtful questions about where they bank and how their bank uses their money. Banking is not just about convenience, rates, or account features. It is also about trust, mission, and stewardship. For Christians, the question is not simply, “Where can I keep my money?” but also, “Can this decision reflect my faith and support work that matters for God's Kingdom?” A Banking Partner with a Christian Mission AdelFi Christian Banking was formed through the merger of Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) and AdelFi, bringing together a shared commitment to serving believers, churches, ministries, and Christian businesses. That mission shapes the way AdelFi serves its members. Rather than viewing banking as disconnected from faith, AdelFi approaches financial services through the lens of biblical stewardship, long-term relationships, and Kingdom impact. Aaron explained that Christians can honor God not only in how they spend their money, but also in where they keep it. Through AdelFi, member deposits are used to support churches and ministries. Over the years, AdelFi has helped fund more than $1 billion in loans to churches and Christian ministries. Everyday Banking with Kingdom Impact One of the most encouraging reminders from the conversation is that ordinary financial activity can have an impact beyond our own accounts. Member deposits help provide affordable financing for churches, ministries, and Christian organizations. That means everyday banking can become part of a larger mission. Even routine transactions, such as using a debit or credit card, can help support Christian causes. Through AdelFi's card programs alone, nearly $7 million has been donated to Christian ministries and missions. In that sense, banking becomes more than a financial service. It becomes a practical way to participate in Kingdom work. For many Christians, choosing where to bank is also about community and shared values. AdelFi's focus on serving Christians and Christian ministries creates a sense of common purpose. Members know they are partnering with an institution that understands their worldview, stewardship priorities, and desire to make an eternal impact. That shared mission can build trust. It reminds us that money is never merely personal. Our financial choices can either reflect the values of the world around us or be shaped by the wisdom and priorities of God's Kingdom. Faithfulness in Every Financial Decision For someone who has never connected faith with banking, Aaron offered a simple encouragement: start by thinking intentionally about whether your financial decisions truly reflect your faith and values. The goal is not perfection. The goal is faithfulness. As Christians, we are called to steward all that God has entrusted to us—including the way we save, spend, give, invest, and bank. Every financial decision is an opportunity to ask, “How can I honor God with what He has placed in my hands?” Learn More AdelFi Christian Banking is FaithFi's recommended banking partner, offering a practical way to integrate your faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. Right now, AdelFi offers a high-yield money market account earning 4% for 12 months on balances up to $100,000. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/Banking and enter the code FAITHFI. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and I are 58, and we're trying to plan wisely for retirement while paying down debt. We owe $225,000 on our home at 3%, with about $150,000 in equity. Our current house is two stories, has no bedroom or full bath downstairs, and includes pool maintenance. We're considering a smaller one-story home in the $350,000–$400,000 range with lower maintenance but a higher mortgage rate and payment. Since our goal is to retire without a house payment, should we move now or stay put and focus on paying down debt? I was laid off two weeks ago and have a little over $50,000 in an old company retirement account. I'd like to roll it into an IRA, but I'm not sure how to do that or who to use. What's the right way to handle the rollover? I wanted to share a testimony about budgeting and tithing. When our three sons were young, our budget was very tight, and I didn't think we could afford to tithe. But my husband felt convicted that we should start, so we added it to the budget in faith. Somehow, the numbers still worked, and it never felt like that 10% was missing. We've continued tithing ever since, and I just wanted to share how the Lord has been faithful as we have honored Him. I'm 66 and have a significant amount of physical silver saved up. I'm considering selling it, but I'm concerned about shipping costs and getting a fair return. What's the best way to sell physical silver and maximize its value? I'm 61, and my husband turns 66 this year. He's considering retiring, going on Medicare, and continuing to work. If he starts Social Security around age 67, can he earn any amount from work without reducing his benefits, or would an earnings limit still apply? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 Psalm 90 reminds us that time is a gift from God. Every day we receive is an opportunity to live wisely, love intentionally, and steward the moments entrusted to us. For families with children or grandchildren, summer can be a unique opportunity to do just that. The school year brings its own rhythm and routine, but summer often loosens those structures. That can be a wonderful gift—but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, knows this firsthand. Brian and his wife, Erica, have four children in school, ranging in age from 8 to 16. Like many families, they welcome the blessing of more time together during the summer months. But they also know that when routines disappear, the days can easily slip away. As Brian puts it, the season that is supposed to feel restful can sometimes become even busier than the school year. That is why his family tries to approach summer with intentionality. Their simple framework is built around three important buckets: work, play, and rest. Work Builds Character Work may not sound like the first thing kids want to think about during summer break, but it is an important part of God's design. Work existed before the fall, and when kept in proper balance, it helps us grow in responsibility, service, and faithfulness. For children, summer provides extra time at home—and often, extra messes around the house. That creates a natural opportunity to teach responsibility through simple household duties. Brian's family calls these “daily duties.” Each child has an age-appropriate task to complete each day. It may be loading or unloading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, taking out the trash, or helping with another household responsibility. Most of the time, the children can choose when they complete the task, but the expectation is clear: it needs to get done. These small responsibilities may not take much time, but they can help build accountability and a work ethic. They also remind children that being part of a family means contributing to the household's well-being. Each family can decide whether certain chores should be paid or simply expected as part of living together. Either way, the goal is not merely to complete tasks. The deeper goal is to help children understand that work is a meaningful part of life and stewardship. Play Creates Memories Summer is not only a time for work. It is also a time to enjoy the gift of family. Fun matters—not just for children, but for parents and grandparents as well. Many families spend the fall, winter, and spring looking forward to summer, hoping for more time together. But meaningful memories rarely happen by accident. They usually require some planning. Brian's family has a tradition they call the “summer of fun.” They choose a handful of activities they would not normally do during the school year and randomly select one every few weeks. To make it even more exciting, they use a Price Is Right-style spinning wheel to choose the activity. The activities do not have to be expensive. They may include going out for ice cream, visiting a favorite restaurant, having a picnic, or doing something outdoors together. Sometimes, they may include a bigger adventure. One year, Brian's oldest child spun the “big ticket” item—a weekend trip tubing down the Chattahoochee River. The point is not extravagance. The point is intentionality. Simple moments of joy can become lasting memories. And in Brian's family, participation in the “summer of fun” is connected to completing daily duties. That gives the children an added incentive while reinforcing the connection between responsibility and enjoyment. Rest Must Be Prioritized The final bucket is rest. Most parents know that what is fun for kids is not always restful for adults. And what feels restful to adults may not sound fun to kids. But both play and rest are important. God created us with limits. He designed us to work, but not endlessly. He calls us to enjoy His good gifts, but also to slow down and receive rest as a gift from Him. In the busyness of summer activities, camps, trips, and family plans, rest can easily be overlooked. That is why families need to make room for quiet, unhurried time. Sometimes that may mean protecting an evening at home. Sometimes it may mean a slower morning, a Sabbath rhythm, or a break from screens and schedules. Rest reminds us that our worth is not measured by productivity. It teaches children—and reminds adults—that we are dependent creatures who need God's provision, not just our own effort. Stewarding the Summer Well Summer is a gift to stewards. It gives families a unique opportunity to shape character, build memories, and practice rhythms that reflect God's design. Work teaches responsibility. Play creates joy and connection. Rest reminds us to trust the Lord with our time. As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, wisdom begins when we recognize that our days are numbered. We cannot control how quickly the summer passes, but we can choose to receive it as a gift and steward it with purpose. So this summer, consider how your family might make room for work, play, and rest. Not as a rigid formula, but as a faithful way to number your days and seek a heart of wisdom. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I own a rental house and am starting my second eviction for non-payment. I'm considering selling, though the house is next door to my daughter, and she'd prefer I keep it. I owe about $50,000; it may be worth around $169,000, and it rents for $1,300 a month. Given the market and my family situation, should I sell now or keep it? I have a property owned by a nonprofit that has shut down. I'd like to sell the property and donate the proceeds to a 501(c)(3) church. What steps or forms are required, and is that handled at closing, or are there special rules for selling nonprofit property? I've never invested before, and I don't plan to retire in the traditional sense. How should I think about saving, spending, getting out of debt, and investing? I'd also like to invest in line with my values, but I only have a landline and regular mail—no internet. How can I pursue faith-based investing with those limitations? I'm 60 years old. If I claim Social Security at 62, will my benefit increase at ages 65 or 70, or will I be locked into the lower amount from claiming early? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Compass Financial Ministry Eventide | OneAscent | Timothy Plan Fidelity | Charles Schwab Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How is trauma stored in the body?Josh Trent welcomes double board-certified physician, Dr. Aimie Apigian, to the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 820, to reveal the connection between neuroscience, functional medicine, and attachment theory, how trauma becomes a physiological pattern stored in the body, and why healing trauma can become easy when we understand how it forms.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” — Psalm 73:25 We spend a lot of time chasing what we think will satisfy. More money. More security. More success. More possessions. But Jesus offers a radically different vision of abundance—one that cannot be measured by what we own. In Luke 12, someone in the crowd approaches Jesus with what sounds like a practical financial request: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” On the surface, it seems reasonable. Inheritance disputes were common, and rabbis were often asked to weigh in on such matters. But Jesus doesn't step into the legal details. Instead, He goes straight to the heart: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). That statement would have been startling then, and it's still startling now. The Lie of Possessions Most of us would never say that our lives consist of what we own. But if we're honest, we often live as if it does. We may assume that more money will bring peace, more savings will remove fear, more success will secure our identity, or more stuff will satisfy the longing in our hearts. But Jesus says abundance isn't found there. And notice His warning: “Be on your guard against all covetousness.” This is not only a temptation for the wealthy. Coveting can show up in any income bracket. It can surface when we envy someone else's lifestyle, resent what we don't have, obsess over what we want next, or place our hope in what money can do. That's why money issues are rarely just dollars-and-cents issues. They are heart issues. Where True Abundance Is Found If abundance is not found in possessions, where is it found? Jesus answers that clearly in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The abundant life is not something Jesus merely points to. It is something He brings. True abundance is found in an abiding relationship with Him. That means abundance is deeper than circumstances. It is possible to have much and still be spiritually empty. It is also possible to have little and still be full of joy, peace, and security in God. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). His contentment was not rooted in favorable conditions. It was rooted in the sufficiency of Christ. Psalm 23 paints the same picture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In other words, when the Lord is your shepherd, your deepest needs are met in Him. Possessions Are Gifts, Not Saviors None of this means possessions are bad. The Bible never teaches that money or material things are evil in themselves. They can be gifts from God—tools for provision, generosity, hospitality, and blessing. But they make terrible saviors. That is why financial stewardship begins with worship. Before we ask, “How much should I save?” or “What should I invest in?” or “Can I afford this purchase?” we should ask a deeper question: What am I looking to for life? That question can reshape every financial decision we make. A budget becomes more than a spreadsheet. It becomes a reflection of what we treasure. Saving becomes wise preparation, not a substitute for trust. Giving becomes an act of worship, not a threat to our happiness. Spending becomes more thoughtful because we are no longer chasing fulfillment in things. And success is redefined—not by accumulation, but by faithfulness. Freedom in Christ Maybe today you feel anxious because you haven't reached the number you thought would bring peace. Maybe you feel discouraged because resources are limited. Or maybe you have achieved the goals you once believed would satisfy, only to discover they didn't. Jesus meets each of us with the same loving truth: your life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. It is found in Him. And when Christ becomes your treasure, you are finally free—free from comparison, free from endless striving, free from the fear of not having enough, and free to steward what you have with gratitude, wisdom, and open hands. That is true abundance. Go Deeper If you'd like to go deeper into this powerful teaching from Luke 12, we invite you to pick up a copy of Rich Toward God, our four-week study on the parable of the rich fool. You can order yours today at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you go through it with your church or small group, bulk discounts are available. That's FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I make about $1,200 a month and may only have around $40 a month to invest. I don't understand investing terms and feel stuck financially. Since Kingdom Advisors may cost money, how can I start investing wisely with just a small amount? My daughter will be traveling through Europe for a few weeks this summer. Do you have a recommendation for travel insurance? I have four or five credit cards I haven't used in years, and I'm concerned about leaving those accounts open. What's the safest way to close unused credit cards without causing problems? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® BlueCross Travel Insurance | Allianz Travel Insurance The Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark Biller Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” — Proverbs 19:17 As Christians, we're called to care for the poor. But what should we do when someone asks us for money on the street? Should we give cash? Offer food? Keep walking? And how do we show compassion without causing harm? Dr. David W. Jones joins us to help answer those questions. He's a senior professor of Christian ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has written extensively on moral, theological, and financial issues. He also completed his PhD with a focus on Christian financial ethics. According to Dr. Jones, the Bible is clear: God's people should never be indifferent to poverty. Jesus says, “Give to the one who begs from you” (Matthew 5:42), and 1 John 3:17 warns against closing our hearts to a brother in need. But the harder question is not whether we should care. It is how we should care wisely. Start With the Heart When we see someone asking for help, our first instinct may be suspicion. We may assume the person is lazy, addicted, unwilling to work, or responsible for their situation. But before deciding what to give, we should examine our own hearts. Dr. Jones describes this as the danger of being “middle class in spirit”—quietly believing we have what we have because we worked hard, while the person in need must have failed. But Jesus calls us to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). The gospel reminds us that God did not wait for us to deserve His mercy. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That does not mean every request should be met with cash. But it does mean every person should be met with dignity. Compassion Requires Wisdom Giving cash directly to someone on the street is not necessarily wrong, but it may not always be the best way to help. If the money is used to support addiction or another destructive habit, our gift could unintentionally cause harm. Christian love seeks the good of the other person. That means generosity should be guided by wisdom, not guilt or impulse. One practical option is to offer non-cash help. You might keep granola bars, bottled water, or other simple items in your car. When possible, you could offer to buy a meal. These small acts can meet a real need while reducing the risk of enabling harm. The goal is not to create a rigid rule, but to ask: What is the most loving and responsible way to help in this situation? Do What You Can With What You Know In a brief encounter, you probably will not know someone's full story. You may not know whether their poverty is connected to job loss, addiction, illness, abuse, poor choices, or circumstances beyond their control. God does not require us to know everything. He calls us to be faithful. That means preparing ahead of time, responding with compassion, and helping in the wisest way available. Sometimes that may be food. Sometimes it may be a meal. Sometimes it may be directing someone to a local ministry or shelter equipped to provide deeper care. Think Beyond the Moment Some needs require immediate aid. Others require long-term involvement. If someone is suffering because of a disaster or emergency, immediate help may be exactly what is needed. But when poverty is tied to addiction, exploitation, family breakdown, or long-term instability, a developmental approach is often more effective. That may involve relationships, accountability, recovery, job assistance, counseling, and support from a local church or ministry. Most of us cannot meet every need on our own. But we can support trusted ministries that serve the homeless and poor with both compassion and structure. Start With What Is Closest The needs around us can feel overwhelming. Hunger, homelessness, addiction, and poverty are everywhere. We may want to help everyone, but we cannot. Dr. Jones points to the principle of moral proximity. We are often most responsible for the needs closest to us—our family, church, neighborhood, and local community. You may not be able to solve world hunger. But you may be able to help someone in your church, support a local shelter, serve with a ministry, or build a relationship with someone God regularly places in your path. God has not called you to solve every problem. He has called you to be faithful with what is in front of you. Generosity Reflects the Gospel When someone asks for help, we should not respond with contempt or indifference. We should respond as people who have received mercy. That does not mean giving cash every time. But it does mean asking God for wisdom, treating people with dignity, and being prepared to help in ways that truly serve their good. Biblical generosity is both compassionate and discerning. It refuses to look away from need, but it also seeks to help without causing harm. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I recently received a personal injury settlement. After paying off our cars and nearly all our debt, my wife and I have about $50,000 in a high-yield savings account, no kids, no mortgage, and only two small interest-free revolving accounts left. I'm 44, earning about $80,000 to $100,000 a year, and my wife earns about $50,000. Should we invest all of this money, or is it okay to enjoy some of it? What investment options should we consider? We have an investment property that's either paid off or could be paid off with cash. Since it's basically our retirement savings and we're around 55, we're trying to decide whether to keep it or sell it. If we sell, is there a way to roll the proceeds into a retirement plan, and how should we think through that decision? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if generosity isn't something God wants from you, but something He wants for you? Many people approach generosity with hesitation. They hear the word giving and assume a financial ask is coming. They may wonder if generosity will lead to pressure, obligation, or guilt. But biblical generosity is not meant to be a burden. It is an invitation into joy, freedom, and deeper fellowship with God's heart. Todd Harper, co-founder of Generous Giving, has spent more than two decades helping people discover the joy and freedom of biblical generosity. Through Generous Giving's Journey of Generosity experience, he has seen countless people move from viewing giving as an obligation to seeing it as an opportunity. What Is a Journey of Generosity? A Journey of Generosity, often called a JOG, is a one- or two-day conversational experience designed to help people explore what Scripture teaches about generosity. As Todd likes to clarify, “There's no jogging at a JOG.” Instead, participants gather in a pressure-free environment to consider the biblical truth that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The experience includes teaching, stories, discussion, and reflection. Rather than focusing on fundraising, it creates space for people to think deeply and honestly about generosity. That pressure-free approach is central to the experience. Generous Giving does not ask participants for money during a Journey of Generosity. The goal is not to raise funds for an organization, but to help people encounter the beauty of biblical generosity. Removing the Pressure Around Giving For many people, conversations about generosity can feel uncomfortable because they assume there is an agenda. They expect that any teaching on giving will eventually lead to an ask. Todd understands that hesitation. In fact, he says Generous Giving has to repeat often that there really is no catch. After 25 years of hosting these experiences, the ministry has built a reputation for creating “no strings attached” conversations about generosity. That matters because when people do not feel pressured, they are more likely to engage honestly. Walls come down. People can focus on God's Word, listen to stories of real-life generosity, and reflect on what God may be inviting them into. Instead of asking, “How much do I have to give?” they begin asking, “What joy might God have for me in a more generous life?” From Obligation to Opportunity One of the most powerful shifts that often happens during a Journey of Generosity is the movement from “ought to” to “get to.” Many Christians know they should be generous. They believe giving matters. They may even give faithfully. But they can still experience generosity primarily as a duty, an obligation, or a sacrifice. Biblical generosity invites us into something deeper. God is not merely trying to take something away from us. He is forming us into people who reflect His character. He is loosening our grip on money and possessions so we can experience greater freedom, joy, and trust. As people hear stories of others living radically other-centered lives, generosity often becomes attractive. It begins to look less like a demand and more like an invitation. That change never gets old for Todd. He says one of the great joys of facilitating these experiences is watching people move from giving grudgingly to giving joyfully. God Wants Something Good for You For someone who is still hesitant, Todd's encouragement is simple: God wants something good for you. He recently facilitated a Journey of Generosity where one participant, who had walked with the Lord for 40 years, said the experience changed his perspective on generosity and made him want to lean in. That is the heart of biblical generosity. It is not about pressure. It is not about guilt. It is not about meeting someone else's agenda. It is about discovering the joy of participating in God's work with open hands. Generosity shapes our hearts because it draws us closer to the heart of God. Scripture reminds us that God Himself is generous. He gives life, grace, mercy, provision, and ultimately, His Son. When we grow in generosity, we reflect the character of the One who has given everything for us. Take the Next Step If you would like to explore biblical generosity in a deeper, pressure-free way, consider learning more about a Journey of Generosity through Generous Giving. This one- or two-day experience is designed to help believers think more deeply about generosity, faithful stewardship, and the joy of living with open hands. To learn more, visit GenerousGiving.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm helping settle my mom's estate. Most of it in Ohio is resolved, but a small pension is going through probate in another state, where she passed away. The attorney sent paperwork asking me to waive my right to an estate audit. Is that normal, and should I sign it—especially given past financial misbehavior in the estate? Also, should I hire my own attorney to help me navigate this? I was scammed while looking for remote work online by people claiming to be connected with Temu. They had me rate items, then pushed my balance negative and kept asking me to add money. Now the account supposedly shows $25,000, but they won't let me withdraw unless I pay another $30,000. What should I do? I'm single and interested in charitable gift annuities. Can I set one up so a family member or friend receives income after me, rather than a spouse? I'm considering around $10,000. How would that work, and what should I look for? My husband and I were recently introduced to something called the Starfish program. Are you familiar with it, and how can we evaluate whether it's a good idea? I'm 68; my husband is 61 and still working; and my Social Security benefit is low because I was a stay-at-home mom for much of my life. Can I collect Social Security based on my husband's record, and how would that work for both of us? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Generous Giving | Journey of Generosity (JOG) Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many retirees spend decades building equity in their homes. But could that equity become a wise tool for stewardship in the next season of life? For many people, the words reverse mortgage raise immediate concerns. Some of those concerns come from outdated information, past abuses, or even a sense of guilt about taking on debt later in life. But is it possible that some retirees have dismissed this option too quickly? Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to help separate myth from reality and explain how today's reverse mortgages may fit into a broader financial plan for some homeowners. Why Reverse Mortgages Have a Stigma Reverse mortgages have carried a strong stigma for years, and according to Accola, some of that reputation was deserved. In the past, there were bad products, bad actors, weak regulation, and not enough consumer protections. Those stories have been passed down through families, churches, and communities, shaping the way many people think about reverse mortgages today. But Accola says today's reverse mortgages are very different, especially when handled by qualified professionals and governed by stronger safeguards. Much of the fear surrounding reverse mortgages is based on outdated information. Many people assume that taking out a reverse mortgage means losing ownership of their home. But that is not how the product works. A reverse mortgage is simply a lien on the property. The homeowner does not lose ownership of the home, and monthly payments are not required. Instead, the loan is repaid later, usually when the borrower sells the home, moves out, or passes away. That distinction matters because many retirees may be making decisions based on fear rather than accurate information. Is All Debt Bad Debt? Another common concern is that reverse mortgages are simply “bad debt.” But Accola points out that not all debt functions the same way. Most people would not have been able to build wealth through homeownership if they had waited until they could pay for their first house in cash. A traditional mortgage often allows families to purchase a home, build equity, and create long-term stability. Of course, some debt can be dangerous. Credit card debt, high-interest loans, and unnecessary consumer debt can quickly become burdensome. Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” That warning should lead us to approach debt with humility and caution. But a reverse mortgage is different from many other forms of debt because it does not require mandatory monthly payments. That feature may provide flexibility for retirees who are trying to manage cash flow, reduce pressure on investment accounts, or remain in their homes without selling. This does not mean a reverse mortgage is right for everyone. It simply means the question should not be answered by fear or assumptions alone. The better question is whether this tool serves wise stewardship in a specific family's situation. Why Some Christians Feel Guilty For many believers, the hesitation is not only financial—it is spiritual. Some Christians have heard the message that being debt-free automatically makes someone more faithful or responsible. While there is great wisdom in eliminating unnecessary debt, that does not mean every form of debt is morally the same. Accola notes that many retirees still carry mortgage debt into retirement. In fact, many homeowners reach retirement age without having paid off their homes entirely. Others may own their homes but need additional income flexibility. In those situations, shame can become a barrier to wisdom. A retiree may think, “I should have done better,” or “I must not be faithful if I still have a mortgage.” But Scripture does not call us to make financial decisions out of guilt. It calls us to wisdom, prayer, counsel, and trust in God. Stewardship is not about maintaining the appearance of financial success. It is about faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us in this season. For some families, using home equity may be a prudent option. For others, it may not be. But either way, the decision should be made with clarity, not shame. A Tool, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution A reverse mortgage should never be treated as a magic solution. It is a financial tool, and like any tool, it can be used wisely or unwisely. For some retirees, it may create breathing room in the budget. It may help them stay in their home. It may reduce the need to sell investments during a market downturn. It may also allow them to preserve other assets for longer. But there are also important considerations. Borrowers need to understand the costs, long-term implications, effect on heirs, and responsibilities that remain with the homeowner, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance. That is why wise counsel is essential. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” A reverse mortgage decision should involve qualified professionals, trusted family members, and careful prayer. It should also be considered as part of a broader retirement plan, not in isolation. Don't Decide Based on Fear or Rumors Accola's encouragement to listeners was simple: do not make financial decisions based on fear, rumors, or guilt. Instead, get accurate information. Talk with people you trust. Seek guidance from professionals who understand how reverse mortgages work today. And when appropriate, involve your family so they understand your thinking and your goals. A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But for some retirees, it may be a helpful part of a broader stewardship strategy. The key is understanding your options. Faithful stewardship does not mean refusing to consider every financial tool. It means asking wise questions, seeking trustworthy counsel, and making decisions that help you manage God's resources with humility and care. For homeowners in retirement, that may include taking a fresh look at home equity—not as a source of security, but as one possible tool to support faithful living in the next season. Learn More If you'd like to learn more about whether a reverse mortgage could be a wise option for your situation, visit FaithFi.com/Movement. Movement Mortgage serves families in all 50 states and can help you understand how today's reverse mortgages work, what safeguards are in place, and whether this tool may fit into your broader financial plan. That's FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 31 and own five properties. I've renovated some myself and built significant equity, but most of my cash is tied up in the homes. Should I sell some properties to free up capital, or hold them, do cash-out refinances, rent them out, and benefit from appreciation and loan paydown? How should I decide between flipping and becoming a landlord? I'm 64 and still working. Because of our income, my wife and I are limited in how much we can contribute to Roth IRAs. I've heard about the backdoor Roth strategy. How does that work, and can the nondeductible IRA contribution go into an existing traditional IRA, or should it be a separate account? I'm trying to pay down my mortgage and a small loan faster. Is it better to make small extra principal payments each month or one larger principal payment once a year? Does it make much difference? I'm 72 and had about $31,000 in credit card debt. After years of disability and financial strain, I called Christian Credit Counselors and started a debt management plan. Now I'm on track to be debt-free in five years, have more usable income each month, and feel encouraged enough to give again. Is it normal to feel this much relief after starting a plan? I'm 61, married, and planning to retire at 67. I have an old employee trust fund with about $8,378 earning 7.5%, plus a traditional IRA with about $3,823. My husband thinks I should roll the trust fund into my IRA. Is that a good idea, especially since it's currently earning 7.5%? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Movement Mortgage Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if giving is not losing at all, but investing in what lasts forever? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:20 to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” That one command reshapes the way we think about money, possessions, and generosity. Wealth can be dangerous when it owns us, but when it is surrendered to God, it can become a powerful tool for eternal good. Randy Alcorn, bestselling author and founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), has spent decades helping Christians think biblically about money, possessions, generosity, and eternity. His message is both sobering and hopeful: wealth is a test, but it can also become a tool for God's Kingdom. Money Reveals the Heart Money has a powerful influence on our spiritual lives because it reveals what we truly value. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The way we handle money is not separate from our discipleship. It shows what we trust, what we prioritize, and where our affections are directed. As Alcorn explains, money is not spiritually insignificant. It has power. Either it will serve God, or we will find ourselves serving it. That is why Scripture speaks so directly about the danger of loving money. In 1 Timothy 6:9–10, Paul warns that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare,” and that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” He goes on to say that some have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Those are sobering words. Money is a good gift from God. It can provide for needs, bless families, support ministry, and help those who are suffering. But when it becomes the object of our trust or the center of our affections, it competes with God for our hearts. Wealth Is Both a Tool and a Test The danger of wealth is real, but it is not the whole story. Money surrendered to God can be used in deeply meaningful ways. It can help advance the gospel. It can meet practical needs. It can support Bible translation, provide clean water, help rescue those trapped in exploitation, care for the vulnerable, and strengthen the work of the local church. Money is not the source of transformation—God is. But God often uses the resources of His people to accomplish His purposes in the world. That is why faithful stewardship begins with surrender. We come before the Lord and say, “This all belongs to You. What do You want me to do with it?” When wealth is surrendered to God, it loses its grip on our hearts and becomes an opportunity to participate in His redemptive work. Giving Is Investing in Eternity Jesus' command to store up treasures in heaven reframes generosity. Giving is not merely parting with money. It is investing in what lasts. Alcorn compares this to investing in a company. When you own shares, you naturally begin to pay attention. You read the reports. You notice the headlines. Your interest follows your investment. The same principle applies spiritually. When we put our resources toward the things of God, our hearts begin to follow. If we want to care more deeply about our church, missions, the poor, or the work of the gospel, one practical step is to invest our time, energy, and money there. Generosity does not only bless the recipient. It reshapes the giver. It moves our hearts toward the Kingdom of God. Generosity Produces Joy In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of Jesus' words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That does not mean giving is merely a duty. It means generosity leads to joy. The generous life reflects the heart of God, who gives freely and abundantly. Grace itself is rooted in God's giving nature. When we give, we are not simply checking off a spiritual responsibility. We are participating in the generosity of God. That is why giving can loosen anxiety, deepen purpose, and bring joy. The world often defines “the good life” as having more, spending more, and pursuing personal comfort. But Scripture points us toward a better way. In 1 Timothy 6:18–19, Paul urges the wealthy “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,” so that they may “take hold of that which is truly life.” The good life is not found in accumulation. It is found in generosity. Defining Enough One of the most important steps in faithful stewardship is learning to define enough. Without a finish line, we can easily assume that every increase in income is meant to raise our lifestyle. But many of us already have more than we need. The question is not simply, “What can I afford?” but “What has God entrusted to me, and how does He want me to use it?” A financial finish line helps create margin for intentional Kingdom-focused generosity. It keeps accumulation from becoming automatic. It invites us to ask better questions about contentment, purpose, and eternal impact. Everything we own is temporary. Possessions wear out. Trends fade. What once felt essential can quickly become clutter. That does not mean material things are evil, but it does mean they cannot bear the weight of our hope. Giving helps break the hold that money and possessions can have on our hearts. Giving Is Not Losing Wealth is both a tool and a test. When we cling to it, it can pull us away from dependence on God. But when we surrender it, money can become a means of worship, service, and eternal investment. Generosity reminds us that God is our ultimate treasure. It trains our hearts to trust Him. It frees us from the illusion that more money will finally make us secure. And it allows us to participate in the work God is doing in the world. Giving is not losing. In the Kingdom of God, giving is investing in what lasts forever. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I live in a 55-plus community in a manufactured home on leased land. We own the home but not the land, which belongs to the community owner. Would a reverse mortgage be possible in this situation, or would a manufactured home on leased land qualify? I have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA for retirement, but I'm not retired yet. Why am I required to take RMDs from my IRA at age 72 or 73, even if I'm still working? Do Roth IRAs have RMDs? And how much can my husband and I give through Qualified Charitable Distributions to help reduce taxes? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn Giving Is the Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and Joy by Randy Alcorn Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This class explores how the spies covered Eretz Yisroel in just 40 days through a miracle, and how their punishment of forty years in the wilderness reflected both justice and mercy. The lesson highlights Hashem's precise calculations and compassion even within judgment. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/004_bamidbar/004_shelach/009

Are anxious thoughts stealing your peace? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry, perfectionism, or rigid control—sometimes without even realizing it? You're not alone, and you don't have to face this struggle in silence. In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the pervasive reality of anxiety—what it feels like, why so many of us miss the signs, and how faith intersects with mental health. Nichole Suvar shares her own journey, from childhood panic attacks no one could name, to adulthood struggles with shame, perfectionism, and even suicidal thoughts. Hear how finally receiving a diagnosis for anxiety and depression brought relief, clarity, and a path to healing—and how opening up about her struggles helped others around her do the same. A key theme that emerged was how many in our generation grew up lacking language for anxiety ("just calm down" or "don't worry" was the advice), while younger generations often recognize these feelings sooner. The discussion explores practical steps for those overwhelmed by worry—from identifying anxious patterns hiding in everyday life, to learning how to relinquish false control and invite God into the struggle. One concept discussed is the illusion that peace can be earned through achieving the "perfect" body, success, or image. Instead, lasting peace is something we cultivate—not manufacture—by returning to God's original design and practicing true stewardship, not unhealthy control (18:48). If you've ever felt ashamed of your anxiety, doubted your faith because of your mental health battles, or wondered when worry crosses the line into something more serious, this episode will meet you with wisdom, compassion, and hope. You'll come away with fresh insight, tangible tools for daily surrender, and the freeing reminder: You don’t have to hold it all together. Listen in to discover: How to spot hidden anxiety—even if you think it’s “just your personality” The practical differences between worry, concern, and clinical anxiety Why control feels soothing, but never truly delivers peace What “cultivating Eden” looks like in a modern world Why God’s peace isn’t achieved, but received—and how to start seeking it today Connect with Nichole Suvar: Website: livewithintent.org Instagram: @nicolejsuvar Book: I Don’t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed (Amazon affiliate link: Tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who? ministry.) If you are ready to release shame, deepen your faith, and discover a new way to walk through anxiety, hit play now. Ready to feel less anxiety around your body image and food issues? Join the next 40-Day Journey which starts June 3rd. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Work is not merely a way to make a living. It is also one of the primary ways we love our neighbors. Whether you lead a company, teach a class, manage a home, serve in your church, care for children, volunteer in your community, or invest resources for the future, God has entrusted you with influence. That influence is not accidental. It is part of your stewardship. We often think of stewardship in financial terms—and rightly so. But God has given us more than money to steward. He has also entrusted us with skills, relationships, opportunities, knowledge, experience, and influence. Dr. Amy Sherman has spent years helping Christians see their daily work as a means of seeking the common good and participating in God's redemptive mission in the world. She calls this vocational stewardship—the faithful use of our work and influence to reflect God's character, serve others, and contribute to the flourishing of the world around us. What Is Vocational Stewardship? Vocational stewardship begins with the recognition that our work is a gift from God. He has given each of us certain abilities, opportunities, networks, and positions of influence. Some of those gifts are expressed through paid employment. Others are expressed through volunteering, homemaking, caregiving, mentoring, leadership, or service. In every case, the question is the same: How can I use what God has entrusted to me for His purposes? Our work is not simply a platform for earning income. It is a platform for reflecting the kingdom of God. It is one of the places where discipleship becomes visible. That means vocational stewardship is not limited to pastors, missionaries, or people in explicitly ministry-related roles. It applies to business owners, teachers, nurses, engineers, artists, parents, retirees, tradespeople, administrators, and everyone else seeking to serve God faithfully where He has placed them. Wherever we are, God invites us to ask: How can my work help others experience something of His goodness, justice, beauty, compassion, and care? More Than Integrity at Work Faithful work certainly includes character. Christians should be honest, dependable, compassionate, and hardworking. We should do our work with integrity, humility, and excellence. But vocational stewardship presses us to go a step further. It asks us not only to consider how we do our work, but also what our work contributes. What does my work make possible for others?  How does it affect employees, customers, clients, families, communities, or creation?  