Podcast appearances and mentions of howard dayton

Did you hear about the mortgage broker who always ate lunch alone? Yep—it turns out he was a loaner.Okay, a bit of levity to start the program today, but you know what's serious business? Buying or selling a home. Are spring and summer still prime seasons to jump into the market? Dale Vermillion joins us for insight on today's real estate and mortgage trends. Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home. This book covers everything you need to know about securing a mortgage—all from a biblical perspective.Is Spring Still a Seller's Market?While spring and summer are still active seasons, seasonality in real estate isn't what it used to be. The rise of online listings means people shop for homes year-round. However, warmer weather, the end of the school year, and a desire for fresh starts still push many families to buy and sell during this time.There's a lot of activity right now. Listings are up over 700,000—33% more homes than last year. And new home sales? Up to 76,000 in just the last 30 days.With more homes on the market and fewer buyers competing, this may be the best opportunity to buy a home since 2021.Selling a Home? Stand Out With These TipsIf you're on the selling side, you'll need more than a “For Sale” sign. Here are a few key steps to rise above the noise:Price your home right from day one. Use recent comps, a professional appraisal, and work with a local agent who knows your area. Stage your home well. With more buyers relying on online home tours and 360° walkthroughs, curb appeal and clean, well-lit interiors matter more than ever. Declutter and simplify. Remove excess items and ensure the space feels open and welcoming—both inside and out.Buying a Home? Here's How to Prepare WiselyFor starters, you need to understand that pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is often based on unverified info. You want a full pre-approval, where your application, income, credit, and down payment are all verified.This not only makes your offer more attractive to sellers but also helps you understand what you can realistically afford. And that's the other key point—know your budget. Don't rely solely on what a lender says you qualify for.Create a detailed budget based on your actual income and expenses.Consider your long-term financial goals, not just your current desires.Most importantly, pray about your decision. Ask God for wisdom and peace before making such a significant commitment.What About Mortgage Rates in 2025?Many are still waiting for interest rates to drop—but experts say don't hold your breath.The Fed rate may drop a few times this year, but that mostly affects short-term debt like credit cards and auto loans. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, are driven by the 10-year Treasury note.As inflation eases, mortgage rates may follow, but they're expected to remain relatively stable for now.If you're a buyer, now could be the right time to act, with high inventory and lower competition. But as always, make sure your decision is rooted in financial wisdom and prayerful dependence on God. Only buy what you can afford, and trust the Lord through the process.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I just retired and received a $20,000 check. I'm not sure what I should do with this money. I have a Roth, some savings, an annuity, and a 401(k), but I haven't talked to a financial planner about my current financial status. What should I do with this $20,000?I write one check every Sunday to tithe to my church. If everything goes electronic, I don't know how to track it.As I get closer to having my home paid off, I would like to know if it's better to keep an outstanding balance on my mortgage to maintain the mortgage credit and homestead credit for property taxes, or just pay off the home and deal with increased taxes.Years ago, when we were leading classes with Howard Dayton, our group discussed how collecting offerings at church feels very personal. When the offering basket is passed and a deacon holds it, we almost see it as Jesus' hand holding out the basket. It becomes a very personal act of giving, almost like giving directly to Jesus himself. I'm curious how many people over 65 still write a lot of checks.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Bankrate.comChristian Community Credit Union (CCCU)An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life by Jeff HaanenNavigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home by Dale VermillionWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

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

Most people would say their most important relationships are with their spouse, children, or close friends. These connections are deeply meaningful and essential. But there's one relationship that surpasses them all—your relationship with God.You might be wondering, What does my relationship with God have to do with money? That's a fair question—and the answer is, quite a lot.While human relationships are a gift from the Lord, none carry more eternal weight than our relationship with Him. God invites us into close fellowship, and how we manage what He's given us is part of that journey.The Bible provides three foundational truths to help us understand the significance of this relationship, especially when it comes to money.1. God Owns EverythingColossians 1:16 says,“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him.”God is the Creator and Owner of everything, including your money, time, possessions, and even your abilities.2. God Entrusts Us With His Resources1 Peter 4:10 tells us,“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace…”We don't own anything outright. God entrusts us with resources so we can steward them faithfully and generously.3. God Desires a Close Relationship with YouJames 4:8 says,“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”God is not distant. He wants a daily, personal relationship with you—one in which trust, dependence, and obedience shape every area of your life, including your finances.Money Is a Spiritual MatterThe Bible contains over 2,300 verses about money and possessions. Why so many? Because how we handle money reflects the condition of our hearts.As our friend Howard Dayton has said, managing money according to God's wisdom deepens our fellowship with Christ. Jesus called this kind of relationship “true riches.”Luke 16:11 says,“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”When we manage money well—not to earn God's favor but as an act of worship—we reveal a heart that trusts Him.Heart Check: What's Standing in the Way?Sometimes, obstacles get in the way of this kind of faithful stewardship. They usually fall into two categories:1. Financial NeglectThis is unintentional. Life gets busy, and organizing your finances can feel overwhelming or unimportant. But ignoring your money can lead to stress, disorganization, and missed opportunities to serve and give.A practical step: Download the FaithFi app. It offers three easy ways to set up a spending plan and track your money. It's a simple tool to help you begin stewarding faithfully.2. Financial IdolatryThis is more subtle. You may be diligent in budgeting, saving, or investing, but you still hold your money tightly, unwilling to surrender it to God.Jesus said in Matthew 6:24,“No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money.”Money can become a rival to God's rightful place in our hearts. We may hesitate to give generously or support Kingdom work—even though God is calling us to trust Him more deeply.Are You Missing Out on “True Riches”?Some assume that financial choices don't affect their spiritual lives, but that's not what Scripture teaches. If you're not following biblical principles in handling money, what peace or spiritual growth might you be missing?Ask yourself:Do I trust God with my finances?Am I generous with what He's given me?Is my financial life aligned with His Word?If any of this resonates with you, don't wait. Commit your finances to the Lord in prayer, and then follow through by managing them according to biblical wisdom.Start with the FaithFi app—not just to budget but to renew your perspective. It connects you to trusted Christian financial content and helps you integrate your faith with every financial decision you make.True riches aren't found in net worth or material success. They're found in knowing Christ and faithfully stewarding what He's entrusted to you—for His glory.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a $220,000 CD earning 0.6% interest and a loan that will increase from 2.9% to 4.4-6%. Should I use the CD to pay off the loan completely or partially?Is it better to make a direct cash contribution of $5,000 to an organization or set up an endowment that would provide them with a few hundred dollars annually?I'm a retired military veteran with an annual income of $117,000 from military retirement, VA disability, Social Security, and state retirement. I want to ensure my wife is financially secure if she outlives me. Should we increase her 401(k) contributions or use another investment mechanism?My property taxes and mortgage payments have skyrocketed, making my monthly payments unaffordable. What are my options for dealing with these increases?I have $2,500 extra and want to pay down credit card debt totaling $5,000. I have three cards: one for $200, another for $1,000, and a third for $2,700. Should I pay off the smaller cards first and then focus on the $2,700 card?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Pessoas, famílias e empresas querem melhorar as finanças, mas como isso se aplica à vida cristã? No contexto da igreja, muitos aspectos precisam ser esclarecidos à luz da Bíblia. Neste podcast com Paulo de Tarso, descubra os pilares desse tema e como unir fé e gestão financeira.O TEOmídia Cast é um podcast que também pode ser assistido no serviço de streaming TEOmídia. A cada semana, convidados especiais falam sobre teologia, vida cristã e fé, para a glória de Deus. Para assistir na íntegra acesse TEOmídia.com.Confira também nossas novidades no link da bio, em @‌teomidia, para edificar-se todos os dias!Paulo de Tarso Ribeiro de Sousa é escritor, palestrante, engenheiro civil e mestre em Teologia. Especialista em finanças à luz da Bíblia, fundou o Ministério Finanças para a Vida, com a missão de ensinar princípios bíblicos de administração do dinheiro para pessoas de todas as idades. Seu interesse pelo tema surgiu na década de 1990, levando-o a aprofundar seus estudos e a buscar referências internacionais, incluindo um período nos Estados Unidos, onde conheceu o Dr. Howard Dayton, fundador do Ministério Crown de Finanças. Concluiu seu mestrado na Faculdade Teológica Batista do Estado de São Paulo, desenvolvendo uma abordagem bíblica sobre a administração financeira, com enfoque no livro de Provérbios. Como conferencista, já ministrou palestras e seminários para milhares de pessoas no Brasil e no exterior. Também é autor de diversos livros e materiais sobre finanças bíblicas. Casado com Orivânia, é pai de Camile e Paula, que o apoiam em seu ministério.

Howard Dayton says “Giving is not God's way of raising money, it's God's way of raising people into the likeness of His Son.” As followers of Jesus, our desire is to become like Him in every aspect of our lives. As a result, the practice of generosity is central to our spiritual formation. CITY CHURCH EXISTS TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THEIR WAY TO GOD FROM WHERE THEY ARE. You can find us here:www.citychurchboulder.comwww.facebook.com/citychurchboulderwww.instagram.com/citychurchboulder

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10As Christians living in a materialistic society…we must remember to celebrate for the right reason…the birth of our Savior. Howard Dayton joins us to talk about that.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of several books on Christian Finance and Stewardship.The True Reason for the Season: A Savior Is BornAs Christmas approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season—gifts, decorations, and endless to-do lists. But amidst all the festivities, it's important to intentionally focus on the true reason for the season: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.At the heart of Christmas is the message of Luke 2:11–14:"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."This Scripture serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not about the gifts we give or receive but about the gift God gave us in His Son, Jesus. Reflecting on this passage helps us remember the miraculous story of Christ's birth and its significance for our lives.Create Traditions That Keep Christ at the CenterOne meaningful way to keep Christ at the center of Christmas is by reading the story of His birth from Luke 2 as a family. Whether it's on Christmas morning before opening presents or on Christmas Eve, pausing to reflect on this Scripture can anchor your celebrations in the real reason for the season.Consider making it a family tradition where each person takes turns reading a few verses. It's a simple yet powerful way to instill the truth of the gospel in the hearts of children and remind everyone of God's love and faithfulness.Christmas is also an opportunity to model and teach generosity. Just as God gave us the greatest gift in Jesus, we are called to give generously to others.Encourage children to share what they have with someone in need. For example, they could give a cherished toy to a child who might not receive any gifts this Christmas. Acts of generosity can create life-changing moments, not only for those who receive but also for those who give. These experiences help cultivate a heart of compassion and gratitude in children and deepen their understanding of what it means to follow Christ.Be Intentional About the Message of ChristmasIn a culture that often overlooks the true meaning of Christmas, it's more important than ever to teach children intentionally—and remind ourselves—why we celebrate. Christmas is about honoring Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth, lived a sinless life, and ultimately died for our sins so we could have eternal life.If we are not intentional, we can easily get swept up in the culture's focus on materialism and miss the priceless opportunity to point ourselves and others back to Christ.At the heart of Christmas is the ultimate act of generosity: God giving His Son for our salvation. This indescribable gift should inspire us to reflect that same spirit of generosity, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing resources with those in need, or offering our time to serve others, generosity mirrors the heart of God.Practical Steps for a Christ-Centered ChristmasHere are a few ways to ensure your Christmas celebrations keep Christ at the center:Start with Scripture: Read Luke 2 as a family before opening gifts or as part of a Christmas Eve tradition.Practice Gratitude: Take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus and the blessings He has provided.Model Generosity: Find creative ways to give, whether donating to a charity, serving in your community, or helping someone in need.Keep It Simple: Avoid the temptation to overcomplicate the season with endless activities. Focus on the moments that truly matter.Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and hope because of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. By keeping Him at the center of our traditions and celebrations, we can honor the true meaning of the season and create lasting memories that glorify God.This Christmas, let's remember the ultimate gift of God's love and share it with others. May your celebrations be filled with the peace and joy that only Christ can bring!If you'd like to learn more about Compass Financial Ministry and the incredible work they are doing, visit CompassFinancialMinistry.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:What is the difference between a will and a trust?My father created a trust fund for the four of us siblings, with the oldest and youngest siblings in charge of the trust. The other siblings are having trouble getting information from them. Even though the two siblings in charge can access the fund, will my mother still need to approve any access to the money?Resources Mentioned:Compass Financial MinistryLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

