POPULARITY
Jesse and Krista Casler have a deep understanding of the currency exchange between earthly dollars and treasure in Heaven. Jesse is the Chief Operating Officer of Hope International, having served Hope over the last 20 years. Together, Jesse and Krista have allowed generosity to touch nearly every part of their lives. Their stories touch on many aspects of the generous life, from financial accountability to foster care and generosity of the home to donor advised funds and charitable bunching. But above all, their lives are marked by a deep joy in everything that they do. Major Topics Include: Their unique foundations for faith and generosity How they met and began their careers The mission, programs, and story of Hope International Stories of God using Hope to change lives Misconceptions about addressing poverty Four domains of generosity impact—personal, spiritual, social, and material Approaching financial discussions together as a joyful challenge Tips for starting a financial accountability group Generosity through foster care Thoughts for people in ministry who want to be givers Participating in the “year of Jubilee” principles in a modern context When to give from the perspective of a nonprofit How to scheme with God QUOTES TO REMEMBER Jesse: “Sometimes when we think about poverty, we think about material things like not having enough money. But for some people, poverty is also aloneness.” Jesse: “How can I save as much money as possible and put it to good use to create even more so that I can be generous with the world?” Krista: “Being raised in a pastor's household, we were very conscious of how our money was spent, but at the same time, living in generous ways.” Krista: “If a group of individuals living in great poverty, all of whom are blind or visually impaired, can talk about their capacity for saving and giving, how can I not also have some capacity for saving and giving?” Jesse: “There's a role for regular giving that keeps an organization moving, but it can be really impactful when a larger gift can be given to start something new or catalyze something in a much bigger direction.” Jesse: “No matter what your salary is, you can create distance between income and expense. And decisions you make about your expenses become your engine for saving, investing, and giving.” Jesse: “When we turn 50, what if we gave away 10% of our net worth, just our income in that year?” Krista: “There's joy and fun when you're being creative in giving. Even in a season when you don't have much money, you can ask God to help you use what you've got.” Krista: “There's joy in looking at a giving opportunity as a creative challenge to scheme with God.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Alisa Hoober, on Creating a Strong Family Culture of Generosity and Mission (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Two Men with Money by Tim Keller The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
Today we share a discussion inside The Kinetic Man Mastermind about generosity; one of the core priorities on the Kinetic Life Circle. Eric Most, President of National Christian Foundation, Rocky Mountains, dives into asset based giving with specific examples of past transactions, how we can use a Donor Advised Fund to invest in for-profit companies, and how we can all learn to be better givers. --Interested in joining our Kinetic Man weekly online Zoom call? Get more info here: https://thekineticman.com/Join our Kinetic Man Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekineticman Know someone who would make a great guest on our podcast? Let us know! Email: takeaction@thekineticman.com
Jeff Waldron, a gift planning attorney at the National Christian Foundation, began his career in corporate law before God got his attention in a powerful way. He later found his way to NCF and discovered that his love for the Lord, his desire for pastoral ministry, and his experience in tax law beautifully intersected to help givers amplify the impact of their generosity. Jeff acts as a guide to help givers navigate the more nuanced and complex non-cash gifts. He is overflowing with practical wisdom, powerful giving strategies, and a passion to help people become faithful stewards of what God has given them to manage. You don't want to miss all he has to share! Major Topics Include: Jeff's early career and coming to faith How Jeff connected to NCF Amplifying the effectiveness of generosity through non-cash gifts What makes a non-cash gift so powerful Examples of counseling someone through giving complex assets Thinking through when to give a large asset The nuances of giving a business Quotes to Remember “Whose likeness and inscription is on you?” “I feel like the Lord has given me the blessing of doing work that He's fitted me for.” “By giving the non-cash asset, you're really supercharging the impact you can have.” “Stewardship isn't just how much you give, it's also how you give. And if you can give in a certain way that has a 40% extra impact, then that's something to consider.” “We're not here to replace your advisor. We're more like a sherpa that's walked the mountain, and we can point out the best places to walk.” “I really don't care what kind if gift somebody makes. I want them to be informed so that they can be faithful with what they have.” “The big transactions don't excite me as much as the transforming ones.” Links from the Show National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group Bible References from the Show Matthew 22:21b | You Belong to God Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Romans 8:28 | Work Together for Good And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. John 12:1-8 | Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany Ephesians 2:4-10 | By Grace through Faith We Want to Hear from You! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
On this week's episode of the Retire Y'all Podcast, Adam chats with Jay Mink from the National Christian Foundation. They explore Jay's donor-advised fund and how you can transform your heartfelt giving into valuable tax savings. Tune in!
Blazer Smith, vice president of the National Christian Foundation of Kentucky talks about what a family might look like once they adopt the practice of biblical generosity. What does scripture say about being rich? About giving sacrificially? Is it a sin to be wealthy? National Christian Foundation Kentucky 859-433-3142 (mobile) www.ncfgiving.com/kentucky/ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on X (Twitter) - https://www.x.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness
Blazer Smith, vice president of the National Christian Foundation of Kentucky, joins Greg to talk about biblical generosity. Blazer talks about biblical examples of generosity and how we can reset our hearts to give with more impact, cultivate unity in our families, and leave a legacy of generosity. National Christian Foundation Kentucky 859-433-3142 (mobile) www.ncfgiving.com/kentucky/ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on X (Twitter) - https://www.x.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22God's Word is clear that faithful stewards should leave an inheritance for future generations. That inheritance doesn't have to be money. Passing along biblical principles such as generosity to grandkids, well, that's priceless. Ron Blue joins us to talk about it.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, including Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives.More Than Money: The Heart of GenerosityGrandparents have a unique opportunity to model and teach generosity to their grandchildren. Generosity is about much more than giving money. Money is just a tool we can use to bless others and make the world a better place.When taught early, generosity can break the grip of materialism and shape how children view and manage money for a lifetime. By demonstrating that financial success involves not just acquiring wealth but sharing it, grandparents can instill values that reflect God's Kingdom.Starting the ConversationThe best way to teach generosity is to connect it to core Christian values like love, stewardship, compassion, and service. Ron Blue suggests beginning with young grandchildren by reading Christian children's books that highlight stories of generosity.From there, move to practical activities:Set aside money to give to the grandchildren, and let them choose the charity.Engage in community service together, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping a neighbor in need.Discuss how giving often involves sacrifice, such as donating toys to children in homeless shelters. Experiencing the joy of giving firsthand can leave a lasting impression.These activities help children see that generosity isn't just a concept—it's an actionable way to reflect Christ's love.Generosity in Everyday LifeGrandparents can incorporate lessons about generosity into everyday life by encouraging grandchildren to:Donate part of their birthday or allowance money to a cause they care about.Participate in family conversations about budgeting for spending, saving, and giving.Volunteer for local community projects together.These experiences not only teach the importance of generosity but also demonstrate that giving is a planned and intentional part of the Christian walk.Generosity and Legacy PlanningMany grandparents focus on leaving a financial legacy, but weaving generosity into their estate planning is even more critical. Some ways to do this include:Allocating part of their estate for charitable giving.Setting up a Giving Fund through organizations like the National Christian Foundation and involving grandchildren in decisions about where the funds should go.These steps ensure that generosity remains a central value in the family's legacy.The Long-Term ImpactTeaching grandchildren about generosity has profound long-term effects. It helps them avoid the chains of materialism and be more faithful stewards of God's resources. By modeling and encouraging generosity, grandparents can leave a lasting legacy that impacts their family and furthers God's Kingdom.Grandparents, you have an incredible role to play in shaping your grandchildren's values and faith. Start small, be intentional, and watch as your legacy of generosity grows in the hearts of your family.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a 403(b) that's earning 3% interest. I'm 72 and will soon need to start taking the required minimum distributions. Since I have yet to pay taxes on this money, what's the best way to handle the withdrawals to minimize the taxation? Should I put it in a savings account or roll it into an IRA?I have a double-wide manufactured home with a 9.4% interest rate mortgage. How can I upgrade the house to increase its value and get a lower interest rate through refinancing? We're living paycheck-to-paycheck with no savings.I've been a Christian for 40 years, and my wife and I have always tithed, even when money was tight. In the last couple of years, God has provided an income stream we never thought possible, proving His faithfulness to us. We now have resources we never dreamed of having.Resources Mentioned:Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas ChildLook 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.
Join us as we speak with Kendra VanderMeulen, CEO of the National Christian Foundation, about her transition from the corporate tech world to leading one of the largest Christian donor platforms. Discover the powerful strategies she used to elevate employee engagement, drive momentum, and cultivate a Christ-centered, healthy workplace culture. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/419kendravandermeulen Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ Email our host at al@workplaces.org
Picture this: Thanksgiving Eve, a smoker, and my very first brisket attempt armed with excitement, nerves, and a turkey backup plan, I explore the significance of embracing new challenges and the joy of creating cherished traditions. As I share my plans for the perfect brisket, you'll get a taste of how this personal story ties into the broader themes of gratitude and growth during the Thanksgiving season.Wednesday isn't just another day of the week—it's the pivotal moment to salvage your week and set the stage for success. With gratitude as our guiding force, we transform struggles into strengths and challenge ourselves through sometimes uncomfortable, yet necessary, conversations. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for turning every midweek into a "Winning Wednesday," setting a positive tone that can lead to a victorious week. As we navigate through these themes, heartfelt shoutouts to our loyal listeners remind us of the community we've built together.Before the turkey hits the table, we're spreading positivity with the "thank you bomb" initiative. It's all about reaching out to loved ones with messages of appreciation and creating unexpected moments of joy. This practice not only lifts others but also fortifies us against holiday stresses. Listen in as we reflect on gratitude's role in our lives and embark on a "thankful test" inspired by the National Christian Foundation—a fun exercise to measure the positivity permeating our daily thoughts. As we build "gratitude calluses," discover how fostering gratitude can anchor positivity in your life, especially during the holiday season.If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoudproudamericanLoud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/Loud Proud American TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loud_proud_americanLoud Proud American YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYQtOt6KVURuySWYQ2GWtwThank you for Supporting My American Dream!