Does it contribute to healing, order, beauty, justice, provision, or human flourishing? Does it help people experience a small glimpse of what God intends for His world? These questions help us see work as part of God's larger redemptive purposes. A Foretaste of God's Kingdom Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of the future God is bringing about—a renewed creation where there is no more suffering, corruption, injustice, or death. God's kingdom will be marked by peace, wholeness, abundance, community, intimacy with Him, and restored relationships. Vocational stewardship asks: How can my work today offer others a small foretaste of that coming reality? That may sound lofty, but it can become very practical. A business owner might create flexible schedules for employees who are single parents, allowing them to care well for their children. An architect might help clients choose safer building materials and energy-efficient designs that promote health and care for creation. A teacher might create a classroom where students feel seen, challenged, and encouraged. A manager might cultivate a workplace marked by fairness, dignity, and trust. These are not small things. They are glimpses of God's kingdom breaking into ordinary places through ordinary faithfulness. Every Vocation Matters You may be working full-time, raising children at home, caring for aging parents, leading a company, serving in retirement, or volunteering behind the scenes. Whatever your situation, you have been entrusted with something. You have skills, wisdom, relationships, experience, and influence. Vocational stewardship is not about having a certain title. It is about asking, “Where has God placed me, and how can I use what He has given me to serve others?” That question can change the way we see daily life. Work becomes more than a task list. Leadership becomes more than authority. Parenting becomes more than a responsibility. Retirement becomes more than leisure. Investing becomes more than preparation for the future. All of life becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ. Investing as Vocational Stewardship Vocational stewardship also affects the way we think about money—especially investing. Many people view investing primarily as a way to grow wealth and prepare for the future. Those are legitimate concerns. Wise financial planning is part of good stewardship. But investing is also about deploying capital into companies that shape communities, culture, and the marketplace. When we invest, we are helping determine which companies grow and thrive. That means Christians can ask deeper questions about what their investments support. What does this company produce? How does it treat employees? Does it contribute to the well-being of communities? Does it view profit as a means of serving people, or as the ultimate goal? These questions do not eliminate the need for wise financial analysis. But they do remind us that investing is not morally neutral. Our financial decisions can reflect what we value and whom we seek to serve. For someone new to this idea, the first step is simple: become more aware of what you own. Look at the companies represented in your portfolio. Over time, consider whether your investments align with your values and contribute to the kind of world you believe honors God. Work as a Place of Discipleship God deeply cares about our work. Since we spend so much of our lives working, our discipleship must show up there, too. Our workplaces, homes, investments, and communities are not separate from our faith. They are places where we are formed into the image of Christ and where we can embody the good news of the gospel. That does not mean every workday will feel spiritually significant. Much of faithful stewardship looks ordinary: answering emails, making decisions, serving customers, preparing meals, managing employees, helping a neighbor, or showing up with patience when the work is hard. Every act of honesty, compassion, creativity, courage, justice, and service can become a way of reflecting God's character. Faithfulness Where God Has Placed You Your work matters to God. He has placed you where you are for a reason, and He has given you work to do—not only for your provision, but also for the good of others. Vocational stewardship invites us to see our influence differently. Instead of asking only, “What can I earn?” we begin asking, “How can I serve?” Instead of viewing work only as a source of income, we begin to see it as a calling to love our neighbors. And as we do, even our ordinary work can become a glimpse of the world God is making new. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father-in-law has EE savings bonds that matured in 2023 and are no longer earning interest. Because he has a substantial income, he's considering giving us the bonds so we can cash them in and take on the tax liability instead. Is that allowed, and is it the best way to handle the bonds given his income and tax situation? My company is allowing us to move some 401(k) funds to private investment firms. I have about $1.1 million in my 401(k), and my advisor would charge around 1.99% to manage the funds. Would it be wise to move part of the money to my advisor, or should I keep it in the current 401(k) funds? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good by Amy L. Sherman Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society by Amy L. Sherman Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some of the costliest financial mistakes are made in isolation. When big decisions come our way, pride and pressure can convince us that we need to figure everything out ourselves. But God designed us to walk in community, and His wisdom often comes through trusted voices. Seeking wise counsel is not a sign of weakness—it is a key part of faithful stewardship. Have you ever faced a financial decision that felt heavier than your confidence could carry? Maybe it was whether to buy a home. Perhaps it was changing careers, helping aging parents, navigating a difficult season in marriage, or deciding how to prepare for retirement. In those moments, the questions come quickly: What if I get this wrong? What if I overlook something important? What if I regret this later? And often, beneath all of those questions is the assumption that you should be able to figure it out by yourself. But God never intended for you to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Wisdom Often Comes Through Community One of the clearest themes in Scripture is that wisdom often comes through community. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That is not only a proverb about leadership. It is a principle for everyday life—including our finances. Sometimes we think wisdom is found only in personal research, spreadsheets, calculators, or online content. Those tools can certainly be helpful. But biblical wisdom is more than information. It includes discernment, humility, perspective, and the willingness to receive insight from others. That is why Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Notice the contrast: foolishness is not always recklessness. Sometimes it is simply refusing to listen. Wisdom begins when we acknowledge that we may not see the whole picture. And that takes humility. Humility Opens the Door to Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” To fear the Lord means recognizing that God is God and we are not. We submit our plans, our preferences, and even our financial assumptions to Him. We stop asking only, “What do I want to do?” and begin asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” That kind of humility also opens us to receive the people God may use in our lives. Sometimes that person is a mentor who has walked through a season you are now entering. Sometimes it is a trusted friend who knows you well enough to ask hard questions. Sometimes it is an older believer whose experience can spare you from avoidable mistakes. And sometimes it is a professional advisor who brings technical expertise shaped by biblical values, such as a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). But ignoring wise voices can have destructive consequences. Rehoboam's Warning Scripture gives us a sobering example in Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. In 1 Kings 12, when Rehoboam became king, the people asked him to lighten the heavy burdens placed on them. At first, he sought counsel from the older men who had advised his father. They urged him to lead with humility and serve the people. But Rehoboam rejected their wisdom. Instead, he turned to younger voices that echoed his pride and ambition. Their advice was simple: be harsher, be stronger, demand more. He followed their counsel, and the result was devastating. The kingdom was split in two. What began as a leadership decision became a national tragedy. Why? Because Rehoboam preferred affirmation over wisdom. He chose voices that told him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. That temptation is still with us today. Wise Counsel Does More Than Validate Us When making financial decisions, we can easily look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we have already decided. But wise counsel does not merely validate us. It helps us see what we cannot see on our own. Sometimes, wise voices serve as guardrails. They keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. They help us slow down, think clearly, and align our choices with God's purposes. That may mean someone helps you recognize that a purchase is moving too quickly. It may mean an advisor helps you see the long-term impact of a financial decision. It may mean a trusted friend reminds you that generosity, contentment, and faithfulness matter just as much as the numbers. Ultimately, wise counsel leads to wiser decisions. Don't Carry the Decision Alone So, what financial decision are you carrying right now? Maybe it is time to stop carrying it alone. Ask God to show you who He has already placed around you. Make a list of trusted people you can reach out to. Invite wise voices into your decision-making process. Do not isolate. Do not assume asking for help is a weakness. Often, it is one of the strongest acts of stewardship you can make. Faithful stewardship is not just about making the right financial choice. It is about making decisions with humility, wisdom, and dependence on God. And one of the ways God often gives us wisdom is through the people He places around us. If you would like to explore this idea further, you can read more in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. Order your copy today at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My identity was stolen about five years ago, and I'm still receiving notices for debts and accounts I never opened. I've frozen my credit and disputed the fraudulent charges, but banks and lenders continue turning me down. What else can I do to clean this up? I receive Social Security and a pension. How should I think about giving tithes and offerings from that income? My wife owes me a little over $40,000 from a 0% loan I gave her to help save her late mother's house from foreclosure. We put the agreement in writing, but the repayment period has long passed, and she would have to wipe out her retirement to repay me. I can afford to forgive the loan, but she hasn't asked for forgiveness. From a biblical and marital standpoint, should I forgive it anyway? What's the difference between a living trust and a will, and how do I know which one is better for my estate plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission) Equifax | TransUnion | Experian LastPass | 1Password | iCloud Keychain Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor Rick Warren once said, “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.” That's a powerful statement—and it raises an important question: What does it really mean to store up treasure in heaven? Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 6:20, where He says, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” That word “treasure” is striking. In Greek, the word is thēsauros—the same root from which we get the word “treasury.” It describes something stored safely for the future. But Jesus isn't describing a spiritual savings account filled with gold and silver. He's pointing to the lasting fruit of a life lived in alignment with God's Kingdom. Notice that Jesus doesn't say, “Don't have treasure.” He says, “Store your treasure in heaven.” In other words, what we invest in God's purposes today carries eternal significance. What Are Eternal Rewards? In 1 Timothy 6:18–19, Paul writes that believers are “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” That final phrase matters: “that which is truly life.” The reward is not merely something we receive later. It is the fullness of life that comes from walking in step with Christ—now and forever. The early church understood this well. Augustine wrote in The City of God, “God Himself, who is the author of virtue, shall there be its reward, for as there is nothing greater or better, He has promised Himself.” In other words, the greatest reward of eternity is not something we possess, but Someone we know. That is the heart of eternal rewards: deeper fellowship with God, fuller participation in His Kingdom, and the joy of seeing His work unfold through our lives. Money Reveals What We Treasure This is where our finances come in. Jesus often connected money to an eternal perspective because it reveals what we value. When we give generously, serve faithfully, and steward wisely, we are investing in something that lasts beyond the temporary. We are declaring that our hope is not in wealth, comfort, or control, but in God Himself. In Luke 16:11, Jesus says, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” In other words, how we manage earthly resources reflects whether our hearts are ready for something far greater. Every act of generosity, every decision to trust God rather than money, every sacrifice made for His Kingdom becomes part of a story that continues into eternity. God's Rewards Are Gifts of Grace Here's the beautiful truth: God's rewards are never wages. They are gifts. Scripture does not teach that we earn God's favor through generosity or faithful stewardship. Rather, God rewards His people because He is generous in grace. He chooses to reward the very faithfulness He produces in us. That reveals something remarkable about our Father. No matter what we have or do not have in this world, because we belong to Him, He promises to entrust us with the true riches of His Kingdom. That is what it means to store up treasure in heaven. Instead of investing everything in what is temporary, we place our lives, our resources, and our trust into the hands of the One who is the very source of heaven and earth. It's not about building a spiritual portfolio. It's about orienting our hearts toward God Himself. Living Today in Light of Eternity Life with God has never been about accumulating more. It has always been about knowing Him, trusting Him, and sharing in His purposes. So the real question is not, “What do I get in heaven?” The better question is, “How can I live today in light of eternity?” Because one day, every faithful steward will hear the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25:21—words that will fill every believer's heart with awe and joy: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” A Resource to Help You Live with Eternal Perspective If you've ever wondered how to live with that kind of eternal perspective day by day, we walk through it in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. It's designed to help you view every part of your financial life—saving, giving, planning, and investing—through the lens of eternity as you learn to treasure Christ above all else. You can pick up your copy today, or place a bulk order for your church or small group, at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have an old individual retirement account that was purchased in 1987 and matured in 1990. I've been receiving letters from agencies offering to help me cash it out for a fee, but I still have the original receipt. What's the best way to access the money? Can I transfer it to another traditional IRA or convert it to a Roth? I'm calling on behalf of my daughter about my two-year-old granddaughter. They'd like to set aside about $1,000 a year until she's 18 or 20, but they're unsure whether to use a 529 in case she doesn't attend college. They also want to be careful about putting money directly in the child's name. What's the best way to invest and structure this? I have about $4,300 in debt, including $4,000 on a credit card. What's the best way to handle it—should I use a balance transfer card or take a loan from my 401(k)? I have about $1,000 of extra margin each month. My emergency fund is fully funded, and I've paid off all consumer debt except my home. Should I use that extra money to invest more, give more, or pay down my mortgage faster? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Imagine if a quarter of our country suddenly had to flee their homes—unsure where they would sleep, how they would eat, or what tomorrow might bring. That is the kind of crisis many families in Lebanon are facing today. Innocent men, women, and children are caught in the middle of another humanitarian disaster, and the needs are urgent. But even in the pain and uncertainty, God is opening doors for His people to bring practical help and the hope of Christ. This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Heart for Lebanon, a trusted ministry serving families on the ground with food, shelter, trauma care, and gospel-centered support. Camille Melki, co-founder and CEO of Heart for Lebanon, joined us today to share what families are experiencing—and how believers can respond. A Ministry Born in Crisis Camille knows the pain of war personally. He was just nine years old when Lebanon's brutal 15-year civil war began in 1975. His wife, Hoda, was eight. Decades later, in 2006, another conflict led them to launch Heart for Lebanon. The mission was clear from the beginning: to move people from despair to hope in Christ. Today, Lebanon's situation remains complicated and heartbreaking. Families from different religious and ethnic backgrounds are being displaced and forced into unfamiliar communities. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and any sense of security. Yet Camille sees something else as well: a bold opportunity to share the gospel with people who may never have had access to it before. As he put it, while innocent civilians continue to pay the highest price, “the mission of the church is still the same.” Families Facing Fear, Loss, and Trauma Many families in Lebanon have been displaced more than once. They are living with broken infrastructure, overwhelmed systems, and the emotional weight of war. Children, especially, are carrying deep trauma from what they have seen and heard. Camille shared the story of Gaia, a woman from Syria who had fled war with her husband and daughter and settled in southern Lebanon. She and her family came to faith through Heart for Lebanon's Hope Evangelical Church. Then the violence reached their neighborhood. Gaia had just spoken with her neighbors before lunch. Minutes later, those neighbors were killed in attacks. Her home was badly damaged, and she and her husband—who is terminally ill with cancer—were injured. When Heart for Lebanon's team finally reconnected with Gaia, and she was able to return to church, she said that hearing the Word of God made the heavy burden on her heart feel lighter. The fear had not disappeared completely, but she no longer felt alone. Through Heart for Lebanon, she experienced the tangible love of Christ. Caring for Children in the Shadows of War Heart for Lebanon also works with children through its Children at Risk programs. One of the ministry's leaders, Freddy, described how thousands of children are living in the shadows of war. Hallways once meant for learning have become shelters. Children have seen things no child should ever have to witness. The ministry responds with trauma-informed care through play, art, listening, and prayer. The goal is not merely to provide temporary relief, but to help children process fear and experience the peace of Christ. Camille shared the story of Ahmad, a 10-year-old Kurdish boy living in Lebanon with his parents, who recently came to know the love and hope found in Jesus. The sounds of rockets and explosions filled Ahmad with fear, especially for his 10-month-old brother. Whenever he heard missiles nearby, he would try to protect the baby with his small hands. His mother encouraged him through God's promises and prayed with him. Ahmad said he still sometimes remembers the sounds, but now he prays instead of panicking. Remembering that Jesus is with him helps him feel safer. Camille also shared that Yasmin, a third-grade student, did not miss a single day of prayer during the war. She prayed for her younger siblings and reminded them of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. Her faith helped her encourage others in the middle of fear. Meeting Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs One of the distinctives of Heart for Lebanon is its commitment to care for the whole person. Camille explained that poverty exists on three levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. That means the ministry provides essentials such as food packages, mattresses, pillows, blankets, and hygiene kits. But those physical gifts are only the beginning. Heart for Lebanon's team also takes time to listen to families' stories, pray with them, share Scripture, and build relationships of trust. Camille described this movement as going from transactional care to relational care—and then to transformational care. When trust is built, the door opens for gospel conversations. Families who have never heard the good news of Jesus are introduced to the hope found in Him. Many come from Muslim backgrounds—Kurds, Sunnis, and Shias—but Camille emphasized that what matters most is not who they were before Christ, but who they are in Him. How Your Gift Can Help Heart for Lebanon is currently serving more than 2,000 displaced families, many of whom were forced from their homes in southern Lebanon. A gift of $90 can help provide a full month of support for one displaced family, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, compassionate care, and gospel-centered support. FaithFi's goal is to help reach 275 displaced families. A gift of $180 could help two families. A gift of $450 could help five. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve families who have lost nearly everything and to help open the door to lasting hope in Christ. To give, text FAITH to 98656, or visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon. A Time to Give Generously In times of crisis, the church has an opportunity to become a living witness to the compassion of Christ. Families in Lebanon need food, shelter, safety, and care—but above all, they need the hope of the gospel. Through Heart for Lebanon, believers can help meet urgent needs while pointing families to the One who never leaves or forsakes His people. Give generously today at FaithFi.com/Lebanon. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have property in South Carolina that I'd like to sell, and I'm looking for a Christian realtor to help. After the sale, I'd like to give about 90% of the proceeds to charity. Who would you recommend to help me handle this wisely? I have investments and a financial advisor, and we're meeting soon. I heard you discuss aligning investments with biblical values. Where can I find a resource to help me evaluate whether my current companies or funds reflect those values? I inherited my mom's home through a Lady Bird deed and recently sold it. I have three questions: Where should I consider investing the proceeds, and are annuities a good option? Will I owe capital gains tax? And how should I think about tithing on this money? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Heart for Lebanon National Christian Foundation (NCF) List of Faith-Based Investment Funds Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you an established coach, healer, creative, or sacred leader who feels a subtle restlessness brewing underneath your success? If what used to fulfil you suddenly feels hollow, it's not a problem to fix - it is a clear sign that your soul is ready to expand into a deeper layer of your purpose. In this video, me, a spiritual teacher and ordained priestess Eléonore de Posson, explains why you cannot figure out your purpose with your logical mind. Because your soul is infinite, your purpose is an unfolding initiation rather than a final destination to be "found."Together, we break down how true soul embodiment requires moving away from carbon-copy business strategies and instead surrendering to the alchemical process of the death-rebirth cycle. You will also discover the ancient Law of Dharma, why women are literal energetic portals for the unseen, and why true spiritual mastery cannot be achieved in isolation.