As Christians living in a materialistic society, we must remember to celebrate for the right reason—the birth of our Savior. On today's Faith & Finance Live, Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to talk about how you can keep Christ in Christmas. Then, Rob will answer some calls and financial questions. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert shares the incredible story of growing up under Nazi occupation in the Hague, Netherlands, and the malnutrition and tuberculosis that followed.Being bedridden for years allowed a deep and profound anger at God to fester. Albert went from being angry at God to being a Jesus follower simply because of a friend's challenge to be thankful.Albert was so full of gratitude he went all over the world sharing business by the Bible principles.In part 2, learn how Albert became a sought-after computer programmer, starting a lucrative consulting business. Albert was moved by a Christian friend's response to crisis and a challenge to Albert to be thankful even when he didn't feel like it. "She tells me, 'I'm actually thankful that this has happened to me. I've never been closer to God. Whatever God decides is fine with me.'"A mocking prayer of thanks from an attorney's letter was returned with salvation and a changed life. No longer angry at God, Albert's new life in Christ began with starting a Christian business men's group. "I couldn't keep my mouth shut about Jesus anymore. I started with asking for prayer for my business." That initial prayer turned into a new business as evangelism model; Albert went on to teaching business principles from the Bible all over the world.Albert's plea with God when he was sick as a child, to "become a missionary if I get healed," was answered years later. He did become a missionary, to business leaders worldwide. Helpful links:Albert's Memoir, A Journey of SignificanceCBMC Christian Business Men's ConnectionCBMC's Operation TimothyOther business as missions ministries:C12, Christian Business Leadership CoachingConvene, Christian Business ForumROI Ministries, Community and Coaching Christian Business EntrepreneursAlso mentioned:Business by the Book, Larry BurkettHoward Dayton, Compass Financial MinistryCorrie Ten Boom The Hiding PlaceWhat is DDay?Let us know what you thought of the show!Follow One80 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.Never miss a One80. Join our email list. Follow us on Instagram.Share One80, here's how!OneWay Ministries

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1That verse reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship—and maybe even more…when that crisis involves the marriage relationship. Howard Dayton joins us today to talk about surviving a marriage crisis.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of several books on Christian Finance and Stewardship, including Money and Marriage God's Way.Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Marital CrisisMarriage challenges can emerge when stress or unresolved conflicts grow too intense for a couple to manage. Financial struggles, in particular, often go beyond “dollars and cents” and can breed emotions like anger, resentment, and frustration. This strain can lead to poor communication or even emotional withdrawal. A financial crisis in marriage becomes incredibly complex when both partners contribute to it, eroding trust in the relationship.People handle crises differently; some respond with intense emotions, while others may withdraw and become more introspective. Howard emphasizes the importance of allowing each spouse to process the situation in their own way while offering mutual support. In times of difficulty, a marriage can either strengthen or weaken. Interestingly, the pain of a crisis can also spark positive change, prompting impulsive spenders to become more mindful or encouraging couples to deepen their relationship with Christ.Practical Steps to Work Through Marital ConflictTo support couples facing a financial crisis, here are a few practical steps to guide healing:Pray Together for Wisdom—Begin by asking for God's guidance and wisdom.Set Ground Rules for Communication—Agree on respectful ways to handle conflicts, including the option for a “time-out” to cool down and pray together if emotions escalate.Use Kind Words—Avoid hurtful language, as it can cause lasting damage.Write Letters to Each Other—Sometimes, writing down feelings can help clarify issues. Afterward, meet to discuss these letters, pray, and address the issues raised.Identify and Repent of Any Sins—Acknowledge any harmful behaviors, such as addiction, and take steps toward repentance and recovery.Seek the Source of the Hurt—Ask God to reveal the underlying sources of pain and disconnect.Work to Rebuild the Marriage—Each spouse should find someone to hold them accountable as they make better choices.Seeking Outside Help When NeededIf these steps don't resolve the crisis, it may be time to seek outside help. A qualified, mature Christian counselor can offer valuable guidance when a couple is unable to work through challenges on their own. Of course, there are situations where divorce may occur due to abuse, adultery, or addiction; however, many marital issues can be overcome with commitment from both partners.The goal of financial unity in marriage is to make decisions together, listen to each other, and view finances as a shared resource. This oneness fosters trust, transparency, and partnership in every area of life.For more on this topic, check out Howard Dayton's book, Money and Marriage God's Way, which delves deeper into building a unified financial and marital life.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have cancer and will likely pass away soon. My husband and I have separate finances due to a prenup. I have about $700,000 saved, and I want to know how much I should leave to my husband versus leaving it to the Lord's work, as my husband would likely want me to leave it all to him.I'm retired and have substantial savings that I transferred to an IRA. I've learned about the 'spend-down' when looking to enter a care facility as you age. Is it too soon for me to start spending down this IRA money, and how should I go about doing that?I have some kids who haven't been very responsible with their finances. One is about 44, and the other is 32. I've been considering getting a term life insurance policy on them so that if something happens to them because of their lifestyle choices, I would have something I could give to their children. Is this a good idea, and how much coverage should I get?I know you've said that identity theft insurance is unnecessary, but what about the $2 million coverage for stolen funds and expenses that some policies provide? Is that something I should consider getting, even if it's an expense?Resources Mentioned:Compass Financial MinistryMoney and Marriage God's Way by Howard DaytonFamilyLife BlendedLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The book of Proverbs reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship. And that may be even more applicable when the crisis involves the marriage relationship. On today's Faith & Finance Live, Rob West will talk with Howard Dayton about how to solve a marriage crisis. Then Rob will tackle your financial questions. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here. To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here. To learn more about Rob West, click here. To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert shares the incredible story of growing up under Nazi occupation in the Hague, Netherlands, and the malnutrition and tuberculosis that followed.Being bedridden for years allowed a deep and profound anger at God to fester. But a simple challenge from a friend to say thanks even when he didn't feel like it transformed Albert from being angry at God to being a Jesus follower.Albert was so full of gratitude he went all over the world sharing business by the Bible principles.In part 1, hear the moving story of enduring World War II and the struggle for survival. Learn how Albert went from missing three years of school due to hospitalization to becoming a welder, to emigrating to the US, then leaving his lucrative career for half the pay, as a result of being recruited for a job at a "strange" company called IBM.Helpful links:Albert's Memoir, A Journey of SignificanceCBMC Christian Business Men's ConnectionCBMC's Operation TimothyBusiness by the Book, Larry BurkettHoward Dayton, Compass Financial MinistryCorrie Ten Boom The Hiding PlaceWhat is DDay?Timeline of computer programmingThe Netherlands PrayercastLet us know what you thought of the show! Follow One80 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.Never miss a One80. Join our email list. Follow us on Instagram.Share One80, here's how!OneWay Ministries

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”- Proverbs 22:6God's Word tells us that children should be taught early how to live wisely and righteously, including how to handle money. Howard Dayton is here to explain why it's especially important to teach kids about the dangers of debt.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of a number of books on the topic of Christian Finance and Stewardship.  The Little-Big Principle: Starting SmallThe Little-Big principle is based on Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much.” This principle encourages parents to start small when teaching children about money. The idea is to give kids small amounts to manage, like nickels and dimes, and then gradually increase the amount as they prove responsible. Eventually, they'll be prepared to manage larger amounts of money.Parents should aim to steadily increase their children's financial responsibilities so that by the time they're seniors in high school, they're independently managing most of their finances, aside from essentials like food and shelter. They should also be as systematic in teaching children about money as schools teach them to read and write—starting with the basics and progressing over time.When children reach their junior year in high school, they should open a checking account and get a secured credit card. This allows them to learn critical skills, like reconciling budgets and paying off balances in full each month. Developing these habits early on can set them on a path to financial freedom and help them avoid debt throughout their lives.The MVP Parenting Method: Model, Verbalize, and Provide Practical OpportunitiesThe MVP method—modeling, verbal communication, and practical opportunities—is a very beneficial framework for teaching children about money. All three are essential for training children to be good stewards of God's resources.1. ModelingParents must lead by example. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Children learn by watching their parents handle money wisely, so parents need to demonstrate sound financial stewardship. Whether budgeting, giving, or avoiding debt, children are more likely to adopt these habits when they see them modeled in everyday life.2. Verbal CommunicationThe Bible instructs us to teach our children about God's ways consistently. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages parents to impress God's commandments upon their children and talk about them regularly. Parents should frequently discuss biblical financial principles with their kids, helping them understand how these truths apply to their own lives.3. Practical OpportunitiesGiving children opportunities to apply what they've learned is essential. Hands-on experiences help children understand the impact of debt in a tangible way.Resources for Financial DiscipleshipFor parents looking to dive deeper, Howard Dayton and Compass Financial Ministry offer a resource titled Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children. This book provides more detailed guidance on teaching kids about finances from a biblical perspective and is available through Amazon or Compass Financial Ministry's website.Teaching kids about money doesn't happen overnight. It's a process that requires modeling good habits, consistent communication, and providing practical opportunities for them to learn. By applying the Little-Big principle and becoming MVP parents, you can equip your children with the financial wisdom they need to be faithful stewards of God's resources for a lifetime.For more tools and resources, visit Compass Financial Ministry at CompassFinancialMinistry.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've had some health issues over the last seven months, and my kids would like me to move out to Washington State. I found a lovely condo that interests me, but it's a co-op. I didn't know much about co-ops, so I would like to know if you have any words of wisdom for me about what I should be aware of when considering a co-op property.For the past three years, I've been giving through the required minimum distribution (RMD) program. My church has been happy to receive these funds, but I'm still working. I was told you don't have to take the RMD if you're still working. Is that true?I have an IRA and retirement account to be divided equally between my three children. One of my children's spouses does not handle money well. Can I set up a trust for that child's portion to distribute according to my wishes when I pass away? My son, the executor, doesn't want to do this because he's concerned it could cause problems.I have an old revocable trust, over 40 years old, that no longer reflects my current situation. Is there any way I can get rid of this trust without going through many steps or spending a lot of money with an attorney?I'm 64 years old and considering end-of-life planning and documents. I want to ensure my affairs are in order and avoid probate when I'm gone. But the lawyers are quoting me $3,000 to $5,000 to get everything set up. Can I get this done more affordably without spending that much? I'm not great at paperwork, so I'm looking for an option that only requires a little DIY.Resources Mentioned:Compass Financial MinistryFinancial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children by Brian C. HoltzSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron BlueBankrate.comLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