You've heard of the Great Wealth Transfer taking place as Baby Boomers pass away, but did you know that women will inherit the majority of those assets?It's true. The Great Wealth Transfer is really horizontal, with widows inheriting most private wealth before it's passed on to the next generation. Sharon Epps joins us today to talk about how women should prepare.Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.Women as the Primary InheritorsOne surprising fact is that women will inherit the majority of this wealth. Since women typically outlive men by about six to seven years, nearly 70% will experience widowhood and manage their spouse's share of assets. In addition to inheriting from their husbands, many women will also receive an inheritance from their parents, and, increasingly, they are generating their own income through employment. This convergence of income streams will place an estimated two-thirds of U.S. assets—around $30 trillion—under women's control by 2030, according to McKinsey & Company.The Heart of Generosity: Purpose, Passion, and PlanThe wealth transfer isn't just about financial assets; it's a significant opportunity for generosity. Three key factors inspire generosity: purpose, passion, and planning.Purpose: A strong sense of purpose can motivate people to give more. Research from Women Doing Well revealed that women who score high on purpose tend to donate around 14% of their income, compared to 9% for those with lower purpose scores.Passion: Passion for a cause often stems from personal experiences of pain or suffering. This deeply held belief leads people to make sacrificial giving decisions. When people align their hearts with God's, they are inspired to give courageously and with conviction, connecting their generosity to meaningful experiences.Planning: Effective financial planning is essential for generosity, especially for women who aspire to give more but may lack the structure to manage their finances for greater impact. Financial planning and passion must work hand-in-hand to create a lasting legacy of giving.Building a Generous Legacy: Preparing for Wealth ResponsibilityWith the responsibility of managing inherited wealth, women must be equipped with spiritual foundations and financial wisdom. Three main influences support women's generosity:Understanding that God owns it all.Personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study and prayer.Receiving teaching on stewardship.When women embrace these principles, they can approach wealth with a mindset of stewardship rather than ownership, seeing it as a resource to bless others.Women and Collaborative GivingWomen often approach giving differently than men, preferring collaboration and community. Studies from the National Christian Foundation show that women are twice as likely to participate in collaborative giving, pooling resources with others to maximize their impact. Women seek transformational experiences rather than merely transactional ones, often using giving as a means to disciple their families and build stronger connections within their communities.For women looking to embrace generosity and connect with like-minded individuals, we recommend organizations such as Women Doing Well, Generous Giving, and the National Christian Foundation (NCF). These groups offer opportunities for women to strategize, collaborate, and grow in their giving journey.Embracing Generosity as a Lasting LegacyAs the wealth transfer unfolds, the unique generosity of women presents an unparalleled chance to impact future generations. For those who steward this opportunity with purpose, passion, and a solid plan, the legacy of giving can become not only a financial blessing but a tool for discipleship and transformation.Connecting with organizations and communities that support women's giving can help women maximize this historic moment and courageously and convictionally live out the principles of generosity.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 75, and my husband is 78. If he passes away, I'll lose about $4,000 per month in income. I have $2,800 from teacher retirement, $662 in social security, and $2,000 from a 403(b). I've saved $80,000 and can save an extra $4,000 monthly. I'm concerned about managing the $4,000 income drop and what to do with the $80,000 I've saved.My wife and I own two homes—one is a rental property I moved out of in 2022. We're trying to determine the best time to sell both properties and how to maximize the capital gains exclusion, especially since we both had primary residences prior to getting married in 2022.Resources Mentioned:Generous GivingNational Christian Foundation (NCF)Women Doing WellLook 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 problem of burnout among Christian leaders has become an epidemic in recent years. I've seen Christian leaders taking emergency sabbaticals more often than at any other point in my 40 years of ministry. The souls of many Christian leaders are in trouble. How do you care for your soul? How would that help address the weariness and overwhelm many are experiencing? I'll be talking about soul care with our guest today, Mindy Caliguire, on the Unhurried Living podcast. Mindy Caliguire is the co-founder and president of Soul Care. In the past, she has served in executive leadership at Gloo, and the Willow Creek Association (now the Global Leadership Network). She speaks into and advises organizations including Compassion International, ECFA, National Christian Foundation, and many churches and ministries across the US and beyond. Mindy's books include: Discovering Soul Care Spiritual Friendship STIR The book we're talking about today, Ignite Your Soul. ____________________________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with Stephan Tchividjian, President of the board of the National Christian Foundation of South Florida (and Grandson of Evangelist Billy Graham), exploring his life and work._____LINKShttps://www.trustbridgeglobal.com/stephan-tchividjianhttps://www.lovechildrenplanet.com/events/in-conversation-with-frank-schaeffer-stephan-tchividjian_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said.Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth.Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of Fall In Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy. Learn more at https://www.lovechildrenplanet.comFollow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTube In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast
Aimee Minnich, co-founder of the Impact Foundation, a donor-advised fund platform that enables givers to invest in world-changing companies with social, environmental, and spiritual impact. Aimee began her career in law followed by years of experience in the donor-advised fund space with the National Christian Foundation before eventually launching the Impact Foundation to enable streamlined impact investing with charitable dollars. Aimee has been a central pillar in the impact investing space as it has rapidly grown over the last decade. She has a solid foundation in the full scope of what is available today as well as where impact investing is headed in the next 10 years. You won't want to miss this one. Major topics include: A primer on impact investing The story of the Impact Foundation Differences between impact investing strategy and traditional investing Risk vs impact in the context of investing Measuring success in impact investing The interplay between inputs, outputs, and outcomes The future of impact investing QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The God of the universe is glorified when you and I are functioning at our best.” “God created us to be generous because He is generous.” “To be truly generous, you have to know God well.” “Business people can be used for more in the Kingdom of God than just giving money away.” “The currency of the kingdom of God is relationships.” “The right way to handle risk starts with ‘OK, God. What I have is yours. How would you lead us to steward this for your glory and the good of your people?' And then go from there.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Impact Foundation Get Started with Impact Foundation K Life When Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert) God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Heaven by Randy Alcorn (see our past interview here) Bill High, Legacy Advisor and founder of The Signatry (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Faith Driven Investor Faith Driven Entrepreneur Praxis Mutual Funds Eventide The Chosen Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Best Christian Workplaces Launch Capital Partners Faith at Work Movement In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW John 13:3-16 | Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet Isaiah 30:21 | Step-By-Step Obedience And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. 1 Corinthians 3:6 | Doing Your Part I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
In today's live-recorded episode, we're joined by Sonya Tolson, Global Chief People Officer at McLarens. Sonya brings more than 20 years of experience and expertise in HR strategy, talent management, compliance, learning and development, and culture enhancement, serving in leadership roles at companies such as SunTrust Bank, Olympus Corporation of Americas, and the National Christian Foundation. We'll delve into how McLarens aligns its HR strategy with business objectives, the significance of employee engagement, and the development of a compelling employer value proposition to both attract and retain top talent. If today's conversation resonates with you, please rate this episode and share it with your network. Your engagement helps us inspire and equip more leaders in creating thriving workplaces. Don't forget to join our leadership community at https://www.cooleaf.com/resources/podcast to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches. Resources related to this episode Visit https://www.mclarens.com/ Follow McLarens on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/mclarensglobal/ Visit https://www.cooleaf.com/resources/podcast for more episodes and resources Credits Theme Music
Stock markets have seen record highs in the past couple of months. Is it a good time to take profits?Well, it certainly can be a good time to take profits if you've seen your investments go through the roof recently. And today, I want to tell you about a way to realize those gains for God's Kingdom.Why Donate Appreciated Stocks?With recent historic highs in the markets, now is an excellent time to consider donating appreciated stocks to your church or other ministries. Donating stock instead of cash can significantly benefit both the donor and recipient, primarily due to its tax advantages.The Benefits of Donating StocksDonating appreciated stocks to a ministry typically gets a higher tax deduction and avoids capital gains taxes. This means you can give more than you might if you donate cash. Here's why:Tax Deductible: The total value of the stock is deductible.Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: There is no need to pay taxes on the appreciated value.If the stock value has appreciated, donating it directly to a church or charity is usually the best option. However, if the stock has lost value, it's better to sell it, take the deductible loss, and then donate the cash proceeds.Understanding the Tax BenefitsThe tax benefits of donating stocks depend on the type of organization you're giving to and your adjusted gross income. Donating appreciated stocks allows you to use their fair market value as an itemized deduction if you've held the stock for over a year.Let's say you bought 50 shares of Mock Industries at $20 each, totaling $1,000. Those shares are worth $40 each, making your investment worth $2,000. If you sell the shares and donate the after-tax proceeds, you'd have to pay 20% capital gains taxes on the $1,000 profit, leaving you with $1,800 to donate. However, donating the stock directly means the church receives $2,000, which you can deduct from your taxes.Some ministries may not be set up to accept stock donations and might ask you to sell the stock first. This is less efficient due to the capital gains taxes involved.Using Third-Party OrganizationsOrganizations like the National Christian Foundation (NCF) can handle stock donations for you. By setting up a donor-advised fund or a Giving Fund, you can donate cash, stocks, or other assets, which NCF will liquidate and distribute to your chosen ministries. This method also offers flexibility in managing your taxes.One significant advantage of using a Giving Fund at NCF is the ability to "bundle" your deductions. For instance, if you typically tithe $12,000 annually, you're still below the standard deduction of $14,600 for single taxpayers or $29,200 for married taxpayers filing jointly. However, if you donate $36,000 worth of stock into your Giving Fund, you can take the full deduction in one year, which can exceed the standard deduction, then spread out your actual donations over the following years.Donating appreciated stocks is a powerful way to increase your giving while reaping significant tax benefits. By leveraging tools like donor-advised funds from organizations like the National Christian Foundation, you can maximize your impact on God's Kingdom while minimizing your tax burden.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Is there a statute of limitations for a collection agency to collect credit card debt? What is the best way to move multiple 401(k)'s from past employers to one account? About $750,000 was invested with my investment manager across a few investments. I'm being charged 1% in fees, which I understand is standard, but another company mentioned most of my investments are in just 6 ETFs, so there is little active management involved, and I should be charged closer to 0.8%. Given the passive nature of the strategy, I would like a second opinion on if 1% seems too high. I also have about $50,000 left on my mortgage with a rate of 2.75%, and I can pay it off this year. I'm figuring out whether I should pay it off early.Resources Mentioned:National Christian Foundation (NCF)Consumer Financial Protection BureauRich 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.