“Abundance isn't God's provision for me to live in luxury; it's His provision for me to help others live.” That line from Randy Alcorn captures the heart behind a financial finish line. When God entrusts us with more, the question is not simply, “How much can I keep?” but “How much can I use for His purposes?” Cody Hobelman, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor, joined the show today to share how that question became deeply personal in his own life. Along with his brother Keelan, Cody contributed to FaithFi's new Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough? But before he taught others how to set a financial finish line, he had to wrestle with it in his own context. The Early Pull of Accumulation Early in his career, Cody's view of money was much like that of many people. He wanted a large income, growing wealth, and the kinds of opportunities that seemed to promise happiness and success—perhaps vacation homes, financial freedom, and a comfortable lifestyle. Those goals were not unusual. Many people begin their careers with an eye toward building, earning, and accumulating. But over time, Cody began to sense that something was missing. After college, he returned to church and began reading Scripture for himself. What stood out to him was how often Jesus spoke about money. Those passages began to reshape the way he viewed his role in managing what God had entrusted to him. When Obedience Begins to Reshape the Heart At the end of 2016, Cody's church went through a series on managing money biblically. At the conclusion, the congregation was invited to commit to tithing in the coming year. After prayer and conversation with his wife, Steph, Cody decided to begin giving 10% of his income to the church in 2017. That step mattered. It was his first move into intentional giving. He began to see that not every dollar he earned had to serve his own lifestyle. God gives resources with purpose, and giving helped Cody begin to discover that purpose. But as he later reflected, his generosity at that stage still felt like “checking the box.” He was giving, but accumulation remained the deeper goal. Tithing became a generous layer atop a life still largely centered on earning, comparing, and building more. He realized he was trying to serve both God and money. The Question That Changed Everything In 2020, Cody's brother Keelan invited him to consider a simple but life-altering question: “How much is enough?” In other words, if God provided more income over the course of his career—or even in a single year—how would Cody know how much was enough to spend on his own lifestyle? And how could he create margin so that additional resources could be used for God's purposes? At first, Cody resisted the conversation. But he could not escape the realization that he was still at the center of his financial world. So he and Steph accepted the challenge. They chose a number that represented a reasonable level of lifestyle spending for a season. That number became their first financial finish line. A financial finish line is a cap on lifestyle spending. Once that line is set, anything beyond it can be directed toward generosity, debt reduction, ministry, or other God-honoring purposes. A Finish Line Before the Increase Interestingly, Cody and Steph set their first finish line when their income was still below that number. Steph was in graduate school, Cody was early in his career, and they still had student loans. They were also hoping to buy a home. So the finish line was not immediately restrictive. It was more future-oriented. But that decision prepared their hearts before additional income arrived. Not long after, Steph graduated and began working full-time. Cody also received a raise. Suddenly, the finish line was no longer theoretical—it was practical. Because they had done the hard work of prayer, conversation, and planning before the increase in income, they already knew what to do. Their finish line helped them avoid simply expanding their lifestyle to match their income. Paying Down Debt to Free Up Generosity At the time, Cody and Steph still had debt. But their growing vision for generosity changed the way they saw it. Rather than viewing debt simply as a financial inconvenience, they began to see it as an obstacle to giving as they wanted to. So even within their finish line, they chose to live on less than they could have in order to prioritize paying down debt. The goal was not merely to become debt-free for their own comfort. It was to remove barriers that limited their ability to participate in what God was doing. From Scorecard to Stewardship Setting a financial finish line changed Cody and Steph's day-to-day life. For the first time, Cody said he truly experienced contentment. He could honestly say, “We have enough.” That contentment reshaped their conversations about money. Instead of asking only what they could afford for themselves, they began asking what God might be inviting them to do for others. They also created a separate “kingdom account,” moving money into a dedicated giving account. Eventually, they used a donor-advised fund as well. That separation clarified the purpose of the money and helped guard against the temptation to use it for their own lifestyle. Money became a tool, not a scorecard. Before setting a finish line, even giving could feel like something to measure or compare. Afterward, generosity became more about obedience, surrender, and availability. Living With God, Not Merely For God Looking back, Cody says the finish line helped him trust God more deeply. It changed the way he viewed work, provision, and the future. Rather than constantly asking, “Will there be enough?” he began asking, “What would God have us do right now?” That shift moved generosity from a financial category into a way of life. It became part of listening to God, responding to Scripture, and attending to the needs around him. How to Take the First Step For someone who feels drawn to the idea of a finish line yet intimidated by it, Cody offers simple encouragement: start with a trial period. You do not have to choose the perfect number. You do not have to answer every “what if” before you begin. Start with three or six months. Choose a reasonable level of spending for your family, your season, and your location. Then see what God reveals as you take the next step. A finish line is not necessarily a one-time decision. It can be revisited and adjusted as life changes. The point is not rigidity—it is intentionality. When we define enough, we are not limiting our lives. We are creating space for greater clarity, contentment, and generosity. God's provision is not merely something to consume. It is something to steward. And when we stop asking only, “How much can I keep?” we become free to ask a far better question: “Lord, how do You want me to use what You've entrusted to me?” FaithFi's new Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough?, is designed to help you begin that journey and set your own financial finish line. You can receive your copy when you become a FaithFi Partner by giving $35 a month or $400 a year by May 31st. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've saved about $2,000 for my 11-year-old grandson by setting aside about $1 a day. He's interested in the stock market, but I don't know much about investing. Where could I put this money so it has a chance to grow, and is $2,000 enough to get started? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Fidelity Go® | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you're drowning in debt and someone offers a lifeline, make sure it's not really an anchor. When debt feels overwhelming, it's natural to look for a way out. And there are several options that sound helpful at first: debt consolidation, debt settlement, and debt management. But while those terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same—and they can lead to very different outcomes. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), joined the show today to explain the differences and help listeners understand which approach best reflects both financial wisdom and biblical responsibility. Debt Consolidation: A Quick Fix With Real Risks Debt consolidation is often appealing because it rolls multiple debts into one new loan. Instead of making several payments to different creditors, you make one payment on the consolidation loan. That may sound simpler and, in some cases, reduce confusion. But Neile explains that these loans often come with interest rates between 15% and 22%, depending on your credit score. And while consolidation may feel like a fresh start, it does not necessarily solve the deeper problem. The biggest risk is that consolidation allows you to keep your credit card accounts open. If spending habits don't change, many people end up running up new credit card balances while still owing on the consolidation loan. In other words, consolidation can turn one debt problem into two. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Debt freedom usually doesn't come through a quick fix. It comes through steady, faithful steps over time. Debt Settlement: A Dangerous Path Another option people often hear about is debt settlement. These companies typically promise to negotiate with creditors so you can pay less than the full amount owed. But Neile warns that debt settlement can be misleading and financially damaging. In many cases, debt settlement companies require you to stop paying your creditors. That means your credit may be severely damaged, and the impact can be almost as serious as bankruptcy. There are other consequences as well. Any forgiven debt may be treated as taxable income, and you may receive a 1099-C at the end of the tax year. In addition, after a period of nonpayment, creditors may pursue legal action, which could result in liens on property or wage garnishment, depending on your state. For Christians, there's also a biblical concern. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back.” While every situation requires wisdom and compassion, Scripture calls us to take responsibility for what we owe whenever it is in our power to do so. Debt Management: A More Faithful Way Forward Debt management is different from both consolidation and settlement. Through a credit counseling agency like Christian Credit Counselors, you can enroll in a debt management program that helps you repay your debts in full while often reducing your interest rates and monthly payments. Instead of taking out a new loan, you make a single monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, which distributes it to each creditor in the program. The goal is not to avoid the debt, but to pay it back in a structured and manageable way. Neile explains that interest rates through a debt management program may range from 1% to 12% APR, allowing many people to pay off debt much faster. One important thing to know is that creditors typically close the accounts you enroll in the program. However, you are not required to enroll every account. That can actually be a benefit. Closing accounts helps break the cycle of relying on credit and builds new habits of spending, saving, and stewardship. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Debt management reflects that principle by helping people honor their debts while finding a sustainable path forward. Why Debt Management Is Often the Best Option Debt management is often the preferred solution because it addresses both the financial and behavioral sides of debt. It lowers interest rates and simplifies payments, but it also requires a change in habits. That matters because debt freedom is not just about reducing balances. It's about learning to live differently going forward. The team at Christian Credit Counselors begins with education and offers a free consultation to help people understand their options. They also approach debt repayment from a biblical perspective, offering prayer, encouragement, and support along the way. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt, the first step is not to panic. It's wisdom. Get the facts, understand the differences, and choose a path that helps you repay what you owe while building healthier financial habits for the future. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I know you're not generally a fan of annuities, but I have a diversified portfolio—about $1.3 million in IRAs and a 401(k), plus about $200,000 in liquid assets. If my five-year annuity matures and I roll the full amount into another annuity without taking withdrawals, will I owe taxes on that rollover? I've saved enough to cover about four or five years of living expenses, and we have no debt. Should I live off those savings before tapping into retirement benefits, or preserve them and start drawing from retirement now? I'm considering converting $575,000 from my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA over five years and paying the taxes as I go. Once the money is in the Roth and meets the five-year rule, will future interest and gains be tax-free? I have a 10-year HVAC service contract that costs about $41 a month and includes spring and fall maintenance visits, though service calls still have a fee. Since I already have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty on major components, is this service contract worth keeping? I've been with my employer for 44 years, am moving to part-time, and plan to retire fully in August. I have about $500,000 in my 401(k), recently started Social Security at 65, and am still contributing. Should I roll part of my 401(k)—maybe $100,000—into an IRA now for supplemental income, or wait until later? And should I keep it with Empower or move it to Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailHow does a bet between friends turn into one of the Midwest's best-known track day organizations?In this episode of Late To Grid, Bill sits down in the Atomic Autosports studio with Ken Grulich of Three Balls Racing to talk about his motorsports journey, the origin of Three Balls Racing, and what drivers can do to make their next track day smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.Ken shares how his love for speed started with his dad, sand dunes, motorcycles, quads, and three-wheelers before eventually leading him to road course driving. What started as a challenge between friends involving a 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo, a 1969 big block Corvette, and a track rental at Gingerman Raceway  grew into a grassroots track day organization that now hosts events at tracks like Gingerman Raceway, Grattan Raceway, Waterford Hills, and Mid-Ohio.This conversation is packed with advice for new and experienced drivers, including why you should talk to people in the paddock, why video can make you faster, why showing up late to a track day can ruin more than your schedule, and what tools and spares you should bring before your next HPDE or track day.Ken also shares one of the wildest bucket-list stories from a Three Balls Racing event and explains why comfort, confidence, seat position, preparation, and community matter just as much as horsepower.If you're interested in motorsports, track days, HPDE, grassroots racing, autocross, endurance racing, racing teams, or building your own motorsports journey, this episode is for youWant faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.” From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you're ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you're serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit radairfranchise.com and let's get you living life in the fast lane.Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing.  The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.  Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Corrie ten Boom once said, “If the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy.” That's a sobering thought, especially in a world where many of us feel like life is moving faster than we can keep up. Deadlines, family responsibilities, bills, errands, emails, appointments, and unexpected needs can make every day feel like a sprint. And when life moves that fast, it's easy to make financial decisions on the fly. We don't always neglect stewardship out of carelessness. Sometimes, we neglect it because we're tired. We stop paying attention. We spend reactively instead of prayerfully. We put off conversations we need to have. We ignore creeping lifestyle inflation. We delay generosity until things “settle down.” Before long, the pace of life begins shaping our financial decisions more than the wisdom of God does. The Spiritual Danger of Distraction Busyness can be more spiritually dangerous than it first appears because it doesn't always oppose faithfulness with rebellion. Sometimes it opposes faithfulness with distraction. Jesus warned about this in Luke 8, when He described the seed that fell among the thorns. He said it was choked by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14). In other words, ordinary life can become so crowded that it chokes out what truly matters. We can spend hours worrying, scrolling, comparing, impulse buying, chasing the next opportunity, or reacting to every headline while neglecting the simple habits that build faithful stewardship: planning, giving, saving, communicating, and trusting God. Jesus highlights a similar tension in Luke 10. Martha is working hard, serving diligently, and doing good things. But Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening. Jesus gently says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:41–42). Martha wasn't doing something sinful. She was doing something useful. But even useful things can become disordered things when they crowd out what matters most. That applies to stewardship, too. It's possible to work hard, earn income, pay bills, and stay active, yet slowly lose sight of the heart of stewardship: trusting God, aligning our resources with His priorities, and handling money with wisdom and intentionality. Stewardship Is Worship Stewardship is never just about transactions. It's about worship. Every dollar we earn, spend, save, or give becomes an opportunity to express what we believe about God. Do we trust Him? Do we believe He is our provider? Do we see money as ours to control—or His to manage? That's why financial faithfulness requires more than good intentions. It requires margin—not just margin in your bank account, but margin in your soul. Dallas Willard once said, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” That certainly has implications for our finances as well. Hurry can lead to impulse spending, neglected planning, avoidable debt, forgotten generosity, and anxiety-driven decisions. When our lives are hurried, our money often becomes hurried, too. So what does it look like to remain financially faithful in a busy season? Slow Down Long Enough to Notice Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” In an agrarian society, a person's wealth was often tied up in flocks and herds. To know their condition meant slowing down enough to count them, care for them, and manage them wisely. Today, your “flock” may be your bank account, budget, bills, giving plan, savings, or debt. Awareness is often the first step toward wisdom. You can't faithfully steward what you never stop to notice. Prioritize What Matters Most If generosity, saving, debt reduction, or wise planning matter to you, don't leave them to chance. Put them on the calendar. Automate what you can. Schedule the budget conversation. Decide in advance what you will give. Review your spending before the month gets away from you. What gets scheduled often gets done. What gets ignored often drifts. Faithful stewardship rarely happens by accident, especially in a busy season. Simplify Where Possible Sometimes the problem isn't just a busy calendar. It's an overcomplicated life. Too many commitments. Too many subscriptions. Too many obligations. Too many purchases to manage and maintain. Simplicity can be an act of stewardship. It creates room to pay attention, to say yes wisely, to say no faithfully, and to focus your resources on what God has truly entrusted to you. Remember That Small Faithfulness Matters You may not have time today for a complete financial overhaul. But you may have time to review one statement, cancel one unnecessary expense, pray over one decision, or have one honest conversation. Small acts of faithfulness matter. Over time, small decisions can reshape your habits, your household, and your heart. The goal isn't to do everything at once. The goal is to take the next faithful step. Keep the Goal in View The goal of stewardship is not perfect financial performance. It's faithfulness. God is not asking you to control every outcome or master every detail. He is inviting you to trust Him, seek His wisdom, and handle what He has entrusted to you with care. So in a busy season, don't let hurry make your financial decisions for you. Slow down. Pay attention. Make room for what matters. And remember: faithful stewardship begins not with a frantic rush to do more, but with a quiet willingness to seek God first. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 71½ and have been using CDs to make charitable gifts. Is there a way to know whether Roth conversions from my IRA still make sense? Is now an optimal time to do more conversions? And once I begin taking RMDs, can I still do Roth conversions? My husband and I are setting up a trust, but he doesn't know much about my health. I'd like to name another relative as my medical power of attorney. Is that allowed, and could my husband override that decision? Also, is the ‘Five Wishes' document a good tool for end-of-life and medical preferences? I'm 67 and receiving Social Security and Medicare. My wife is 60, works part-time as a teacher, and is on Obamacare. If she retires at 62 and starts Social Security, will my benefit be reduced? And can she stay on Obamacare until 65, or does she need to enroll in Medicare at 65? We own two homes in different states and plan to sell one in the next three to four years. For the capital gains exclusion on a primary residence, do the two years of ownership and use have to be consecutive, or can they be any 24 months within the last five years? And if we split time between both homes, can we still qualify? My husband and I are 70 and 72, and we own five rental properties. We may sell them when he's around 78. From a tax and Medicare premium standpoint, is it better to sell them all in one year or spread the sales over multiple years? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Five Wishes Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summertime is here. And while kids may be counting down the days until school is out, parents and grandparents may be counting something else—the cost. Keeping kids entertained during the summer does not have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best memories do not come from expensive outings. They come from creativity, time together, and a little planning. It is tempting to spend our way into a good time. A movie with popcorn and drinks can easily become a costly outing for a family. A trip to a major league ballpark can cost even more. But meaningful family fun does not have to come with a high price tag. Here are ten fun, meaningful, and free things your family can do this summer. 1. Visit the Library Today's libraries are more than shelves of books. Many host summer reading challenges, puppet shows, craft days, Lego clubs, and other free activities for kids. A trip to the library builds lifelong learning habits, encourages imagination, and gives children a healthy break from screen time. It is a simple summer win for the whole family. 2. Have a Themed Movie Marathon Movie nights are always fun, but you can make them even more memorable with a theme. Dress up like your favorite characters, make homemade popcorn, and watch movies you already own or can stream for free through your library. It is a cozy, low-cost way to enjoy time together without leaving home. 3. Check Your Community Calendar Many towns and cities host free summer concerts, outdoor movie nights, festivals, parades, and family events. These gatherings are not only enjoyable; they also help families connect with their neighbors and experience the gift of community. Scripture often reminds us that we were not made to live in isolation, and summer can be a wonderful time to build those local connections. 4. Plan a Backyard Campout You do not need a mountain getaway to go camping. Pitch a tent in the backyard, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and spend time under the stars. You can also take a few moments to marvel at the night sky together. Psalm 8:3–4 says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars… what is man that you are mindful of him?” A backyard campout can become a simple opportunity to worship the God who made the heavens and cares for us. 5. Host a Yard Sale A yard sale can be more than a way to clean out the garage. Let your kids gather items, price them, and help run their own mini shop. This can teach stewardship, contentment, and generosity—especially if they choose to give a portion of the proceeds to someone in need. 6. Try Geocaching If your family enjoys a good treasure hunt, geocaching can be a fun adventure. All you need is a smartphone and a free app to begin searching for small caches hidden throughout your community. It is a great way to explore new places, get outside, and bond as a family—without spending money. 7. Organize a Neighborhood Game Day Sometimes the simplest games are the most fun. Kickball, capture the flag, relay races, or a water balloon battle can bring kids and families together for hours. Reach out to other parents in your neighborhood and organize a recurring game day. You can rotate houses, share the fun, and build community at no cost. 8. Create a Summer Bucket List Get the kids involved and make a list of free or simple things they want to do this summer. It could include building a fort, catching fireflies, learning a new skill, having a picnic, or watching a sunset. Then check the items off one by one. A summer bucket list builds anticipation, keeps the season organized, and helps your family make memories with intention. 