God’s Word tells us that children should be taught early how to live a wise and righteous life, including how to handle money. On today's Faith & Finance Live, Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to explain why it’s especially important to teach kids about the dangers of debt. Then Rob will tackle your financial questions. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here. To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here. To learn more about Rob West, click here. To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck…you can make a decision today that will change your life.All you have to do is practice God's financial principles and then wait to see what happens. You'll be amazed at the results.Admitting the ProblemLike most things, the first step in making financial changes is admitting that you have a problem and then identifying what you're doing wrong. So, what's not right with the way you're handling money?Maybe you worry about bouncing a check, or you fear the phone ringing because it might be a bill collector, or you're dealing with the gas or electricity being turned off for non-payment. Maybe you argue with your spouse about money. Or you've stopped giving to your church because you're afraid you won't have enough.Those are all signs that something needs to change. And you shouldn't fear that change. It might be a little scary initially…but it's nowhere near as scary as living paycheck to paycheck. Following God's principles will give you welcome relief from worrying about money.Embracing Change Through FaithIsaiah 43:18-19 tells us, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”So, how do you begin to bring about this change? First, dispelling the notion that God's Word doesn't contain everything you need to transform how you handle money.Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Understanding and believing in biblical truth is essential. The first principle you need to grasp is that God owns everything.Recognizing God's OwnershipPsalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.” When you fully embrace that principle…everything else can fall into place.You won't be consumed with thoughts about how you're handling your money…because it's not yours. Instead, you'll begin to think about managing God's money…because you're simply His steward…or manager…of the resources He's temporarily entrusted to you.And as His steward…God will never abandon you to fend for yourself. He's always with you, and He's promised to provide. Luke 12:24 reads, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap…they have neither storehouse nor barn…yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”Applying Biblical PrinciplesOnce you believe that God will provide…Scripture becomes your guide for changing the way you think and act about money. Instead of running away from God's financial principles, you'll run to them. The Bible says a lot about spending, saving, investing, and getting out of debt, along with contentment and generosity—everything you need to know for wise money management.Take just one principle to start. Pray earnestly about it. Ask God for strength, discipline, and the desire to carry it out. Maybe that's setting aside a few dollars from your paycheck, paying more than the minimum on your credit card, or setting aside a little more to give to your church. Pick one and stick with it. Then, when it's part of your life…you can go on to the next…and the next.Practical Tools for ChangeThis is putting the principle into practice. You do that with tools and structure…a budget, a will, a long-term financial plan, and so on.If you're not living on a budget…you need to develop a spending plan now. Proverbs 27:23 teaches, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” These days, our “herds and flocks” are our bank accounts and other financial assets.There's no better tool for developing a spending plan than the FaithFi app. With three money management options, you can easily find one that fits your unique needs and preferences.Seeking AccountabilityNow, many people find it difficult to change by themselves. As our friend Howard Dayton says, they need someone to encourage them and hold them accountable “to hold their fuzzy feet to the fire.”You may need someone to keep you on track. It could be a spouse, another family member, or a friend—but someone to hold you accountable for staying on budget.So, those are the tools you need to start putting God's financial principles into practice. When you do, you'll see significant changes in your life—not right away, but be patient—it'll happen.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Would building a new home be a good use of my money at 74, or would that be greedy? I have enjoyed the home-building process before and still feel energetic. I also have a trusted contractor who has already made plans for the new home.I have a question about options for an unwanted timeshare I purchased years ago. I'm tired of paying the high annual maintenance fees, but I need help finding a helpful property. Could I donate the timeshare to charity or otherwise get rid of it?I was recently approached about transferring the money to an insurance company that claimed they could add 30% to the amount and guarantee an 8% annual return over ten years. Is this a good idea? Do you have any other recommendations for what to do with my 401k funds? I also wanted to know what questions I should ask the insurance company to ensure the opportunity wasn't too good to be true.Resources Mentioned:Timeshare Users GroupRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6Teaching our children how to manage God's money is vital to raising them. But how can parents do this well? Brian Holtz will share some great insights today.Brian Holtz is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.MVP Parenting: Building Financial Wisdom in the Next GenerationIntroducing MVP Parenting, a concept foundational for nurturing financial wisdom and spiritual growth in our children. Howard Dayton defines MVP as Modeling, Verbal Instruction, and Practical Opportunities. This approach helps parents effectively teach their kids crucial life skills and values.Modeling: Leading by ExampleAs parents, our actions speak louder than words. Modeling means demonstrating behaviors that our children can observe and learn from. If your child wants to learn how to pray, they need to see you praying, not just hear about it. Children are always watching and absorbing our behaviors, whether intentional or not. They learn how we handle money, attitudes, and financial habits. Therefore, it's essential to model the right behavior visibly.Verbal Instruction: Explaining the WhyProviding verbal instruction involves explaining actions in a way that children can understand. For instance, after praying or reading the Bible, explain to your children why you do it. Without explanation, they might create their own reasons, which could be far from the truth. Similarly, when giving money at church, explain why you do it. This helps them understand the purpose behind your actions and prevents misunderstandings.Practical Opportunities: Hands-On LearningPractical opportunities invite children to engage and try things for themselves. It's not enough for them to see and understand; they must practice under supervision. For example, involve them in simple financial tasks appropriate for their age, allowing them to apply what they've observed and learned.Implementing MVP Parenting with ClientsThis MVP approach is not limited to parenting young children; it works with adult children and even in professional settings. When working with clients, encourage them to document their experiences and prepare their wealth for the next generation. Challenge them to apply the MVP principles to teach their children financial stewardship.In a corporate setting, this might look like mentoring a junior team member by letting them observe your presentations, explaining the outcomes, and gradually involving them in the process. Similarly, parents can apply these principles to raise financially wise children by providing a vision for the family's wealth and decisions.The Importance of Family VisionA clear family vision is crucial. It defines why you exist, why the wealth has been entrusted to you, and why you make certain decisions. Core values and a family vision ensure that everyone understands the purpose behind their actions. Just like a book's value depends on its purpose, a family's success in stewardship depends on defining what that means for them.By integrating these principles, families can nurture financial wisdom and spiritual growth, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to be good stewards of their resources.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I received an inherited IRA from her father. We've been taking the required minimum distributions since he passed away, but now we've been told we must liquidate the entire account, which is around $100,000, by next year. We don't need to take all the money out since we don't use it for living expenses. Is there another option besides liquidating the whole thing?I'm looking for guidance on optimizing my retirement plan as I prepare to retire next quarter at age 61. I'll have significant assets and want to ensure I use them efficiently. I'm wondering if I should work with a CPA or a financial planner and if you could provide any suggestions on who might be a good fit given that I want to consider the interaction between required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, donor-advised funds, and when to start taking Social Security benefits. I have a lot of factors to consider when planning my retirement, and I could use help putting together a comprehensive plan.Should I use a home equity line of credit to purchase a new vehicle? Our mortgage has been paid off for a while, but the interest rates on new cars are so high. I wonder if using some of the equity in our home instead through a HELOC would be better. We'd prefer to buy a new car to avoid any potential mechanical issues from a used vehicle. What are your thoughts on using a HELOC versus financing through an auto loan?I'm 62 and no longer working, while my husband is 63 and plans to work until 65 or 67. We had always planned to delay taking benefits as long as possible, but I read something recently about how I could potentially take just my own benefit now at 62. Then, once my husband retires and starts collecting his, my benefit would convert to receiving the spousal benefit instead. I'm still confused about exactly how the spousal benefit works, though, and I was hoping you could help explain it.Resources Mentioned:Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children by Brian C. HoltzCompass Financial MinistryBankrate.comRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

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Brandon Pizzurro is President and Chief Investment Officer of GuideStone Capital Management, an underwriter of this program.  WHAT DOES SEEING THE WORLD TRANSFORMED THROUGH CHRISTIAN INVESTING MEAN?Seeing the world transformed through Christian investing means stewarding investment resources with intentionality and a faith-driven mindset. Christians approach investing to reflect God's Kingdom, impacting areas like sanctity of life, human dignity, and stewardship of creation.It means stewarding investment resources with intentionality and faith-driven mindset.Christians approach investing to reflect God's Kingdom, impacting areas like sanctity of life, human dignity, and stewardship of creation. HOW CAN INVESTING BRING ABOUT CHANGE?Investing can bring about change by allowing Christians to support organizations and companies aligned with their values. Guidestone emphasizes three key areas: sanctity of life, spreading the gospel, and stewardship of God's creation.Impact investing allows Christians to support organizations and companies aligned with their values.Guidestone emphasizes three key areas: sanctity of life, spreading the gospel, and stewardship of God's creation. HOW DOES GUIDESTONE GIVE BACK THROUGH ITS IMPACT INVESTMENTS?Guidestone donates 20% of revenue from impact funds to Kingdom causes, supporting organizations like the Psalm 139 project and Minno. These donations enable impactful initiatives like providing ultrasound equipment for pregnancy centers and offering gospel-centered content for kids.Guidestone donates 20% of revenue from impact funds to Kingdom causes, supporting organizations like the Psalm 139 project and Minno.Donations enable impactful initiatives like providing ultrasound equipment for pregnancy centers and offering gospel-centered content for kids. WHAT OTHER WAYS DOES GUIDESTONE TRANSFORM THE WORLD THROUGH ITS FUNDS?Guidestone engages in corporate activism and uses proxy voting power to influence companies to align with Christian values. By offering faith-based investments and impact opportunities, Guidestone helps believers align their finances with their values.Guidestone engages in corporate activism and uses proxy voting power to influence companies to align with Christian values.By offering faith-based investments and impact opportunities, Guidestone helps believers align their finances with their values. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR BELIEVERS TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT HOW THEY INVEST?It is important for believers to be intentional about how they invest to align their finances with their values. Guidestone supports believers on this journey by offering faith-based investments and impact opportunities.Intentionality is key for Christians to align their finances with their values.Guidestone supports believers on this journey by offering faith-based investments and impact opportunities. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ALSO ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:How can I verify whether a financial advisor corporation is legit? Can you recommend any websites to check?Should I pay cash for a new car or finance it, considering it would be 15-20% of my liquid net wealth?Can you suggest resources for teaching high school students about money and finance?I owe the IRS $12,000. Should I pay them in cash or consider an offer in compromise?How can families afford the increasing cost of private Christian education? Is it wise to redirect giving from the church to tuition? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Investor.gov and FINRA's BrokerCheck for verifying financial advisors.Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton for teaching financial basics from a biblical worldview.IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool for exploring tax payment options. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass— Finances God's Way and the former host of this program.  HOW DOES A SPENDING PLAN HELP WITH MANAGING YOUR MONEY AND REDUCING YOUR DEBT?Howard, founder of Compass Finances God's Way, introduces the concept of a spending plan (budget). He explains that a spending plan is not just about restricting expenses but is a strategic tool that helps direct money towards achieving life goals and reducing debt. The plan also controls impulse spending and is flexible enough to adjust as needed.A spending plan is a strategic tool for directing money towards life goals and debt reduction.It controls impulse spending and is flexible for adjustments.Spending plans are ultimately freeing, not stifling. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING A SPENDING PLAN AND HOW CAN WE OVERCOME THEM?The implementation of a spending plan can be challenging due to lifestyle changes and the need to make hard decisions. Howard advises that to effectively reduce spending, individuals may need to trim expenses, or even sell assets with high liabilities. He emphasizes that making both big and small cuts can significantly reduce monthly expenses.Implementing a spending plan may require lifestyle changes and hard decisions.Cutting back on expenses like entertainment and dining out can help reduce monthly spending.Selling high-liability assets (like a car with a loan) can also contribute to your financial health. HOW SHOULD COUPLES APPROACH SETTING UP A SPENDING PLAN?Howard highlights the importance of teamwork and communication for couples in setting up a spending plan. He mentions that patience and flexibility are key, considering the different personalities and money-handling approaches of each partner. The goal is to achieve unity in financial decisions, reflecting the harmony intended in marriage.Couples should work together and communicate openly while setting up a spending plan.Patience and flexibility are important due to different financial personalities and approaches.Unity in financial decisions is crucial for marital harmony. WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF A 'MONEY DATE' AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT OCCUR?Howard recommends regular ‘money dates', ideally every other week, where couples review their financial situation. These dates are for reviewing income, expenses, and encouraging each other, avoiding the blame game. This regular check-in ensures both partners are aligned and accountable in their financial journey.A 'money date' is a regular meeting for couples to review and discuss their financial situation.It should occur at least every other week for effective financial management.This practice encourages mutual support and accountability in managing finances. WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF HAVING A SPENDING PLAN ON LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HEALTH?While not directly addressed in the conversation, it's implied that a well-implemented spending plan positively impacts long-term financial health. By ensuring money is spent according to set goals and priorities, individuals and couples can avoid debt accumulation, save for emergencies, and invest wisely, all of which contribute to financial stability and growth.A spending plan leads to better control over finances and avoids unnecessary debt.It facilitates saving for emergencies and wise investments.Long-term, it contributes to financial stability and growth. You can learn more about the new video study from Compass — Finances God's Way, Navigating Your Finances God's Way, at navstudy.org. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:I sold my house and used some Roth IRA money for a new house, planning to put it back when I sold another property. Should I use more retirement money for a bigger house without a mortgage?My wife and I are wondering if we should tithe before or after taxes. What's your opinion on this?I recently inherited some money and my advisor recommends a fee-based account for stock and bond trading. Is this a good idea as I approach retirement?As a 55-year-old with a special needs son and limited retirement savings, how can I prepare for retirement and ensure my son is cared for? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Social Security Administration website:ssa.govFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Do you have month left over at the end of your money? Are you slowly accumulating debt, even though you try to control your spending? Maybe you need a plan—a spending plan. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to explain how you can tell your money where you want it to go rather than always wondering where it went. Then Rob will answer some calls and various financial questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money. It's a word that can evoke so many emotions, from joy and security to anxiety and frustration. I've had my own journey with money, and to be quite honest, it's not always been a healthy one. I've asked questions like, How can I align my Christian beliefs with financial success? Is it okay for me to pursue wealth? If you've ever pondered these questions, you're not alone. I want to explore the concept of wealth from a Christian perspective with you, discuss developing a Christian money mindset, and share some valuable resources to help you manage your finances. The goal here is not just to answer these questions but to guide you towards healing your mindset about money, embracing wealth as an opportunity, and improving your money management skills. I'm on this journey with you, so let's do this together. Grab my resource for getting started on your own financial journey and healing your money mindset: 90-Day Financial Evaluation & Money Goals Guide - In just a few pages, you'll evaluate your last 90 days of expenses, set clear financial goals for the next 90, and create a practical budget to achieve them. This guide is your ticket to transforming your relationship with money, from scarcity to abundance. With actionable steps, reflection questions, and powerful affirmations, you'll reframe negative money beliefs and embrace a new, confident approach to your finances. Here are the books I mentioned in the episode: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey covers debt elimination and financial freedom. Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn focuses on the Christian perspective on wealth and possessions. Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton offers practical steps for managing your money. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christin-morris/support

Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass— Finances God's Way and the former host of this program.  0:55 - WHAT'S THE FIRST LOAN TYPE WE SHOULD AVOID?Finance Company loans: High interest rates, large fees, and closing costs.Important to differentiate between interest rate and the APR, as the latter includes additional costs. 1:24 - AND THE SECOND?Payday loans:Viewed as "legalized robbery."Typically have an APR of 390%.Creates a cycle of borrowing due to high interest rates, with borrowers often giving away their entire paycheck to cover the loan. 2:21 - WHAT'S THE THIRD LOAN TYPE?Pawnshop loans:Short-term loans based on an item's value which is lost if the loan isn't repaid on time.Interest rates range from 5-25% per month.Many borrowers never reclaim their pawned items. 3:21 - AND THE FOURTH?Auto title loans:30-day loans using car titles as collateral.Risk of car repossession if payments aren't made on time.Referred to as "legalized auto theft" since you lose both the car and its equity regardless of loan size. 3:57 - WHAT'S THE FINAL LOAN TYPE TO AVOID?Tax refund loans: People anticipate tax refunds in April but might take a loan if they're cash-strapped.Some tax preparers offer these loans without highlighting high interest rates that can be in the triple digits on an annual basis. 4:40 - DO YOU HAVE ANY TOOLS OR RESOURCES TO HELP PEOPLE NAVIGATE THEIR FINANCES BETTER?A six-week video titled "Navigating Your Finances God's Way."Covers topics like debt, saving, generosity, investment, work, honesty, etc.Suitable for various settings: Sunday school, small groups, workshops, or individual study. To learn more, go to navstudy.org. And you'll find all Compass training materials at Compass1.org.  On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: Should I tithe before or after taxes?How can I invest for retirement while on SSDI and without earned income?Should I use my 401 K to pay off my variable rate home equity loan?Is the id.me login for IRS.gov legitimate, and should I switch from an I bond to a bank CD?How can I help a woman with recurrent ovarian cancer financially, especially when she's working in a low-paying job? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The Bible doesn’t prohibit borrowing, but it does warn against its pitfalls. And there are certain categories of loans that come with extra dangers that we should steer clear of. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will talk with Howard Dayton about 5 types of loans to avoid. Then, Rob will answer some questions on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The book of Proverbs reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship. And that may be even more applicable when the crisis involves the marriage relationship. On today's MoneyWise Live, host Rob West will talk with Howard Dayton about solving a marriage crisis. Then Rob will answer some calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Often, taking the easy way out when we’re making a major purchase, can trap us into hopeless debt situations—especially when it involves car loans. On today's MoneyWise Live, host Rob West will talk with Howard Dayton about the auto debt trap and how to avoid it. Then Rob will answer your calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's Your Relationship Status With God?Most people would say their most important relationship is with their spouse, or children, or perhaps a friend. And they'd be wrong. Those relationships are important— we need them— but they don't carry eternal significance like your relationship with God. Today we'll give you some practical ways to strengthen that relationship. This is a program about money, and you may be wondering what money has to do with our relationship with God. That's a fair question and the answer is … a lot!And the Bible gives us three dots to make that connection.FIRST: God created everything and therefore He owns everything. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”SECOND: God gave us everything we possess. Deuteronomy 10:14 reads, “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” So God owns everything, but He's given us resources to use temporarily as his stewards.THIRD: God is not distant and detached. He wants a close relationship with you. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”We draw near to God by being obedient and following His law. With over 2,300 verses in Scripture about money and possessions, God has made his desire quite clear. He wants us to manage money according to His principles.Our friend Howard Dayton points out that wisely managing money and the other resources God blesses us with deepens our fellowship with Christ. Having a close relationship with Jesus is another way to describe what the Bible calls “true riches.”In Luke 16:11, Jesus indicates that God uses money as a test. He says, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”Jesus is saying that how you handle money affects your spiritual life. If you manage it well according to biblical principles, you'll naturally grow closer to Him. If not, your fellowship with Him suffers.So biblical money management is a very practical way to improve your spiritual life, but sometimes things get in the way of that. There are two kinds of disobedience that keep us from handling money God's way and growing closer to Him.The first is passive. It's just laziness. Some people don't want to take the time to organize their finances, make a budget, and track their spending. Doing those things might only take a few hours a month. Still, it's just too much to bother with. As a result, intimacy with God suffers.If you don't have a spending plan, we urge you to download the FaithFi app. It provides three options for setting up a budget quickly and easily and then tracking your spending. So that's the first form of disobedience: passive. Another person has a different obstacle to growing closer to God. It's an active or willful disobedience. For that person, money and possessions compete with Christ.Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms how that will turn out. In Matthew 6:24 He says,  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”Often that person thinks he can surrender every part of his life to Christ except money. He might be good at making money, paying bills on time, saving and investing, but he refuses to give Christ lordship over his finances.Maybe he stumbles over tithing or other giving to God's Kingdom. He has the resources, but just doesn't want to give. Again, his intimacy with Christ suffers.Finally, there's another person who's not following biblical financial principles but thinks her relationship with the Lord is just fine. To her we might say, “What you don't know will hurt you.  What are you missing out on? You might think finances aren't interfering with your relationship with God, but how would you know?If any of these people sound like you, commit your finances to the Lord in earnest prayer and then follow through managing your money and possessions His way!On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions:What is the wisest way for a business owner to use recently received Employee Retention Credit funds?If you're married but the home mortgage is only in one spouse's name, is it a good idea to add the other spouse to the note?How do you determine whether it's best to hire someone to help you manage your retirement funds? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give  as we expand our outreach.

The wedding season is nearly upon us, and if you're planning one, you're probably knee-deep in details. But experience shows that one of the most important things is often overlooked. That is, how will you and your spouse handle money? We'll talk about that today with Howard Dayton. Howard Dayton is the former host of this program, and he literally wrote the book on this topic. It's called Money and Marriage God's Way. BE COMPLETELY HONEST AND TRANSPARENTThe very first thing he advises couples planning a wedding to do is to give complete disclosure with their finances. You should be fully transparent with your financial situation. Make this commitment to each other— no secrets about money!Swap your financial statements that disclose all your assets and debts. Trade credit reports and credit scores and openly talk over any financial struggles you've experienced.When you're honest— even if there's bad news to deal with— it builds trust with your future spouse. Your fiancé will respect and appreciate your integrity. Ignorance about your financial circumstances is definitely not bliss.TALK IT THROUGHThe next item is talking through your financial goals, values, and expectations. You want to get to know each other. Learn each other's financial personalities, values, and attitudes. What is it that you want to accomplish in your economic lives as an individual and as a couple? What things are most important to you? You need to have that conversation.FOUNDATIONAL QUESTIONSHere are some important questions to ask one another: ● Who's going to be the breadwinner, one or both?● If both are breadwinners, what happens when we have children – does the wife stay home to raise the children?● What percentage of our income do you want to give? Who do you prefer to give to-church, ministries, the poor and needy, etc.?● How much of our income do you want to save?● What's your attitude toward debt? When should we use it? Is paying off debt a very high priority for you?● Who will handle the bookkeeping and paying the bills?● And how often should we meet to review our finances?REGULAR REVIEWSIt's important to regularly review your finances together. Howard likes to call this a weekly “money date.” That's when you get together to go over the week's income and spending, and how well you've kept to the budget, and whether you need to make adjustments. It's an important tool for staying on track because it makes the spouses accountable to each other.UNITY QUESTIONSHere are some other critical questions that can help create unity in your marriage: ● How do you see us becoming one with our finances? How should we combine our finances? Is there any sense of “my money“ and “your money“? If so, how can we overcome this challenge?When you marry, the Lord wants the two of you to become one in every area, including your finances. So, I highly recommend you combine your resources and work together to save and pay off any debt as quickly as possible.● What are your expectations concerning our lifestyle – what do you want for a home, furniture, cars, clothes, vacations, and gifts?● And what do you think we should spend on our wedding?A couple more key tips: You need to develop a spending plan together. It's very helpful to develop an estimated spending plan together. You'll learn a lot about each other.And you need to learn God‘s way of handling money. One of the most important steps an engaged couple can take together is to learn what the Lord says about handling finances.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How do you determine the proper way to estate plan for your family?When does it make sense to take funds to pay off a mortgage after the death of a spouse?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

The wedding season is nearly upon us and if you’re planning one, you’re probably already knee deep in details. But don’t let your busyness cause you to forget one of the most important things you need to discuss as a couple. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to explain that couples need to discuss how they are going to handle their finances before they say “I do.” Then Rob will take your calls and answer the financial questions on your mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck, you can make a decision today that will  change your life. All you have to do is put God's financial principles into practice and then wait to see what happens. You'll be amazed at the results!Like most things, the first step in making financial changes is admitting you have a problem and then identifying what you're doing wrong. So what's not right with the way you're handling money?Maybe you worry about bouncing a check. Or you fear the phone ringing because it might be a bill collector. Or you're dealing with the gas or electricity being turned off for non-payment.Maybe you argue with your spouse about money. Or you've stopped giving to your church because you're afraid you won't have enough.Those are all signs that something needs to change. And you shouldn't fear that change. It might be a little scary at first, but nowhere near as scary as living paycheck to paycheck. Following God's principles will give you welcome relief from worrying about money.Isaiah 43 tells us, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. I am doing a new thing … I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”So how do you begin to bring about this change? First, by dispelling the notion that God's Word doesn't contain everything you need to transform the way you handle money.Hebrews 4:12 reads “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Understanding and believing in biblical truth is essential, and the first principle you need to grasp is that God owns it all.In Psalm 24:1 we find, “The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.”  When you fully embrace that principle, everything else can fall into place.You won't be consumed with thoughts about the way you're handling your money because it's not yours. Instead, you'll begin to think about managing God's money because you're simply His steward (or manager) of the resources He's temporarily entrusted to you.And as His steward, God will never abandon you to fend for yourself. He's always with you and He's promised to provide. Luke 12:24 reads, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap … they have neither storehouse nor barn … yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”Once you believe that God will provide, Scripture becomes your guide for changing the way you think and act about money. Instead of running away from God's financial principles, you'll run to them. The Bible says a lot about spending, saving, investing and getting out of debt, along with contentment and generosity— everything you need to know for wise money management.Take just one principle to start. Pray earnestly about it. Ask God for strength, discipline, and the desire to carry it out. Maybe that's setting aside a few dollars out of your paycheck. Or paying more than the minimum on your credit card. Or putting a little more in the collection plate. Pick one and stick with it. Then when it's part of your life, you can go on to the next and the next.This is putting principle into practice. You do that with tools and structure, a budget, a will, a long-range financial plan, and so on.If you're not living on a budget, you need to develop a spending plan now. Proverbs 27:23 teaches, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” These days our “herds and flocks” are our bank accounts.And there's no better tool for developing a spending plan than the FaithFi app. It uses the tried and true envelope budgeting system to plan and track all of your spending. Download it at your app store.Now, many people find it difficult to change by themselves. They need someone to encourage them and to hold them accountable. As our friend Howard Dayton likes to say, “to hold their fuzzy feet to the fire.”You may need someone to keep you on track. It could be a spouse, another family member or a friend— but someone to hold you accountable for staying on budget.So, those are the tools you need to start putting God's financial principles into practice. When you do, you'll see big changes in your life— not right away but be patient— it'll happen. And then you can stop worrying about money. We hope you'll get started.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What is the wisest way to use cash recently pulled out of a 401(k) account?Can you take out a home equity loan on a home that you're buying via owner financing?What is the best way to file taxes for teens?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

