Podcast appearances and mentions of ron blue

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

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

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

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

What if the greatest shift you could make in your financial life didn't begin with a new budget, a better investment strategy, or a higher income—but with surrender? We don't often think of surrender as a financial word, but it lies at the heart of biblical stewardship. When we embrace the life-changing truth that God owns everything, it transforms how we live, give, plan, and manage the resources He has entrusted to us. The First Question Scripture Asks When we think about money, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much will I need? Am I making progress? Am I doing better or worse than others? Those questions may be important, but they are not where Scripture begins. From the opening pages of the Bible, God is revealed as the Creator and owner of everything. Before humanity ever cultivated a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares: “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Simply put, God is the owner, and we are His stewards. For many Christians, that is a familiar idea. But familiarity does not always lead to surrender. We may affirm that God owns the universe while living as though we built our lives entirely through our own effort. We say, “I worked for this,” or, “I earned this.” And while diligent work matters, Scripture reminds us that even our ability to produce wealth comes from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Our talents, opportunities, health, time, and ability to work are all gifts from the Lord. Owners or Stewards? Jesus develops this idea in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. A master entrusts resources to three servants before leaving on a journey. Two servants put what they received to work, while the third buries his portion out of fear. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants—not merely because they produced impressive results, but because they were faithful. That distinction matters. The world often defines success by outcomes: how much we earn, accumulate, grow, or achieve. God calls us to something deeper—faithfulness with whatever He has placed in our hands. If God owns everything, then we are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are managers. The New Testament word commonly translated as “steward” is oikonomos, meaning “household manager.” A steward manages resources he did not create, for purposes he did not determine, under the authority of the master he serves. At first, that may sound limiting. In reality, it is profoundly freeing. As financial teacher Ron Blue has often said, “If God owns it all, you can't lose anything.” Ownership carries an enormous burden. The owner must ultimately provide, protect, and control. But if God is the owner, then we do not have to carry those responsibilities alone. Stewardship carries responsibility, but it also rests on trust. When Financial Choices Become Worship When we truly embrace stewardship, ordinary financial decisions become opportunities to worship God. Budgeting becomes more than organizing income and expenses. It becomes a way of aligning our desires with God's priorities. Giving becomes a response to the generosity we have already received from Him. Saving becomes wise preparation rather than fearful hoarding. Planning becomes an act of obedience rather than an attempt to control every possible outcome. Investing becomes a way to cultivate and multiply what belongs to the Lord, not a strategy for securing complete independence from Him. The Puritan pastor Thomas Watson once wrote, “What we keep, we may lose. What we give to God is kept forever.” That statement reminds us that earthly ownership is temporary, but faithful stewardship has eternal significance. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” That reality is not meant to discourage us. It is meant to liberate us. When we stop clutching what we cannot keep, we become free to invest our lives in what can never be lost. Faithfulness Begins With Surrender If God owns everything, what does He expect from us? Jesus gives us a clear answer in Luke 16:10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Faithfulness is not determined by the size of our income, investment portfolio, home, or charitable gifts. It is about how we respond to whatever God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is not reserved for the wealthy. It applies to every person in every financial season. A person living paycheck to paycheck can be faithful. A retiree managing decades of savings can be faithful. A young adult earning their first salary can be faithful. A business owner, parent, student, or widow can all honor God through the resources in their care. Faithfulness is not primarily about how much we have. It is about whether we have surrendered what we have to God. And surrender always begins in the heart. The Humility and Hope of Stewardship When we accept that God owns it all, we receive two things the world cannot offer: humility and hope. We gain humility because we stop viewing our accomplishments as entirely self-made. We recognize God as the source of our abilities, opportunities, and provision. We gain hope because we realize that we are not carrying the burden of provision alone. God equips. God guides. God provides. That does not mean we stop working, planning, or making wise decisions. Biblical stewardship requires diligence. But it allows us to work faithfully without treating every result as though it depends entirely on us. So where might God be inviting you to shift from an owner's mindset to a steward's heart? Perhaps it is in your giving, planning, saving, or lifestyle. Perhaps it is in the quiet assumption that your security depends more on markets, income, or possessions than on the God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Stewardship is not about God trying to get something from you. It is about God doing something within you. It reorders the heart so that money occupies its proper place—not as a master, but as a tool entrusted to us for God's purposes and glory. Continue the Journey To explore more about God's ownership and the surrender at the heart of faithful stewardship, consider Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. This devotional is designed to help you examine your relationship with money, possessions, generosity, and the God who owns it all. Copies are available for individuals, churches, and small groups at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm working on my budget and currently contributing 15% to my 401(k), with about a 5% employer match. But I have less than two months of expenses in my emergency fund. Should I reduce my 401(k) contributions and focus on building six months of emergency savings first? My mother passed away and left my sister a house in Lares, Puerto Rico, but the title was never transferred into my sister's name. She's been living there for about a year. What process does she need to follow to get legal ownership under Puerto Rico law? Some relatives inherited property and are receiving calls from out-of-town people offering to help them sell it. What kind of professional should they work with? Could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) help them find a trustworthy real estate attorney or other needed professionals? I'm a widow, and since my husband passed away a couple of years ago, I've felt unsure about financial decisions. I have a little over $1 million in an IRA, no debt or mortgage, and my expenses are covered by survivor Social Security and part-time work. I want to steward these assets well for my children and grandchildren. What strategy should I consider for the IRA, and what kind of advisor should I work with? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD.  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Debt always costs more than the interest rate. It can affect your budget, your marriage, your margin, and even your ability to respond freely when God leads. That doesn't mean borrowing is always wrong. But it does mean Christians should approach debt carefully, prayerfully, and with wisdom. Ron Blue, a pioneer in biblically wise financial planning and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss principles from his article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” featured in the latest issue of our Faithful Steward magazine. Here are several key questions to ask before taking on debt. Will This Debt Produce More Value Than It Costs? Ron's first rule is that borrowing always mortgages the future. When you borrow money today, you commit future income to yesterday's decision. That's why it's important to consider whether the economic return is greater than the economic cost. In some cases, borrowing may help you purchase something that can grow in value or produce long-term benefits, such as a home or a business. But that is very different from borrowing for things that immediately decline in value. Credit cards and auto loans are common examples. While using a credit card for convenience and paying it off every month can be reasonable, carrying credit card debt to fund consumption is a dangerous pattern. As Ron put it, borrowing to build wealth is one thing. Borrowing for something that steadily loses value is another. That road can quickly lead to bondage. Am I Presuming Upon the Future? The second rule is simple but often overlooked: never presume upon the future. When you borrow, you are making an assumption about tomorrow. You assume your income will continue. You assume your health will remain stable. You assume your circumstances will allow you to repay what you owe. But life does not always unfold the way we expect. Jobs change. Markets shift. Health challenges come. Unexpected expenses arise. That's why every borrowing decision needs a clear repayment plan. Before taking on debt, ask, “How will I pay this back?” If the answer depends on overly optimistic assumptions, it may be wise to pause. Borrowing without a sure path to repayment can create unnecessary pressure and reduce financial flexibility. Are We in Full Agreement as Husband and Wife? Debt not only affects a balance sheet. It affects the whole household. That is why Ron's third rule is that spouses should be in full agreement before any borrowing takes place. Husbands and wives often think differently about money. They may have different experiences, fears, preferences, and priorities. One spouse may be more comfortable with risk, while the other feels the weight of debt more deeply. Those differences are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can be a gift. Ron reminds couples that God does not give us a spouse to frustrate us, but to complete us. When spouses slow down, listen well, and work through disagreements, they often make wiser decisions together than either would make alone. But when borrowing decisions are made without unity, they can create resentment, tension, and a growing sore spot in the marriage. Before taking on debt, couples should ask: “Are we truly united in this decision?” Have I Given God an Opportunity to Provide? Ron's fourth principle may be the most surprising: never deny God an opportunity to provide. Before borrowing, it is worth asking: Have I prayed about this? Have I asked God for wisdom? Have I considered whether there may be another way to meet this need? Sometimes borrowing feels like the fastest solution. But speed is not always the same as wisdom. God may provide through delayed timing, a different opportunity, a generous gift, a creative solution, or simply a change in desire. He may also confirm that borrowing is the right path. But the key is not to leave Him out of the decision. Wise stewardship means bringing our needs before the Lord and giving Him room to lead. Borrow Carefully, Prayerfully, and Wisely Debt is not always sinful, but it is never neutral. It places a claim on future income and can shape a household's freedom, peace, and flexibility. Before you borrow, ask whether the debt makes economic sense, whether you are presuming upon tomorrow, whether you and your spouse are in agreement, and whether you have given God an opportunity to provide. For Ron Blue's full article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” become a FaithFi Partner at FaithFi.com/Give. FaithFi Partners receive Faithful Steward magazine every quarter, along with other resources to help them integrate faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a retirement account with a broker, and I've asked him about investing in line with biblical values. He asked me for about five screening filters. I thought of pro-life/anti-abortion, but what other filters would you suggest for faith-based investing? I have a two-part question about charitable giving. What tax-advantaged giving options are available—such as donor-advised funds—and at what ages can someone use each one? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Five Rules for Borrowing by Ron Blue (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6) National Christian Foundation (NCF) OneAscent | Timothy Plan | Eventide | Praxis | Guidestone Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before you borrow, it’s worth asking what the debt may cost beyond the interest rate. Debt can affect your budget, your marriage, your margin, and your ability to respond freely when God leads. That doesn’t mean borrowing is always wrong, but it does mean it should be approached carefully. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue help you think wisely about borrowing. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live . . . biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” That promise from James 1:5 is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not something we have to manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God, and He invites us to ask for it. When we think about financial decisions, we often turn first to budgets, spreadsheets, calculators, or professional advice. Those tools can be helpful, and wise counsel has an important place in biblical stewardship. But for followers of Christ, wisdom begins with prayer. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi's parent organization, joined the show today to talk about inviting God into our financial lives and seeking His guidance with trust and humility. Prayer Reminds Us Whose Money It Is When people think about managing money, prayer may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Sharon says it should be central to the way believers make financial decisions because we are not ultimately managing our own resources. We are managing God's. She offered a simple illustration: imagine being asked to care for someone else's home while they were away on an extended trip. Would you let them leave without asking for specific instructions about how they wanted things handled? Of course not. In the same way, because everything we have belongs to God, we should want His instruction for how to steward it. Prayer reminds us that we do not have to carry financial decisions alone or rely only on our own understanding. It helps us approach money with dependence, trust, and humility. Prayer also shifts our posture. Instead of trying to control every outcome, we begin to ask what faithfulness looks like with what God has entrusted to us. The Most Powerful Question We Can Ask So what does this look like in everyday life? Sharon says it starts by bringing financial decisions to the Lord before we act. Whether we are deciding how to spend, save, give, invest, or pursue work, prayer gives us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom first. Our friend and mentor Ron Blue has often said that one of the most powerful questions we can ask is: God, what would You have me do with Your money? That question changes everything. It reminds us that money is not merely a tool for personal comfort or security. It is a resource entrusted to us by God for His purposes. Sharon shared a personal example from when she and her husband were praying about their oldest daughter's college tuition. They had not saved enough to pay for her education in full, and they were committed to avoiding debt. As they prayed, God brought something to mind: He had already provided what they needed, but they had mentally set those funds aside for another purpose. Once Sharon and her husband sat down and talked it through, they realized God had shown them an option they had never considered. Prayer did not simply give them peace; it gave them perspective. That is one of the gifts of prayer. Over time, it shapes our desires, priorities, and motives. It trains us to seek God first rather than simply react in the moment. Learning What Is Enough One of the great financial questions every believer must wrestle with is, “How much is enough?” Our culture constantly pushes us to want more. More income. More comfort. More security. More possessions. But Scripture points us toward contentment. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” That word learned is important. Contentment does not come naturally. It is formed in us as we walk with Christ and learn to trust Him more deeply. Prayer helps us bring our desires honestly before the Lord. It gives us space to ask whether our financial choices are being driven by needs, wants, fear, comparison, or trust. Sharon pointed to David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” That is a fitting prayer for our financial lives as well. We can ask the Lord to search our hearts, reveal our motives, and lead us toward a healthier understanding of what enough really is. And when we become more content with God's provision, we are often freed to become more generous. When the Next Step Is Unclear Many people face financial decisions that feel overwhelming. A career change. A major purchase. A giving decision. A medical bill. A retirement question. A move. A season of uncertainty. When the path is not clear, Sharon's counsel is simple: turn to prayer before you turn to spreadsheets. That does not mean spreadsheets are unimportant. It means they should not be our first refuge. Before we run the numbers, we should ask God for wisdom. We should also seek wise counsel from trusted believers who share our commitment to biblical stewardship. God often guides us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. And even when the way forward is not perfectly clear, we can trust that God is faithful to guide His people as they seek Him. Financial Decisions as Acts of Trust Prayer turns financial decisions into opportunities to trust God more deeply. It reminds us that God owns it all. It invites Him into the details of our daily lives. It exposes our motives and reshapes our desires. It helps us move from fear to faithfulness, from control to stewardship, and from self-reliance to dependence on the Lord. The next time you face a financial decision, begin with this simple prayer: God, what would You have me do with Your money? And then listen with humility, seek wise counsel, and trust that your generous God delights to give wisdom to those who ask. By the way, finding an advisor who shares your faith and values does not have to be difficult. Visit FindaCKA.com, answer a few questions about what you're looking for, and you'll receive a list of Certified Kingdom Advisors® in your area who can help you take the next step on your stewardship journey. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We sold our old house after buying a new one, so we now have a lump sum in savings. We planned to use most of it to recast the new mortgage and lower our payment, but we're wondering whether we should keep some in savings or invest part of it. How can we steward this money wisely? My 23-year-old granddaughter struggles to manage money. Can you recommend a budgeting plan, tool, or app that could help her? I'm 70 and have heard you talk about Qualified Charitable Distributions. What exactly is a QCD, and can I use it for my tithes? My husband and I are nearing 65. In retirement, we expect $5,000–$6,000 a month in income, a paid-off home, about $80,000 in emergency cash, and another $100,000–$200,000 to invest, plus around $50,000 already in Nasdaq and S&P 500 stocks. What conservative investment options should we consider so we can draw from that money monthly if needed, especially from a Christian perspective? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which of the five money habits do you need to strengthen in your life? In this episode, Jeff and Ron discuss:  Hiring for quality to build the culture you're looking for in your organization. Understanding where God stands in your life and path of success. Planting and watering people and allowing God to give the increase. The 4H Tool for a financial foundational framework. The five money habits everyone needs to master, from individuals to businesses to governments.    Key Takeaways:  God wires us all differently, and we're all unique pieces in his plan. God's Word speaks to any and every financial decision that anybody would make at any time under any set of circumstances. Being values aligned with your financial advisor is good business sense. Take time every day to spend with God in prayer and in the Bible. Listen to what He would have you do.    "If you're not spending time in the morning with the Lord, then you really don't have anything to bring to the day." —  Ron Blue   About Ron Blue: Ron Blue is the founder of the Ron Blue Institute. He has also been the founder and co-founder of several organizations, including Ronald Blue and Company. That firm now Blue Trust, grew to advise on over $59 Billion in assets for its more than 10,000 clients nationwide with a staff of over 400 people in 17 offices across the country; Kingdom Advisors (KA), a ministry that trains Christian financial professionals to integrate biblical wisdom into their client advice; and the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a ministry that helps generous people create a biblically principled strategy that empowers Christians to be more faithful, generous, and fully alive. Ron is the author of more than twenty books on personal finance from a Biblical perspective. The Ron Blue Institute (RBI) serves Christian universities, churches, high schools, and financial professionals nationally and globally. RBI is dedicated to multiplying Ron's decades of professional experience and intellectual property through publications, curriculum development, courses, and consultation in multiple outlets worldwide. Ron and his wife Judy have been married for fifty-eight years. They have five adult children, thirteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and live in Bloomington, Indiana.   Connect with Ron Blue: Website: https://ronblueinstitute.com/    Connect with Jeff Thomas:  Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Host Luke Roush sits down with Kyle Kutz, Private Family Office Director, Senior Family Office Advisor, and Senior Partner at Blue Trust — a faith-driven wealth advisory firm managing $60 billion in assets across 11,000 client families nationwide. Together, they unpack what it looks like to build wealth with an eternal purpose, define a financial finish line, and break the cycle of anxiety that wealth can bring. Key Topics: What it means to have a "financial quarterback" and why every wealth-building family needs one on their team   The "financial finish line" concept — defining how much is enough so generosity can take the lead   Why financial independence can become spiritually toxic, and how biblical wisdom offers a better framework   Navigating wealth across generations: how every family member can be "Gen 1 in something"   How Blue Trust celebrated over $450 million in collaborative client giving in a single year — and their goal to reach $2 billion annually by decade's end Notable Quotes: "A lot of times our clients will describe us as their comprehensive financial quarterback — someone who steps in with families who've experienced wealth and complexity and have a lot of moving parts." — Kyle Kutz "People can spend so much of their time and life growing the financial capital side of their balance sheet, but ignoring the non-financial capital items — the spiritual capital, the social capital, the intellectual capital, the relational capital." — Kyle Kutz "Financial independence in its truest form is independence from greed, independence from being complacent, independence from fear." — Kyle Kutz About Kyle Kutz: Kyle Kutz serves as Private Family Office Director, Senior Family Office Advisor, and Senior Partner at Blue Trust, a faith-driven financial advisory firm founded by Ron Blue in 1979. With $60 billion in assets under advisory, 20 offices nationwide, and over 11,000 client families, Blue Trust is one of the preeminent faith-driven wealth management firms in the country. Kyle works with high-complexity entrepreneurial families, helping them move through a process of Clarity → Alignment → Peace of Mind while stewarding their financial, spiritual, and relational capital with intentionality. Description: What happens when the advisor sitting across the table from you doesn't just understand your estate plan — but also your eternal purpose? Kyle Kutz of Blue Trust has spent his career as a "comprehensive financial quarterback" for families navigating the complexity of significant wealth, and in this conversation with Luke Roush, he unpacks what that actually looks like in practice. From defining a financial finish line to equipping next-generation inheritors with identity and calling, this episode is a masterclass in faith-driven stewardship. Kyle and Luke explore the idea that financial independence — properly understood — isn't about accumulating enough to need nothing; it's about independence from greed, fear, and complacency. They also dig into the tent analogy for multi-generational giving, the home-going plan Blue Trust uses to prepare families for legacy, and why encouraging clients to give generously has only deepened relationships and grown the firm. Whether you're a first-generation wealth creator, a next-generation inheritor still finding your footing, or an advisor trying to serve families with both technical excellence and biblical wisdom, this episode will challenge and equip you for the stewardship journey ahead.