"Servant leadership is influencing with virtuous intent, leading in the best interest of others and the organization, and acting in the long-term best interest of others." — Kyle DeFur Kyle DeFur, President of the National Christian Foundation of Indiana, shares specific strategies for showing up as your highest self as a leader. He uncovers the three core questions every leader should address to improve, drive business results, and foster genuine trust and care within their teams. Kyle also discusses the importance of daily quiet time, annual retreats, and choosing a word to define your year. Join Gretchen and Kyle as they share their strategies for transforming your leadership style and creating an impactful legacy. In this episode, you'll learn: How leading with intent, acting in others' best interests, and committing to long-term well-being transforms one from a boss to a genuine servant leader Why being fully present and intentional in every role—whether as a friend, spouse, or team leader—resonates deeply How to embrace daily reflection and carve out non-negotiable pauses Connect with Kyle DeFur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledefur/ More on the National Christian Foundation of Indiana: https://www.ncfgiving.com/ Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you'd like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline' flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Servant Leadership. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott [04:30] Utilizing Kyle's gifts to make an impact on the community [06:16] On discovering and understanding his unique gifts [08:22] Parallels and connections between the professional and personal lives [10:19] Defining what servant leadership means and entails [13:52] Helping businesses realize the path toward servant leadership [14:54] The three questions everybody asks subconsciously [18:21] Obstacles and challenges on the path of servant leadership [19:39] Importance of resting and taking a few days for reflection [26:52] The National Christian Foundation [29:41] Gretchen Schott thanks Kyle for his insights
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.– Proverbs 11:24-25 Eric Most is a stewardship and impact expert as the President for the Rocky Mountain Region for the National Christian Foundation (NCF). Eric is passionate about facilitating God's calling to be good stewards of all that He has entrusted to us and helping others live out their giving strategies. Today we discuss how to simplify our giving, multiply the impact, and experience the joy of sending more. Learn more about the National Christian Foundation here: https://www.ncfgiving.com/ Listen to The Generosity Now Podcast here: https://generositynow.podbean.com/ --- Men's Leadership Summit: https://www.cairnleadership.com/mens-leadership-summit-rocky-mountains/ Join our new TKM Reflections Group! Subscribe to the Level-Up Video Series Subscribe to our newsletter, The MENifesto here! Join our New Kinetic Man Facebook Group! Check out the Kinetic Men Events on Meetup! Know someone who would make a great guest on our podcast? Let us know! takeaction@thekineticman.com
Kenny Cox, business leader and Crucible board member, shares the impact of Crucible in his healing journey. He shares how transformational experiences like Crucible have helped him transform, instead of transfer, his anger. Along his journey, he was introduced to the National Christian Foundation and the concept of donor advised funds and the history of great movements in the Kingdom of God. He learned that behind every great movement gospel patrons funded the Kingdom Work. He shares his gospel patronage and the mission he lives: “Through my brokenness and my ability to incarnate with others, I encourage healing, meaning, purpose and legacy.” He is advancing the gospel by funding transformation of the hearts and souls. He shares how giving his time, talents and treasures through Crucible is transforming the world.Here are some of the topics we cover in our podcast episodes:Radical honesty and graceSpiritual growthDiscipleshipMentorshipPersonal developmentLife transformationChristian men's ministryChristian women's ministryFaith-based retreatDiscover our other resources:Our Website: https://thecrucibleproject.org/Our Blog: https://thecrucibleproject.org/blog/Christian Men's Retreats: https://thecrucibleproject.org/crucible-weekend-for-men/Christian Women's Retreats: https://thecrucibleproject.org/crucible-weekend-for-women/
Looking to maximize your exit strategy in real estate syndication while making a significant charitable contribution? This highlight episode of the Real Estate Syndication Show explores the powerful strategies that achieve both, with the added bonus of tax benefits!Eric Most from the National Christian Foundation reveals how you can maximize your real estate exit strategy and make a lasting charitable impact. Learn how gifting appreciated real estate before selling unlocks a triple tax benefit, reducing your tax burden and boosting your donation. Explore the world of impact investing, aligning your giving with your values while potentially generating tax-free returns to fuel future contributions. Break free from the 1031 exchange cycle with strategic gifting and explore options for maximizing your financial benefits through donor-advised funds or supporting organizations. Remember, strategic giving allows you to make a real difference while strengthening your bottom line.Here are 3 key takeaways to maximize your real estate exits and charitable impact.Maximize your exit and charitable impact: Don't just sell your real estate! Gifting appreciated assets before selling unlocks a triple tax benefit: boost your donation value, reduce your tax bill, and avoid depreciation recapture.Invest in what matters, tax-free: Impact investing lets you align your charitable giving with your values. Support causes you care about, like faith-based initiatives, while potentially generating tax-free returns that fuel your future giving.Break free from the 1031 exchange cycle: There's an escape! Gifting your real estate to a donor-advised fund or supporting organization lets you bypass capital gains tax and depreciation recapture without waiting to sell.To explore the potential benefits of these strategies for your real estate syndication efforts, consider discussing with NCF or your CPA. Additionally, by visiting lifebridgecapital.com, you can begin investing in real estate, thereby making a lasting difference.VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://lifebridgecapital.com/Here are ways you can work with us here at Life Bridge Capital:⚡️START INVESTING TODAY: If you think that real estate syndication may be right for you, contact us today to learn more about our current investment opportunities: https://lifebridgecapital.com/investwithlbc⚡️Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealEstateSyndicationShow
Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let's step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let's get the good and the gold from today's guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.Jeff Rutt is the CEO and founder of Keystone Custom Homes, a Pennsylvania-based home building company that has built over 8000 homes. Jeff spent his early years growing up on the family farm, which became the focus of the early part of his career. However, after a series of No's from God, Jeff eventually sold the farm and set out on a new path, that would eventually become Keystone Custom Homes.God got Jeff's attention very early in his career, especially in the area of generosity. It wasn't long after starting Keystone that Jeff launched the organization that would become HOPE International. Since inception, HOPE has provided more than $1.5 billion dollars to more than 2.5 million small business owners across 24 countries in the form of microfinance loans in order to empower them to break their own cycle of poverty with the gifts God gave them. Over the years, Jeff has used profits from Keystone to fuel HOPE's mission. However, he took things another step further when he gave away 89% of the ownership of Keystone through the National Christian Foundation.
What does it look like to have a healthy soul? Our guest today wrestled with this question and found answers in the midst of her own season of burnout in ministry and fundraising. Mindy Caliguire offers vision and practical encouragement for you as you persevere in your own ministry and fundraising. Mindy is the co-founder and president of Soul Care. In the past, she has served in executive leadership at Gloo (www.gloo.us), and the Willow Creek Association (now Global Leadership Network). She speaks and advises into organizations including Compassion International, ECFA, National Christian Foundation, and many churches and ministries across the US and beyond. Mindy's books include Discovering Soul Care, Spiritual Friendship, STIR and Ignite Your Soul (September '24).The Soul Care website has a wealth of resources available - including free assessments and courses (like the Confronting Burnout course we mentioned). Check it out!
Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Dan Navarra. Dan was a pastor for 15 years and now serves as the Northern California Area Director for the National Christian Foundation. Jason and Dan continue this month's topic on developing and defining your inner circle as a leader.
Kendra VanderMeulen is currently serving as the CEO of the National Christian Foundation, the largest Christian grant maker in the world. The team at NCF mobilizes resources and inspires Biblical generosity, serving thousands of families, advisors and ministries nationwide. Kendra is a veteran of the wireless telecommunications industry, having served as an Executive Vice-President at InfoSpace and as the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of the Wireless Data Division of AT&T Wireless. Her story is one of trusting God for each step of her life, and discovering His generous love for her as He guides her into an ever deeper walk with Him.
What comes to mind when you think of living a generous life? Probably something to do with money, right? On today's podcast, we broaden that perspective as we explore the blessing of living generously with our whole selves–our schedules, our passions, our love, our professional lives–everything! Joining me in the conversation is a long-time friend, Kim Moeller, area director for the National Christian Foundation and host of the Generous Girl Podcast. We explore the many facets of living generously, weaving through topics like faith, family, fitness, finance, and friendships. You'll see how living open-handed blesses you, blesses others, and blesses God. Win, win, win! What a great way to kick off 2024! We close the episode with a prayer Kim prays over you so make sure you listen to the end! May God bless you in 2024 as you bless others! Xo, Donna About Kim - Kim is advancing the work of the National Christian Foundation, California, in San Diego and Orange County. Kim loves serving as the host of the nationwide Generous Girl Podcast – a podcast all about living intentionally with one's finances, fitness, friendships, family, and faith. Kim holds a Master's Degree in Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University, a BA in Political Science/Business Emphasis Program from UCLA, and her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (C.E.B.S.) designation from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Kim and her husband, Carl, currently live in North San Diego as empty nesters. Kim enjoys time at the beach and the mountains, beautiful places, and creating beauty through interior design and floral design. You can email her at kmoeller@ncfgiving.com Generosity Girl Podcast National Christian Foundation Resources: Pre-order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful LIfe: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. The book will be released on February 20th, but it's available for pre-order now in paperback, Kindle, and Audible! If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity, or you simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you'll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman's Guide to Meeting God. It's a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith. Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Twitter:@donnajonesspeak Donna's speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ For a copy of “15 Things, Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee,” go to www.donnajones.org/blog Pick up a copy of Donna's book Seek: A Woman's Guide to Meeting God
Mindy is the co-founder and president of Soul Care. In the past has served in executive leadership at Gloo, and the Willow Creek Association (now Global Leadership Network). She speaks and advises into organizations including Compassion International, ECFA, National Christian Foundation, and many churches and ministries across the US and beyond. Mindy's books include Discovering Soul Care, Spiritual Friendship, STIR and Ignite Your Soul (September '24).