Proverbs 22:7 carries a grim warning about debt: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Nowhere is that more true than with student loan debt, now just over $1.75 trillion. But you don't have to be part of that statistic. We'll talk today with Howard Dayton about how you can avoid it. Howard Dayton is the former host of this program and the founder of Compass—Finances God's Way. Howard has written about student loan debt in the past and has come across some numbers that should make anyone think twice about falling into that trap.  You can read more of Howard's wisdom at Compass1.org.STARTLING COLLEGE DEBT STATSAccording to one survey, millennial-aged college graduates are spending a whopping 18% of their salary on student loan payments, and 60% of them expect to be making payments on their student loans into their 40s.But it gets worse! The survey also found that average student debt for millennials is more than $41,000, and a third reported being clueless as to their loan's interest rate.What's even more surprising is that many millennials aren't willing to adjust their lifestyle to pay it off their student loans more quickly. For example, less than half of those surveyed were willing to cut what they spend on eating out and entertainment.The last big discovery of the survey: fully one-third of the grads said they would have skipped college altogether if they'd known how expensive it would be in the end.Howard has come up with five ways that students and their parents can keep from drowning in student loans. 5 TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE STUDENT DEBT TRAP1. Start preparing early! Urge your high school-age kids to take dual credit classes that will count as college credit. I know of one couple's 17-year-old son who graduated from high school having earned 90 college credit hours. When he enrolls in college, he'll have completed the first three years of college free!2. Another option is to enroll in a local community college the first two years to complete your general classes or to work full-time and take online college classes, which are typically much less expensive.3. Secure as many grants and scholarships as possible by investing the time to research every possible opportunity.Did you know that according to the National Scholarship Providers Association, an estimated $100 million in scholarships goes unused each year because no one applies for it?4. Encourage your children to work full-time during the summers, and part-time at college after their first semester. That first semester they should get acclimated to the college routine, but after that, they can look for a part-time job, and then apply what they earn toward college costs.Even working just 10 hours a week could easily pay for the next semester's books.5. Parents need to start saving early to help their kids pay for college. The 529 education savings plan is a great way to do that, and you can encourage grandparents and other family members to contribute to it with cash gifts for Christmas and birthdays.And here's one bonus suggestion: Don't cosign for your children's student loans or take out any loans yourselves. Everything should be in the child's name only. He or she has more time to pay off a loan than you have to save for retirement.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: Does it make sense to take money out of an IRA to pay off a home equity loan? What is the best way to plan for the distribution of assets to heirs, even if a surviving spouse remarries? How do you determine the right time to start drawing Social Security benefits? Be sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button.

Sadly, student loan debt has soared to over $1.75 trillion. But the good news is—you don't have to be part of that statistic. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to explain how you can avoid falling into the student debt trap. Then Rob will answer some calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sadly, student loan debt has soared to over $1.75 trillion. But the good news is—you don't have to be part of that statistic. On the today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to explain how you can avoid falling into the student debt trap. Then Rob will answer some calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of your relationships — with spouse, family and friends — are important, but temporary. Your only eternal relationship is with God. We need the bonds of family and friends to help us thrive in this world — but they pale to the significance of your relationship with the Lord. Today Rob West gives some practical ways you can draw closer to God. This is Faith and Finance -biblical wisdom for your financial journey.You're thinking, “What's my relationship with God have to do with finances?” - because this is a show about money, right?Yes, but it's also about our faith, and for Christians, faith and our finances have everything to do with our relationship with God, and the Bible gives us three principles to connect the dots.First — God created everything and therefore He owns everything. Colossians 1:16 reads, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.”Second — God gave us everything we possess. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” So God owns everything, but He's given us resources to use temporarily as his stewards.Last — God is not distant and detached. He wants a close relationship with you. James 4:8 reads, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” We draw near to God by obediently following His law. With over 2,300 verses in Scripture about money and possessions,  God has made his desire quite clear. He wants us to manage money according to His principles.Our friend Howard Dayton points out that wisely managing money and the other resources God has blessed us with deepens our fellowship with Christ. Having a close relationship with Jesus is another way to describe what the Bible calls “true riches.” In Luke 16:11, Jesus indicates that God uses money as a test. He says, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”Jesus is saying that how you handle money affects your spiritual life. If you manage it well — according to biblical principles — you'll naturally grow closer to Christ. If not, your fellowship with the Lord suffers.So biblical money management is a very practical way to improve your spiritual life, but sometimes things get in the way of that. There are two kinds of disobedience that keep us from handling money God's way and growing closer to Him.The first is passive. It's just plain laziness. Some people don't want to take the time to organize their finances - make a budget and track their spending. Doing those things might only take a few hours a month. Still, it's just too much to bother with.Worse, that same person will spend more time than that watching TV every night. As a result, intimacy with God suffers.Another person has a different obstacle to growing closer to God. It's an active or willful disobedience. For that person, money and possessions compete with Christ.Jesus tells us clearly how that will turn out. In Matthew 6:24 He says,  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”Then there are people who think they can surrender every part of their lives to Christ except money. They might be quite good at making money, paying their bills on time, saving and investing —  but they refuse to give Christ lordship over their finances — to follow all of the Bible's teachings.Maybe they stumble over tithing, or other giving to God's Kingdom. They have the resources, but they don't want to do it. Again, their intimacy with Christ suffers.Finally, there's the person who's not following biblical financial principles but thinks his relationship with the Lord is just fine. To him we might say, “What you don't know will hurt you.  What are you missing out on? You might think finances aren't interfering with your relationship with God — but how would you know?If that's you, commit to the Lord in earnest prayer and then follow through managing your money and possessions His way. You'll find what you need to get started by downloading the free FaithFi app. It will not only give you three ways to set up your budget based on the envelope system. It also has the best Christian financial content out there, to help you grow closer to God by following His principles.Do that for 3 months and see if your relationship with the Lord is more intimate — if you feel His presence more fully in your life and affairs. And then report back. We'd love to hear how it's working for you!Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:Can you combine and contribute to two old 401ks from previous employers, if your current employer doesn't offer a 401k, and can you also contribute to a Roth IRA?Are CDs offered by banks covered by FDIC insurance and can you roll an IRA into them?If you and your wife are finally empty nesters and trying to catch up on retirement savings after years of being in debt, how can you recover from the hit your retirement accounts took in 2022 if you plan to work for 8 to 10 more years?What should you do with $100,000 in the bank if you are 50 and have $45,000 in a 401k and your wife is 60 and just starting her retirement savings?  What's a simple budget template suitable for your 30 year old son who has a low income but is getting serious about his finances? (Rob referred the caller to the FaithFi App).How do you know if you need an trust instead of a will, and what's the difference between a trust and a TOD designation?Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app.

Whether you own a business or work for a paycheck, earning a living is probably one of your top priorities. But you may not give much thought to how God thinks about earning money. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will talk with Howard Dayton about earning money God's way. Then Rob will answer some calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you own a business or work for a paycheck, earning money is probably something you think about every day. While earning a living may be one of your priorities, you may not give much thought to how God thinks about it. Today Rob West talks with Howard Dayton about earning money God's way. This is Faith and Finance - biblical wisdom for your financial decisions.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass — Finances God's Way, and the former host of this program.You write about earning in your book, Business God's Way. What's the first thing we should know?God owns everything and that He's your real boss, no matter if you're self-employed or you work for someone else. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; it is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”And even your ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.”That puts things in perspective. What principles should we follow as we earn money?First is you should be totally honest.Business people need to treat customers, vendors, and even competitors with complete integrity.Workers need to be honest with employers and coworkers. Never steal even a pencil or a penny from your employerAs we do those things, it's important to remember that we represent Christ in the workplace, wouldn't you agree?I would. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”Owning and running a business is always a challenge. What biblical principles might help with that?Planning and being in order certainly come to mind. We might not think of orderliness as a biblical principle, but it is. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “But all things should be done decently and in order.”And not presuming on the future would be another. James 4:13-14 warns, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.”The world would probably agree with many of these principles for running a business or earning wages because they help the bottom line, but probably not generosity, don't you think?The world often looks at making a living as “dog eat dog,” but that's not how Christians should view it, especially when it comes to giving. Proverbs 11:24-25 tells us, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what he should give, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed”That doesn't mean God will always reward you with material wealth, but He promises to bless those who are generous, and He can do that in a lot of different ways.Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:What's a good strategy to get debt-free if you are about to pay off your $800/month car loan and then the only debt remaining will be $125,000 on your mortgage if you have an emergency fund in place and are not contributing to a retirement plan?Should you still contribute to your 403b if it went from $52,000 in September to $39,000 at the end of the year and what should you ask your investment advisor when you meet them?What banks allow liquidity and offer high interest rates for checking and savings accounts? (Rob referred the caller to Ally, Marcus and Capital One 360.Is it correct that you can't take distributions from a 401k until age 67 that you inherited after your husband passed away?Be sure to check out the rest of FaithFi.com to access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook Faith and Finance (Live) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep Faith and Finance (Live) on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Give button.

The Bible teaches that we should seek out wise counsel for answers to questions. We'll be asking some tough financial questions and Howard Dayton will give us his answers.“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:6. On this episode, we'll go through a list of questions Howard has been asked over the years.Howard Dayton is the author of Your Money Counts and the former host of this program.What's God's perspective on paying taxesThat's the same question the pharisee's spies asked Jesus in Luke 22: "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus answered, “Show Me a denarius (which was a Roman coin). Whose head and inscription does it have?' And they said, 'Caesar's.' And He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's"'A lot of folks rationalize not paying taxes because the government squanders much of the money it receives. Now, I'm not condoning government waste. In fact, I believe a citizen should try to influence the government to be more efficient and responsive. However, the Bible clearly tells us of an additional responsibility: pay the taxes you legally owe.How does the Bible define financial success?Scripture tells us that financial success is simply being a faithful steward. That's different from the world, where success is measured by how much wealth one acquires.But as Christians, we should assume someone is successful just by outward appearances. If we had seen Joseph or Paul in prison, Daniel in the lions' den, or Job in his affliction, how many of us would have considered them successful?According to Scripture the desired end for us is to become faithful stewards. After we have fulfilled that responsibility, it's up to God to decide whether or not to entrust us with wealth, or not, according to His purposes.Is it permissible for a Christian to be ambitious?Scripture certainly doesn't condemn ambition. Paul was ambitious. In Corinthians 5 he says, "We have as our ambition ... to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds"But the Bible does strongly condemn selfish ambition. Paul also says in Romans 2 that the Lord, "will render to every man according to his deeds ... to those who are selfishly ambitious . wrath and indignation."So our ambition shouldn't be motivated by egotistical desire. It should be to please Christ. We should have a burning desire to become increasingly faithful stewards in using the possessions and skills entrusted to us.Should wives work in a job outside the home?There's some interesting data on that. The number of women with children working outside the home peaked at 29 million in 2000 and remained there for nearly two decades. But since COVID, that number has dropped by 2 million. A lot of moms who left the workforce to care for kids because schools were closed. But the experts tell us they're not returning to the workforce.In my opinion, during children's early formative years it is preferable for a mother to be home whenever the children are home. Titus 2:4-5 reads, "Encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home."I think it's ideal for a mother of young children to limit working outside the home to those times when the children are not at home unless family finances depend upon her income. As children mature, the wife will have increased freedom to pursue work outside the home.Why do the wicked prosper?God's people have asked that for centuries. Even the prophet Jeremiah asked it in Jeremiah 12, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?"The Bible tells us that some of the wicked will prosper, but it does say not to worry about it. In Psalm 37 we find, “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass they will soon wither.”You can find answers to a whole lot more tough financial questions in his book, Your Money Counts.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions:Should you redeem savings bonds when they reach maturity? And if so, how should you invest the proceeds?When does it make sense to cancel a life insurance policy?Does it make sense to begin drawing Social Security and invest that money in an IRA?RESOURCES MENTIONED:TreasuryDirect.govRemember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can connect with a FaithFi Coach, join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app.