9. Explore Local Parks and Trails Nature is one of God's most accessible gifts. A walk through the woods, a bike ride, or a visit to a local preserve can stir the soul and open our eyes to the beauty of creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” And so does every bird's song, wildflower, trail, and sunset. Summer is a wonderful time to help children slow down and notice the world God has made. 10. Serve Together as a Family One of the most meaningful things you can do this summer is serve others together. You could volunteer at a food pantry, visit a nursing home, bake treats for neighbors, write encouraging cards, or help someone with yard work. Acts of service teach children the joy of giving and remind them that life is not just about being entertained. Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Serving together helps children experience that truth firsthand. Steward the Summer Well It is easy to assume that fun comes with a price tag. But often, the most meaningful moments cost nothing at all. Laughter, love, sunshine, conversation, service, and time together are gifts from God. As you plan your summer, do not focus solely on how much you can spend. Focus on how you can wisely steward the time God has given you with the people you love. And take it from a dad who knows how quickly the years pass: this season goes by faster than you think. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to invest relationally, be present, and build memories that do not require debt. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 64, about to turn 65, and have severe health issues from pesticide and mold poisoning. I work multiple part-time jobs to cover care that traditional insurance hasn't covered, including a specialized doctor and compounded medications. People say I need Medicare and possibly a supplement to avoid penalties, but I'm not sure either would help. What should I do? I'm 62 and still working. At what age can I start drawing Social Security while continuing to earn my current income without reducing my benefit? And if I wait until 70, will that be when I receive the maximum benefit? I want to keep my estate out of probate. My bank accounts are payable on death to my two children, but I also have a house and 20 acres. How can I keep that property out of probate as well? Also, has the annual gift exclusion changed this year? I own a three-unit rental property. Would there be a benefit to placing it in an LLC, and what are the main advantages? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Over the past decade, U.S. stocks have been the center of the investing universe. And for good reason—the U.S. market remains one of the strongest and most influential in the world. But wise investing is not simply about looking at where the market has been. It also means asking where opportunities may be emerging next. That raises an important question: Should investors consider looking beyond U.S. markets? On today's show, Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, says the answer is worth careful consideration. While U.S. stocks remain important, global markets, currencies, and economic leadership are always changing. For investors seeking wise diversification, international investing may deserve a closer look. Why Consider International Investing? Historically, one of the main reasons to own international stocks has been diversification. Decades ago, foreign markets often moved more independently from U.S. markets. When U.S. stocks struggle, international stocks might perform better, helping smooth out a portfolio's ups and downs. That benefit has diminished somewhat as globalization has grown. Today, U.S. and foreign markets often move in the same general direction. But diversification is still not the only reason to consider investing abroad. Another reason is opportunity. Many strong companies are based outside the United States. Investors who focus only on domestic markets may miss out on growth taking place in other parts of the world. There is also a broader market-cycle consideration. U.S. and international stocks tend to trade leadership over long periods. One may outperform for a decade or more, and then the pattern can shift. After roughly 15 years of strong U.S. market leadership, foreign stocks may be positioned to become more competitive again. The U.S. Market Is Strong—But Not Permanent The U.S. economy remains the largest and strongest in the world. America benefits from deep capital markets, natural resources, innovation, and relative political stability. Still, Mark points out that U.S. financial assets have been “punching above their weight” for some time. U.S. stocks currently represent a much larger share of global stock markets than the U.S. represents of global economic output. That does not mean U.S. stocks are destined to decline. But it does suggest that today's level of dominance should not be assumed to last forever. The global economy is shifting toward a more multipolar world, where economic leadership may be spread more broadly across regions. If foreign investors begin directing more capital toward their home markets, international stocks could benefit. Why the Global Economy Matters One of the most important distinctions investors should understand is the difference between global stock market share and global economic output. According to Mark, U.S. stocks represent about 64% of the global equity market, while the U.S. share of global economic production is closer to 15%. That is a significant gap. There is no rule that a nation's stock market share must match its share of global economic activity. But those numbers have shifted over time, and there is no guarantee that the current U.S. share of global markets will remain this high indefinitely. For investors, this means it may be wise to pay attention to where economic growth is happening outside the United States—especially in emerging markets. The Opportunity—and Risk—of Emerging Markets Emerging markets can offer significant long-term growth potential. These countries often have growing populations, rising standards of living, and expanding economies. But that potential comes with higher volatility. Capital can move quickly in and out of emerging markets, creating larger swings in performance. Investors should understand that while the long-term growth story may be compelling, the risks are also greater. For that reason, emerging markets should generally be approached thoughtfully, as one part of a diversified strategy—not as a speculative bet. The Role of Currency Currency also plays an important role in international investing. Most Americans earn and spend in dollars, so they may not think much about exchange rates unless they travel internationally or buy foreign goods. But for investors, currency movements can have a meaningful impact. When a U.S. investor buys foreign stocks, returns are influenced by two factors: the performance of the foreign market and the movement of that country's currency against the U.S. dollar. If the foreign currency strengthens against the dollar, it can enhance returns for a U.S. investor. If it weakens, it can reduce returns. That means international investing is not just about foreign companies—it also involves exposure to global currencies. How Investors Can Add International Exposure For most investors, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds are the simplest ways to add international exposure. These vehicles provide diversification across many companies and markets. There are several categories to understand. World funds can invest anywhere around the globe, including the United States. Investors should examine them carefully because some may still hold a large percentage of U.S. stocks. Foreign funds focus primarily on companies outside the United States. These offer more direct international exposure. Regional and country-specific funds focus on specific regions of the world. These may offer targeted exposure but usually come with greater risk. Emerging market funds focus on developing economies with higher growth potential and higher volatility. Each type of fund carries different levels of diversification and risk, so investors should consider how each fits within their broader financial plan. What About China? China presents a complicated picture for investors. The country has experienced tremendous economic growth, but its stock market has not always reflected that growth as investors might expect. Government involvement, market controls, and geopolitical concerns also create additional risks. Because of those factors, some investors choose to limit or avoid exposure to China while still investing in other emerging markets. Mark notes that Sound Mind Investing takes this approach by using emerging-market strategies that exclude China. How Much International Exposure Makes Sense? There is no single percentage that fits every investor. The right amount depends on goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and the rest of the portfolio. Still, Mark suggests that many U.S. investors may be underexposed to international markets. As a general starting point, many diversified strategies might allocate roughly 15% to 25% of the stock portion of a portfolio to international assets, with flexibility to adjust based on market conditions. The key is not to chase trends or overreact to recent performance. It is to build a thoughtful, diversified portfolio that recognizes both the strength of U.S. markets and the opportunities developing around the world. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How can I trust God without saving too much, while still preparing wisely for retirement? Is it okay to save for retirement, and what should that look like? I've also been struggling with tithing. I often hear that I should give 10%, but that can be difficult. How should I think about tithing so my heart is in the right place? I'm helping my son and daughter-in-law buy their first home. Is PMI required for any first-time homebuyer who puts less than 20% down? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Diversifying Abroad: A Primer on International Investing by Mark Biller (Article on SoundMindInvesting.com) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you long for a life where you are not preoccupied with wondering how you measure up, Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller shares from her book, "Gazing at God: A 40-Day Journey to Greater Freedom from Self." She'll help you identify the wounds, assumptions, and scripts that keep you focused on you. Learn to recognize your God given true self! Originally aired September 17, 2025 Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

What are the biggest financial questions people keep asking—and are we answering them the right way? The questions we wrestle with about money often reveal something deeper. They expose our fears, our hopes, and what we truly believe about God's provision. That's why financial wisdom must go beyond spreadsheets and strategies. It must address the heart. Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joins us to unpack what financial advisors across the country are hearing from their clients. While the seasons of life may vary, many of the same questions keep surfacing—and those questions often reveal concerns that go deeper than dollars and cents. The Questions People Keep Asking As Kingdom Advisors stays connected with financial professionals across the country, certain questions continue to surface. According to Sharon, three of the most common are: How much is enough? How do I prepare the next steward? How do I give intentionally? Each question involves real financial decisions, but each one also reveals something about the heart. They are not merely questions about money. They are questions about security, legacy, generosity, and trust. How Much Is Enough? At first glance, “How much is enough?” sounds like a numbers question. People want to know how much they should save, how much they need for retirement, or how much margin they need to feel secure. But beneath the question is often a deeper concern: Will I be okay? Will my family be okay? That's why a purely financial answer can fall short. A typical financial plan may focus mainly on accumulation—building as much as possible to create a sense of safety. Saving wisely is important, but from a biblical perspective, accumulation alone cannot provide lasting peace. A stewardship approach asks a different question. It still considers the numbers, but it also recognizes that God is our provider. Enough is not merely a financial target. It is also a posture of the heart shaped by contentment, trust, and faithfulness. Preparing the Next Steward Another question many people ask is, “How do I prepare the next steward?” This often becomes urgent as people approach retirement or begin thinking about estate planning. But Sharon points out that preparing the next steward should not be delayed until later in life. It is something we should consider throughout our lifetime. That's because stewardship is not only about passing on wealth. It is about passing on wisdom, values, and a vision for faithfulness. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” While that certainly can include financial inheritance, it should not be limited to money. A truly meaningful inheritance includes biblical wisdom, godly character, and a clear understanding of how to steward resources. As Ron Blue has often said, estate planning is incomplete if it only focuses on wealth transfer. The greater goal is the transfer of wisdom before wealth. Giving Intentionally The third question Sharon says advisors frequently hear is, “How do I give intentionally?” This question moves generosity beyond impulse or obligation. It invites us to think carefully about how God may be calling us to use what He has entrusted to us for His Kingdom. Intentional giving requires prayer, planning, and a willingness to align our resources with our deepest convictions. It asks not simply, “How much can I give?” but “How can my giving reflect God's generosity and advance His purposes?” A Resource for Deeper Stewardship These recurring questions helped inspire FaithFi's new Field Guides—practical resources designed to help people work through major financial questions with both technical clarity and biblical wisdom. The first Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough?, helps readers think carefully about contentment, provision, and defining “enough” through a biblical lens. Because the questions we ask about money often point to deeper matters of the heart, we need more than financial information. We need wisdom rooted in God's Word. To receive a copy of the first FaithFi Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough?, become a FaithFi Partner by supporting the ministry at $35 a month or $400 a year. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: In my divorce, I was awarded my ex-husband's tax-deferred savings plan. It was originally $14,000 and grew to about $17,000 before being transferred to another bank. In 2020, when I tried to access the money, the bank said they couldn't find it in their system and suggested it might be in storage records. They still haven't located it. What steps can I take to recover those funds? I'm 56, a state employee, and about to take early retirement. I'll have healthcare covered, a pension of about $1,400 a month, and I'm moving into a private-sector job that pays more than I make now. My only debts are a $148,000 mortgage at 6% and an $11,000 home equity line at 7%. Should I invest the pension for retirement in about 10 years, or use it to pay down debt? I'm turning 65 in June. I received a Social Security letter stating that if I respond between December 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026, my claim would start at age 64½, backdated to December, rather than age 65. Since I didn't start this process, why would they begin my benefits at 64½ rather than letting me claim at 65? My wife recently left a job after 30 years and is starting with a new company. We're considering rolling her old retirement plan into an IRA at Schwab, but she wonders whether the money will grow more slowly if it's split between an IRA and her new employer's plan. Does retirement money need to be in one account to ‘grow together,' or is it fine to keep it in separate accounts? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) SSA.gov (Social Security Administration) National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 This is the 279th episode of my podcast, 'Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast'.  For this episode, I interview American Author Ms. Tracey Savell Reavis as we discuss her book, ‘United States Soccer On This Day: A 365-Day Journey of Games, Goals, and Moments in U.S. Men's National Team History.' (2026))  Ms. Reavis is a veteran sports journalist and author of The Life and Career of David Beckham. She has worked for Sports Illustrated, the National Basketball Association, CBS Sports, and the U.S. Olympic Committee, and is a member of the Society for American Soccer History and the International Society of Olympic History. She is the founder and editor of The Club, a long-running newsletter dedicated to U.S. national teams and world football culture. Tracey is a Brooklyn, NY native and a Fordham University alum.  For any questions/comments, you may contact us: You may also contact me on this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia. https://linktr.ee/sp1873  Mr. Paul Whittle, @real1888letter on twitter and https://the1888letter.com/contact/ https://linktr.ee/BeforeThePremierLeague   You may also follow the podcast on spotify and Apple podcasts all under ‘Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast' Please leave a review, rate and subscribe if you like the podcast. Ms. Tracey Savell Reavis' contact info: Twitter (X): @tsavellreavis Link: https://www.savellgroup.com/ Link to Ms. Tracey Savell Reavis' books: https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Soccer-This-Day/dp/B0GX7KHDSH https://www.amazon.com/Life-Career-David-Beckham-Football/dp/1442229926   Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6UqmATXC9XApRkh79KUsxr?si=MoGEPJmdSxurP3FzLK3MUQ&nd=1&dlsi=14e2ca5d4b73486ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode-279-interview/id1601074369?i=1000768658381 YouTube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LivfoQQwAXE Blog Link:  https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2026/05/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode_02104867099.htmlSupport the show

Why do we want our clothes to be forgiving? In this thought-provoking episode, Heather Creekmore unpacks the deeper meaning behind the fashion world’s favorite words—like "forgiving" and "flattering"—and explores why so many of us feel pressure to make our bodies fit a narrow standard. Do our clothes really have the power to absolve us, or is there something bigger at play? Join Heather Creekmore as she examines the surprising links between fashion lingo, theology, and our sense of self-worth. How does the language we use about our bodies sneak shame and judgment into our closets? What does it mean to break free from the idea of having "problem areas," and where can we look for true acceptance? Whether you struggle with body image or have ever hesitated in the dressing room mirror, this episode will challenge what you believe about your body, your clothes, and what it truly means to be "good enough." Tune in for powerful questions, real-life stories, and a fresh perspective that might change the way you get dressed tomorrow. Don’t miss it! Ready to transform the way you think about food and your body? Join us for the next 40-Day Journey starting June 3rd. Learn more here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Retirement is often described as the finish line—the long-awaited season when work finally ends, and leisure begins. But what if that picture is incomplete? For believers, retirement does not mean purpose expires. It may simply mean that purpose takes on a new expression. We were created by God not merely to earn a paycheck, but to serve, contribute, create, encourage, and reflect His character in the world. That calling does not end when a career does. Mitch Anthony, bestselling author of The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams…at Any Age You Want, has spent decades helping people rethink retirement. He joins the show today to share a simple but deeply important message: retirement should not be the end of meaningful work. It should be a new season of purposeful living. Work as Worship One of the most powerful ways to rethink retirement begins with a biblical understanding of work itself. In Hebrew, the word avodah conveys both work and worship. That connection reminds us that work was never meant to be separate from our calling before God. Work, at its best, is not merely labor. It is an opportunity to bring value to others and meaning to our own lives. That may happen through a career, but also through volunteering, mentoring, serving in the church, caring for family, teaching, consulting, creating, or encouraging others. Mitch defines work as “an engagement that brings value to others and meaning to you.” That broader definition helps us see that meaningful work is not limited to employment. It includes any faithful contribution that blesses others and reflects the gifts God has given us. Retirement Is Not a “Use By” Date Our culture often treats retirement as though people reach a certain age and are no longer needed. But that idea does not reflect biblical wisdom. Human beings are not products with expiration dates. We are image-bearers of God, created with gifts, experience, wisdom, and calling. While the pace or form of our work may change with age, our purpose does not disappear. That does not mean everyone should work a traditional job until the end of life. Rest matters. Enjoyment matters. Slowing down may be wise and necessary. But the question is not simply, “When can I stop working?” A better question is, “How can I continue bringing value to others in this season of life?” The Problem With Leisure Alone Many people imagine retirement as a permanent vacation. After decades of work, they look forward to golf, travel, hobbies, and relaxation. Those can all be good gifts from God. But leisure alone cannot carry the weight of a meaningful life. Mitch points out that there are diminishing returns to leisure. When recreation becomes the whole purpose of life, it often loses its joy. What once felt refreshing can begin to feel repetitive. The goal is not to choose between vacation and vocation. The goal is a healthy rhythm of both. Rest gives energy to our calling, and meaningful contribution makes rest more enjoyable. The Non-Financial Challenges of Retirement Most retirement planning focuses on money: savings, income, investments, Social Security, taxes, and health care costs. Those are important. But they are not the whole story. Retirement also brings significant non-financial challenges. People may struggle with identity, routine, mental engagement, relationships, and a sense of usefulness. For someone who has spent decades in a profession, stepping away can raise painful questions: Who am I now? What do I do with my time? Where am I needed? Mitch also notes that intellectual challenge matters. When people stop engaging their minds, solving problems, learning, and contributing, they may begin to feel themselves slowing down. Staying mentally and relationally engaged is an important part of a healthy retirement. Created for Good Works For Christians, the conversation about retirement must include Ephesians 2:10, which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” There is no retirement clause in that verse. God created His people for good works—not as a way to earn salvation, but as the fruit of His grace in our lives. Those good works may look different in each season, but they remain part of our calling. Retirement may change your schedule, income, title, or responsibilities. But it does not change the truth that you belong to Christ and have been gifted to serve others. Finding Purpose in a New Season For those entering retirement or already in it, the key is to ask better questions. What gifts has God given me? What knowledge and experience have I gained? Who could benefit from what I know? Where can I bring value to others? What kind of work still gives meaning rather than simply draining me? Those questions can open the door to mentoring younger professionals, serving in ministry, helping nonprofits, teaching a class, encouraging families, offering practical wisdom, or simply being more present to people who need care. Purpose in retirement does not have to be grand or public. Faithfulness often looks ordinary. But ordinary service, offered to God, can be deeply meaningful. A Better Vision for Retirement Retirement is not the end of usefulness. It is not a retreat from calling. And it is not merely a reward for decades of labor. For the follower of Christ, retirement can be a season of renewed purpose—a time to live with wisdom, generosity, rest, and meaningful contribution. The goal is not simply to have enough money to stop working. The goal is to steward the life God has given you for His glory and the good of others. Your career may end. Your title may change. Your pace may slow. But your purpose in Christ remains. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband died eight months ago without a will in New York. The state says his assets should be divided between his children and me from a previous relationship, even though they never contributed to our finances or home. My name wasn't on his bank accounts or the house. Is there any legal way to petition the court and argue that the inheritance should go entirely to me? I'm 53 and started contributing to my employer's 401(k) a little over two years ago. It's my only retirement savings, and I've been contributing pre-tax based on the idea that I may be in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Now I have about $22,000 saved. Given my age and limited time to contribute, should I keep contributing pre-tax or switch some or all of my contributions to Roth? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams...at Any Age You Want by Mitch Anthony Retirement Planning That Works by Mitch Anthony (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 5) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An emergency fund can be the difference between a financial setback and a financial crisis—but only if it's built the right way. Most people know they should have money set aside for emergencies. But many aren't sure how much to save, what actually counts as an emergency, or where to keep that money. Those are important questions, because an emergency fund is not just another savings goal. It is a key part of wise financial stewardship. What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected, significant financial disruptions. Those two words matter: unexpected and significant. This is not money for routine expenses, planned purchases, or occasional wants. It is reserved for the kinds of situations that can suddenly shake your financial life—job loss, a major medical need, a significant car repair, an urgent home repair, or another event that interrupts your income or requires a large amount of cash. In that sense, an emergency fund acts like a financial shock absorber. When something unexpected happens, it helps keep a difficult situation from turning into debt, panic, or financial chaos. Without an emergency fund, many people are forced to rely on credit cards or loans during hard times. But with one in place, you create stability and breathing room when uncertainty comes. How Much Should You Save? A helpful rule of thumb is to keep three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund. That means enough to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, insurance, transportation, and other necessary costs. For example, if your household needs $5,000 per month to cover basic expenses, a fully funded emergency fund would typically range from $15,000 to $30,000. Where you land in that range depends on your situation. If your income is stable and predictable, three months may be enough. But if your income fluctuates, if you're self-employed, or if you simply want additional peace of mind, six months—or even a little more—may be appropriate. The goal is not perfection. The goal is preparedness. Is Saving for Emergencies a Lack of Faith? Some Christians may wonder whether saving for emergencies reflects a lack of trust in God. But Scripture encourages wise preparation. Proverbs 6:6–8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” The ant is not anxiously trying to control the future. It is wisely preparing for what may come. That is the posture we want to take with our finances. An emergency fund is not about pretending we can control tomorrow. It is about stewarding today's resources wisely so that when tomorrow brings challenges, we are not forced into panic or unnecessary debt. Planning and trusting God are not opposites. In many cases, wise planning is an expression of faithful stewardship. Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund? Once you decide how much to save, the next question is where to keep it. This is where many people get tripped up. While an emergency fund should grow over time, it is not meant to be invested like a retirement account. Why? Because investments such as stocks and mutual funds fluctuate. If the market drops at the exact moment you need the money, your safety net may suddenly be smaller than you expected. Likewise, locking emergency funds in a certificate of deposit can limit your access. If you need to withdraw early, you may face penalties or lose interest. An emergency fund has two primary goals: safety and accessibility. You want the money protected and accessible quickly when a real need arises. That's why many financial advisors recommend keeping emergency funds in accounts such as high-yield savings accounts or money market accounts. These allow your money to earn a competitive rate while remaining liquid and accessible. They are also typically insured, helping protect your savings while they earn a modest return without taking unnecessary risk. A Banking Option Worth Considering This is where our friends at Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) come in. They recently merged with AdelFi to form AdelFi Christian Banking, creating even more opportunities for believers to align their banking with their faith. Right now, AdelFi offers a high-yield money market account that may be a good fit for an emergency fund. With this account, you can earn around 4% on balances up to $100,000, giving you both strong returns and the liquidity you need if an emergency arises. And when you bank with AdelFi, your deposits help fund ministry initiatives and Kingdom work around the world. For FaithFi listeners, there is also a special offer. When you open an account and use the code FAITHFI, you can receive up to a $400 bonus. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/Banking. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 68 and still working. I have about $50,000 in a 403(b) from a previous employer—part traditional, part Roth—and it's my only retirement savings. My tax preparer suggested I stop contributing to the Roth and use the traditional side so I could withdraw about $10,000 a year later with less tax. Now I'm wondering: should I move the traditional portion into a Roth, and how would that work? I'm 67 and have a 401(k) through my current employer. I'd like to use about $25,000 from it to buy a car instead of taking out a loan. Am I allowed to do that, and would I need to check with my plan administrator to see whether my 401(k) permits it? I'm considering a reverse mortgage, but I'm confused. If I take one out, would I still own my home, or would the house belong to the lender? Also, could I use a reverse mortgage for only about a year? What requirements would I need to meet based on my current mortgage balance and my home's value? I'm receiving SSDI, and I've heard those benefits switch to regular Social Security at retirement age. Will that happen automatically at 62, 65, or another age? Also, once it switches to retirement benefits, will I be able to work and earn income without being penalized? I'm 71 and planning to use Qualified Charitable Distributions from my IRA to reduce taxes. Since my birthday is in August, when should I make those gifts—before my birthday or later in the year? And when is my Required Minimum Distribution calculated so the QCD counts properly? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi | Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) - AdelFi Christian Banking Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summer is not that far off, and for many families, the kids are already dreaming about vacation. But parents may be asking a different question: How can we make great family memories without breaking the budget? A family vacation can be a wonderful gift, but it doesn't have to create financial pressure that follows you home. With a little planning, creativity, and communication, you can enjoy meaningful time together while staying within your means. Crystal Paine, creator of MoneySavingMom.com, joined us on today's show to share practical ways families can plan a memorable, budget-friendly vacation. Start Planning Early The first step is to plan ahead. The earlier you begin, the more options you'll have for lodging, travel, and activities. Crystal recommends considering destinations that are a little off the beaten path. These places often have fewer crowds and lower prices while still offering plenty of opportunities for rest and fun. If you're flying, she suggests using Google Flights to search flexible destinations. You can enter your travel dates and explore lower-cost flight options across the country. Just as important, set a clear budget for the entire trip before you go. Decide what matters most to your family. Maybe staying near the beach is a priority, but eating out every meal is not. Knowing those priorities ahead of time helps you spend intentionally rather than react in the moment. Take Advantage of Free Activities Some of the best vacation memories don't cost anything. Crystal encourages families to search for free things to do in their destination. Try looking up phrases like “best free things to do” along with the name of the city or area you'll be visiting. You may find hiking trails, local parks, self-guided walking tours, free museums, art exhibits, festivals, or concerts. These activities are often overlooked, but they can become the hidden gems of a trip. And they remind us that meaningful experiences don't always require a high price tag. Get the Whole Family Involved A vacation is more enjoyable when everyone feels included. Ask your children what they would enjoy doing. You may not be able to do everything, but letting each person choose one activity can help the trip reflect the whole family's interests. Crystal also suggests giving each family member a set budget and allowing them to plan a few hours of the vacation within that amount. This can be a fun way to teach kids practical money skills. They learn how much things cost, how to make tradeoffs, and how to enjoy the responsibility of planning. Be Strategic About Meals Food can quickly become one of the most expensive parts of a trip, especially if you eat out for every meal. One way to save is to stay somewhere that offers free breakfast. Then, bring snacks or simple meal items from home. If you're flying and can't pack much food, visit a grocery store when you arrive. A loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, carrots, chips, or sandwich supplies can cost far less than several restaurant meals. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a special meal out. Part of a vacation can be the fun of eating at a memorable place. The key is to be strategic. Choose the meals you want to splurge on, and save on the rest. Set a Daily Spending Limit Before the trip begins, decide how much you can spend each day. Then, make it a family challenge to stay under that amount. This can turn budgeting into a game rather than a burden. It helps children think carefully about purchases and gives everyone a shared goal. Instead of saying yes to everything in the moment, your family can work together to decide what is truly worth the cost. Come Home With Memories, Not Debt The best vacation is not the one with the biggest price tag. It's the one that gives your family time together, creates lasting memories, and allows you to come home without financial regret. A budget-friendly vacation doesn't mean settling for less. It means choosing what matters most, planning wisely, and remembering that joy is not found in how much we spend, but in the people we share life with. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 66, recently retired from the Air Force, and considering taking Social Security before full retirement age. What income counts toward the earnings limit—just wages, or also pension income and IRA withdrawals? And how does a lump-sum vacation payout affect that? I'm 60 and plan to work until 67. I have traditional and Roth IRAs. Should I continue doing small Roth conversions each year, as my CPA suggested, or wait until retirement? What's the advantage of converting now? I'm 72, turning 73 soon. Can I use a donor-advised fund to satisfy my RMDs, and when exactly do RMDs begin? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) MoneySavingMom.com  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you do when the cost of staying healthy begins to strain the family budget? For many households, health care has become one of the biggest financial pressures they face. Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are already stretching families thin. But medical costs often feel like they are in a category of their own. Even when traditional coverage feels out of reach, families are not without options. That's why Lauren Gajdek, Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), joined the show today to discuss medical cost sharing, how it works, and why more families are taking a closer look. The Pressure Families Are Feeling Many families are still dealing with the effects of higher prices across the board. While inflation may have cooled in some areas, that does not mean prices have returned to their previous levels. Groceries, utilities, housing, and other essentials still cost more than they did before, leaving many households with less room in their monthly budgets. Health care adds another layer of pressure. Employer-sponsored family health insurance can now cost thousands of dollars each year when accounting for both employer and employee contributions. Marketplace plans can also be expensive, especially for those who do not qualify for subsidies. Behind those rising premiums are the increasing costs of hospitals, medications, and other medical services. For families trying to manage their resources wisely, those numbers can feel overwhelming. What Options Are Available? When traditional health insurance becomes too expensive, families may begin looking for alternatives. One option is COBRA, which allows someone who has lost employer-sponsored coverage to keep the same plan for a time. But COBRA is often very expensive because the individual is typically responsible for the full cost of the plan without employer assistance. Another option is the health insurance marketplace at Healthcare.gov. For those who qualify for subsidies, this may provide some relief. But without subsidies, marketplace plans may still be difficult to afford. A third option is medical cost-sharing through an organization such as Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is not insurance. Instead, it is a community of believers who voluntarily come together to help share one another's eligible medical expenses. How Medical Cost-Sharing Works Most people are familiar with the traditional insurance model: premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and claims. Medical cost sharing operates differently. With Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), members receive medical care from their provider and then work with that provider to receive the bill directly. The member submits the bill to CHM, and eligible medical costs are shared or reimbursed in accordance with the program guidelines. CHM describes this as “assurance” rather than insurance. Members are supported not only financially but also spiritually by a community of believers committed to helping one another. Christian Healthcare Ministries has been serving members for more than 40 years and has shared more than $13 billion in medical costs. What Does It Cost? CHM offers several programs designed to fit different household needs and budgets. Their Gold program is $299 per unit per month. Silver is $169 per unit per month, Bronze is $115 per unit per month, and CHM also offers a senior program for $119 per unit per month. Costs are based on household size and the number of participating members. Dependent children can participate as one unit, and no family pays for more than three units. For some families, that structure may provide a more affordable way to manage health care costs while staying aligned with their values. A Values-Aligned Approach Health care decisions are both practical and personal. Families need to consider costs, coverage needs, medical history, risk tolerance, and how each option fits their overall financial plan. For those seeking an alternative to traditional insurance, medical cost sharing may be worth exploring. It offers believers a way to come together in community, helping one another carry the burden of medical expenses. Christian Healthcare Ministries is a longtime underwriter of Faith & Finance, and many listeners—as well as some members of the FaithFi team—have used CHM for years. To learn more, visit CHMinistries.org/FaithFi. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 71 and receiving a survivor Social Security benefit from my late husband. I've worked for years, but was told my own benefit will always be lower. Is that correct, and is there anything I can do? I applied for Social Security Disability after a stroke and am still waiting. As a self-employed mechanic, it's getting harder to work. If I'm approved, can I still work at all without losing my benefits? I'm a stay-at-home mom with a small business and a few hundred dollars to invest, with plans to add more over time. Where should I start? I'm retired on Social Security with a very low income and small annual losses from cattle. Do I still need to file a tax return, or am I exempt? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) Healthcare.gov Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® SSA.gov (Social Security Administration) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A growing number of Christians are asking not just how to invest, but whether their investments reflect what they believe. For many believers, investing has often been treated as a purely financial activity—something focused on returns, risk, diversification, and retirement goals. But what if investing is also deeply connected to our faith and calling? Luke Bolton, Executive for Strategic Relationships at Kingdom Advisors and co-author of the upcoming book, The Theology of Investing: A Biblical Perspective for Contemporary Investors, joins us on the show today to say that this is ultimately about more than financial strategy. It is about theology—what we believe about God, money, stewardship, and the world He created. Why a Theology of Investing Matters Most Christians encounter investing at some point, whether through a workplace retirement plan, an IRA, a brokerage account, or a conversation with a financial advisor. But many have never paused to ask a deeper question: What does my faith have to say about this? For Bolton, the answer begins with the lordship of Christ. If we confess that Jesus is Lord, then He is Lord over everything—including our money, savings, and investments. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That “everything” includes how we invest. This does not mean every Christian will make the exact same investing decisions. But it does mean investing should not be placed in a separate category outside discipleship. Our portfolios, like every other part of life, should be brought under the wisdom and purposes of God. Investing Begins in the Heart A biblical approach to investing starts with what is happening internally. Are we trusting God, or are we trusting the markets? Are we investing out of wisdom and stewardship, or anxiety and fear? Are we content and grateful, or driven by comparison and accumulation? Those heart-level questions matter because financial decisions are never purely financial. They reveal what we value, what we fear, and where we place our hope. Scripture repeatedly reminds us not to put our ultimate confidence in wealth, which is uncertain, but in God, who richly provides. That perspective changes the way we think about return, risk, security, and purpose. Investing Also Has an Outward Expression Faith-based investing is not only about the heart, though. It also shapes outward decisions. Bolton explained that over the last 20 to 30 years, a growing number of Christians have begun taking meaningful action through their investments in three key ways. Some seek to avoid investments that conflict with their faith. Others look for opportunities to use their influence as investors for good. Still others seek investments that actively align with God's heart for human flourishing and the good of His world. In other words, faith-based investing can move beyond simply asking, “What should I avoid?” It can also ask, “What good can my investments help accomplish?” Seeking the Welfare of the World Jeremiah 29:7 says, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Galatians 6:10 adds, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Those passages help frame investing as an opportunity. Capital can be deployed in ways that contribute to human flourishing, support productive work, and reflect God's concern for the world He made. That does not remove the need for careful financial analysis. Investors still need wisdom, diversification, and sound counsel. But it does add another layer of due diligence: How might this investment reflect God's character, purposes, and mission? Where to Begin For someone who wants to move in this direction, Bolton suggested a few simple first steps. Start by learning more about investing from a biblical worldview. Then take time to understand what you already own. Many investors do not know which companies or funds are represented in their portfolios. From there, seek wise counsel. This is not a conversation to navigate alone or simply by searching online. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is often found in the presence of many counselors. A practical next step may be as simple as asking your advisor, “How might I better align my investments with my values?” Bolton noted that many advisors are waiting for clients to raise the question. In many cases, values-aligned investing conversations begin when investors ask. Your Portfolio Is an Opportunity The field of faith-based investing continues to grow. More investment solutions are becoming available for retirement plans, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts. That growth is encouraging because it gives Christian investors more opportunity to connect their financial decisions with their convictions. But the goal is not merely to find a “Christian” version of investing. The deeper goal is faithful stewardship. Investing is not only about increasing wealth. It is about managing what God has entrusted to us in a way that reflects His character and purposes. At the end of the day, our portfolios are more than accounts. They are opportunities. They give us a chance to ask whether our financial decisions are shaped by faith, wisdom, and love of neighbor. They invite us to consider how our resources can participate in God's work in the world. If you want help aligning your investments with your faith and values, you can connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) at FindaCKA.com.  When searching, you can indicate that you are looking for an advisor who specializes in faith-based investing. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: If someone opened a fraudulent account using my name and Social Security number, could it show up on only one credit bureau and not the others? A friend is turning 62 and wants to retire early due to health issues. She believes her Social Security will be reduced by 85% because her husband is still working. Is that true? And would she qualify for any senior tax exemptions or breaks? I paid off a car loan in 14 months on a four-year note, but my credit score dropped about 38 points. Why would that happen? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AnnualCreditReport.com Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you curious about how diet programs sneak religious language into their sales pitch? Ever wondered why joining a weight loss plan at church can feel surprisingly similar to joining a church itself? On today’s episode, Heather Creekmore continues her powerful series, "The Gospel of Good Bodies," and exposes the insidious ways that popular diet programs like Optavia and the old Weigh Down Workshop blur the line between faith and food. Heather Creekmore digs deep into: How diet culture borrows the architecture of salvation: Learn how programs diagnose a “fallen state,” promise transformation, offer coaching “saviors,” and tout communities that eerily resemble church groups. Shocking religious-sounding language from Optavia: Hear actual letters written to "brothers and sisters in Christ," urging members to “kick sugar in the face” as if it’s a spiritual battle; one equal to a believer's battle with pride! The tragic path of Weigh Down Workshop: How Gwen Shamblin’s transformative biblical dieting program morphed into a bona fide cult—with spiritual harm to match. Dangers of mixing body goals with spiritual worth: Why these messages distract from the true gospel and what Scripture actually says about food and the body. A word of hope if you feel trapped by religious diet culture: Heather Creekmore encourages you—there’s a better, grace-filled way to see your body through Jesus. If you’ve ever joined a diet program because “a Christian was leading it,” or if you just want to protect your faith from diet hype, you can’t miss this episode! Love this episode? Check out other deep-dives with Heather Creekmore into: The Biggest Loser and its impact on our view of salvation Past episodes about what the Bible actually says about food and dieting The Weigh Down Workshop documentaries on Netflix and HBO Max Plus, Heather Creekmore references insightful books like David Zahl's Seculosity. Check out Heather's 40-Day Body Image Workbook or join us on the 40-Day Journey. Let’s uncover the truth—together. Press play now! Subscribe & Share:If this episode helps you, share it with a friend and check out our other episodes on faith, body image, and the gospel of good bodies. Next up: Why do we expect our clothes to forgive us? Don’t miss the next thought-provoking discussion! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if investing could be about more than performance? What if it could also be about purpose? For many believers, stewardship does not stop with earning, giving, saving, or spending. It also includes asking whether the companies we invest in reflect the values we profess. And as more Christians think carefully about their portfolios, faith-based investing tools are making that conversation more practical than ever. Mike Schnackenberg, Head of Distribution at Eventide Asset Management, joins the show today to discuss the rise of faith-based ETFs and how investors can align their portfolios with their convictions while honoring God and serving the common good. What Is an ETF? ETF stands for exchange-traded fund. Simply put, an ETF is an investment vehicle that can hold multiple stocks or bonds under one ticker symbol. That gives investors a convenient way to diversify. Instead of purchasing shares of dozens—or even hundreds—of individual companies, an investor can gain exposure to many holdings through a single investment. ETFs also trade on exchanges like stocks, which means they can be bought and sold throughout the trading day. Many also provide transparency, giving investors visibility into the companies or holdings inside the fund. For years, many people associated ETFs mainly with passive investing—funds that simply track a broad market index. But that has been changing. More active strategies are now being offered through ETFs as well, partly because of the accessibility, transparency, and tax efficiency the structure can provide. Is Passive Investing Really Neutral? One of the most important questions for Christian investors is whether passive investing is truly neutral. At first glance, it may seem that way. If an investor is simply tracking an index, it can feel like they are not making an active ethical choice. But from a biblical stewardship perspective, every investment decision carries moral weight because investing involves ownership. Even if someone owns only a small percentage of a large company, that investor still has a connection to the company's products, practices, profits, and impact. If we benefit from a company's success, then it is worth asking whether that success comes through work that contributes to human flourishing—or work that harms our neighbors. That is why faith-based investing begins with a deeper question: What kind of impact do I want my investments to have? Investing Is Ownership For believers, stewardship is not limited to giving, budgeting, or avoiding debt. It also includes investing. If God owns everything, then the money we invest is also entrusted to us by Him. That means our portfolios should not be disconnected from our discipleship. A broad market index may include companies involved in industries or practices many Christians would find troubling—areas connected to addiction, exploitation, the destruction of life, or other harms to human flourishing. Faith-based investing seeks to avoid those problematic areas while also identifying companies whose products and practices serve people well. The goal is not merely to avoid what is harmful. It is also to pursue what is good. The Awareness Gap One of the biggest challenges is that many Christians simply do not know that faith-based investing options are available. They may assume their only choices are traditional index funds, mutual funds, or ETFs that make no distinction between companies based on values or business practices. But the faith-based investing space has grown, giving investors more opportunities to pursue financial goals while also seeking values alignment. For many believers, the first step is simply awareness: learning what they currently own and understanding what companies or industries may already be represented in their portfolio. That discovery process can be eye-opening. Many investors find that familiar funds or indexes include exposure to businesses they would not knowingly support. What Should Investors Look For? Those who want their investments to align more closely with their convictions should begin by examining what their current investments contain. Some screening tools allow investors or advisors to enter a ticker symbol and review exposure to areas many Christians consider problematic, such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography, and abortion-related businesses. Some faith-based investment firms screen across many additional ethical categories. This kind of review is not meant to stir up guilt. It is meant to bring clarity. Once investors understand what they own, they can make more intentional decisions about where their money is invested and which kinds of companies they want to support. Eventide's Approach to Faith-Based ETFs Eventide Asset Management has long focused on values-based investing. Its tagline is “Investing that makes the world rejoice,” a phrase that reflects its desire to identify companies that contribute to human flourishing while avoiding businesses involved in harmful practices. Eventide has now brought that approach into the ETF space. Its ETF lineup includes both an actively managed high-dividend strategy and several systematic ETFs designed to provide investors with broad market exposure while applying value-based screens. The aim is to offer investors something similar to the look and feel of traditional market exposure, while avoiding companies involved in practices that conflict with a biblical worldview and leaning toward businesses that create real value for people and communities. Investing for Human Flourishing Faith-based investing is not only about what investors avoid. It is also about what they support. At their best, businesses can serve customers, create meaningful work, solve real problems, develop helpful products, and strengthen communities. Investing can be one way of participating in that good work. That is why this conversation is about more than portfolio construction. It is about asking whether the resources God has entrusted to us are being used in ways that reflect His purposes. Christian investors do not have to choose between thoughtful financial stewardship and faithfulness. The goal is to pursue wise investing while also asking how our investments can honor God and love our neighbors. The potential impact is significant. A large amount of public equity assets is held by church-attending Christians, yet only a small portion of those assets is currently invested in explicitly faith-aligned ways. If more believers began viewing their investments as part of their stewardship, capital could be directed away from destructive industries and toward companies creating meaningful value in the world. Now more than ever, Christians have an opportunity to align the resources God has entrusted to them with the values they profess. Investing is not just about growing wealth. It is about stewardship. It is about ownership. And for the believer, it is one more area of life where faith should shape financial decisions. To learn more about faith-based investing options from Eventide, visit EventideInvestments.com. You can also explore additional resources at GoodInvestor.com. Mike Schnackenberg is the Head of Distribution at Eventide Asset Management, LLC. Views expressed in this podcast are intended for information purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Eventide does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Eventide's values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have two retirement accounts totaling about $18,000 and need to withdraw the funds. They're withholding 20% plus fees—around $2,200 per account. Is that normal? I'm 74 and have a universal life policy with a $750,000 death benefit and about $60,000 in cash value. Premiums are now being drawn from the policy, and the value is declining. Since I'm debt-free and financially stable, would it make more sense to surrender the policy and invest the cash instead? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Eventide Asset Management GoodInvestor.com Eventide ETFs Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unexpected wealth can feel like a blessing, but without wisdom, it can quickly become a burden. A sudden financial gain, a large inheritance, a life insurance payout, or the sale of a business can change your circumstances overnight. But what you do next matters far more than what you've received. When a financial windfall comes into our lives, it rarely arrives in a vacuum. Often, it is tied to loss. A loved one has passed away, leaving behind assets along with grief. Or it may come after years of effort, when a business finally sells, or an investment pays off. In those moments, emotions can run high. There may be gratitude, relief, and even excitement. But there may also be uncertainty, pressure, and fear. That's why the first step is not financial at all. It is spiritual. Remember Who Owns It All In 1 Chronicles 29:14, David prays, “For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” That is a simple but powerful reminder: whatever we receive ultimately belongs to God. That truth changes everything. Receiving a windfall may feel deeply personal, but it is ultimately part of God's provision and His purposes. And when that wealth represents the life's work of someone else, it should lead us to humility. So the first step is simple, but not always easy: pause. Before making major decisions, take time to pray, reflect, and remember that this is not merely money to manage. It is a stewardship entrusted to you by God. Guard Your Heart Sudden wealth can subtly reshape our hearts if we are not paying attention. It can shift our sense of security, our priorities, and even our identity. What once felt like dependence on God can slowly drift toward self-reliance if we are not anchored in truth. That is why this moment matters spiritually. Ecclesiastes 7:11 says, “Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.” Notice that inheritance and wisdom are meant to go together. Wealth without wisdom is dangerous. But wealth guided by wisdom can become a powerful tool for good. Give yourself time to think, pray, and seek counsel before making any major moves. Understand What You Have Received From there, the next step is to understand what you have actually received, because not all wealth is the same. If you received a life insurance payout, it may have come during a season of grief, which makes wise decision-making even more important. Those funds are often income-tax-free, but that does not mean the decisions are simple. It can be tempting to act quickly in an emotional moment, but this is a time to slow down and prayerfully consider how those resources can provide stability, meet immediate needs, and reflect the values of the one who provided them. If you inherited a retirement account, such as an IRA, there are often specific rules to follow. In many cases, the account must be retitled as an inherited IRA, and the funds may need to be distributed within a certain timeframe, often within 10 years, depending on your situation and your relationship to the original account holder. If you sold a business, what was once tied up in years of hard work may now be sitting in cash. That can feel both freeing and overwhelming. A sale like this may trigger significant capital gains taxes, so it is important to understand what you owe and when. Beyond that, this is a moment to think carefully about what comes next. You do not have to rush into new investments or big decisions. Take time to evaluate your long-term needs and consider how this transition can align your resources and your next season of life with God's purposes. And if you inherited property, there may be an opportunity, but also complexity. In many cases, the tax basis is adjusted to the property's value at the time you inherit it, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate capital gains if you sell relatively soon. But the right decision depends on your full financial picture, your goals, and your family's needs. The form of wealth may differ—cash, investments, retirement accounts, business proceeds, or property—but the need for wisdom remains the same. Seek Wise Counsel One of the most important steps you can take is to surround yourself with wise, godly counsel. Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Understanding comes before wise action. That means asking good questions, getting clear on the details, and inviting trusted voices into the process before you make decisions that may shape your future for years to come. This is especially important when taxes, estate issues, investment decisions, family dynamics, or charitable giving are involved. A financial windfall can create opportunities, but it can also create pressure. Wise counsel can help you slow down, avoid costly mistakes, and make decisions rooted in stewardship rather than fear, guilt, or impulse. That is why we recommend connecting with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®)—someone trained to help you navigate financial decisions through the lens of biblical wisdom. You can find one near you at FindACKA.com. A Final Word Unexpected wealth is not merely a financial event. It is a spiritual opportunity. It gives you a chance to ask: How can I honor God with what He has entrusted to me? How can these resources provide wisely for my household, bless others, and serve God's Kingdom? The goal is not simply to preserve wealth or increase it. The goal is faithfulness. Because in the end, what matters most is not how much you received, but whether you received it with humility, handled it with wisdom, and used it for the glory of God. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My car's engine failed, and I need a replacement. I'm considering a $18,000 used car, but my original budget was $14,000. I have about $18,000 in savings and could pay cash, though it would nearly deplete it. Should I use my savings or finance part of the purchase? I'm almost 70 with limited savings, but I've always believed in tithing. Would it be appropriate to invest a set amount monthly—like $100—in a CD or fund and designate it as giving to ministries after I pass, or should I approach my giving differently? My husband and I are retired and nearing 80. As we transition out of real estate, we're considering moving more into ETFs and index funds. What types of investments make sense for this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) | iShares Gold Trust (IAU) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” - 2 Timothy 1:5 As Mother's Day approaches, that verse offers a beautiful reminder: the influence of a faithful mother often reaches farther than we can see. Through daily acts of love, sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance, mothers shape hearts, homes, and generations. Their work is not always loud or publicly celebrated, but it is deeply significant. Many of the values we carry, the lessons we live by, and even our understanding of God's care have been formed through the steady presence of a mother or mother figure in our lives. The Hidden Work Mothers Carry Most of the time, when we think about the contribution of mothers, we think of things money could never measure—love, compassion, wisdom, patience, and strength. Still, it can be eye-opening to consider the sheer amount of work mothers carry each day. According to Salary.com's annual survey, working moms put in an average of 54 hours each week managing their households on top of their professional responsibilities. For stay-at-home moms, the workload can resemble 15-hour days, seven days a week. That work often includes serving as chef, teacher, nurse, counselor, scheduler, chauffeur, financial manager, and conflict negotiator—sometimes all before lunch. Salary.com estimated that if a mother were paid for all the roles she fills, the annual base salary would exceed $200,000. When bonuses, overtime, and other “premium pay” are added, the total could rise above $250,000. Those numbers may catch our attention, but they still do not tell the full story. Her Worth Cannot Be Measured Even the highest estimate falls short of what mothers truly provide. Why? Because the most meaningful things a mother offers cannot be bought. She gives comfort in moments of fear, wisdom in seasons of confusion, encouragement when confidence is low, and love that remains steady through every stage of life. For many, a mother's care becomes one of the clearest early reflections of God's tenderness and faithfulness. That is why Scripture calls us not merely to acknowledge mothers, but to honor them. Honor with Words Proverbs 31:28 paints a beautiful picture of gratitude in action: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Notice that this family does not simply feel thankful—they express it. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to honor your mother is to tell her what she means to you. Thank her for the sacrifices she made, the prayers she prayed, and the ways she loved and served, even when no one else noticed. Words of gratitude can become a gift that lingers long after Mother's Day has passed. Honor with Care As mothers grow older, honoring them often takes on a new form. It becomes practical, intentional care. That may mean helping financially, assisting with daily needs, offering emotional support, or simply giving the gift of your time and presence. Jesus addressed this in Mark 7:10–13 when He rebuked those who used religious excuses to avoid caring for their parents. Their outward devotion masked inward selfishness. Christ made it clear that genuine love for God is never separated from love for people—especially those within our own families. Honoring a mother is not confined to a holiday. It is a lifestyle of gratitude, responsibility, and love. A Legacy That Lasts Forever This Mother's Day, take time to celebrate the women who have shaped your life—your mother, your wife, your grandmother, or perhaps a spiritual mother who has walked beside you in faith. Let her know she is seen. Let her know she is loved. Let her know her work matters. Because when a mother faithfully serves her family, prays for her children, and passes on her faith, she is doing more than building a home. She is shaping eternity. Mother's Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for one of God's gifts—the faithful influence of mothers. So this week, don't let the moment pass by. Offer your praise. Share your gratitude. Show your love. And wherever possible, serve the mothers in your life with joy. In doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ and fulfill one of Scripture's most foundational commands: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both 70, retired school teachers, and I'm also retired military. Most of our retirement income comes from fixed pensions, and we've invested heavily in agriculture and farm property. We still want to invest. At our age and with our income setup, how should we approach investing now? I need help finding affordable health insurance on a limited income. I've had major health issues in the past, and I'm worried that could affect my options. My husband is retired, our resources are running low, and I'm not sure where to turn. What should we do? My daughter, now 18, received a small inheritance from my mother a few years ago, but it's barely grown where it was placed. She's working full-time, attending technical school, and wants to start investing for the future. Where should we move that money, how do we avoid penalties, and what would be a wise long-term option for her? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Healthcare.gov | eHealth | HealthMarkets | HealthSherpa Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Open Hands Finance Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it possible to help your adult children in a way that actually keeps them from growing? It's a difficult question, but an important one. Many parents want to support their children well, especially when their children face setbacks, financial stress, or uncertain times. Yet the way we offer help can shape not only their circumstances, but also their character. The goal isn't simply to make life easier. It's to help in ways that strengthen them rather than sideline them. When Love Needs Wisdom For many parents, this is a tender place to stand. You love your children deeply. You want to see them flourish. And when they struggle, every instinct says, Step in and fix it. That instinct often comes from a good place. But even good instincts need wisdom. Consider a baby bird hatching from its shell. It may seem compassionate to help it break free, but if you intervene too soon, the bird may not survive. The struggle of pushing through the shell is essential. It develops the strength and coordination needed for life outside the egg. The struggle isn't the problem. It's part of the preparation. In the same way, when we remove every difficulty from our children's lives, we may step in at the very moment when growth is meant to happen. When Support Slowly Becomes Dependence Most parental help begins with simple acts of care: Covering an unexpected bill Helping with a car repair Letting them move back home Offering temporary financial support None of these is inherently wrong. In many cases, they are loving and appropriate responses. But over time, those moments can accumulate. And eventually the question changes from How can I help? to Is this actually helping? Are you helping them move forward—or delaying lessons they need to learn? Are you offering support—or carrying responsibilities that now belong to them? That tension is real, and one of the hardest parts of parenting adult children is knowing when to step back. Support in Ways That Move Them Forward Healthy support should encourage progress, not prolong immaturity. This is an act of stewardship—not only of your resources, but of their formation. The goal is not to eliminate every hardship. Often, maturity takes root in the soil of challenge. Consider tying support to clear next steps, such as: Progress toward employment Pursuing education or training Contributing to household responsibilities Taking increasing ownership of personal expenses Working toward specific financial goals Support like this doesn't replace responsibility. It reinforces it. An adult child living at home is not automatically a sign of failure. Throughout history, including biblical times, multigenerational living was common and remains normal in many cultures today. The better question is not Where are they living? But are they growing in responsibility? Are they contributing? Learning? Planning? Taking steps toward independence? Those are the indicators that matter most. Burdens and Loads: Knowing the Difference Scripture offers a helpful framework for discerning when to step in and when to step back.  Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens.” Yet Galatians 6:5 says, “For each will have to bear his own load.” So which is it? The answer is both. A burden is something too heavy to carry alone—a crisis, deep hardship, or overwhelming circumstance. A load is the ordinary responsibility each person is meant to carry—daily choices, obligations, and personal stewardship. This distinction is helpfully explained in Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. They note that healthy relationships require clarity about what belongs to us and what belongs to someone else. Wisdom is knowing the difference. When parents consistently carry what belongs to their adult children, they may relieve pressure in the moment—but unintentionally prevent the growth that responsibility can produce. Protect Your Marriage and Financial Foundation Before offering significant financial help, it's wise to pause and talk with your spouse. Pray together. Discuss what you can realistically give, what you cannot sustain, and what patterns you want to avoid. Unity matters. So does financial stability. Just as flight attendants remind passengers to secure their own oxygen mask first, you need to protect your own financial foundation if you hope to help others well. Helping your children should not come at the expense of wise stewardship or unnecessary strain in your marriage. Trust God With Their Story Supporting adult children isn't about getting every decision perfectly right. It's about faithfully stewarding your role in this season—with wisdom, grace, and trust. God is at work in their lives even more than you are. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is help. Sometimes it is to wait. Sometimes it is to say no. And often, the greatest gift you can offer is not rescue—but the opportunity to grow through responsibility, perseverance, and dependence on the Lord. Want to Go Deeper? The latest issue of Faithful Steward Magazine features an article titled Helping Adult Children Without Holding Them Back by Jim Henry, which explores this topic further with practical, biblical insight for families navigating these decisions. You can receive Faithful Steward Magazine each quarter directly to your mailbox when you become a FaithFi Partner with a gift of $35 a month or $400 a year. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 55, debt-free, own my home, and have about $360,000 saved, including $250,000 in my 401(k). I've been maxing out my 401(k), but next year I plan to reduce my income and drive less. When should I start shifting my 401(k) allocation from more aggressive to conservative? I'm 74, retired, and living on Social Security plus guaranteed IRA income. I also have two non-qualified fixed annuities. Should I begin taking money from one annuity now to spread out the taxes, or wait to avoid higher Medicare premiums and more Social Security taxation? And what should I ask my advisor to calculate for me? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Helping Adult Children Without Holding Them Back by Jim Henry (Article in Faithful Steward Magazine, Issue 5) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Economic headlines can rattle our confidence. Markets fluctuate, layoffs make news, and inflation or recession fears can create a sense of instability. When uncertainty rises, fear often follows—and fear can drive financial decisions we later regret. But while the economy changes, God's wisdom does not. Scripture offers steady guidance that helps us respond with clarity instead of anxiety.  In today's conversation, financial teacher, author, and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, Ron Blue, shared with us timeless principles for navigating uncertain times with confidence rooted in the Lord. Why Financial Uncertainty Creates Anxiety According to Ron Blue, much of our financial stress comes down to one word: uncertainty. When people feel like circumstances are outside their control, anxiety often increases. Daily headlines about markets, job losses, or global instability can make us feel like something urgent must be done immediately. That pressure can lead to emotional rather than wise decision-making. Rather than acting from fear, believers are invited to remember that while circumstances may shift, God remains faithful. As Scripture reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) One of the greatest ways to reduce fear is to have a plan. Without a plan, every headline can push us into reaction mode. We may feel tempted to sell investments too quickly, take on debt to maintain our lifestyle, or abandon long-term goals because of short-term concerns. But when we follow wise, biblical principles, we gain perspective. We can step back, think clearly, and make decisions based on truth rather than emotion. A plan does not remove every challenge, but it provides direction when emotions run high. Four Timeless Financial Principles Ron Blue highlighted four foundational principles that remain effective in both strong economies and difficult ones. 1. Think Long Term Financial decisions should be guided by long-term goals, not short-term fear. Temporary headlines should not determine permanent strategies. Patience and perspective are essential parts of wise stewardship. 2. Spend Less Than You Earn This is one of the most foundational financial principles. Living below your means creates margin, flexibility, and peace. When income exceeds spending, you are better positioned to save, give, and prepare for future needs. 