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

Economic headlines may shake our confidence, but God’s wisdom provides a firm foundation. When uncertainty emerges, fear often follows. Making financial decisions based on that worry can lead to regret. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue share how we can fortify our finances for uncertain times while continually trusting the Lord. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live . . . biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you feeling inadequate or unseen in life? Maybe you just need a fresh view of the love of Jesus. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, author Jessica Thompson unpacks the nuances of Jesus’s heart toward the lost and brokenhearted people of the Bible. She will also invite you to fall in love with Jesus because He loves you, more than you know! Featured resource:He Loved Them: Discovering Jesus' Heart for Seekers, Sinners, Doubters, and the Discouraged (and Other People Like Us) by Jessica Thompson March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

How should Christians consume the news and digital media in an era of fake news and biased reporting? Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro has taken a hard look at this question and joins Chris Brooks with answers that may surprise you. He says it’s vital that we go beyond being informed voters to being formed by the directives of Jesus.  Learn to digest the news and live as Jesus would in today’s world on Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News by Jeff Bilbro March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

The spiritual community of the Church is an essential part of the Christian life. We gather, pray, and support each other, growing to be more like Christ. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, Paul Gutacker talks about the blessings and benefits of sharing your spiritual life in a community. What does it look like to practice life together? Find out on Equipped. Featured resource:Practicing Life Together: A Common Rule for Christian Growth by Paul Gutacker March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

It’s important to transfer wisdom to our children before we transfer our wealth. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, we’ll talk about how you can give money and things to your children without ruining their lives. Learn how to honor God with your inheritance and still bless your family when you join us for Equipped. March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

In rural Malawi, many children wake each day unsure if they'll eat, relying on water that can make them sick. For families living in deep poverty, this isn't an occasional hardship—it's daily life. Yet even in these conditions, there is hope. Today, we were joined by Aaron Griggs of Cross International, a Christian humanitarian and development ministry, to talk about how lives are being changed in places like Malawi through practical help and the hope of the gospel. Life in Rural Malawi: A Daily Struggle for Survival In remote villages like Tanganyika, life revolves around meeting the most basic needs. Families often don't know where their next meal will come from, and many children go to bed hungry. Access to clean water is one of the greatest challenges. Most families rely on open water sources contaminated with bacteria, leading to frequent illness—especially among children who are already malnourished. These illnesses not only weaken their bodies but also rob them of the nutrients they desperately need. Housing is fragile and unsafe, medical care is scarce, and education is often out of reach due to cost. Add to that years of severe drought that have devastated crops, and the cycle of poverty deepens. And yet, as Aaron shared, these families are resilient—working hard, doing their best, and holding onto hope for a better future. The Hidden Cost of Unsafe Water Contaminated water doesn't just affect health—it disrupts every part of life. Children, especially girls, often spend hours each day walking long distances to collect water. That's time they could be spending in school. At the same time, women are unable to pursue income-generating work, making it even harder for families to afford school fees. Even when children attend school, frequent illness makes it difficult for them to focus and learn. Over time, they fall further behind, limiting their future opportunities. A Long-Term Approach to Breaking the Cycle Cross International doesn't just meet immediate needs—they focus on lasting transformation. Their approach is built on a partnership with local ministries. Rather than imposing outside solutions, they work alongside community leaders to create sustainable, long-term change. This model has proven effective. Many of their ministry partners have been serving their communities for over a decade, allowing them to witness real transformation—physically, economically, and spiritually. Bri's Story: A Life Transformed One powerful example is a young girl named Bri. After her father passed away, Bri's family lost everything. Her mother, Ines, was left to raise three children alone, struggling to find work and provide even basic necessities. They lived in a fragile, unsafe home, and Bri often went to bed hungry and sick from drinking unclean water. School wasn't even an option. But everything changed when Bri joined Cross International's after-school program. Her school fees were covered, allowing her to return to the classroom. She now receives a daily nutritious meal, academic support, and the chance to simply be a child—playing, learning, and building friendships. Most importantly, she is learning about Jesus. Bri's favorite Bible story is Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). She loves how he was determined to see Jesus—and how Jesus responded by coming to his home. Now, Bri understands that Jesus sees her too, loves her, and is always with her. More Than Aid: Restoring Dignity and Hope The impact extends beyond children. Bri's mother, Ines, has received support to start a small business, creating a sustainable way to provide for her family. The after-school program has become a community hub—offering not just education and meals, but also encouragement, prayer, and spiritual growth. Facilities built through this partnership are used for worship services and community gatherings, strengthening both families and the broader village. By addressing physical needs—like food, water, housing, and education—doors are opened to share the love of Christ in meaningful, lasting ways. An Invitation to Make a Difference While stories like Bri's are encouraging, many more children are still waiting. The need is great—but so is the opportunity. As Aaron reminded us, God doesn't call us to solve everything. He simply asks us to be faithful with what we've been given (Luke 16:10). Like the boy who offered his five loaves and two fish (John 6:1–13), what we place in God's hands can be multiplied far beyond what we imagine. Through this partnership, just $62 can provide a child with school fees, daily meals, clean water, and biblical teaching that points them to Christ. If you'd like to be part of this work and help reach children like Bri, you can give at FaithFi.com/Cross. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I understand how QCDs work and have been using them through my IRA. My question is about documentation—do QCDs require the same ‘contemporaneous' receipt as regular charitable gifts? And if the IRS questioned it, what proof should I have, especially if the checks are sent directly to charities? What's the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA? Can someone open a 401(k) without being an employee? And what are the contribution limits for each? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Cross International Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New discoveries are always being uncovered in the world of archaeology, and when those finds help us learn more about the biblical world, they generate excitement for believers. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, Gordon Govier shares some of the noteworthy discoveries of the past year. Be encouraged in your faith when you join us for Equipped. Featured Resources:Article: "10 Striking Biblical Archaeology Stories of 2025" by Gordon GovierWebsite: Radioscribe.com March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Our current culture has so many political divisions. How do we navigate the political world we live in as believers? Founder and president of the AND Campaign Justin Giboney shares a biblical framework to help us bridge faith and politics for a more united and impactful public witness. Don’t miss this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around by Justin Giboney March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