Former CEO of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers and Executive Chairman of Mavis Tire Express Services, Ricky Brooks assumed the National Christian Foundation/Alabama leadership role on January 1, 2022. NCF Alabama is an affiliate office of the National Christian Foundation, the 6th largest foundation in the US, headquartered in Atlanta. Brooks assumed the role from former NCF Alabama President, Tom Bradford, who opened the Alabama affiliate in January 2008 with 12 families with donor-advised funds. NCF Alabama has grown to over 1200 families and is ranked by the Birmingham Business Journal as the largest Charitable Trust in Birmingham. Over the years, these families have granted their favorite charities over $465 million. Ricky shares his story of success in building a franchise as a young man and the toll it took on his personal life, leading him to sell the businesses and prioritize his faith. He shares the model he followed at Express Oil Change in recognizing and rewarding his employees so they could give great service and why that is a key component of his ‘Win-Win-Win System.' Ricky also shares more about his role at the National Christian Foundation and why he decided to accept the post of President of the Alabama affliate. “If the customer has a great experience, and the employee is compensated, recognized, and rewarded for executing well, then ownership has to have a win.” - Ricky Brooks “I've always been an entrepreneur.” - Ricky Brooks “Our focus was on freeing up assets to give.” - Ricky Brooks This Week on The Wow Factor: Ricky's early experience of leadership as a young man Why he decided to go to Mississippi State University, and how he got the scholarship that supported him there The entrepreneurial spirit in Ricky and how it found an outlet when he opened a Sonic Drive-In The pathway to becoming the youngest franchisee and having the opportunity to open more stores Why Ricky decided to move on from Sonic and how becoming a Believer impacted that choice Why having a six-day-only work week helped Ricky recruit and retain better employees in Express Oil Change Some of the things Ricky did as a leader that helped propel significant business growth The importance of finding the right work/life balance Why Ricky was the type of entrepreneur who finds a successful model and executes it with excellence How Ricky's ‘Win Win Win System' works How being a member of the National Christian Foundation supported Ricky to be a generous giver Ricky Brooks's Words of Wisdom: The great majority of your net worth is tied up in your business, and there are ways to unlock it that will allow you to give generously for Kingdom purposes. Connect with Ricky Brooks: NFC Giving - Alabama Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter
Ron Blue is a venerated pioneer in the field of Christ-centered financial planning and a luminary in the greater generosity movement. With a storied career spawning the establishment of the 56th largest CPA firm in the nation, and a financial advisory firm now with over $60 billion in assets, Ron has impacted countless lives through a unique blend of financial acumen and spiritual wisdom. After rooting his own advisory firm, Ronald Blue Trust, in a biblical framework for financial planning, Ron went on to found Kingdom Advisors, a network of over 3,000 kingdom-minded financial professionals. Today, Kingdom Advisors provides comprehensive training and certification to help financial practices of all kinds solidly integrate their faith and financial advice. Ron is also co-founder of the National Christian Foundation, which carries a similar mission to inspire and empower Christians to deeper generosity and effectiveness in their giving. Ron shared countless stories of generosity of all flavors as well as a unique picture of the development of the modern generosity movement over the last several decades. Topics include: How can faith and financial planning be integrated in a meaningful way? Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool? How do you introduce a new person to the idea of a finish line? How should someone think about legacy and inheritance from a biblical standpoint? How can parents pass on a spirit of generosity to their children? QUOTES TO REMEMBER We help people manage their finances so they have more to give away. They don't know how fine they're doing and they don't know how much they can give. If you want to give away a million dollars, I can help you do that. You can make good financial decisions using good biblical wisdom. Tithing is just the beginning point of giving. We get great joy from giving nondeductible gifts. The deduction is irrelevant. The more generous we've been, the more generous we tend to become. You can't take someone somewhere you haven't been. Generosity is symptomatic of transformation. When you say that God owns it, that is a life-changing decision. If you don't have a goal, you'll never get there. Where is it that you would like to end up? If you're dependent on your money for security, you don't have security. It's really out of assets that great giving occurs. If I love my children equally, I will treat them unequally (regarding inheritance). Do your giving while you're living so you're knowing where it's going. People give to where they have relationships and where they can share vision. Kids learn to manage money by managing money. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Ronald Blue and Company Ronald Blue Trust (Blue Trust) Kingdom Advisors National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Master Your Money by Ron Blue Halftime by Bob Buford Splitting Hairs, by Ron Blue Cru The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
David Wills stands as a beacon of philanthropic leadership and financial wisdom, carving his niche as the Chairman Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation (NCF). A luminary in shaping generosity, David co-founded Generous Giving, an organization dedicated to fostering a culture of charitable living. Under his guidance, NCF has flourished, disbursing over $18 billion to charitable causes, reflecting an unparalleled commitment to transformative giving. He adeptly navigates the complexities of donor-advised funds, turning the concept into a strategic tool for streamlined and impactful philanthropy. David's innovative approach is evidenced through his advocating for ‘finish lines' in financial planning, ensuring wealth serves as a tool for good, not a master. Merging financial stewardship with spiritual growth, David is a pioneer in impact investing, where charitable dollars yield social and spiritual dividends. His stirring personal journey from litigator to philanthropic strategist is a testament to living a faith-driven life. David's insights are not just theories—they're lived experiences that promise to resonate with listeners, urging them to explore the joy and responsibility of giving. Tune into The Finish Line Podcast for a profound dialogue with David Wills, where financial acumen meets the heart of generosity. Topics include: What inspired the creation of the National Christian Foundation, and how has it evolved since its inception? Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool of generosity and faith? How do finish lines contribute to a sense of liberation and freedom? What is impact investing and how does it intersect with generosity? Who should have a donor advised fund, and how is it used effectively? What motivated the start of Generous Giving, and what role does transformational heart change play in the conversation around generosity? How has the modern generosity movement evolved over the past several decades? How is the growth in generosity aligned with movement in the Great Commission and what progress has been made? How can acts of spontaneous giving enrich family and community ties and demonstrate the joy of generosity? QUOTES TO REMEMBER “There's this extraordinarily large group of people that actually have the gift of giving, the spiritual gift of giving.” “This year, we will, for the first time, have over a billion dollars worth of complex assets contributed to NCF.” “Generosity is contagious when people are transformed.” “When you grow in the how and the where, your giving will grow arithmetically. You'll feel better about it. You'll be more strategic. But when you get the why question right, your giving can grow exponentially.” “If you're well planned, you will give more and you will give more wisely. Part of the planning process are finish lines.” “If a trustee starts to get confused about their role and they don't have any parameters around how they're dealing with whatever it is that they're stewarding, the stuff will actually own them as opposed to them stewarding the stuff.” “All investing is impact investing. So what kind of impact are you having?” “If you want to meet somebody in heaven that has never had God's word in their native language, you better get on it right now because we're running out of these languages” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National Christian Foundation Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Ron Blue Trustbridge Global Sovereign's Capital Impact Foundation Eventide Ambassadors Impact Network Faith Driven Investor IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES Luke 16:9 | Making Eternal Friends And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
We want to thank the folks at the National Christian Foundation for a great article on an alternative way to give and a new twist in 2023.Here are some alternative giving strategies for those of you who might be feeling the pinch financially but still have a heart to support your favorite charities. Drawing on insights from an article by the National Christian Foundation, we're focusing on using your IRA for charitable giving.Of course, these are general recommendations and may not apply to everyone. You should consult with your CPA for specific advice based on your circumstances.Okay, here are a few terms you need to understand first.Adjusted gross income or AGI – This is basically your income before you take your standard or itemized deduction. Regular distribution – This is just money taken from your IRA after you turn 59 ½. It's reported as income on your tax return.Qualified charitable distribution or QCD. This is a distribution from an IRA paid directly to the qualified charity after the owner turns 70½. In 2023, an IRA owner can make QCDs of up to $100,000 annually. The amount is not reported as taxable income on your tax return. Required minimum distribution or RMD. – This is money that must be withdrawn from an IRA when the owner reaches 72 or 73, depending on their birthday. You can satisfy this requirement by making regular distributions, QCDs, or both from your IRA. PERSONALIZED STRATEGIES BASED ON AGE FOR IRA GIVING:For those 59 and a half or older: If you're in this age group and own an IRA, you have the option to make regular distributions without facing a 10% penalty. Although taxes are still applicable on these distributions, you can balance it out by making charitable gifts, which can offset some of your federal income tax. It's crucial to note that in 2023, the deduction limit for cash gifts is 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), but this will change to 50% after 2025. At age 70 and a half: This is a pivotal age for IRA owners. You can start making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a charity, and the best part is that this doesn't trigger a taxable event since it's not included in your AGI. A new development in 2023 allows you to use up to $50,000 of your QCD to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity. This annuity will provide regular lifetime payments to you or you and your spouse, with the remainder benefiting the charity.Once you reach 72: At this stage, every IRA owner must start taking an annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if you haven't started already. You can fulfill this requirement with regular distributions, QCDs, or both. For instance, if your RMD is $50,000, you can opt for a $30,000 QCD directly to a charity and manage the remaining $20,000 as a regular distribution. You might also consider making that $20,000 a deductible gift to a donor-advised fund, like the one offered by the National Christian Foundation. For more details and to explore these strategies further, we recommend visitingNCF Giving. ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:As a parent, I'm concerned about my young, debt-free daughter and her fiancé planning to buy a house with an FHA loan and a small down payment. Is this a wise decision in the current economic climate?I am 65 years old and planning to retire soon. I have a $50,000 student loan and am considering withdrawing from my 401k to pay it off. Is this a good strategy for entering retirement debt-free?As a legal custodian of a minor receiving an inheritance, I'm exploring the best way to manage this money. Should I opt for a custodial account or a trust, and what are UTMAs and UGMAs?I'm 58 years old and considering taking a lump sum distribution from my pension. How can I avoid the 20% federal tax on this distribution, and what are my options for rolling it over?I receive a pension due to a divorce and have started my Social Security benefits. I also work part-time and am rebuilding my credit. Can I realistically save for a townhome in a few years, given my financial situation?Should I tithe on an insurance claim check I received for roof repair, considering it is meant to cover a loss and not an increase in wealth? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