Hi, I'm Rob West. The Bible teaches that we should seek out wise counsel for answers to questions. Today we'll be asking some tough financial questions and Howard Dayton will give us his answers. For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 24:6. Howard Dayton is the author of Your Money Counts and the former host of this program. Today we'll go through a list of questions Howard has been asked over the years. 1. What's God's perspective on paying taxes? That's the same question the pharisee's spies asked Jesus in Luke 22: "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Jesus answered, Show Me a denarius (which was a Roman coin). Whose head and inscription does it have?' And they said, 'Caesar's.' And He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's"' A lot of folks rationalize not paying taxes because the government squanders much of the money it receives. Now, I'm not condoning government waste. In fact, I believe a citizen should try to influence the government to be more efficient and responsive. However, the Bible clearly tells us of an additional responsibility: pay the taxes you legally owe. How does the Bible define financial success? Scripture tells us that financial success is simply being a faithful steward. That's different from the world, where success is measured by how much wealth one acquires. But as Christians, we should assume someone is successful just by outward appearances. If we had seen Joseph or Paul in prison, Daniel in the lions' den, or Job in his affliction, how many of us would have considered them successful? According to Scripture the desired end for us is to become faithful stewards. After we have fulfilled that responsibility, it's up to God to decide whether or not to entrust us with wealth, or not, according to His purposes. Is it permissible for a Christian to be ambitious? Scripture certainly doesn't condemn ambition. Paul was ambitious. In Corinthians 5 he says, "We have as our ambition ... to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds" But the Bible does strongly condemn selfish ambition. Paul also says in Romans 2 that the Lord, "will render to every man according to his deeds ... to those who are selfishly ambitious . wrath and indignation." So our ambition shouldn't be motivated by egotistical desire. It should be to please Christ. We should have a burning desire to become increasingly faithful stewards in using the possessions and skills entrusted to us. Should wives work in a job outside the home? There's some interesting data on that. The number of women with children working outside the home peaked at 29 million in 2000 and remained there for nearly two decades. But since COVID, that number has dropped by 2 million. A lot of moms who left the workforce to care for kids because schools were closed. But the experts tell us they're not returning to the workforce. In my opinion, during children's early formative years it is preferable for a mother to be home whenever the children are home. Titus 2:4-5 reads, "Encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home." I think it's ideal for a mother of young children to limit working outside the home to those times when the children are not at home unless family finances depend upon her income. As children mature, the wife will have increased freedom to pursue work outside the home. Why do the wicked prosper? God's people have asked that for centuries. Even the prophet Jeremiah asked it in Jeremiah 12, Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" The Bible tells us that some of the wicked will prosper, but it does say not to worry about it. In Psalm 37 we find, Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass they will soon wither. You can find answers to a whole lot more tough financial questions in his book, Your Money Counts. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Should you redeem savings bonds when they reach maturity? And if so, how should you invest the proceeds? ● When does it make sense to cancel a life insurance policy? ● Does it make sense to begin drawing Social Security and invest that money in an IRA? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● TreasuryDirect.gov Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can connect with a FaithFi Coach, join the FaithFi Community, and even download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The Bible teaches that we should seek out wise counsel for answers to life's questions. And that's especially true when we're dealing with tough financial questions.  On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to review some of the tough financial questions he's answered over the years with the help of scripture. Then Rob will answer your calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're hoping that 2023 will be a better year for your finances than last year, but how can you make that happen? You don't have any control over the national economy, but you have a great deal of control over your own economy. In today's Faith and Finance Rob shares the steps to strengthen your financial condition, and give you peace of mind in the bargain. The number one thing you should do in 2023 is get out of debt. With today's higher interest rates, you're paying even more to carry balances on credit cards. Use the snowball method to pay off those cards. Prioritize them by smallest to highest balance. Pay all the minimums and use any extra funds to pay more on the smallest balance. When that's paid off, use extra funds to pay off the next smallest, and so on. You'll need to be on a budget to determine how much extra cash you have to pay down your debt. Spending without a budget is like a circus performer working without a net. So if you don't have a budget yet, download the FaithFi app. It's got three different ways to set up your spending plan - one will be just right for you. Download it at FaithFi.com. Another great financial tweak for 2023 is to start or increase your savings. We don't know what lies ahead for the economy, but having an emergency fund will help prepare you for anything. A 2022 survey by YouGov showed that 49% of Americans couldn't cover an unexpected bill of just $400. That was a big jump over the previous year, probably due to higher interest rates and inflation, so it's vital that you start putting away something from every paycheck into a savings account. Start with a goal to save $1500. Then keep going until you have 1 month's living expenses, and don't stop until you have 3 to 6 months living expenses saved up in your emergency fund. That covers your short-term saving needs. But you also have long term savings needs - retirement investing - for when age or health prevents you from working. So another great financial tweak for 2023 is to make sure you're at least maxing out any matching contributions in your 401k. If you want to go further, you can contribute up to $22,500 to a 401k or 403b this year. If you have an IRA, either traditional or Roth, you can contribute up to $6,500 in 2023, and an extra $1,000 if you're over age 50. Here's another way to improve your financial condition this year: Improve your skill set by taking web courses. Online learning exploded with COVID and it remains easier than ever to get professional certifications and specializations - even under-grad and master's degrees - without leaving home and often at a fraction of the cost of in-classroom programs. If you're looking for a career change, there's an increased demand for tech talent so schools are offering a lot more options for computer programming and coding classes. So those are all offensive tweaks you can make to improve your finances in 2023 - but what about defensive tweaks? And by that we mean protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft. One way to do that is by signing up for transaction or account alerts with your bank and credit card issuer. You should be able to do that online. Once you've logged into your account, look for security settings and select the transaction monitoring option. The system will then text or email you whenever money is taken from the account, and you can take steps to minimize the damage if fraud has occurred. The card issuer will investigate any false charges and remove them from your account. You can also put a freeze on your credit at the three reporting bureaus: Experian, Transunion and Equifax. That will prevent thieves from setting up new accounts in your name by blocking credit checks. It's free and easy to do, but you have to do it at each of the three bureaus individually. And while you're doing that it's also a good idea to get your credit reports. You can do it for free once a year for each bureau at Annual CreditReport.com. We like to stagger them, getting one every six months. Now when you do that, look for any errors or suspicious activity. If you find anything, the bureaus all offer you a way to dispute those transactions online. The bureau will notify the creditor about your dispute and they have 30 days to resolve it or it gets dropped from your report. You can do that for free at AnnualCreditReports.com. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What is the purpose of work (working for a living)? ● What is an ideal amount to have saved in a 401k at age 48? ● How can you move money from a 401k into a Roth IRA, and would that make sense? ● How do you determine what to do with your money after becoming debt free? ● What is the best way to learn the basics of budgeting and managing money? RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THIS PROGRAM ● Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor ● Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton (book) ● FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000, email Askrob@FaithFi.com, or visit our website, www.FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

With just 4 shopping days left, time is running short. But if you’re just getting started with gift buying, you still have time to do it right. On today's MoneyWise Live, host Rob West will welcome Howard Dayton to give us some advice about last minute Christmas shopping. Then Rob will answer some calls on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. As Christians living in a materialistic society, we must remember to celebrate for the right reason. Today, former MoneyWise host Howard Dayton joins Rob West to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Our opening verse is from Luke 2, of course. It goes on to say: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you - Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Today, Howard shares Christmas memories and traditions of celebrating the birth of Jesus and offers advice for parents about teaching the real reason for the season: Be intentional in teaching our children and grandchildren that the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas is that we are honoring the Lord Jesus for leaving heaven to come to earth as a helpless child and that He grew up to live a perfect sinless live, in order to die as a sacrifice for us so we would be accepted by God! On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: How do you determine where to give your charitable gifts? Would it be wise to take out a collateral loan for investment purposes? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can join the MoneyWise Community and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