The war with Iran has been in the headlines since it began. How do we as Christians respond? Is this ushering in End Times prophecy? On the next Equipped with Chris Brooks, Dr. Michael Rydelnik joins Chris to talk about Middle East events, Israel, and more. You won't want to miss this edition of Equipped. Featured resource:How Should Christians Think About Israel? by Dr. Michael Rydelnik March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Have you ever heard of Henrietta Mears? Probably not, but you may know the names of the men she influenced and inspired for Christian ministry. Men like Billy Graham, Bill Bright, and Senator Mark Hatfield. Discover how this single woman was also used by God to keep the evangelical church firmly planted on Biblical truth in a cultural climate much like our own! March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Stories are a great tool to teach Truth. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, author and storyteller Marty Machowski will talk about how he is proclaiming the life-transforming gospel message to the next generations. We’ll explore the Book of Romans through the fictional adventure of two children and take a journey along the Romans Road. Hope you can join us for Equipped. Featured resource:The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Can the Bible be trusted? How can we trust the Bible in this secular age we live in? Social media influencers and websites and politicians quote Scripture out of context or wrestle with questions about seeming-contradictions about the Bible. Moody Bible Institute professor Dr. Mikel Del Rosario will tackle your questions about why we can trust the Bible and the historical Jesus. Don't miss this important conversation on Equipped. Featured resource:Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? Making Sense of His Historical Claims by Mikel Del Rosario Mentioned Bible resources:NET BibleLogos Bible softwareThe Bible Experience dramatized audio BibleBible encyclopedia March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Dr. John M. Perkins was a voice for justice, reconciliation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He received 19 honorary doctorate degrees, launched several global Christian organizations, wrote numerous books, but most importantly, he was the devoted husband of his bride, Vera Mae Perkins, for 74 years. Above all he loved Jesus and saw the Image of God in everyone he knew. We honor and remember the life and impact of Dr. Perkins on this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks. March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Friendship is one of God's greatest treasures. Facing joyful moments and hardships with a friend makes both easier to deal with. Becky Harling has examined the Proverbs to see what makes the foundation of a good friend. If you’re looking to form and strengthen your friendships, join us for the next edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Friend-Wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships by Becky Harling March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

We all want to make wise financial decisions, especially when it comes to supporting the Lord's work. What area of giving is most challenging for you? Is it deciding where to give, how much to give, or how to avoid charity scams? Pastor Brian Kluth helps churches and ministry leaders make compassionate and careful giving choices. He joins Chris Brooks on Equipped to answer questions about wisely investing your money for eternity. Featured resource:Wise Giving Video Series March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Fathers may be the most important people in the world, but how do you become a great dad, especially if you did not have a good example to follow?  You find other men to follow! On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, Pastor Bryan Loritts relates stories from his father and other great dads, so we can all learn to give our children what they need. Bring your questions about becoming a dad who makes a difference to Equipped.  Featured resource:The Dad Difference: The 4 Most Important Gifts You Can Give to Your Kids by Bryan Loritts March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.  

It's one thing to thank God before a meal. It's another thing entirely to thank Him before sending off a tax payment. For many Christians, taxes are rarely associated with gratitude. They often feel like a burden—an interruption to our financial plans or resources we'd rather use elsewhere. But Scripture invites us to view taxes through a very different lens. Instead of seeing them merely as a loss, believers can see them as a reminder of God's provision and His sovereignty, and as an opportunity to live with integrity. Why Taxes Stir Frustration Few topics unite people quite like a shared dislike of paying taxes. It's easy to think, if I could just keep that money, I could do something better with it. And when government policies conflict with our convictions—or headlines highlight waste or corruption—resentment can grow even stronger. Yet Scripture calls us to approach the issue differently. Instead of responding with frustration alone, the Bible encourages gratitude, humility, and trust in God's sovereign rule. In Matthew 22:17, the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus responded by asking for a coin and pointing to the image stamped on it. His reply has echoed through history: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22:21) This answer was remarkable. Taxes under Rome were deeply unpopular. Rome was an occupying force, and tax revenue helped sustain a system that oppressed God's people. Yet Jesus did not call for revolt or avoidance. Instead, He acknowledged that paying taxes fits within God's ordering of society while making it clear that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Coins may bear Caesar's image, but our lives bear God's image—and they belong fully to Him. Trusting God's Sovereignty The apostle Paul reinforced this principle in Romans 13:6–7, writing during the reign of Nero—hardly a model of righteous leadership: “Because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God… Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Notice what Paul does not say. He doesn't ground obedience in the goodness of government. Instead, he points to the sovereignty of God. Paying taxes, then, is not primarily an expression of confidence in a human system. It is a recognition that God ultimately rules over nations, leaders, and history itself. Taxes Reveal God's Provision There is another perspective on taxes that believers often overlook. Before you pay a single dollar in taxes, something has already happened: God has provided. A mentor of mine, Ron Blue, often says around tax time, “Taxes represent God's provision.” If God had not provided income, there would be no taxes to pay. Think about it. Taxes imply that: Work was available. Income was earned. Needs were met. Daily bread was provided. In other words, taxes—uncomfortable as they may feel—are evidence that God has supplied what we need. Gratitude allows us to see provision before we see loss. Instead of asking only, How much am I paying? We can ask, What does this reveal about God's faithfulness? Integrity in a Culture of Loopholes This perspective also shapes how Christians respond during tax season. In a world full of shortcuts, loopholes, and justifications, believers are called to something different: integrity. Honesty in financial matters—especially the ones no one else sees—forms Christlike character. Filing accurately, reporting honestly, and paying what is owed becomes an act of discipleship. It's a quiet but powerful testimony of a life shaped by trust in God rather than self-protection. Turning Taxes into a Spiritual Discipline Finally, paying taxes can even become a spiritual discipline. Each time you write that check or submit that payment, let it prompt you to pray. Pray that God would guide leaders with wisdom, justice, and humility. Pray for policies that protect the vulnerable and promote the common good. Pray for leaders who recognize their need for God's guidance. You may disagree with those leaders. You may even oppose their policies. But Scripture reminds us they are still people made in God's image—people who need God's help just like the rest of us. In a culture eager to complain, believers have the opportunity to respond differently. When tax season arrives: Remember the Owner: God owns everything, including the income from which taxes are paid (Psalm 24:1). Recognize the Provider: Taxes remind us that God has provided resources in the first place. Respond with Integrity: Honesty reflects a heart that seeks to honor Christ. Reframe with Gratitude: Thank God for His provision rather than focusing only on what is owed. Respond with Prayer: Let taxes prompt intercession for leaders and systems of government. When viewed through the lens of Scripture, even something as mundane—and often frustrating—as taxes can remind us of deeper truths: God provides, God rules, and God calls His people to live with gratitude and integrity. Go Deeper: Our Ultimate Treasure If you'd like to explore these themes of stewardship, gratitude, and God's ownership more deeply, consider reading Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. This devotional walks through the biblical foundations of money and stewardship, helping readers see that financial decisions are ultimately spiritual decisions. Over 21 days, you'll discover how Scripture reshapes the way we think about earning, spending, saving, giving—and even paying taxes. You can learn more or order your copy at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've inherited about $100,000 and don't know how to invest it. I'm 75, retired, debt-free, and living on a pension and Social Security. What are some safe options—like CDs or high-yield savings—that still give me access to the money if needed? My husband and I are separated. He's retired and receiving Social Security and a pension, while I'm still working. Can I claim spousal Social Security benefits on his record while we're separated, and would that reduce his benefit? I'm 56 and have about $310,000 in an old 401(k) and $268,000 in my current one. With market volatility, I'm considering moving the old account into a 10-year fixed annuity for safety. Is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Community Credit Union | AdelFi Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our God loves to transform lives! If you think that your life is beyond repair or that God has given up on you, don't miss this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks with Pastor Noe Garcia. His testimony blazes with the power of God to repurpose our failures, our pain, and even our sin for His glory and our good!  Then he will take us into the precious truth of Romans chapter 8 to find healing and hope for our darkest places. Featured resource:Repurposed: How God Turns Your Mess Into His Message by Noe Garcia March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Who Owns It? Ron Blue on Money, Stewardship, and the Question That Changes EverythingJoin host Justin Forman for a wide-ranging conversation with legendary financial author, teacher, and serial entrepreneur Ron Blue. With decades of experience building Kingdom-minded financial institutions—including what is now Blue Trust, one of the nation's premier faith-based wealth management firms—Ron unpacks the timeless questions every entrepreneur must answer: Who owns it? How much is enough? And what does faithful stewardship actually look like when you're building something meant to outlast you?From counseling a heart surgeon in a million-dollar home to sitting with a grocery CEO in a trailer park, Ron's stories reveal that true contentment has nothing to do with net worth—and everything to do with whose name is on the deed.Key Topics:The three questions that unlock faithful stewardship: Who owns it? How much is enough? What's the finish line?Why Ron built his firms to outlast him—and what he left on the table when God called him elsewhereThe difference between "hard" and "impossible" when it comes to serving God and moneyHow the faith-driven investing movement has matured the stewardship conversationSuccession planning, family wealth, and why "if you love your children equally, you'll treat them uniquely"The serial entrepreneur's journey: from accounting firm to Blue Trust to mobilizing 4,000 advisorsNotable Quotes:"God's word speaks to everything that we think money will give us. And that's why Jesus said, it's not hard to serve God and mammon, it's impossible." — Ron Blue"I didn't start any of them to make money. I started every one of them to accomplish a purpose or a vision." — Ron Blue"If God owns it, I hold it with an open hand. And God then is free to put in or take out whatever He wants." — Ron Blue

Recent protests have shown the hurt that is rampant in our society. How can Christians be a catalyst for reconciliation? On Equipped with Chris Brooks, we talk with community organizer and pastor Henry McClendon, Jr., about what relational unity looks like in communities torn by violence. Can the police and pain-filled citizens really get along? Don't miss a hope-filled message for our times! March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

The Apostles' Creed has guided Christian faith for almost two thousand years but is it relevant to modern-day believers? On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, Dr. Al Mohler, one of our nation’s leading voices for Biblical living, will unpack the rich treasures of this ancient statement-of-faith.  He will teach us to live boldly in this post-Christian age, by understanding and applying the transforming truth of God’s Word, wrapped neatly in this simple creed. Featured resource:The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Ministry wives today face both joys and challenges as they navigate their calling. Jani Ortlund has served alongside her husband Ray for nearly 50 years. Like a trustworthy friend, she encourages these ladies and gently reminds us of the high calling they have, even when this calling feels like swimming against the tide. Don't miss Equipped with Chris Brooks! Featured resource:Help! I'm Married to My Pastor by Jani Ortlund March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

What is the true purpose of leaving an inheritance to your children? Financial teacher Ron Blue says it's important to transfer wisdom before wealth. We'll learn how to make decisions about inheritances that honor God and bless your family. You can give money and things to your children without ruining their lives. Don't miss this practical conversation on Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Fewer things put more strain on a marriage than debt. Whether its… unpaid credit cards, overdue mortgage payments, or student loans … there's a lot of pressure in owing other people money. It's an overwhelming feeling! In this program, Chip wraps up his series by finishing his talk on marriage and finances. Don't miss how to dig out of debt, and have a more peaceful home.How to biblically manage your finances together:I. The command – All our words and our actions are to be in Jesus' name. -Colossians 3:17II. The second most accurate mirrors of our hearts and livesOur words -Luke 6:45Our money -Matthew 6:19-21III. A brief overview of biblical finances*God owns it all. -Psalm 50:12; James 1:17We are stewards, managers, trustees. -Luke 16:1-15We will give an account of our stewardship. -Matthew 25:14-30Money is powerful and deceptive. -Mark 4:18-19Money is the “other god.” -Matthew 6:24Giving is God's antidote to greed and the dangers of idol worship. -1 Timothy 6:17-19Debt is dangerous and to be avoided. -Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7We are to be accurately aware of our financial condition. -Proverbs 27:23*The Truth About Money by Russ Crosson, CEO of Ron Blue, Inc.IV. There are only 5 uses of moneyGivingTaxesSavingsDebtLivingV. Financial freedom requires spending less than one's incomeVI. How to solve “money problems” in your marriageIt must begin with… “It's our problem, we will solve it with God's help.”Assessment instead of blamingAlignment of values and executionActionBroadcast ResourceDownload MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsI Choose Love BookConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Walking through death with a loved one can be incredibly isolating and unsettling. If you're in a season of anticipatory grief, don't miss the conversation with Whitney Pipkin. She walked her mother through terminal cancer. She’ll remind us that we can experience God's very presence in life's dark and deep valleys. Learn how facing death with our loved ones teaches us to live when you join us for Equipped. Featured resources:We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us by Whitney K. PipkinCommon Good magazine March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

What if the Bible doesn't just give us advice about money—but reshapes the way we think about it entirely? The messages we absorb from culture shape our fears, our goals, and even where we look for security. But Scripture offers a different foundation—one that brings clarity, freedom, and purpose to every financial decision. Ron Blue—co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and a pioneer in biblical financial stewardship—joined the show today to share how Scripture reframes our assumptions about money and calls us into a deeper, more faithful way of living. The False Promise of Security One of the most powerful cultural assumptions about money is that it provides security. We spend much of our lives trying to answer the question: How much is enough? But Scripture turns that question upside down. True security, the Bible teaches, isn't found in wealth, savings, or income—it's found in God alone. Culture urges us to pursue more, feeding discontent and anxiety. Scripture calls us instead to pursue faithfulness. Money can create the illusion of certainty. But it cannot protect us from life's ultimate realities. It cannot buy peace. It cannot purchase eternity. Only God provides the kind of stability that lasts forever. Contentment Is a Spiritual Choice Many people feel that no matter how much they have, it never feels like enough. Scripture addresses that tension directly. Hebrews 13:5 calls us to “be content with what you have,” reminding us that contentment isn't a financial outcome—it's a spiritual posture. Contentment grows when we trust that God knows our needs and promises to provide for them. Gratitude replaces striving. Peace replaces fear. Joy replaces comparison. Fear often sits beneath our financial habits—the fear of not having enough or losing what we already have. But Scripture gently redirects our hearts: God is our provider, and He will supply what we need when we need it. From Ownership to Stewardship Another assumption Scripture overturns is the idea that what we have belongs to us. The Bible consistently teaches that God is the true owner of everything. He created it. He sustains it. And for a season, He entrusts resources to us. That changes the central question of our financial lives. Ownership asks: What do I want? Stewardship asks: What does God want? When we see money as something entrusted to us rather than as something we possess, it reshapes how we spend, save, give, and plan. We begin to live not as controllers, but as faithful trustees—managing God's resources for His purposes. Scripture also helps us understand a difficult reality: people receive different amounts of resources. God loves each of us equally, but He treats us uniquely. He knows what each person needs and what each can faithfully steward. That perspective invites trust instead of comparison. Much like a loving parent treats each child according to their personality and needs, God provides for each of His children differently. What we have today is not random—it reflects His wisdom and care. The Next Faithful Step When Scripture reshapes our understanding of money, the goal isn't perfection—it's faithfulness. The question becomes simple and practical: What is my next faithful step? Not how much more can I accumulate. Not how secure can I make myself. But how can I steward what God has entrusted to me today? That perspective brings freedom. It replaces pressure with purpose and transforms money from a source of anxiety into a tool for worship, generosity, and trust. Because in the end, the Bible doesn't just change what we do with money—it changes what we believe about it, and ultimately, who we trust to provide. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have about $40,000 in credit card debt, and I'm trying to decide the best way to tackle it. Should I pursue credit counseling or consider a home equity loan—and why might credit counseling be the better option? I want to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me, and I'm trying to understand the difference between tithing and offerings. I haven't been giving a full 10% of my gross income, and I'm wondering if I'm missing the mark. Can you offer some clarity? I'm about to apply for Social Security and want to know the best way to do it. Is it better to apply online, by phone, or in person at a local office? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Tithing: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Practice (Article by John Cortines in Faithful Steward, Issue 3) Christian Credit Counselors Social Security Administration (SSA.gov) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The messages we absorb from culture can shape our fears, our goals, and even where we look for security; however, Scripture offers a different foundation—one that brings clarity, freedom, and purpose to every financial decision. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue explore how the Bible changes everything about money. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—where biblical wisdom meets today’s financial decisions—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest sources of conflict in marriage revolves around money. In this message, Chip walks through how couples can biblically manage their finances and tackle debt issues in their marriage.How to biblically manage your finances together:I. The command – All our words and our actions are to be in Jesus' name. -Colossians 3:17II. The second most accurate mirrors of our hearts and livesOur words -Luke 6:45Our money -Matthew 6:19-21III. A brief overview of biblical finances*God owns it all. -Psalm 50:12; James 1:17We are stewards, managers, trustees. -Luke 16:1-15We will give an account of our stewardship. -Matthew 25:14-30Money is powerful and deceptive. -Mark 4:18-19Money is the “other god.” -Matthew 6:24Giving is God's antidote to greed and the dangers of idol worship. -1 Timothy 6:17-19Debt is dangerous and to be avoided. -Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7We are to be accurately aware of our financial condition. -Proverbs 27:23*The Truth About Money by Russ Crosson, CEO of Ron Blue, Inc.IV. There are only 5 uses of moneyGivingTaxesSavingsDebtLivingV. Financial freedom requires spending less than one's incomeVI. How to solve “money problems” in your marriageIt must begin with… “It's our problem, we will solve it with God's help.”Assessment instead of blamingAlignment of values and executionActionBroadcast ResourceDownload MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsI Choose Love BookConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