Trading Capital Gains for Charitable GainsToday we had the privilege of speaking with Tyler Van Eps, a Charitable Giving Strategist for the National Christian Foundation. Tyler's lifelong interest in converging ministry with the marketplace eventually lead him to NCF's Twin Cities branch, where he works alongside the advisors of business owners and the owners themselves in constructing ways for the owners to live out their desire for being generous, while utilizing tax saving strategies at the same time! The IRS provides various tax incentives within the tax code for owners who wish to give a portion of their wealth to charity. Utilizing NCF's "Gift Illustration" services can be extremely beneficial for owners to understand what their options are based upon the types of assets they own, with scenarios that show how they can maximize their gift and minimize their tax liability in a creative, innovative way. Many Entrepreneurs tend to be givers, and adding value to the world seems to be an innate trait that many owners possess, which could be why so many wish to continue producing work after they're 'supposed to be' retired. The National Christian Foundation does not operate in a silo, but collaborates with other advisors on the owner's team as kind of a silent partner. They're in the background working with the other advisors to customize a giving plan that resonates with what's really important to the owner, utilizing hard earned equity dollars for purposes that can do so much more than overpaying to Uncle Sam. You can find Tyler Van Eps @nationalchristianfoundation and here.Connect with Tyler Van Eps here and Julie hereThank you to our show sponsors! Dayta, JAK, Sunbelt Business Advisors and Trust PointSupport the showAre you ready for your best exit? There is no time like the present to prepare. Check out these resources offered by KeyeStrategies: Business Readiness Transition online course Free Ebook download here Purchase Poised for Exit book here
Jeanne McMains, Executive Vice President of Offerings and Marketing at the National Christian Foundation.For more than 25 years, she's helped families create a fun and lasting giving experience.[1:00]HOW CAN FAMILIES ENHANCE THEIR GIVING PRACTICES DURING THE HOLIDAYS?Create a thriving family giving culture by engaging in generosity activities together.Right size the giving experience to suit children or grandchildren's capacity to understand and participate.Cultivate a culture of grace, allowing the family's giving practices to develop organically over time. [1:54]WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT SIZING THE GIVING EXPERIENCE?A single mother overwhelmed her daughter with a large monetary gift and extensive instructions, leading to disappointment.A father gave his children a substantial amount of money to donate, but was dissatisfied with their choices, highlighting the need to balance generosity with practicality.The key is helping children find joy in giving according to their interests, not overwhelming them with complexity or high expectations. [3:36]HOW CAN FAMILIES STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE GIVING INTERESTS?Create ‘we and me' spaces: allowing individual family members to support their own passions while also contributing to shared family values.Engage in fun activities, like card games, to discuss values and charitable impacts as a family.Encourage personal and collective journeys in generosity, fostering family bonds and shared values. [6:35]WHAT ROLE DOES FRAMEWORK PLAY IN FAMILY GIVING?Utilize a framework to set clear guidelines and expectations for family giving discussions.Jeanne shares examples of successful frameworks, like employer match programs, to inspire family giving strategies.Encourage both ‘we' and ‘me' spaces within the framework to cater to individual passions and shared values. [9:02]HOW CAN FAMILIES ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN GIVING?Involve children in giving, regardless of their age, through simple, adaptable strategies.Jeanne shares a three-step question process to guide children in choosing causes and organizations to support.Encourage a focus on how organizations share the gospel, integrating faith and generosity. [11:35]WHAT ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES CAN FAMILIES USE TO ENHANCE THEIR GIVING EXPERIENCE?Share responsibilities in the giving process, involving all family members according to their abilities and interests.Encourage a variety of participation methods, from researching causes to connecting with charities.Celebrate giving as a joyful and meaningful family activity, incorporating elements of fun and festivity. HOW CAN FAMILIES ENSURE THAT THEIR GIVING PRACTICES REFLECT CHRISTIAN VALUES?Focus on the fruits of the Spirit, ensuring that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control are present in giving discussions and actions.Regularly assess whether the family's giving culture promotes these values, making adjustments as necessary.Celebrate and pursue these fruits in the family's collective and individual giving journeys. HOW CAN THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION ASSIST FAMILIES IN THEIR GIVING JOURNEYS?NCF offers giving strategies and support to help families navigate their generosity journeys, rooted in biblical principles. Local NCF offices provide additional resources and connections for families looking to enhance their giving practices. Learn more at NCFGiving.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: How should I invest or save my $14,000 sitting in the bank to potentially buy property in the future, considering it's currently earning no interest?Due to financial strain from unemployment and struggling to pay rent and bills, should I sell my car, worth a bit over $5,100, even though I have access to public transportation? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Bankrate.com 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.
Start with the differences between how men and women tend to think or approach life.Broad generalities about men and women in relationships don't apply to every couple.Contrasts between men and women: builders vs. beautifiers, risk takers vs. nest builders, task-focused vs. relationship-focused, big picture vs. detail-oriented, factual vs. intuitive, compartmentalized vs. centralizing.Men tend to be the head of the home, and women tend to be the heart of the home.Opposites often attract in couples, with one being more of a thinker and the other more of a feeler, both holding equal importance. When it comes to these differences, how have you seen it show up?Common patterns in differences between spouses: husband focusing on big-picture decisions and retirement planning, while the wife handles day-to-day expenses.Husband taking the lead on significant purchases like homes or cars, while the wife accumulates expenses over time through household shopping.Highlighting the variance in risk tolerance between men and women, emphasizing the value of compromise for the family's benefit.Men tend to have a higher risk tolerance than women do. And yet, if they will come together and meet in the middle, they often find that the compromise is really the best fit for the family. What are some of the reasons that you've found that couples operate this way where only one of them is overseeing the investments?The big one is busyness and the need for task specialization in marriage.But there's also a really positive reason that sometimes this occurs, and that is that there's something in the heart of a man I think, in particular, that wants to provide for his family, and feels blessed when his wife trusts Him with the investment decisions and feel confident that he's able to do that. You talked to us about how men being the head of the home and the woman being the heart of the home, we might think of that as thinker and feeler. So how does that apply specifically to investing? Thinking spouse focuses on technical, factual aspects like return, risk, lock-up period, and fees.Feeling spouse emphasizes safety, availability for family needs, and alignment with family values, including social responsibility.Both men and women can value socially responsible investing, but research highlights its importance to women. Let's talk about some of the potential dangers of having just one spouse make the investment and long-term planning decisions. Longevity: Women tend to live longer than men, so if one spouse handles everything and passes away, the surviving spouse may struggle with complex financial matters during a time of grief.Responsibility imbalance: If the feeling spouse becomes too passive in financial matters, it can place a heavy burden on the thinking spouse, potentially leading to dissatisfaction with the outcomes and marital friction.Ignoring spouse's intuition: The thinking spouse, while being financially savvy, may overlook their partner's concerns or intuitions, which can lead to poor decisions. Listening to each other's input is essential. What is the potential benefit of making both investment and major financial decisions together?God created men and women with different and complementary attributes, representing different facets of God's image.Reflects the biblical principle that two are better than one.Supports and strengthens the marriage, particularly in significant investment decisions.Encourages prayerful decision-making and unity in financial matters. For that spouse that's hearing this today and says, Yes, that's what I desire. But her spouse, let's say, has been managing everything. And she wants to be a part of it. How would you encourage her to approach that conversation?Encourage the spouse to approach the conversation delicately.Suggest a gentle approach that acknowledges the partner's service.Express the desire to learn and become involved in financial matters.Seek the partner's guidance in getting educated and engaged with investment. If you're a woman in the Denver or Colorado Springs area, and you'd like to meet Rachel and hear more on this topic, The National Christian Foundation will be hosting two women's events October 4, 5. Rachel will be speadking she'll be diving deeper on the topic of men, women and investing for impact. You can request information at Rocky Mountains at NCFgiving.com or via email at rockymountains@ncfgiving.com.You can find out more about Rachel at www.wealthsq.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: Should I withdraw my money from my fixed annuity and invest it in something else with potentially higher interest rates despite facing surrender charges? RESOURCES MENTIONED:Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Maybe the first question is, “What IS a Giving Strategy?” Chris Lightfoot previously served as part of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) team in the Columbus, Ohio office. Today, you'll hear Chris' story and learn how the National Christian Foundation encourages and facilitates remarkable—strategic—generosity. In the Giving Room, we're committed to encouraging and equipping you to be a cheerful, spiritual, and strategic giver. We know you'll enjoy getting to know Chris and NCF in this Giving Room Ministry Spotlight. Podcast Website: givingroompodcast.com Special thanks to our sponsor and producer River Radio Ministries. You can learn more or listen at https://riverradio.com/ Show Notes: To learn more about National Christian Foundation, visit ncfgiving .com. You can reach an office close to you here: https://www.ncfgiving.com/locations/Some days, you might play The River for some nice background music. Some days, you'll play it so your kids don't hear anything inappropriate. But some days, you listen because life has knocked you down, and you need help getting back up. We're here for all of them. Our goal is to introduce as many people as possible to Jesus through music and service. You can listen and get connected at https://riverradio.com/