3. Build Emergency Savings Unexpected expenses are not a matter of if, but when. An emergency fund creates liquidity when life brings surprises. Even small, consistent savings can provide stability over time. 4. Minimize Debt Debt increases financial risk by committing future income to past decisions. It can reduce flexibility and add pressure during already stressful seasons. While not all debt is the same, reducing unnecessary debt is often a wise step toward greater freedom. A Practical Step You Can Take This Week If you feel unsettled financially, start with a simple financial checkup: Review what you earn Review what you spend Determine whether you are living within your means Identify one area to reduce spending Begin or grow an emergency fund Start small if needed. Small steps often create momentum, and momentum builds confidence. It's similar to using a roadmap or GPS. When you know where you're going and how you plan to get there, the journey feels less overwhelming. Every generation has faced seasons of fear and uncertainty. Economic downturns, wars, political unrest, and personal hardship have always been part of life in a fallen world. What changes are the circumstances. What remains constant is God's truth. His Word is still trustworthy, still relevant, and still sufficient for the challenges we face today. Where Trust Ultimately Rests A biblical view of money does more than change what we do—it transforms how we think and ultimately who we trust. Financial security is never found merely in markets, savings accounts, or headlines. True security is found in the Lord, who is our provider and guide in every season. When uncertainty comes, wise stewardship matters. But even more than that, so does remembering that our hope has never rested in the economy. It has always rested in God. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 60 and planning to refinance my mortgage this summer. I'd like to honor God with my finances. Is there a biblically based or faith-aligned mortgage company I can refinance with, and how would I find one? My wife and I are both self-employed, but after taking on loans to grow her business, we're overwhelmed with debt. Bills are piling up, my credit is suffering, and we're trying to support seven kids at home. Should we consider bankruptcy, or is there a better path to stabilize our finances and get out of debt? My wife and I just lost our 26-year-old son, who lived with us. He didn't have a will, and we're waiting on corrected death certificates. He also had a life insurance policy naming my wife as beneficiary. How many death certificates should we request, and what steps should we take to settle his affairs, accounts, and any debts? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Surviving Financial Meltdown: Confident Decisions in an Uncertain World by Ron Blue and Jeremy White Movement Mortgage Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Guidestone Funds Eventide Asset Management Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) | AdelFi (AdelFi Christian Banking) The Surprising Power of Wanting Less by Bob Lotich (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 5) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you "being bad" for eating cake or looking for "guilt-free" foods? In this eye-opening episode, Heather Creekmore uncovers how modern diet culture has borrowed religious language—like sin, guilt, and temptation—and transformed eating into a moral battleground. Discover why labels like "clean eating" or "cheat days" aren't just diet lingo but clues to a whole alternate religion we unknowingly follow. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on the words and rules you’ve absorbed about food and body, and a biblically grounded reminder that God’s table is about grace, not judgment. Don’t miss this liberating conversation that will help you stop comparing and start living with joy and freedom at the dinner table. Join us as we: Break down the roots of food guilt and temptation language Examine what Scripture really says about food, pleasure, and purity Challenge the diet culture religion and reclaim the grace and freedom God intended Listen now—you’ll never hear the words "guilty pleasure" the same way again! This is part one of a brand new series looking at religious language we use around food, body, diets, and even fashion! References & Resources Books referenced: "Health, Money and Love, and Why We Don't Enjoy Them" by Robert Farrar Capon "Seculosity" by David Zahl The 40 Day Body Image WorkbookHeather Creekmore's book is discussed throughout the series. The next group journey starts Wednesday, June 3rd. More info at improvebodyimage.com. Notable Quotes "Diet culture is not just like a religion—it literally operates like one, complete with sin and temptation and confession and atonement and a promise of salvation if you can just get all the food and exercise rules right." (04:21) "The Bible says eat with gladness. God has already approved." (32:32) "Clean eating has borrowed its central metaphor, cleanliness, from a religious tradition that...the New Testament has moved on [from]." (27:32) Mentions of Other Episodes Upcoming in the Series: Episode 2: Analysis of religious language in diet programs such as Optavia and Gwen Shamblin's Weigh Down Workshop and their impact on true Christian faith. Episode 3: Discussion on forgiving fashion—why we talk about clothes as "forgiving" and unpacking this language. Connect & Learn More Join the 40-Day Journey or get more resources: improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” That insight may be more relevant today than ever. We live in a world constantly urging us to want more, upgrade more, and pursue more. But what if that endless pursuit is costing us something far more valuable than money? What if wanting less is one of the most powerful financial decisions we can make? On today's episode of Faith & Finance, financial coach and author Bob Lotich joined the show to discuss why contentment creates freedom—and how learning to want less can reshape our financial lives. A Better Financial Question Most people make spending decisions by asking one question: Can I afford this? That's not a bad question—but it may not be the best one. Bob suggested a deeper question: Can I afford to want this? That shift matters because some things we own eventually begin to own us. A purchase may fit the budget, but still bring new pressures, obligations, and distractions. The issue isn't always the price tag—it's the grip that desire can have on our hearts. Bob shared the story of Roman general Manius Curius Dentatus. When enemies attempted to bribe him with gold and expensive gifts, they found him roasting turnips for dinner. Seeing his simple lifestyle, they realized a man content with so little could not be bought. The lesson is timeless: contentment removes leverage. When we need less, we are less vulnerable to manipulation, fear, and compromise. The fewer things we depend on for identity or security, the freer we become. How Desire Can Become a Chain Every unchecked desire can create a new chain. A larger lifestyle often requires a larger paycheck. More possessions usually mean more maintenance, more bills, and more commitments. Debt can magnify that burden even further. Scripture warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). While that may not mean literal slavery today, the principle still stands: financial obligations can reduce flexibility and limit our ability to respond when God leads us in a new direction. Bob shared the story of someone who sensed a clear call into ministry but couldn't accept the opportunity because debt payments made the lower salary impossible. That's more than a budgeting issue—it's a discipleship issue. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). That warning is not only about greed. It is also about control. Financial obligations demand time, energy, and attention. When too many of them pile up, they begin directing our choices. As Bob put it, sometimes our possessions end up possessing us. Two Very Different Responses to Wealth The Gospels give us two striking examples. The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he could not release his wealth (Mark 10:17–22). Zacchaeus, on the other hand, responded to an encounter with Jesus by joyfully giving away half of his possessions and making restitution to those he had wronged (Luke 19:1–10). The difference wasn't the amount of money involved. It was the hold that money had on their hearts. The Secret of Contentment The Apostle Paul wrote: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Paul had experienced abundance and need. Yet his joy wasn't tied to either one. That kind of contentment is true freedom. It means we can live faithfully in seasons of plenty or scarcity because our confidence rests in God, not in circumstances. Wanting more often begins with comparing more. Social media can intensify this struggle by putting everyone else's highlight reel in front of us every day. It becomes easy to feel behind, dissatisfied, or pressured to keep up. One practical step Bob shared was limiting social media use. Sometimes reducing the voices shaping our desires is one of the fastest paths to peace. How to Start Wanting Less If you long for greater freedom, begin here: 1. Evaluate Your Desires. Ask what you deeply want right now—and why. 2. Count the True Cost. Look beyond the purchase price. Consider the time, maintenance, stress, and financial commitments attached to it. 3. Be Careful With Lifestyle Upgrades. Every increase in lifestyle can quietly become a permanent monthly obligation. 4. Explore Simpler Alternatives. Sometimes renting, borrowing, waiting, or doing without can provide more joy than ownership. 5. Practice Gratitude. Contentment grows where gratitude is cultivated. True financial freedom is not measured by what we have, but by what no longer has a hold on us. When we learn to want less, we create more room to live generously, respond obediently, and walk closely with God. And that may be the richest life of all. Want to Go Deeper? You can read Bob's full article in Faithful Steward Magazine called The Surprising Power of Wanting Less. When you become a FaithFi partner, you'll receive helpful resources designed to equip you for faithful stewardship. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'd like to put a power of attorney in place, but I don't have a family member I can ask to serve in that role. What would you recommend? I'm recently widowed and trying to determine how to grow what remains of the insurance money after I pay my bills. What would you suggest? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact by Bob Lotich SeedTime The Surprising Power of Wanting Less by Bob Lotich (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 5) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Billy Graham once said, “A checkbook is a theological document. It tells you who and what you worship.” It's a striking statement—but an important one. Most of us make financial decisions every day without thinking much about them. We buy groceries, renew subscriptions, grab coffee, replace something that broke, or make an impulse purchase that feels harmless in the moment. These choices can seem ordinary and disconnected from our spiritual lives. But Scripture invites us to look deeper. Our spending habits often reveal more about our hearts than we realize. They can uncover what we value, what we pursue, and where we place our trust. More Than Transactions A bank statement may look like a list of numbers and purchases, but over time, it tells a story. It reflects priorities. Where our money goes often shows what matters most to us. That's why money is never just about math—it also has a spiritual dimension. Financial decisions can expose desires, fears, habits, and hopes that might otherwise remain hidden. The prophet Isaiah asked this searching question: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2) That's not merely a budgeting question. It's a heart question. God is asking His people why they keep investing themselves in things that can never truly satisfy. It's a question worth asking today as well. Jesus adds another layer in Luke 16: “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11) Jesus is not condemning money. He is reframing it. Money is temporary. It is a tool. But how we handle that tool reveals something deeper about our readiness to receive what truly matters. In that sense, money becomes a test of trust. Every purchase, every swipe of the card, every budgeting decision expresses something about what we love. And because of that, even everyday spending can become an opportunity for worship. Ownership vs. Stewardship The early church martyr Polycarp of Smyrna is often credited with this insight: “The world asks, What does a man own? Christ asks, How does he use it?” That gets to the heart of biblical stewardship. The question is not simply what we possess, but how we use what God has entrusted to us. Scripture consistently reminds us that everything belongs to the Lord, and we are called to manage His resources faithfully. That changes the way we think about spending. We are not merely consumers deciding what to do with “our money.” We are stewards seeking to honor God with what He has placed in our hands. A Warning from Haggai The book of Haggai gives us a vivid picture of what happens when priorities drift. After returning from exile in Babylon, the people of Israel came home to ruins. The temple—the center of worship and identity—had been destroyed. At first, they began rebuilding it. But as opposition grew and enthusiasm faded, their focus shifted. Instead of restoring God's house, they concentrated on their own comfort, building paneled homes while the temple remained neglected. So God sent the prophet Haggai with a piercing message: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? … You have sown much, and harvested little… and he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:4–6) Their spending reflected misplaced priorities. And the result was frustration, emptiness, and lack of satisfaction. The Same Tension Today That same dynamic can surface in our lives. When spending is driven more by comfort than conviction, we may find ourselves chasing more while enjoying less. The satisfaction we expected never quite arrives. Sometimes the issue is overspending. Other times, it's an unwillingness to spend generously at all. If generosity feels difficult while personal indulgence comes easily, that tells a story too. If fear keeps us from open-handedness, it may reveal a struggle to trust God as our provider. Our spending always reflects something deeper. Grace and Realignment Here is the good news: God meets us with grace. No matter what our financial story has been, He invites us to realign our hearts with His. That process rarely happens all at once. It begins through simple, intentional steps. You might start by asking: What story does my recent spending tell? Do my financial habits reflect my deepest values? Am I giving first or only if there is something left over? Does this purchase align with eternal priorities? These questions are not meant to produce guilt. They are invitations to greater awareness and faithful stewardship. Spiritual Decisions in Everyday Life Ultimately, our spending reveals what—or whom—we love most. The goal is not perfection. It is alignment. It is learning that everything we have belongs to God and growing in the freedom of using it for His purposes. When that happens, our financial lives begin to tell a different story—one marked by contentment, generosity, and trust. And that's when we realize something important: Spending decisions are really spiritual decisions. If you'd like to explore this theme further, we cover this in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. You can find it at FaithFi.com/Shop. Bulk discounts are also available for churches and small groups. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Could you explain what a fiduciary is? Many people think they have a financial planner, but sometimes it's really an insurance salesperson offering only a limited set of products. How can someone truly act in a client's best interest if they're paid by what they sell? My wife and I want to pay off one of our sons' student loans—about $20,000. He's married. Would that create any tax consequences for him, and is it better to pay the loan servicer directly or give him the money to make the payment? My mom went to be with the Lord in November and left a trust with money, two homes, and a large piece of property. There are also two small annuities that may not be in the trust. My brother and I are co-trustees. What steps should we take, and do I need to think about creating a trust for myself? I'm 65, still working, and expect to work until about 67. I may receive more than $200,000, but I'm not experienced with investing. What should I do with that money? And can the FaithFi app help my wife and me start budgeting? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 Life moves in seasons—and with each season often comes new challenges, new opportunities, and sometimes new financial finish lines.  On today's episode of Faith and Finance, we were joined by Cody Hobelmann, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA), and co-founder of Finish Line Pledge, to discuss why adjusting your financial finish line is not only okay—it can be wise and faithful. What Is a Financial Finish Line? A financial finish line is simply an answer to the question: How much is enough? It helps separate what we intend to use for our own needs from what we can make available for Kingdom purposes. Rather than endlessly increasing lifestyle spending or accumulating wealth without direction, a finish line provides clarity and purpose. For many people, the idea of setting a finish line can feel intimidating. It may sound final or restrictive. But Cody emphasized that a finish line is not about perfection—it is about growth. Your first finish line does not have to be your last. Why Finish Lines Need to Be Revisited Just as a financial plan should be reviewed regularly, your finish line should be revisited as life changes. There are many reasons to adjust it: A new child or dependent enters your family Someone is no longer financially dependent on you You move to a region with a different cost of living Your health changes Major life transitions reshape your responsibilities These shifts may change the cost of maintaining the same lifestyle, making it wise to reassess your financial boundaries. At first glance, caps and limits can sound restrictive. But Cody shared that in practice, setting a finish line often creates freedom. Instead of constantly wondering if you need more, you begin to experience: Contentment Peace Purpose That reflects a biblical pattern. God's boundaries are not meant to diminish joy but to protect and deepen it. Financial limits can function the same way. Two Types of Finish Lines 1. A Lifestyle Finish Line This is the amount needed to support your current and future lifestyle. It helps determine the appropriate and sustainable level of spending. 2. A Net Worth Finish Line This is the amount of wealth you believe is wise to accumulate over your lifetime. Cody connected this idea to Luke 12 and the parable of the rich fool, who stored up more than he needed while missing the deeper purpose of his resources. The issue was not wealth itself, but accumulation without a Kingdom perspective. Three Questions to Help Define “Enough” Cody highlighted three key areas to prayerfully consider: Your Lifestyle Needs - What does it truly cost to live faithfully and responsibly in this season? Wealth Transfer - What resources would you like to pass on to heirs or future stewards? Conservative Margin - What reserve is wise for life's uncertainties—without placing ultimate trust in money? These categories can help shape a thoughtful and prayerful plan. If You're Beyond Your Finish Line If you realize you are accumulating more than needed, Cody suggested asking one important question: Why am I holding on to these resources in the first place? That question can expose fear, habit, or misplaced trust—and open the door to greater generosity and purpose. Start Before You Feel Ready One of the most practical insights from the conversation was this: don't wait until you “arrive” to become generous. Even if you have not reached your finish line, begin giving now. Build habits of generosity with what God has already entrusted to you. As Scripture reminds us, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:11). A Practical First Step Not sure where to begin? Try setting a finish line for the next 90 days. You do not need a lifelong blueprint today. You only need the next faithful step. Experiment, learn, pray, and refine along the way. Your finish line is not a rigid rule—it is a discipleship tool. It reminds you that everything belongs to God, and you are a steward of what He has entrusted to you. In every season, the goal is not simply to have more. The goal is to know what is enough, live with contentment, and be ready to participate in God's Kingdom purposes with joy. If you'd like help prayerfully answering the question, How much is enough? FaithFi has created its very first FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money Is Enough? This practical, workbook-style resource is designed to help you define your finish line with biblical wisdom and sound financial principles.  You can receive it when you become a FaithFi Partner by May 31, at $35 per month or $400 per year. Visit FaithFi.com/Give to learn more and become a partner today. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both 62. I'm still working, but with health concerns, should she start Social Security now and invest it, or should we both wait? I have $600,000 in a traditional IRA. Should I convert it all to a Roth at once or gradually over several years? Also, can I receive Social Security and contribute that money directly into a Roth IRA? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) A Spending Finish Line is Just the Beginning by Cody Hobelmann (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 2) The Finish Line Pledge Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For many retirees, their home is their largest asset. Yet in countless financial plans, that asset is treated as if it barely exists.  Retirement conversations often focus on Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and investment accounts while overlooking the value built up in a home over decades. On today's episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola of Movement Mortgage joins to discuss why home equity may deserve a more thoughtful place in retirement planning—and how a reverse mortgage, when used wisely, can become one tool among many. The Overlooked Asset in Many Retirement Plans According to Harlan, many planning tools display home equity on paper but treat it as untouchable. In practice, that means one of a retiree's largest resources is often ignored. Why does this happen? Sometimes, advisors are not trained to incorporate home equity strategically. Other times, people assume reverse mortgages are only for emergencies or financial distress. But that perspective may miss an important opportunity. Harlan describes home equity as a potential third bucket alongside income sources and investment accounts. Instead of relying only on withdrawals from retirement savings, some retirees may be able to use home equity strategically to reduce pressure on their portfolio. That can be especially helpful during market downturns or in years when withdrawing from investments would be less advantageous. The idea is not to replace investments or income, but to strengthen the overall plan by considering every available resource. More Than Monthly Cash Flow When people hear “reverse mortgage,” they often think only about immediate cash needs. But strategic planning can involve much more than that. Harlan noted that incorporating home equity may create flexibility in several areas, including: Timing withdrawals from retirement accounts Managing taxable income in retirement Deciding when to begin Social Security Planning for long-term care needs Preserving investment assets longer These decisions can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes. What About Leaving an Inheritance? One common concern is whether using home equity will leave nothing to pass on. Harlan explained that many families are surprised to learn that this is not always the case. Depending on appreciation, spending patterns, and the overall plan, some home equity may remain. In some scenarios, overall net worth may even improve because other assets were preserved. Of course, every situation is different, which is why personalized analysis matters. A Biblical Perspective on Stewardship Scripture reminds us, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithful stewardship means wisely managing everything God has entrusted to us—including assets we may be tempted to ignore. A home is more than shelter. It can also be a financial resource that, when handled prudently, helps provide stability, reduce burdens on loved ones, and create greater freedom for generosity. That does not mean a reverse mortgage is right for everyone. But it does mean it may be worth understanding before dismissing it. Consider the Whole Picture Wise planning begins by asking better questions. Instead of assuming home equity should remain untouched, consider whether it has a role in your broader financial strategy. If you'd like to explore how reverse mortgages fit into retirement planning, learn more from our trusted partners at Movement Mortgage at FaithFi.com/Movement.  On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Is there any truth to ‘Sell in May and go away'? When is a good time to sell a winning stock, and should I still add to precious metals at current prices? I heard you mention a gold ETF. What is it, and do you recommend one for someone new to investing? Our HSA was supposed to transfer to a new bank, but the funds still aren't available, and my medical bill is increasing. What should we do? My dad is retiring with home equity but significant credit card debt. Would a reverse mortgage be a wise way to pay it off? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Movement Mortgage Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.