One of the biggest sources of conflict in marriage revolves around money. It's really hard to get on the same page, especially when one person's a spender and the other's a saver. In this program, Chip tackles the most universal habit we all need to learn: how to manage money. Don't miss how you and your spouse can biblically handle your finances together.How to biblically manage your finances together:I. The command – All our words and our actions are to be in Jesus' name. -Colossians 3:17II. The second most accurate mirrors of our hearts and livesOur words -Luke 6:45Our money -Matthew 6:19-21III. A brief overview of biblical finances*God owns it all. -Psalm 50:12; James 1:17We are stewards, managers, trustees. -Luke 16:1-15We will give an account of our stewardship. -Matthew 25:14-30Money is powerful and deceptive. -Mark 4:18-19Money is the “other god.” -Matthew 6:24Giving is God's antidote to greed and the dangers of idol worship. -1 Timothy 6:17-19Debt is dangerous and to be avoided. -Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7We are to be accurately aware of our financial condition. -Proverbs 27:23*The Truth About Money by Russ Crosson, CEO of Ron Blue, Inc.IV. There are only 5 uses of moneyGivingTaxesSavingsDebtLivingV. Financial freedom requires spending less than one's incomeVI. How to solve “money problems” in your marriageIt must begin with… “It's our problem, we will solve it with God's help.”Assessment instead of blamingAlignment of values and executionActionBroadcast ResourceDownload MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsI Choose Love BookConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Human beings have a deep, hardwired desire to belong and to be loved, just for who we are. On the next Equipped with Chris Brooks, our guest says that love isn’t something you need to wait for, but something you can choose to experience. Author and Bible teacher Chip Ingram explores the invitation we have to choose love—when you join us for the next Equipped.  Featured resource:I Choose Love: How to Love Your Neighbor As Yourself by Chip Ingram March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000, click here.

How can leaders make space to process grief? On this edition of Equipped, we will spend time in prayer and make space to process questions and lament together. Hope you can join us for the conversation on Equipped. Mentioned resources:Interview with Ben SasseWe Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us by Whitney K. Pipkin March thank you gift:Splitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000 (annually or $83/month), click here.

Trusting God for our financial needs feels especially real when life gets tight. When savings shrink, markets fluctuate, or expenses rise faster than income, the pressure exposes what—or who—we truly rely on. Long before budgets, retirement accounts, or emergency funds existed, one man stood on a mountain believing God could provide in the most impossible circumstances. His story in Genesis 22 gives us one of the most powerful names of God in all of Scripture: “The Lord Will Provide.” And it offers a blueprint for faithful stewardship today. Provision Is Forged in Pressure Trusting God's provision rarely happens in comfort. It's forged in seasons when resources feel thin, and the future looks uncertain. Throughout Scripture, God's people learn His faithfulness not at banquets, but in deserts. Not in surplus, but in scarcity. Whether wandering in the wilderness, facing famine, or standing before overwhelming odds, they discover that provision isn't merely about resources—it's about relationship. God is not simply someone who provides. He is the Provider. But biblical faith isn't naïve optimism, nor is it passive resignation. Faith rests in God's character, moves forward in obedience, and trusts Him with the outcome. Abraham on the Mountain Genesis 22 is one of the clearest pictures of this kind of faith. God asks Abraham to offer Isaac, his son of promise. It's a shocking command, and we're meant to feel its weight. Isaac is the one through whom God promised to build a nation “as numerous as the stars.” Without Isaac, the covenant appears to collapse. Yet Abraham obeys. Before climbing the mountain, he tells his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there and worship; then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5). Notice what he says: we will come back. The author of Hebrews explains Abraham's reasoning: “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham trusted that God's promise was more certain than the circumstances he could see. And when Abraham raised the knife, God intervened—not before the climb, not halfway up the mountain, but at the exact moment when obedience and trust met. A ram was provided in Isaac's place. It's there Abraham names the place: “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). What “The Lord Will Provide” Really Means To say God provides isn't to say He always provides in the way we expect. It means His character is generous, attentive, and faithful. He knows our needs before we ask. He meets them according to His wisdom—not our timeline. That shifts how we think about financial provision. Scripture commends diligence. “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). It warns against laziness. But diligence and provision are not the same thing. We work. God provides the harvest. Modern financial fear often comes from trying to secure every possible outcome. We want guarantees. We want certainty. We want control. But the great enemy of faith isn't need—it's self-reliance. When we believe we are our own providers, we shoulder a burden we were never designed to carry. The apostle Paul writes, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Notice the scale and the source: According to His riches, not ours. Three Ways Trust Changes Our Stewardship When we truly believe God provides, three things begin to shift. 1. We Plan Without Panic Wisdom plans for the future. Scripture affirms preparation and foresight. But planning becomes idolatry when it tries to eliminate dependence. Trust allows us to budget, save, and invest without fear driving every decision. Our spreadsheets serve us—they don't rule us. 2. We Give Without Fear Generosity flows from security. If we believe God replenishes, we can release. Hudson Taylor famously said, “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” When God is our provider, generosity becomes an act of confidence, not recklessness. 3. We Endure Lean Seasons With Hope Scarcity is not wasted space in the life of faith. Lean seasons refine us. They remind us that our ultimate security rests not in accounts, assets, or accolades—but in the Lord who sees. Abraham learned something profound on that mountain—not just that God provides, but who God is. Provision in Scripture is relational. God provides so His people know Him more deeply and so the watching world sees His faithfulness. Faithful Stewardship Without Fear Trusting God's provision doesn't mean we stop budgeting, working, or stewarding wisely. It means we do those things without trying to control the narrative. Our responsibility is faithfulness. God's responsibility is provision. When life tightens and financial pressure mounts, Genesis 22 invites us to lift our eyes beyond the mountain in front of us and remember the name Abraham proclaimed: The Lord will provide. And He still does. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How can I have a loving, respectful conversation with my parents—especially my dad—about whether they're truly ready for retirement and financially self-sufficient? Also, he started taking Social Security last year while still working. Should he reconsider delaying benefits, and what options does he have now? A nonprofit that owned a property has shut down, and I'd like to sell it and give the proceeds to a church. Are there special forms or steps I need to take to handle that transfer properly? I'm turning 60 and want to prepare wisely for retirement. I have a seven-figure balance across my 401(k) and investments. What should I focus on over the next several years—how much is enough, withdrawal planning, Social Security timing, and long-term care—so I won't become a burden on my kids? As I plan my estate, what does the Bible mean by leaving an inheritance to our children's children, and how should I think about what to leave my grandchildren? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Henry Drummond once wrote, “To become like Christ is the only thing in the world worth caring for…before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain.” Those words cut straight to the heart of how Scripture defines success. In a culture that measures achievement by accumulation and applause, Jesus offers a very different scoreboard—one centered not on what we gain, but on who we become. The Success Story We've Been Taught It's easy to believe that if we could just reach a little higher, earn a little more, or move a little faster, we'd finally arrive. We see this impulse at the very beginning of Scripture. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve weren't lacking anything, yet they believed something better was being held back (Genesis 3). At the Tower of Babel, humanity declared, “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). Success, in their minds, meant defining greatness on their own terms. That same instinct shapes us today. We measure success by paychecks and promotions, by titles, trophies, and the size of our homes or portfolios. And in a world that equates success with accumulation, it's hard not to wonder: Am I successful yet? Will more finally be enough? Jesus' Warning About the Illusion of More Jesus speaks directly into that tension in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” He then tells the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). A man experiences an abundant harvest and decides to tear down his barns to build bigger ones. He reassures himself: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” On the surface, it sounds like success. He planned ahead. He saved. He prepared. But Jesus calls him a fool. Listen to the language: my barns, my grain, my goods, my soul. There's no gratitude, no dependence on God, no concern for others. His definition of success was accumulation, and his confidence rested entirely in what he had stored up. God's response is sobering: “This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20) Jesus concludes, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). The story is meant to shake us awake. It exposes how easily we confuse preparation with control and wisdom with self-reliance. God isn't measuring success by what we store—He's measuring it by what we surrender. A New Definition of Success The apostle Paul understood this well. By every cultural standard of his day, Paul had succeeded. Yet he wrote: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Paul didn't lower the bar for success—he replaced it. Scripture tells us God's goal for our lives plainly: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). That's the metric. Not income. Not influence. Not recognition. Christlikeness. So it's worth asking: What scoreboard are you watching right now? Whose applause are you chasing? If your goals are rooted in impressing others or securing more for yourself, satisfaction will always feel just out of reach. But if your goals are rooted in becoming more like Christ, you'll discover a kind of success that cannot be taken away. Jesus invites us to measure progress differently. Instead of asking, “Did I win today?” we can ask, “Did I look a little more like Jesus today?” In God's economy: Success is measured by obedience, not accumulation. By faithfulness, not fame. By surrender, not status. And God delights in what is done faithfully—even when no one else sees. Jesus puts it plainly: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Real success isn't what you gain. It's who you become in Christ. Aligning Our Hearts With What Lasts This is one of the reasons I wrote Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. Each day is designed to help realign your heart—and your financial decisions—with God's purposes, so that success is defined not by accumulation, but by transformation. You can order a copy or place a bulk order for your church or small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Should we tithe on our business's gross revenue, or just on the salary we actually pay ourselves? I have a 19-year-old niece and would like to contribute the first $1,000 to an IRA to help her start learning about budgeting and financial responsibility. Should I connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor, or simply open an account through a company like Fidelity or Nationwide? My husband had a TIAA account from his time as an adjunct professor. Since I'm 76, I'm required to take distributions each year. I'd prefer to give that money to my son so it can remain invested and continue growing. Is that possible? My wife and I are both in our 70s and trying to determine how to divide our estate among our three children, our new church, and a few ministries we support. I know every situation is unique, but are there guidelines or resources to help us think through percentage allocations wisely? I'd like to lower my mortgage payment. I owe $89,000 at 3.5%, and my monthly payment is $1,254. I have cash available to apply toward the principal. If I make a lump-sum principal payment, will that reduce my monthly payment? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Sound Mind Investing Fidelity | Schwab | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most people, when asked about their biggest financial regret, will point to mistakes involving debt, missed investment opportunities, or overspending. But for today's guest, the regret was far more surprising—and far more spiritual. Dr. Art Rainer says his greatest financial regret is not having started tracking his generosity sooner.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Dr. Art Rainer joins us to talk about how something as simple as recording our giving can strengthen our stewardship, deepen our joy, and align our financial lives more closely with Scripture. Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, has spent years helping believers think biblically about money. But this particular practice—tracking generosity—came to him through a friend and quickly reshaped his financial priorities.Dr. Rainer identifies four compelling reasons every believer should consider tracking their giving. First, generosity is not merely an optional add-on to the Christian life; according to Scripture, it's a financial priority. Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor the Lord with our wealth and with the firstfruits of our increase. God created us not to stockpile resources but to act as conduits of His provision. If generosity stands at the front of faithful stewardship, it makes sense to pay attention to it—just as we would with saving, budgeting, or debt reduction.Second, Rainer explains that we naturally “chase what we track.” What we measure shapes what we pursue. Many of us track our net worth, our spending categories, or our fitness goals—and we make progress because the very act of monitoring fuels intentionality. If that's true for paying off debt or saving for a car, why wouldn't it be even more true for generosity, one of the most transformative habits in the Christian life?Third, he notes that generosity is missing from the financial dashboards believers tend to rely on. Our balance sheets and net worth statements are helpful tools, but they tell only part of the story—and often reward the very behaviors Scripture warns us not to idolize. In fact, traditional financial statements treat giving as a negative, a depletion of wealth, even though Scripture teaches that generosity stores up lasting treasure (Matthew 6:19–21). Tracking giving puts what God values most back into view.Finally, tracking generosity helps believers remember why they give in the first place. Every dollar represents impact—lives changed, ministries strengthened, needs met, and the gospel advanced. While most of that impact won't be fully seen until eternity, keeping a record helps us trace God's faithfulness and celebrate His work through us. It turns giving into worship, gratitude, and mission rather than mere obligation.Dr. Rainer concludes with simple encouragement to get started: look back at prior giving, record it, and move forward. A spreadsheet is enough. The goal isn't pride, but praise—remembering God's provision and rejoicing in the privilege of generosity.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm receiving a substantial inheritance—approximately half a billion dollars—and neither my children nor I need it. I want to use it wisely and not simply pass the responsibility to my kids. How should I approach that?My sister and I want to start a Christian film studio to create apologetics content. What does it take legally to set up a 501(c)(3), and how would someone support themselves financially while running one?I just had a CD mature, and I'd like to reinvest the $50,000 into an account that yields more than 2%. I remember you mentioned something in the 6% range, which is now around 5%. What are my options for safe investments with higher yields?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteChristian Money SolutionsInstitute for Christian Financial HealthExcellence in Giving | National Christian Foundation (NCF)GainbridgeBankrateWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  Ron Blue is a pioneering Christian financial planner, longtime CPA, and founder of the firms and ministries that helped shape today's faith-based financial movement. After growing up in Indiana, studying at Indiana University, and working for KPMG in New York, Dallas, and San Francisco, Ron returned home to start his own CPA firm in 1970. That firm would grow into one of the top 50 accounting firms in the country, and later, Ron would go on to launch a fee-based financial planning firm for Christians, work closely with Campus Crusade (Cru), and help birth Kingdom Advisors and related initiatives that now influence thousands of advisors and families around the world.  In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Ron to trace how a rigid religious upbringing, an intense drive for success, and a quiet conversion moment on the way to a golf game all led to a radical decision to walk away from a thriving CPA practice and follow God's call to Atlanta. Ron shares how that step of faith, a series of "turning points" he only recognized in hindsight, and a growing conviction that there's no such thing as an independent financial decision laid the groundwork for Christian financial planning, national-level generosity, and ultimately the founding of Kingdom Advisors.  "Everything turned when I realized it all hinged on the resurrection. If the resurrection happened, Christianity is true and I had to respond to that." - Ron Blue  "There's no such thing as an independent financial decision. Every choice you make with money touches your family, your future, and your ability to give." - Ron Blue  "I really believe the church is the next frontier for biblical financial wisdom. We're just now seeing how all these years of proof-of-concept were preparation for serving the local church." - Ron Blue  This Week on The Wow Factor:  • Ron's Indiana roots, early success track, and what drew him to the "big time" at KPMG in New York  • Leaving a secure global firm to start a CPA practice in Indianapolis and realizing most work was really counseling around money and taxes  • Childhood legalism, the soapbox derby story, and how early church experiences shaped his reaction against faith  • Ron's journey from "success first" to wrestling with the resurrection and praying to receive Christ alone in his car  • Moving to Atlanta after a clear call from Philippians 3 and a literal "For Sale by Owner" sign in the attic  • How a time-based CPA model became the blueprint for a fee-for-advice Christian financial planning firm  • The "first million-dollar giver" and the early financial plan that proved generosity could increase cash flow  • Being let go by the board of the firm that bore his name—and why that painful moment was a turning point  • Practical stories of cash-in-hand generosity to families, single moms, and unseen workers  • Ron's vision for serving local churches through trained Kingdom Advisors and holistic financial discipleship  Ron Blue's Word of Wisdom:  Ron believes the local church is the next major frontier for biblical financial discipleship. After decades of proving that faith-based financial principles work, he sees churches uniquely positioned to help people understand stewardship, generosity, and calling at every life stage.   Connect With Ron Blue:  Kingdom Advisors  Ron Blue Institute   Blue Trust    Connect With Brad Formsma:  WOW Factor Website    Brad Formsma on LinkedIn    Brad Formsma on Instagram    Brad Formsma on Facebook    Brad Formsma on X     