How you ever wondered if there’s a way to receive income and increase your generosity at the same time? On today's MoneyWise Live, host Rob West will talk with George Duffin of the National Christian Foundation about a way you can do just that by using a charitable gift annuity. Then Rob will answer your calls and questions on any financial topic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Jeff and Ben discuss: Ben's unique childhood filled with God, travel, work, and service. Childhood expectations and earning your way. Blessings of starting from the beginning or the bottom of a business. Putting action to your thoughts and words. Key Takeaways: We all have a purpose - we will not be able to make the best use of it if we are only living a lukewarm life. People see value when they take part in lifting themselves up, even if they get an assist, when they take part and contribute, they feel more motivation and responsibility. Especially in a family business, communication is the key. Be a first rate, best version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. "When you get to see how the rest of the world lives, and you get to experience it, there is no amount of talking about it that is going to have the same impact." — Ben Rutt About Ben Rutt: With a professional journey spanning over 13 years in the real estate industry, Ben Rutt has crafted a distinguished career after acquiring his Marketing degree from Messiah College in 2010. He is celebrating 10 years with Keystone Custom Homes, where he has held a variety of positions including New Home Advisor, Supply Chain, Sales Management, and Director of Marketing. In his current role of Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Ben is fiercely focused on creating an exceptional customer experience for new home buyers driven by innovation, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. The motivation behind Ben's accomplished career is the desire for deep, meaningful work that extends beyond the bottom line. Keystone's intimate connections with HOPE International provide purpose beyond profit, with 89% of the company owned by the National Christian Foundation. Outside of the office, Ben takes pride in raising his four children with his wife Rebecca. He also enjoys traveling, is a self-proclaimed history buff, and has a competitive streak on the tennis court. Connect with Ben Rutt:Website: https://www.hopeinternational.org/Website: https://www.keystonecustomhome.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-rutt Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
Anyone looking to cultivate impact through generosity knows the challenges of finding trustworthy partners and passing on values to the next generation. There are a lot of “causes” in the world - and learning values related to generosity and healthy ways to engage in giving can feel like a long journey.Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we're talking with Joe Pringle from the National Christian Foundation. Together we're talking about the importance of managing finances well, ways to help the next generation learn values related to giving, and how generosity is often centered around things that are bigger than finances.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts
SPECIAL PREVIEW EPISODE OF Inside the Epicenter Is America heading for an implosion or its next great awakening? In this exclusive episode preview of Inside The Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and co-host Dr. Carl Moeller, they are joined by a special guest, Kimberly Moeller, the San Diego Regional Director for National Christian Foundation. They talk about the consequences of the sins of America and impending judgment. They also dig into the impact of the movie Jesus Revolution, the Asbury Revival, and how gospel-centered ads like “He Gets Us” bring Jesus to the forefront of our culture. SUBSCRIBE TO INSIDE THE EPICENTER: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44kzB52 Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Okc1 DISCOVER MORE EPISODES: Israel & America's Greatest Threat: https://apple.co/43fBRco / https://sptfy.com/Okc3 Truth, Reality, & A Biblical Worldview: https://apple.co/44lGxyJ / https://sptfy.com/Okc7 Inside The Forbidden Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: https://apple.co/3PLqJku / https://sptfy.com/Okc9 Exclusive Interview with Dr. Steven Collins: https://apple.co/43mv4gY / https://sptfy.com/Okca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jay Bennett is a dedicated family man with over 51 years of marriage to his wife, Sally. He has successfully balanced a 40-year career in law and business transactions, both locally in the Twin Cities and internationally. Simultaneously, Jay has been actively involved in Christian ministries for 35 years. In 2000, he founded the National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, merging his passion for Christian service and his desire to see impactful ministries flourish. Jay's commitment extends to serving on various for-profit and non-profit boards, including his current role as Chairman of the National Christian Foundation. I'm so excited to have Jay Bennett, entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist join us on this episode of The Wow Factor. Jay shares his journey of establishing his own law practice and evolving focus areas throughout his career. We explore the transformative power of generosity and how, when you trust in the Lord your path will be revealed. Jay also discusses some of his personal challenges, including a disorder that temporarily affected his voice and led to a deeper connection with God and family. “Generosity is a portal to intimacy with the Lord.” - Jay Bennett “ The willingness of a person to let the mystery do its work, and not to try to dot every I and cross every T, creates space for the spirit to move, and allows the Lord to guide our path..” - Jay Bennett “Our life can be the place where the King of Kings takes up residence and leads you into an abundant life for the benefit of others.” - Jay Bennett This Week on The Wow Factor: How Jay's entrepreneurial spirit led him to set up his own law practice His areas of focus as a lawyer and how they evolved over his career The story of how Jay met a significant mentor in his life and how it led to them setting up a private foundation together Jay's experience working with Bob Bulford as the Halftime Board Chair How to figure out if you're a fisherman or a shepherd and why it's important What Jay has learned Mamman to be, and how that learning led to a moment that lasted six years The disorder that made Jay lose his voice and how that triggered a renewed intimacy with the Lord and his family Jay's belief that generosity is a portal to a better relationship with God Jay's role at the National Christian Foundation Jay Bennett's Word of Wisdom: Think about the fact that the Kingdom is at hand. You can choose to live a Kingdom life. Your life can be the domicile of a place where the King of Kings takes up residence and leads you into an abundant life for the benefit of others. Connect with Jay Bennett: National Christian Foundation (Twin Cities) Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter
This Tools for Giving episode explores donor advised funds. If you've ever wondered what a donor advised fund is, how it works, and whether it's good tool for you, this conversation will be helpful. Pull ups a chair and join us in the Giving Room as we seek to simplify the opportunity and benefits donor advised funds provide with our special guest Chris Lightfoot. Podcast Website: givingroompodcast.com Special thanks to our sponsor and producer River Radio Ministries. You can learn more or listen at https://riverradio.com/ Show Notes: To learn more about National Christian Foundation, visit ncfgiving .com. You can reach Chris or an office close to you here: https://www.ncfgiving.com/locations/Some days, you might play The River for some nice background music. Some days, you'll play it so your kids don't hear anything inappropriate. But some days, you listen because life has knocked you down, and you need help getting back up. We're here for all of them. Our goal is to introduce as many people as possible to Jesus through music and service. You can listen and get connected at https://riverradio.com/
Chad Sutton interviews Bryan Chrisman and Chris Lane. Bryan Chrisman is the Senior Advisor - NCF Network. Prior to joining the team at Impact Foundation, Bryan served as President of The National Christian Foundation Colorado (NCFC) and was a huge proponent for using charitable capital in donor advised funds for impact investing and helping the Impact Foundation launch. As our Senior Advisor, Bryan continues to serve families and encourage other NCF Affiliates to unleash the power of impact investing with the Givers they serve. Prior to NCF, Bryan spent 26 years launching two start-up life insurance companies. Bryan currently lives in Kitty Hawk, NC with his wife Suzanne. Chris Lane is the Executive Director for Miami, South Florida, National Christian Foundation, where she develops an outreach plan to serve Miami with tangible expressions of Christ's love, uniting churches and ministries behind a common cause, working as well with local leaders to meet a felt need in the community. Learn more about ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS and INVESTMENT STRATEGIES through QUATTRO CAPITAL! LinkedIn: /TeamQuattroCapital Instagram: @TeamQuattroCapital Facebook: @TeamQuattroCapital Website: www.TheQuattroWay.com [00:00 - 07:22] Maximizing Your Giving: National Christian Foundation • Introducing Chris and Bryan to the show • The National Christian Foundation (NCF) is a non-profit organization that helps individuals maximize their giving through personalized service and expert strategies. • NCF has been around for 40 years and has mobilized over $15 billion to over 71,000 charities. • NCF offers a Donor Advised Fund, which is an easier alternative to starting a private foundation and allows for complex gifts. [07:22 - 15:50] The Benefits of Donor Advised Funds vs Private Foundations for Charitable Giving • Donor advised funds offer higher deduction limits than private foundations for cash gifts and non-cash assets • National Christian Foundation offers a "charitable checking account" for simplified giving and management of donations • Complex gifts, such as interest in a business or real estate, can be donated to donor advised funds for tax benefits and ongoing revenue streams for charity • Donor advised funds handle compliance and operational tasks, eliminating the need for a private foundation team • Donating complex gifts to a donor advised fund can create ongoing revenue streams for charity. [15:50 - 23:31] Unlocking Tax Advantages • National Christian Foundation (NCF) offers tax advantages for pre-tax giving • Selling shares through NCF's donor advised fund can result in significantly more proceeds than selling independently and paying capital gains taxes • It is advisable to contact NCF's gift planning team before selling any assets to optimize tax benefits and increase charitable giving • How NCF's expertise and national team make pre-tax giving simple and easy • Donors can involve their legal, CPA, and financial advisor teams in the process with unlimited questions and reassurances from NCF [23:31 - 31:39] National Christian Foundation's Impact Fund allows donors to invest in redemptive and transformational enterprises with their charitable capital • NCF assists donors in deploying their gifts effectively • Donor advised funds allow for flexibility in giving • NCF checks the status of charities to ensure the legitimacy • NCF provides options and guidance for giving choices • Impact fund allows for investment in businesses with social or spiritual impact [31:39 - 38:13] National Christian Foundation offers tax-efficient solutions for efficient giving and impact investing. • National Christian Foundation offers a tax-efficient way to donate pre-tax dollars through a donor advised fund • They have a team to help deploy your donation and find the best place for it in the community • NCF also offers an impact fund for equity investments in good causes • Impact Foundation offers opportunities for impact investments using charitable capital Quotes: "It really helps Christians steward their resources well and allows givers to support causes that God places in their hearts." - Chris Lane "Talk about building a river for charity, not just a cash infusion." - Chad Sutton "Putting the right army and village behind you with the knowledge know-how in vehicles to really be the most efficient with your pre-tax even giving dollars, it's gonna be amazing to see what you can do with it." - Chad Sutton "If you don't remember anything about this podcast, don't sell without first contacting the National Christian Foundation." - Bryan Chrisman Resources Mentioned: Book: An Uncommon Guide of Retirement by Jeff Haanen Impact Foundation Connect with Bryan through LinkedIn or visit Impact Foundation Connect with Chris through LinkedIn, or visit National Christian Foundation LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode. Find out how team Quattro can help you by visiting www.TheQuattroWay.com. Real Estate Runway Podcast is all about alternative business and investment strategies to help you amplify life, and maximize wealth! Click here to find out more about the host, Chad Sutton.