With just 4 Christmas shopping days left, time is running short. But if you're just getting started with gift buying, you still have time to do it right. Today Howard Dayton gives us advice for last-minute Christmas shopping. Howard Dayton is the former host of this program and the author of several books on biblical finances. Howard says if your shopping list is still a blank slate, that also provides an opportunity to avoid making last-minute mistakes. WHERE TO START You start with a goal and a plan. Your goal is to stay out of debt this Christmas. Your plan will help you do that by thinking more carefully about your spending and avoiding impulsive purchases. Now, drawing up your plan is actually pretty simple. First, determine how much you can spend without going into debt. That's your shopping budget. Then, make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for. Finally, divide the money in your budget among those names. They won't all be equal. You can set your own priorities, but in the end, the total can't exceed the money you've budgeted for Christmas shopping. WHAT IF MONEY IS TIGHT? Remember, the idea here isn't keeping up with the Joneses. It's having a debt-free Christmas that's also a wonderful time and memory for your family. So be a student of each person on your list. Buy or make inexpensive gifts that are meaningful to the recipient because it reflects their personal interests. There's still time to bake and decorate Christmas cookies. Make gifts of them to some (or all) of the people on your list. It's another inexpensive way to show people you care. Make a stack of them, wrap em up, put a bow on top, and you're done. Keep the focus on Christ, who already gave us the greatest gift of salvation. You can never top that! Where possible, your gift could be a handmade card with some verses from the Christmas Story in Luke 2. The world has taken Christ out of Christmas. Take the opportunity to put Him back in it, front and center! BUT IF YOU STILL HAVE GIFTS TO PURCHASE For a lot of last-minute shoppers, the temptation to just use a credit card will seem overwhelming. Actually, there's nothing wrong with using a credit card if you follow 3 simple rules: First, use a credit card only for budgeted purchases. You've already determined how much you can spend on Christmas shopping, so stick to the plan. If you don't, you won't have a debt-free Christmas. The next rules apply year-round: ● Pay credit cards off on time and in full every month. This way, there's no interest charges, no late fees, and no debt. ● The very first month you can't pay a credit card bill in full, take out the scissors, and perform some plastic surgery! Remember what Proverbs 22:7 says, The borrower is slave to the lender. The Lord wants us free to serve Him and not our creditors. FINAL THOUGHTS In His story of the King in Matthew 25, Jesus says, Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. So try to save something for a special gift to the poor this Christmas season because when you do, you're giving to Christ Himself. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● When does it make sense to take out a private student loan? ● What is the wisest way to use proceeds from an injury settlement? ● What's the best way to pay off credit card debt? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Proverbs 15:1 says, A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. That verse reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship. And maybe all the more when that crisis involves the marriage relationship. Howard Dayton joins us today to talk about surviving a marriage crisis. Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Finances God's Way and the former host of this program. THE WARNING SIGNS OF A MARITAL CRISIS It typically occurs when an unusual amount of stress or unresolved conflict becomes too intense for a couple to manage. A crisis brought on by finances usually involves more than dollars and cents. Anger. resentment, frustration and hopelessness often control the relationship. Communication becomes increasingly strained, or the two emotionally withdraw from each other. A crisis can be even more challenging when either the husband or the wife contributed to it, rather than its being caused by outside forces, and especially when trust has been broken. People react differently to crises. Some people react quickly and emotionally, while others are more introspective and require time to sort it out. It's essential for spouses to give each other the freedom to deal with the crisis in an appropriate way and to support each other in every way possible. Times like this can be defining in a relationship, bringing couples closer together or pushing them further apart. This may surprise you, but one of the biggest potential benefits is that when people experience a high level of pain, they'll often change. Impulse spenders often become careful spenders, credit cards are paid off. Couples begin to communicate at a deeper level. And others become serious about growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ. HERE ARE 8 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH A MARITAL CRISIS Pray together for God's wisdom and direction in your situation. Agree together on ground rules for how to deal with the crisis. Include an opportunity for either spouse at any time to call a time-out to pray together and cool off if a meeting becomes too intense Use kind words to communicate. Words are easy to cast but difficult to reel in. Write a letter to each other expressing your feelings and identifying the issues contributing to the crisis financial or otherwise. Then meet to pray and discuss the letters. Identify, confess and repent from any sin. For example, if someone is addicted to gambling and is squandering the family income, true repentance would mean getting help to break the addiction. Decide what you will not do. Identify what you won't do to try to cope with the problem. For example, adding more debt to a fragile financial situation often only delays the inevitable and makes it worse. Look for the underlying cause. Be alert for the real source of the hurt between you and your spouse. You may not know where to look for it, but God does. Ask Him to reveal it.Finally, work to rebuild the marriage. Each spouse should find someone to hold them accountable to make good choices. And if a couple does all those things but the crisis remains, what then? Couples experiencing an acute meltdown in their marriage need intervention because they're unable to work out their problems without the assistance of professionals. It's vital to find the right person or organization that can provide the most effective help. Select a mature Christian who is a trained professional. To identify prospects, ask for referrals from church leadership and conduct online research to discover what resources are available in your area. We realize there are some circumstances where divorce may occur because of abuse, adultery, or addictions, but most problems can be solved if both partners are committed to resolving them. Learn more in Howard Dayton's book Money and Marriage God's Way. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Is it wise to take out a debt consolidation loan? ● What is the best way to help an adult child to attack their debt? ● When does it make sense to invest in real estate? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Proverbs 15:1 says, A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. That verse reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship. And maybe all the more when that crisis involves the marriage relationship. Howard Dayton joins us today to talk about surviving a marriage crisis. Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Finances God's Way and the former host of this program. THE WARNING SIGNS OF A MARITAL CRISIS It typically occurs when an unusual amount of stress or unresolved conflict becomes too intense for a couple to manage. A crisis brought on by finances usually involves more than dollars and cents. Anger. resentment, frustration and hopelessness often control the relationship. Communication becomes increasingly strained, or the two emotionally withdraw from each other. A crisis can be even more challenging when either the husband or the wife contributed to it, rather than its being caused by outside forces, and especially when trust has been broken. People react differently to crises. Some people react quickly and emotionally, while others are more introspective and require time to sort it out. It's essential for spouses to give each other the freedom to deal with the crisis in an appropriate way and to support each other in every way possible. Times like this can be defining in a relationship, bringing couples closer together or pushing them further apart. This may surprise you, but one of the biggest potential benefits is that when people experience a high level of pain, they'll often change. Impulse spenders often become careful spenders, credit cards are paid off. Couples begin to communicate at a deeper level. And others become serious about growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ. HERE ARE 8 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH A MARITAL CRISIS Pray together for God's wisdom and direction in your situation. Agree together on ground rules for how to deal with the crisis. Include an opportunity for either spouse at any time to call a time-out to pray together and cool off if a meeting becomes too intense Use kind words to communicate. Words are easy to cast but difficult to reel in. Write a letter to each other expressing your feelings and identifying the issues contributing to the crisis financial or otherwise. Then meet to pray and discuss the letters. Identify, confess and repent from any sin. For example, if someone is addicted to gambling and is squandering the family income, true repentance would mean getting help to break the addiction. Decide what you will not do. Identify what you won't do to try to cope with the problem. For example, adding more debt to a fragile financial situation often only delays the inevitable and makes it worse. Look for the underlying cause. Be alert for the real source of the hurt between you and your spouse. You may not know where to look for it, but God does. Ask Him to reveal it.Finally, work to rebuild the marriage. Each spouse should find someone to hold them accountable to make good choices. And if a couple does all those things but the crisis remains, what then? Couples experiencing an acute meltdown in their marriage need intervention because they're unable to work out their problems without the assistance of professionals. It's vital to find the right person or organization that can provide the most effective help. Select a mature Christian who is a trained professional. To identify prospects, ask for referrals from church leadership and conduct online research to discover what resources are available in your area. We realize there are some circumstances where divorce may occur because of abuse, adultery, or addictions, but most problems can be solved if both partners are committed to resolving them. Learn more in Howard Dayton's book Money and Marriage God's Way. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Is it wise to take out a debt consolidation loan? ● What is the best way to help an adult child to attack their debt? ● When does it make sense to invest in real estate? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Taking the easy way out can trap us into hopeless debt, especially when it involves car loans. We'll talk about the auto debt trap today with Howard Dayton today on Money Wise. Difficult situations and wrong choices conspire to trap us in hopelessness. Judah Smith Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Finances God's Way and the former host of this program. In Howard's book Free and Clear: God's Roadmap To Debt-Free Living, he has a great chapter called The Auto Debt Trap. Most people have to finance their car purchases and find themselves trapped. THE AUTO DEBT TRAP After home mortgages, car loans are the largest debts most people carry. And most people have em. There's a joke that the only reason banks have drive-in windows is so cars can see their owners. Many auto sellers discourage paying by cash because they'll lose income if you don't borrow for it through their finance companies. So beware. Dayton says debt is one of the biggest roadblocks for most people on their journey to true financial freedom. It's especially dangerous because most people never get out of it. Just when they get to the point of paying off a car, they trade it in and purchase that newer one with credit. WHY WE GET ENSNARED IN THE AUTO DEBT TRAP First, car prices always seem to rise faster than inflation, especially these days. New and used car prices are through the roof. Second, advertisers have done a masterful job of marketing an expensive image rather than selling a car as affordable, reliable transportation. Their ads promise status and a carefree life until the first payment is due, of course. Finally, the cost of financing has risen significantly. Car loans have longer terms and average monthly payments are now more than $700, making it difficult to get out of the auto debt trap once you're in. HOW TO AVOID OR GET OUT OF THE AUTO DEBT TRAP First, decide to keep your car at least three years LONGER than your car loan. Second, pay off your car loan as soon as you can. Third, after your last payment, keep making the payment, but pay it to yourself. Put those payments to yourself into an account that you'll use to buy your next car. And fourth, buy your next car with cash. The saved cash plus the trade-in value should be enough to buy a car without credit. It may not be a new car, but you should be able to buy a low-mileage used car without any debt. Then, keep making the payments to yourself so you'll never have to borrow for a car again. Learn more about Compass - Finances God's Way at www.compass1.org. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How should you allocate your investments in terms of stocks vs bonds? ● When should you loan money to a friend or family member? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Taking the easy way out can trap us into hopeless debt, especially when it involves car loans. We'll talk about the auto debt trap today with Howard Dayton today on Money Wise. Difficult situations and wrong choices conspire to trap us in hopelessness. Judah Smith Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Finances God's Way and the former host of this program. In Howard's book Free and Clear: God's Roadmap To Debt-Free Living, he has a great chapter called The Auto Debt Trap. Most people have to finance their car purchases and find themselves trapped. THE AUTO DEBT TRAP After home mortgages, car loans are the largest debts most people carry. And most people have em. There's a joke that the only reason banks have drive-in windows is so cars can see their owners. Many auto sellers discourage paying by cash because they'll lose income if you don't borrow for it through their finance companies. So beware. Dayton says debt is one of the biggest roadblocks for most people on their journey to true financial freedom. It's especially dangerous because most people never get out of it. Just when they get to the point of paying off a car, they trade it in and purchase that newer one with credit. WHY WE GET ENSNARED IN THE AUTO DEBT TRAP First, car prices always seem to rise faster than inflation, especially these days. New and used car prices are through the roof. Second, advertisers have done a masterful job of marketing an expensive image rather than selling a car as affordable, reliable transportation. Their ads promise status and a carefree life until the first payment is due, of course. Finally, the cost of financing has risen significantly. Car loans have longer terms and average monthly payments are now more than $700, making it difficult to get out of the auto debt trap once you're in. HOW TO AVOID OR GET OUT OF THE AUTO DEBT TRAP First, decide to keep your car at least three years LONGER than your car loan. Second, pay off your car loan as soon as you can. Third, after your last payment, keep making the payment, but pay it to yourself. Put those payments to yourself into an account that you'll use to buy your next car. And fourth, buy your next car with cash. The saved cash plus the trade-in value should be enough to buy a car without credit. It may not be a new car, but you should be able to buy a low-mileage used car without any debt. Then, keep making the payments to yourself so you'll never have to borrow for a car again. Learn more about Compass - Finances God's Way at www.compass1.org. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How should you allocate your investments in terms of stocks vs bonds? ● When should you loan money to a friend or family member? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Christian Credit Counselors Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Before you can do anything else with money, you have to earn it. Today on MoneyWise, scriptural counsel and practical advice about earning. Every so often on Monday, we review the five basic things you can do with money. You can earn it, live on it, give it away, you can owe it to someone, and you can grow it for the future. Earn / Live / Give / Owe / Grow. Today, our focus is earning. EARNING IS A BLESSING Generally speaking, working a job that pays you a wage or owning a business that produces a profit is good. These are God-given means by which we support ourselves and our loved ones and give to churches and other ministries. But earning money is not simply a means to various other ends. The work we do to make our way in the world has value in and of itself. It is through our work that God does a lot of his work of molding our character, building our perseverance, and sparking the creativity he has put within us. As my friend Howard Dayton likes to say, As the carpenter builds the house, the house builds the carpenter. What we do to earn money shapes us day after day after day. And therefore it is appropriate to ask God to guide our money-making tasks and use them to his glory. THE DANGERS OF EARNING Now, there are downsides to making money both if you make a lot of it and if your earnings are modest. Let me focus first on those who make a good salary or own a profitable business. Watch out! Never forget Deuteronomy 8:18, which reads: You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth. It is so easy, when making good money, to think you've accomplished it all yourself. If you start to feel that way, here's a suggestion. Pull a dollar bill out of your wallet or a 10 or a 20 or whatever and look for the place where it says these words: In God We Trust. The only reason you have that money is because the very God who is mentioned on all your money has given you the power the creativity, the skills, the network of contacts, and so much more to make wealth. So humbly thank him for your success. For those whose earnings are modest, I want you to do the same thing. Pull out a dollar, or a coin, and find those same words: In God We Trust. And you can pray this prayer or something like it: Lord, it's tough making ends meet sometimes, but I am trusting you. I believe you are the Lord of all, and you will make a way for me. Now, I can't tell you why some godly people prosper financially and other godly people don't. That is all wrapped up in the mystery of God's providence. But I can remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul. He writes this: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And then he goes on to says this: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Now, don't misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with asking God to provide a better-paying job, or asking him to help your business succeed if it is struggling. But the size of a paycheck can never be the true source of joy and contentment. That source is Jesus alone. So remember: God knows your needs. He knows you need money to live on and he will make a way. And he knows all about the inflationary environment we're in too! His ability to provide is not hampered by the inflation rate. Now if you're one of those people who earns a good living, ask the Lord how he wants you to make use of what he's entrusted to you. It's his money. You're a steward, a manager. Ask the Lord how to use what you earn to advance his purposes in the world. You might not hear an answer right away, but if you ask in obedient faith, God will open your eyes over time to needs that you can help meet. Again, whether you have modest earnings or a well-paying situation, always remember what's written on the money: In God We Trust. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are structured notes and how do they work within your investment portfolio? ● Can you claim home improvement costs against capital gains? ● How do you go about activating a special needs trust? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Xx Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Before you can do anything else with money, you have to earn it. Today on MoneyWise, scriptural counsel and practical advice about earning. Every so often on Monday, we review the five basic things you can do with money. You can earn it, live on it, give it away, you can owe it to someone, and you can grow it for the future. Earn / Live / Give / Owe / Grow. Today, our focus is earning. EARNING IS A BLESSING Generally speaking, working a job that pays you a wage or owning a business that produces a profit is good. These are God-given means by which we support ourselves and our loved ones and give to churches and other ministries. But earning money is not simply a means to various other ends. The work we do to make our way in the world has value in and of itself. It is through our work that God does a lot of his work of molding our character, building our perseverance, and sparking the creativity he has put within us. As my friend Howard Dayton likes to say, As the carpenter builds the house, the house builds the carpenter. What we do to earn money shapes us day after day after day. And therefore it is appropriate to ask God to guide our money-making tasks and use them to his glory. THE DANGERS OF EARNING Now, there are downsides to making money both if you make a lot of it and if your earnings are modest. Let me focus first on those who make a good salary or own a profitable business. Watch out! Never forget Deuteronomy 8:18, which reads: You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth. It is so easy, when making good money, to think you've accomplished it all yourself. If you start to feel that way, here's a suggestion. Pull a dollar bill out of your wallet or a 10 or a 20 or whatever and look for the place where it says these words: In God We Trust. The only reason you have that money is because the very God who is mentioned on all your money has given you the power the creativity, the skills, the network of contacts, and so much more to make wealth. So humbly thank him for your success. For those whose earnings are modest, I want you to do the same thing. Pull out a dollar, or a coin, and find those same words: In God We Trust. And you can pray this prayer or something like it: Lord, it's tough making ends meet sometimes, but I am trusting you. I believe you are the Lord of all, and you will make a way for me. Now, I can't tell you why some godly people prosper financially and other godly people don't. That is all wrapped up in the mystery of God's providence. But I can remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul. He writes this: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And then he goes on to says this: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Now, don't misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with asking God to provide a better-paying job, or asking him to help your business succeed if it is struggling. But the size of a paycheck can never be the true source of joy and contentment. That source is Jesus alone. So remember: God knows your needs. He knows you need money to live on and he will make a way. And he knows all about the inflationary environment we're in too! His ability to provide is not hampered by the inflation rate. Now if you're one of those people who earns a good living, ask the Lord how he wants you to make use of what he's entrusted to you. It's his money. You're a steward, a manager. Ask the Lord how to use what you earn to advance his purposes in the world. You might not hear an answer right away, but if you ask in obedient faith, God will open your eyes over time to needs that you can help meet. Again, whether you have modest earnings or a well-paying situation, always remember what's written on the money: In God We Trust. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are structured notes and how do they work within your investment portfolio? ● Can you claim home improvement costs against capital gains? ● How do you go about activating a special needs trust? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Xx Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Before you can do anything else with money, you have to earn it. Today on MoneyWise, scriptural counsel and practical advice about earning. Every so often on Monday, we review the five basic things you can do with money. You can earn it, live on it, give it away, you can owe it to someone, and you can grow it for the future. Earn / Live / Give / Owe / Grow. Today, our focus is earning. EARNING IS A BLESSING Generally speaking, working a job that pays you a wage or owning a business that produces a profit is good. These are God-given means by which we support ourselves and our loved ones and give to churches and other ministries. But earning money is not simply a means to various other ends. The work we do to make our way in the world has value in and of itself. It is through our work that God does a lot of his work of molding our character, building our perseverance, and sparking the creativity he has put within us. As my friend Howard Dayton likes to say, As the carpenter builds the house, the house builds the carpenter. What we do to earn money shapes us day after day after day. And therefore it is appropriate to ask God to guide our money-making tasks and use them to his glory. THE DANGERS OF EARNING Now, there are downsides to making money both if you make a lot of it and if your earnings are modest. Let me focus first on those who make a good salary or own a profitable business. Watch out! Never forget Deuteronomy 8:18, which reads: You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth. It is so easy, when making good money, to think you've accomplished it all yourself. If you start to feel that way, here's a suggestion. Pull a dollar bill out of your wallet or a 10 or a 20 or whatever and look for the place where it says these words: In God We Trust. The only reason you have that money is because the very God who is mentioned on all your money has given you the power the creativity, the skills, the network of contacts, and so much more to make wealth. So humbly thank him for your success. For those whose earnings are modest, I want you to do the same thing. Pull out a dollar, or a coin, and find those same words: In God We Trust. And you can pray this prayer or something like it: Lord, it's tough making ends meet sometimes, but I am trusting you. I believe you are the Lord of all, and you will make a way for me. Now, I can't tell you why some godly people prosper financially and other godly people don't. That is all wrapped up in the mystery of God's providence. But I can remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul. He writes this: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And then he goes on to says this: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Now, don't misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with asking God to provide a better-paying job, or asking him to help your business succeed if it is struggling. But the size of a paycheck can never be the true source of joy and contentment. That source is Jesus alone. So remember: God knows your needs. He knows you need money to live on and he will make a way. And he knows all about the inflationary environment we're in too! His ability to provide is not hampered by the inflation rate. Now if you're one of those people who earns a good living, ask the Lord how he wants you to make use of what he's entrusted to you. It's his money. You're a steward, a manager. Ask the Lord how to use what you earn to advance his purposes in the world. You might not hear an answer right away, but if you ask in obedient faith, God will open your eyes over time to needs that you can help meet. Again, whether you have modest earnings or a well-paying situation, always remember what's written on the money: In God We Trust. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are structured notes and how do they work within your investment portfolio? ● Can you claim home improvement costs against capital gains? ● How do you go about activating a special needs trust? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Xx Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