Everyone wants financial freedom. But for many of us, freedom gets defined by “more”—more income, more margin, more accumulation. The irony is that the more we chase, the less peace we often feel. The issue isn't just mathematical. It's spiritual. Money is one of the clearest mirrors of what we trust. And trust—not strategies or spreadsheets—is where true financial freedom begins.To explore that idea, we sat down with Ron Blue, cofounder of Kingdom Advisors and a pioneer in modern biblical financial stewardship. For more than fifty years, Ron has helped Christians think about money through the lens of Scripture, wisdom, and faithful discipleship.Ron pointed out that financial behavior always flows from belief. If we believe we own our resources, then every financial decision carries pressure and fear. But when we acknowledge that God owns everything, that pressure shifts. Instead of performing, controlling, or protecting outcomes, we begin stewarding what belongs to Him. Surrender turns money from a fear-based issue into a faith-based one.Many of us assume money is a knowledge problem—if we just learn more or find better tools, we'll finally make progress. But Ron reminded us that Scripture treats money as a matter of wisdom. Knowledge alone can complicate money; wisdom simplifies it. Biblical principles don't change with markets or trends, and when we make decisions rooted in principle, we gain clarity and peace.Fear is one of the most silent drivers in our financial lives. Most people quietly wonder, “Will I ever have enough?” and “If I do, will it remain enough?” Fear focuses on what we lack rather than what God has already provided. Jesus counters that fear in Matthew 6:33 by calling us to seek first God's Kingdom and trust Him with our needs—food, clothing, and shelter included.Ron also stressed that generosity plays a unique role in financial freedom because it breaks money's hold on the heart. He described giving as an open hand—letting God put in or take out as He chooses. Giving is unnatural and counterintuitive, but it declares trust in God's provision and aligns us with His purposes.If financial freedom is the goal, surrender, wisdom, trust, and generosity are the path. Tools matter, budgets matter, and knowledge matters, but none of them can replace a heart anchored in God's ownership. True freedom doesn't start with more. It starts with surrender.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My son wants to buy a home, but it doesn't qualify for a mortgage because of its condition. The owners offered a rent-to-own contract in which he'd make repairs and try to qualify for financing later. What are the pitfalls with that? And after making repairs under rent-to-own, would he still be able to get a mortgage?My husband and I are a blended family with adult children, and we're working on estate planning. We were introduced to an A-B trust, but we don't really understand the pros and cons. Is an A-B trust a good fit for us, and are there other approaches that would ensure our children receive their inheritance?I'm 68, and I rent a house on my landlady's property. She's 82 and declining in health, and my son thinks I should consider buying a home for long-term security. Am I too old to buy a house at this stage of life? And should I also be considering long-term care insurance?I inherited money from a family member's trust. The first RMD was already taken, and I have ten years to withdraw the rest. Am I allowed to make a qualified charitable gift from an inherited IRA, or am I ineligible because I'm not 70 yet?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Finding financial freedom isn’t ultimately about getting more—it’s about learning to trust God with what you already have. When it comes to money, we often focus on strategies and tools, but the true path to freedom starts much deeper—in the heart. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue share how aligning our finances with God’s wisdom can bring lasting peace and clarity. Then, it’s on to calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live . . . biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money touches almost every corner of our lives—and often our fears. When bills rise, when income feels uncertain, and when the future feels unclear, it's easy to slip into anxiety and assume everything depends on us. Scripture offers a better story: one where God sees, God knows, and God provides.Few things test our faith like money. Emergencies arise, markets fall, expenses rise, and the question arises: Will I have enough? Most of us respond by working harder and planning more. Diligence is wise, but beneath the effort, many carry a quiet fear that everything ultimately rests on our shoulders. Jesus invites us into something deeper—an economy rooted not in scarcity but in the character of God.In Matthew 6:26, Jesus directs our attention to the birds of the air. They do not stockpile or strategize, yet “your heavenly Father feeds them.” He doesn't say their Father, but your Father. The One who sustains creation also sustains His people. Jesus isn't discouraging work—He's dismantling worry. Behind every paycheck, opportunity, and act of stewardship stands a God who provides.This truth echoes throughout Scripture. In Genesis 22, Abraham stands on a mountain, knife raised in agonizing obedience. At the final moment, God provides a ram caught in a thicket. Abraham names the place The Lord will provide—not as a memory but as a promise.In 1 Kings 17, a widow with a handful of flour and a few drops of oil prepares for her last meal. God asks her to trust Him with what little she has, and she does. Day after day, her jar and jug never run empty—not overflowing, but enough. Provision came not in abundance but in sufficiency, reminding her she was seen.Even Peter faces lack. When confronted about the temple tax, Jesus sends him to cast a line, and the first fish carries a coin in its mouth—exactly what is needed. Scripture's pattern is unmistakable: God provides precisely, personally, and on time.Paul reaffirms this in Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He writes not to wealthy believers but to a generous church with scarce resources, reminding them that supply flows from God's glory, not their accounts.God gives what we need, not always what we want, and not always when we expect it—but His provision is wise and rooted in love. Jesus ultimately declares, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He does not merely give provision—He gives Himself. The deepest peace is not the absence of uncertainty, but the presence of a faithful Father.Where do you need to trust God's provision today? Bring your needs, fears, and questions before Him. Ask for wisdom, peace, and strength—and stay open to the unexpected ways He may provide through people, opportunities, or renewed perspective.————————————————————————————This theme—God is our provider—is explored in greater depth in our new 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, releasing next month. Each day focuses on a foundational truth of biblical stewardship, showing how God's character shapes our view of money, our decisions, and our trust in Him—not as a distant observer, but as a faithful Father. It's designed to help believers move from fear to freedom, from anxiety to peace, and from self-sufficiency to joyful dependence on Christ.If you want to receive the devotional as soon as it's released, you can become a FaithFi Partner for $35 a month or $400 a year, and we'll send it to you as our way of saying thank you. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 58 and eligible for a three-year special catch-up contribution in my 457 plan, which would allow me to double my contributions. Should I split those contributions between my 457 and a Roth since I don't have much in the Roth, or is it better to put everything in one? What factors should I consider?My wife and I received a legal settlement of just over $50,000 and would like to tithe. We normally give 10% to our church, but this is above our regular giving. How should we think about giving to our local church versus other ministries? Is it appropriate to allocate part of the tithe to a ministry we're developing that will incur significant expenses?We have two daughters in their 30s who don't really have long-term financial plans. We'd like to help by funding their Roth IRAs with $2,000 or $3,000, partly to encourage saving. Can we open the accounts ourselves, or should we transfer the funds so they can do it? Would that gift count as taxable income for them? Any recommendations?I've heard that if you're on Social Security, you can't have much in savings—something like $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples—or you could lose benefits. Is that true?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money has a way of reaching places in our lives that nothing else does. It touches our fears, our desires, our relationships, and our sense of security. That's why Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).Jesus wasn't merely offering financial advice—He was revealing something deeply spiritual. Money issues are rarely just about money. They are heart issues. Our financial lives quietly expose what we trust, what we desire, and what we believe will ultimately take care of us.A Lesson From a Hillside in KenyaYears ago, Ron Blue shared a story that reshaped our understanding of stewardship.Ron was sitting on a hillside in Kenya with a local pastor, overlooking the village below. Curious, Ron asked what he assumed was a practical question: “What is the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel here?” He expected the answer to be a lack of money, transportation, or resources.The pastor didn't hesitate. “Materialism,” he said.Ron was stunned. Materialism? In a village of mud huts?The pastor explained, “If a man has a mud hut, he wants a stone hut. If he has a thatched roof, he wants a metal one. If he has one cow, he wants two.”In that moment, Ron realized something profound: materialism isn't about how much you have—it's about what your heart longs for. If materialism can thrive in a mud hut just as easily as in an American suburb, then money itself isn't the root problem. The heart is.Money as a MirrorMoney is not moral or immoral. It's a tool. But because it touches nearly every area of our lives, it becomes one of the clearest mirrors of what's happening inside us.When we overspend, it may reveal a longing for identity or approval.When we cling tightly to savings, it may expose where we seek security.When we fall into debt, it may reflect impatience or a desire to live beyond God's provision.When we resist generosity, it may reveal fear that God won't come through.In every case, the dollars are secondary. The heart is primary.God's Invitation to FreedomThe good news is that God cares deeply about the state of our hearts—and He invites us into freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from comparison. Freedom from striving. Freedom from the quiet belief that everything depends on us.Over the years of studying Scripture and walking with individuals and families through financial decisions, a few foundational truths have continued to surface.1. God Owns It AllOwnership determines responsibility. If everything belongs to God, we stop clinging to money as if our lives depend on it. Instead, we manage it as stewards—grateful, humble, and free.2. God Is Our ProviderScripture reminds us that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies—and that we, His children, are worth far more. When we truly believe that, fear begins to loosen its grip.3. Money Is a Tool, Not a TreasureMoney was never meant to carry the weight of our identity or security. It was meant to serve God's purposes—meeting needs, blessing others, advancing the gospel, and reflecting the generosity of the One who gave everything for us.4. Financial Decisions Are Acts of WorshipEvery spending choice, every act of saving, every moment of generosity becomes an opportunity to honor God. When we begin asking, “How can I serve You with this?” money stops being a rival and becomes a means of discipleship.Rediscovering Our Ultimate TreasureThese truths aren't theoretical. They shape every page of our new devotional (coming out next month), Our Ultimate Treasure—a 21-day journey to faithful stewardship. We wrote it to help readers see how deeply biblical principles shape everyday financial decisions.Our prayer is that as people walk through it, they'll experience peace where fear once lived, contentment where comparison once thrived, and generosity where self-protection once dominated.Ultimately, money will reveal what we treasure most. And when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we discover a freedom that no amount of money can ever provide.That freedom isn't found in having more—but in trusting more deeply.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I are both over 65 and have a financial planner, CPA, and estate attorney. On paper, everything seems in place—but my wife doesn't feel confident. She's really looking for someone to act as a ‘quarterback' for our finances. Is it reasonable to expect a Certified Financial Planner to coordinate everything, including budgeting, or should that role belong to someone else?I pay my credit cards off in full every month and don't have any debt in collections. I received a suspicious-looking notice and didn't click it because I wasn't sure it was a scam.I know many people now take the standard deduction since it's higher, but I've heard that charitable contributions can still be deducted even if you don't itemize. Is that true? I thought that could encourage giving to nonprofits.I owe about $5,500 on my car, with a $185 monthly payment. It's starting to require frequent repairs, and it's probably worth around $4,000. Since the bank holds the title, what are my options? Can I sell it, or am I limited because the car is the collateral for the loan?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook 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)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.