In this episode, Jeff and Alan discuss: Early foundations of generosity. Surviving the 2008 recession in the homebuilding industry. The decision to give away 90% of his business to the National Christian Foundation. The peace, freedom, and simplicity of turning it over to God. Key Takeaways: You can survive through hard things with 2 things (in this order): God's blessings and your network of relationships. You only need so much to get through this life. Purpose allows you to do something with the excess now rather than gathering. If you don't know how to define what you are doing, define what it isn't and narrow in on what you're true intent is. If you trust God long enough, you will learn to trust in His path and where He is leading. He wants the best for you and you will receive if only you trust. "Giving must be planned. We don't want to find ourselves having to consult our wallet or our calendar if we're asked to give." — Alan Banks Connect with Alan Banks:Website: https://evanscoghill.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanbanks1/ Profit for Purpose Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4S1Fki0ohw Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
We continue our conversation with Alan Barnhart, CEO of Barnhart Crane & Rigging where we explore his journey of growing his mom-and-pop operation into a $500 million revenue company with 1700 employees and 50 offices across the US. Alan discusses the importance of delegation, and autonomy, and how faith has been a big part of his company's success. He shares his ultimate lesson on leadership, which is to be a servant of all, work for the benefit of others, and build up people.We focus on leadership and finding the right people as Alan emphasizes servant leadership as a key to achieving business goals. He gives advice on handling tough decisions and the importance of taking responsibility for one's mistakes. We also delve into funding missions globally and prioritizing employee well-being highlighting the importance of generosity, and the proper use of money. Don't miss out on this uplifting conversation about building up people and advancing God's kingdom through your business.Key Points From This Episode: Alan talks about transferring 99% of their company's stock into a charitable trust under the National Christian Foundation.What types of ministry were implemented within Alan's company and business to support the employees?Alan discusses the keys to successfully growing the company.Alan advises how you can successfully decentralize and delegate company operations.Alan's advice on how to be a better leader and why servant leadership is crucial to becoming one.What is Alan's principle on dismissing employees?What is the greatest investment that Alan has ever made?Alan encourages young people to develop generosity as early as possible.Alan emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible, heeding its warning about money, and why putting constraints in your life leads to freedomTweetables:“If you're in a spot where God puts you in a position to make money, use that. But read the warnings. Think and pray about it. Be intentional with money because it can be a blessing or a curse.”“Recognize that God owns it all and ask the owner what he wants to do with his stuff.”Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Barnhart Crane & RiggingKingdom Companies GroupThe GroveGenerous Business Owner PodcastFaith Driven InvestorJourney of Generosity (JOG)The Treasure Principle by Randy AlcornTim Keller websiteThomas Sowell / Hoover InstitutionThe Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan HaidtLive Not By Lies by Rod DreherThe Kingdom Investor Podcast on LinkedIn
Imagine giving away half of your business profits to charity. Not content with that, you give up ownership of your company by transferring 99% of the shares into a charitable trust. That's what Alan Barnhart did. “I want to be good in business, and I'm competitive but I wanted to make sure that if we were successful in business, it wouldn't hurt us spiritually.” So, he balanced business success and spiritual growth by giving it all to God, the true owner of the company.Alan Barnhart joins us today to talk about his pursuit of business with a purpose and of being called by God to use his engineering and business skills to serve the kingdom. Having led Barnhart Crane & Rigging to definitive success for the past decades, Alan never lost sight of the lessons about money he learned from the Bible early on. Key Points From This Episode: What did Alan learn about money from the Bible?As the business flourished, how did Alan and his brother/business partner put safeguards in their life so that they will not fall into the trappings of wealth and affluence?What are the critical aspects of business that helped Alan grow the business steadily through the years?Alan's advice to business owners on how to incorporate and structure the giving component of their business.What has been the impact of 37 years of giving for Alan, for the company, and for the beneficiaries?Alan reflects on the question: Is it harder to give away money than to make money? Tweetables:“I wanted to make sure that if we were successful in business, it wouldn't hurt us spiritually.”“If God chooses to prosper the business, we're going to see that as an opportunity to further the kingdom as opposed to further our lifestyle.”“People say it's a really bad strategy to jettison 50% of our profits but we give away 50% of our profits; we take the other 50% and use it to grow the business, and God has given us plenty.”“It's essential to include God in the equation while investing in the business.”Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Barnhart Crane & RiggingKingdom Companies GroupThe GroveThe Kingdom Investor Podcast on LinkedInAbout Alan BarnhartAlan Barnhart is the CEO of Barnhart Crane & Rigging. He grew up working in the steel-erecting business his father founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1969. During high school and college, Alan and his brother, Eric, worked summers as ironworkers and crane operators learning the business from the ground up. In college, Alan studied civil engineering, coursework that would serve him well after joining the business full-time in the early 1980s. Barnhart Crane & Rigging has grown to be one of the largest Heavy Lift and Heavy Transport organizations in the United States with more than 40 locations across the country and a nationwide reputation for solving problems. Alan, Eric, and their families decided to give 100% of their highly successful business to charity to keep wealth from taking over their lives. About 50 percent of all company earnings are donated immediately to charity. The remaining 50 percent is used to grow the business. And in 2007, they gave the entire company to National Christian Foundation. Though they still run their daily operations, the brothers will never reap its accrued value; they kept none of it.Alan and his wife, Katherine, have six children and reside in Tennessee.
The Bible clearly says that Christians are to give, but is it always as clear about where we should give? We all have to make decisions about where we will give from our limited resources. So a good question to ask is, does God care where we give? We'll talk about that with David Wills.David Wills is President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation. He's spent a lot of time helping individuals and families decide not just how, but where to give.Wills recently wrote an article for NFC titled “Does God Care Where We Give?” In that article, he points out that we sometimes have things backwards. David explains: The main idea is that we tend to give in areas of personal passion or to places we care about. And yes, it's possible we have this a bit backward. Isn't it important to put God at the center of the equation and see what he thinks? How do you decide where to give?And how do we determine what God thinks in such a unique time as right now?God cares about each of us. He allows us to steward financial resources for his glory and our good. He knows that as we glorify him out of gratitude for his gifts to us, we experience true life. And he desires that we reflect his generosity through our giving.If we make obedience to God and reflecting His love to the world our supreme motivation, then giving comes into view as an excellent context to glorify God.HOW DO WE DETERMINE WHERE GOD WANTS US TO GIVE? God's Word isn't silent on this topic. We see three geographic areas for us to target and two things to support in six specific areas. Acts 1:8 gives us a glimpse of three areas where we will be witnesses for Christ. It says:“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Picture this as concentric circles: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.This is instructive for us when we're thinking about our giving, too. Jerusalem identifies what is local. Judea, for Jesus' disciples, meant going further and broadening the scope of their work to bring the message of the gospel to everyone. Samaria meant going somewhere they wouldn't have gone had Jesus not chosen to send them, and the ends of the earth was as far as they could go.So how does that challenge us to think about our giving? Does God's Word tell us who we should give to?It challenges you to ask, “what about me? Am I strategic enough in my giving to think where I'm giving locally, nationally, and internationally?” God has a heart for all three.And that leads us to the next issue. There are two things that God's Word tells us will last forever. We can safely assume that God cares deeply about both of them. Those two things are God's Word and people.We can give toward God's Word, by supporting the translation, distribution, teaching, and preaching of the Scriptures. We can give toward God's people by supporting workers spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard it. We find this in 3 John 5-8:“Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”That kind of giving undoubtedly glorifies God.While the Bible doesn't spell everything out in as much detail as we might like, when it comes to people, it does give us a few more clear instructions about where (or to whom) we should give. In the Bible, six groups of people surface repeatedly as recipients of giving. God seems to have these groups on His heart, so we probably should, too!The first is to care for the poor and oppressed. God has a special concern for the poor “in need,” especially those within the Christian community. We see this in 1 John 3:16-17:“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”That's a fairly general statement, but the Bible also specifically says we should care for orphans and widows, the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, prisoners, refugees, and victims of calamity.As you focus on laying up treasure so that your heart aligns with God's, remember these categories don't exhaust the things to which a Christian may give. But they point you to support what God cares about locally, nationally, and internationally while giving you room for creative freedom. And more creative thinking may be needed when God is calling you to something specific.Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So, my best advice is to focus on laying up treasure in such a way that it aligns our hearts with the heart of God. I'm not sure there is anything that could lead to greater joy.On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: After helping out family members in getting a mortgage, does it make sense to do a quit claim deed as they refinance to take your name off the loan? 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.