With the average monthly car payment now at $712, it makes sense to keep your old car running as long as possible! Estimates are that prices for new and used cars will remain sky high well into 2023. So now is a terrible time to buy another vehicle. In most cases, you'll be miles ahead by repairing the old one. We'll tell you the best way to do that today on MoneyWise. Right now, AAA is advising vehicle owners to budget at least $100 a month for maintenance and repairs. That's a lot of money, and we might expect the bulk of that spending to be on the back half of a vehicle's life. It's a good idea to keep a separate budget category just for repairs. You can let it build up in the early years when repairs are few because the odds are you'll need that money later. That said, you should also shop smart for repairs to keep your heap running. How do you do that? HOW TO KEEP REPAIR COSTS DOWN The best way to cut repair costs is to prevent them from happening. You can't prevent all repairs that way. Parts do have a limited life span and they'll eventually break or fail, but proper maintenance can stretch out their life and cut down on repair costs. Obviously, if your car is still relatively new, make sure you follow the maintenance schedule to keep the warranty in force. But did you know that you can shop around for lower prices on maintenance procedures? It doesn't have to be done at the dealer where you purchased the car. Just make sure the work is done on time and keep proper records. Now, what if you don't know a reputable repair shop in your area? How do you find one? Most dealerships and independent repair shops are honest businesses. But it only takes a few bad apples to make people wary of mechanics in general. That's changing with websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. They have lists of repair shops in your area with customer reviews and ratings. It's more difficult these days for a dishonest business to stay in business. But don't forget about word of mouth. Ask folks at church where they have their repairs done. Odds are good you'll find a great shop with reasonable prices. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE So, what are some of the routine maintenance items you need to take care of? Let's start with oil changes. Auto shops don't make much on oil changes, so often they'll try to sell you other things while you're there. That's not necessarily bad. If you go in for an oil change and the mechanic points out your bald tires, thank him or her and start shopping around for the best deal you can find. But if you're not sure whether a repair or maintenance procedure is needed, get a second opinion. Now, there are some things that you can easily do yourself, even if you're not mechanically inclined. For examplechanging an air filter. It's a snap on most cars, and there's probably at least one youtube video showing how it's done for your make and model. For that matter, there's probably a youtube video showing you how to do almost any repair or maintenance procedure for your vehicle, including an engine overhaul, so you've got to know your limitations. Don't take on a repair project unless you're sure you can complete it properly. Once upon a time, tune-ups were a mainstay of vehicle maintenance, but with modern auto technology, cars generally no longer require tuning. So if a mechanic says you need a tune-up, find out what that means. You can also have the car checked out on a diagnostic machine before paying for anything called a tune-up. Of course, another big maintenance item is brakes. Check your brake pads every 12,000 miles, even if they're working properly. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them if there is 1/8 inch or less of the pad lining remaining. The key to keeping expenses down with brakes is to understand that most of the time, you'll only need to replace the pads. If a shop recommends a more extensive brake procedure, get a second opinion. The bottom line, you need to perform routine maintenance to avoid bigger expenses down the road. Just be a smart shopper, always looking for the best prices on repairs and maintenance, or if you're able, do the work yourself. That'll keep your vehicle on the road. And as our friend Howard Dayton likes to say, the cheapest vehicle is almost always the one you already own. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What should you look for when comparing home refinance options? ● How do you determine whether to pay off a debt more quickly vs keeping more in cash reserves? ● Does the threat of a cyberattack necessitate a larger cash reserve? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

With the average monthly car payment now at $712, it makes sense to keep your old car running as long as possible! Estimates are that prices for new and used cars will remain sky high well into 2023. So now is a terrible time to buy another vehicle. In most cases, you'll be miles ahead by repairing the old one. We'll tell you the best way to do that today on MoneyWise. Right now, AAA is advising vehicle owners to budget at least $100 a month for maintenance and repairs. That's a lot of money, and we might expect the bulk of that spending to be on the back half of a vehicle's life. It's a good idea to keep a separate budget category just for repairs. You can let it build up in the early years when repairs are few because the odds are you'll need that money later. That said, you should also shop smart for repairs to keep your heap running. How do you do that? HOW TO KEEP REPAIR COSTS DOWN The best way to cut repair costs is to prevent them from happening. You can't prevent all repairs that way. Parts do have a limited life span and they'll eventually break or fail, but proper maintenance can stretch out their life and cut down on repair costs. Obviously, if your car is still relatively new, make sure you follow the maintenance schedule to keep the warranty in force. But did you know that you can shop around for lower prices on maintenance procedures? It doesn't have to be done at the dealer where you purchased the car. Just make sure the work is done on time and keep proper records. Now, what if you don't know a reputable repair shop in your area? How do you find one? Most dealerships and independent repair shops are honest businesses. But it only takes a few bad apples to make people wary of mechanics in general. That's changing with websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. They have lists of repair shops in your area with customer reviews and ratings. It's more difficult these days for a dishonest business to stay in business. But don't forget about word of mouth. Ask folks at church where they have their repairs done. Odds are good you'll find a great shop with reasonable prices. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE So, what are some of the routine maintenance items you need to take care of? Let's start with oil changes. Auto shops don't make much on oil changes, so often they'll try to sell you other things while you're there. That's not necessarily bad. If you go in for an oil change and the mechanic points out your bald tires, thank him or her and start shopping around for the best deal you can find. But if you're not sure whether a repair or maintenance procedure is needed, get a second opinion. Now, there are some things that you can easily do yourself, even if you're not mechanically inclined. For examplechanging an air filter. It's a snap on most cars, and there's probably at least one youtube video showing how it's done for your make and model. For that matter, there's probably a youtube video showing you how to do almost any repair or maintenance procedure for your vehicle, including an engine overhaul, so you've got to know your limitations. Don't take on a repair project unless you're sure you can complete it properly. Once upon a time, tune-ups were a mainstay of vehicle maintenance, but with modern auto technology, cars generally no longer require tuning. So if a mechanic says you need a tune-up, find out what that means. You can also have the car checked out on a diagnostic machine before paying for anything called a tune-up. Of course, another big maintenance item is brakes. Check your brake pads every 12,000 miles, even if they're working properly. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them if there is 1/8 inch or less of the pad lining remaining. The key to keeping expenses down with brakes is to understand that most of the time, you'll only need to replace the pads. If a shop recommends a more extensive brake procedure, get a second opinion. The bottom line, you need to perform routine maintenance to avoid bigger expenses down the road. Just be a smart shopper, always looking for the best prices on repairs and maintenance, or if you're able, do the work yourself. That'll keep your vehicle on the road. And as our friend Howard Dayton likes to say, the cheapest vehicle is almost always the one you already own. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What should you look for when comparing home refinance options? ● How do you determine whether to pay off a debt more quickly vs keeping more in cash reserves? ● Does the threat of a cyberattack necessitate a larger cash reserve? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29