Is America heading for an implosion or its next great awakening? In this episode of Inside The Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and co-host Dr. Carl Moeller, they are joined by a special guest, Kimberly Moeller, the San Diego Regional Director for National Christian Foundation. They talk about the consequences of the sins of America and impending judgment. They also dig into the impact of the movie Jesus Revolution, the Asbury Revival, and how gospel-centered ads like “He Gets Us” bring Jesus to the forefront of our culture. Listen to this episode to find out more. (03:06) What does Southern California have to do with Israel?(05:41) Judgment is Coming to America(09:55) He Gets Us Campaign(17:54) Perfect Timing for Jesus Revolution Movie(22:35) Prayer Requests and the Verse of the Day(24:26) Asbury Revival(25:52) Kelsey Grammer's Role and Interviews(29:42) Implosion or Revival? Learn more about The Joshua FundMake a tax-deductible donationThe Joshua Fund Stock Media provided by DimmySad/Pond5 Verse: Isaiah 43:19 - See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Prayer Request:Pray that the eyes of our hearts are open to see what God is doing around us in America and many parts of the world and teach us how to be part of what he is doing.Pray that the person of Jesus will be more visible in the epicenter, in our culture, and in places that are not open to the gospel around the world. Related Episodes:The Unbelievable Trump Accomplishment That Has Everyone Talking #92Israel & America's Greatest Threat #91Is Israel in Danger of Losing US Evangelical Support? Part 1 #36What is an “Evangelical”? #3 https://allisrael.com/is-a-revival-coming-from-super-bowl-ads-about-jesus-to-a-major-hollywood-movie-about-the-jesus-movement-to-signs-of-revival-in-kentucky-something-exciting-is-stirringSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, the IRS collects about $4 trillion in taxes and gives out more than 1 trillion in refunds. That's a lot of money changing hands. Whenever there's a lot of cash to be had, that's when scam artists come out of the woodwork … and this tax season is no different. Rob tells you what they're up to, so you don't get taken. This is Faith and Finance - biblical wisdom for your financial journey.Romans 13:1 is a good reminder of how Christians should deal with civil authority. It reads, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Of course, being “subject to” includes paying taxes. We should always pay what we rightly owe, and we should rightly expect a refund when we've paid too much. Unfortunately, scammers don't see it that way and are always on the lookout for ways to separate you from your money at tax time.Tax refund fraud - If scam artists gets your Social Security number, they can file a false tax return and get your refund. Actually, they often get more than a legitimate refund by claiming low income and a lot of deductions. Later, when you file, the IRS kicks back your return and you're left with a mess to sort out. You can avoid this by getting an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS before filing. It's a 6-digit number to verify your identity that only you and the IRS know. You can sign up for a tax PIN number at IRS.gov.Defraud people with fake charity scams - Scammers set up fraudulent charities that lure good-hearted people into making donations. Donors may think they can claim those contributions on their tax returns but when the IRS discovers a charity is a fake, it could set you up for an audit. To prevent this, it's always a good idea to thoroughly check out any nonprofit organization you're thinking about donating to. The Bible tells us we're to be “wise as serpents.” The IRS has set up a tax-exempt organizations search tool so you can check out legitimate charities. You can find that IRS.gov as well. You also find legitimate charities at CharityNavigator.org, MinistryWatch.com and with the National Christian Foundation at NCFGiving.com.“Ghost tax preparers - If that sounds scary, it should. This is when a scammer claims to be a legitimate tax professional. They usually make extravagant claims about how they can get you a big refund, and people fall for it. They may file a fraudulent return and have the refund check go to them instead of the taxpayer or they'll just charge a big fee up front. Either way, they disappear, and the taxpayer is left with a mess. To spot a ghost tax preparer. First, they won't sign the return or include a Preparer Tax Identification Number. That, by the way, is against the law. They may also ask for a payment without providing a receipt. They often will also falsify income to get more tax credits or claim phony deductions to get a bigger refund. They'll also sign up to have that refund direct deposited to their bank account instead of the taxpayer's. The IRS has set up a database where you can check to see if anyone claiming to be a legitimate tax preparer is on the up and up. Again, go to IRS.gov for the “Enrolled Agent” search tool. The IRS also says you should carefully look over your return once your preparer has completed it. If you have questions, by all means ask them. And make sure you verify the routing and bank account numbers on the return to make sure any refund will go to you.IRS phone scams - These come in all varieties. For example, you may get a call about a tax bill you knew nothing about. The caller claims to be an IRS agent and warns that you'll be arrested, or your Social Security benefits will be suspended if you don't pay immediately. These scam artists can even change their Caller ID to say IRS, and they may even have all or just the last 4 digits of your Social Security number all to make the scam look legitimate. Don't be fooled. The IRS will never contact you by phone. If you get a call like that, just hang up.Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at askrob@FaithFi.com:Is a $300,000 whole life insurance policy you purchased two years ago at age 43 a good investment if you pay a $150 monthly premium and the insurance company says it should have a cash value of $70,000 when you are age 62, and would Term Life be a better option?How many years do you need to keep tax returns and supporting documents?How should you invest $50,000 you inherited if you are age 67 and don't want to lose the principal? (Rob referred the caller to bankrate.com, and Ally, Marcus and Capital One 360).Are American Gold Reserve gold coins a good idea to invest in?Where can you put your Ohio deferred compensation account that is losing money somewhere that it is safe and accruing interest?How do you start budgeting if you are newlywed? (Rob referred the caller to the FaithFi App).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.
Generosity, like anything else, requires being intentional to be fruitful. And being wise with how you give can lay the groundwork for a generational legacy that benefits not only your passion charities but also your tax situation, which can free up even more for giving.In this episode we're talking with Dan Navarra from National Christian Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that manages donor advised funds, the fastest growing charitable vehicle in the world. We'll talk through what a donor advised fund is, the extended tax advantages, and how to unlock non-cash assets for charitable use. Plus, Dan reviews the importance of giving and how it ultimately points us back to a good and gracious God. Finally, how being thoughtful with your giving can help assure an impact that extends beyond our own lives.For more information, visit https://www.ncfgiving.com/library/
Jeff Rutt is the CEO and founder of Keystone Custom Homes, a Pennsylvania-based home building company that has built over 8000 homes. Jeff spent his early years growing up on the family farm, which became the focus of the early part of his career. However, after a series of No's from God, Jeff eventually sold the farm and set out on a new path, that would eventually become Keystone Custom Homes. God got Jeff's attention very early in his career, especially in the area of generosity. It wasn't long after starting Keystone that Jeff launched the organization that would become HOPE International. Since inception, HOPE has provided more than $1.5 billion dollars to more than 2.5 million small business owners across 24 countries in the form of microfinance loans in order to empower them to break their own cycle of poverty with the gifts God gave them. Over the years, Jeff has used profits from Keystone to fuel HOPE's mission. However, last year he took things another step further when he gave away 89% of the ownership of Keystone through the National Christian Foundation. Jeff shared about topics like how charity can become toxic, empowering those in poverty, giving your children purpose and mission, and the detailed process of how he gave his business away. Listen now to hear all he had to say! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers in the way we want them to be answered but it's truly the best for us, best for Him and best for the Kingdom.” “Having kids work hard stay humble and understand what you can do for others not just what everybody else can do for them.” “If you don't help your kids find a mission for their life, then they will find one themselves, and they aren't always the best at finding that themselves.” “If God can get a hold of our hearts early on, that's what sets the stage for a life of generosity.” “Hope dies last” LINKS FROM THE SHOW HOPE International Tomorrow Club Keystone Custom Homes Created to Flourish by Peter Greer Discovering Your Genius by Michael Gelb The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Kendra VanderMeulen is the CEO of the National Christian Foundation, the largest Christian grantmaker in the world. The team at NCF mobilizes resources and inspires Biblical generosity, serving thousands of families, advisors, and ministries nationwide. Previously, Kendra served as the President of the National Christian Foundation Northwest, where she loved growing in her Journey of Generosity and helping those she served to do the same. Kendra received the Distinguished Alumna award in 1990 from the College of Engineering and is the recipient of the 1999 Catherine B. Cleary award as the outstanding woman leader of AT&T. She was also recently recognized by C3 Leaders with the Ralph Palmen High Ground Award. Kendra joins me on The Wow Factor this week to talk all about her leadership journey and how her path led her to the Lord, who still accompanies her on her path. She describes how she moved up the career ladder, making a pivot into the technology space en route, but why ultimately, taking some time off gave her the space to really think about what she wanted to do in life. Kendra also shares the details of her work at the National Christian Foundation (NCF) and the joy she finds in helping others to live generously. “I spent two years trying just walking with the Lord learning how to practice silence and solitude.” - Kendra VanderMeulen “Our mission is to mobilize resources and inspire biblical generosity.” - Kendra VanderMeulen “We get to see lives changed for the givers, we get to see lives changed for the organizations they send the money to, and we get to see our own lives changed as a result.” - Kendra VanderMeulen This Week on The Wow Factor: Kendra's childhood and teenage years in competitive swimming How she found her way into the world of technology The challenges of moving up the career ladder with a very young family When Kendra came to know the Lord and why that relationship was so meaningful in the moment Some of the technological innovations that Kendra has been part of What prompted Kendra to request a sabbatical, and how her time away from work helped her gain clarity How the generous giving conference energized Kendra and introduced her to so many different experiences and questions What is National Christian Foundation (NCF), and how they make it easier for people to deploy resources for God's work How donor-advised funds help givers mobilize resources and inspire biblical generosity Kendra VanderMeulen's Word of Wisdom: You need to find space in your life for the Lord. There's there needs to be an hour in the morning that's focused on Him and what He has to say so that you can move forward according to His Word. Connect with Kendra VanderMeulen: Kendra VanderMeulen on LinkedIn Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter
The Hord family is in its 5th generation of family farming, with over 100 years of farming heritage. Located in North-central Ohio, Hord Livestock and Family Farms is a pig, cow, and grain farm. Their team of talented individuals and growing partners strive to raise our animals with care and utilize modern and advanced farming practices to be efficient and sustainable. Professionally, Pat serves as President of Hord Family Farms, and outside of the business, he also serves on several advisory committees for non-profit organizations and is actively involved in the county and local economic development initiatives. Pat Hord is on the podcast this week to discuss how Hord Family Farms changed as it moved from one generation to the next and the importance of appreciating that each new steward of the business has to have ownership of their own initiatives. We also explore how Pat's relationship with God informs his role as a leader and supports him in empowering his people to achieve. Pat also describes Hord Family Farms' vision of their culture as being like a tree that exemplifies their company's mission and vision. “We as leaders really need to listen.” - Pat Hord “Our relationship with Christ is the ultimate identity that we need to have.” - Pat Hord “Each one of us as children of God is supposed to use what He's given us.” - Pat Hord This Week on The Wow Factor: What Pat learned from tagging along behind his grandfather as a child on the farm Why Pat is committed to being a lifelong learner The devastating event that triggered a change in Pat's relationship with God The idea of stewardship and why it's so important to understand how to protect your business for the future Why Pat views his leadership through the lens of being a follower of Jesus How the National Christian Foundation has helped Pat get another perspective on what it is to be generous and how it plays out in his business today The Hord Family Farms company culture and why the qualities of trust and innovation are a critical part of bringing people onto the team Why Pat looks for people who are empowering other people How Pat became involved with the Lifewise Academy and how they provide Bible-based character education in public schools Where listeners can taste a Hord Family Farm pork chop Pat Hord's Word of Wisdom: In our very noisy world today, there are so many things coming at us, so to really value somebody enough to listen and actively listen to what they're saying is invaluable in a leader. Connect with Pat Hord: Hord Family Farms Website Pat Hord on LinkedIn Lifewise Academy Website Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter