Moneywise On Oneplace.com

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” - Proverbs 21:20 Scripture highlights a simple principle of stewardship: wise people live with margin. They don’t spend everything they earn; they save, plan, and prepare for the future. And in our modern world, the basic tool that helps us live with margin is a budget. Today, Chad Clark joins us to discuss what budgeting really looks like for most Americans and how we can do better.As FaithFi’s Chief Technology Officer, Chad oversees our digital tools and the development of the FaithFi app. He recently came across research that sheds light on how people actually budget. According to a NerdWallet survey of 2,000 adults, three out of four Americans report keeping a monthly budget. That sounds encouraging—until you read the next line: 84% of them say they regularly overspend their budget. And when people overspend, nearly half bridge the gap with credit cards, while the rest tap into savings—often until savings eventually ru

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-base

Larry Burkett once observed, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship—that we are the managers of everything God has given us.” That’s a profound truth: God owns everything, and we’ve been entrusted to manage His resources for His purposes. But what does faithful stewardship actually look like? Today, I want to highlight seven marks of a good steward.When Christians hear the word “stewardship,” we often think first of money—or maybe tithing. While generous financial giving is certainly part of stewardship, Scripture shows that it encompasses much more. God has entrusted us with the gospel, with gifts and abilities, with relationships and time, and ultimately with the love He demonstrated through Christ. Stewardship, then, isn’t merely financial; it’s holistic and deeply spiritual.First, good stewards acknowledge God’s ownership. Everything belongs to Him, and we hold resources only temporarily to serve His purposes. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that even the ability to earn weal

Markets appear strong as we head into 2026, but beneath the surface, risks may be rising faster than returns. Each January, CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments Bob Doll joins us on the show at Faith and Finance to offer an annual outlook, and this year he characterizes the environment as a “high-risk bull market”—a market capable of gains but vulnerable to setbacks and volatility.Looking back to 2025, Doll believes his predictions were roughly “seven out of ten.” Corporate earnings proved far more resilient than many expected, and with the Federal Reserve avoiding aggressive tightening, markets continued to climb. Earnings, Doll notes, remain the lifeblood of stocks: as long as profits grow and the Fed is not hostile, equity markets tend to trend upward.For 2026, Doll’s first prediction is that U.S. real GDP growth will improve modestly—from about 2% to roughly 2.5%. He attributes much of that to a large government spending package passed in an election year, providing stimulus to both households and

If there’s a word that defines our age, it’s more. More upgrades. More comforts. More square footage. Yet somehow—with so much more—many of us feel less content than ever. That’s because contentment doesn’t come from what’s next. It’s shaped in the heart, right where we are.Scripture teaches that contentment isn’t accidental. It’s learned.We all feel the pull toward “just a little more”—the next promotion, purchase, milestone, or change that will finally make life feel settled. But that longing is as old as humanity. Ecclesiastes tells us that King Solomon denied himself nothing his eyes desired, yet concluded it was all meaningless, “a chasing after the wind.” Even the wealthiest man in the ancient world discovered that satisfaction cannot be bought or accumulated. It slips through our fingers as soon as we reach for it.Paul understood this, too. In Philippians 4:11, he writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Notice the word learned. Contentment isn’t natural. It doesn’t come from

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 paych

Long-term care has quickly become one of the greatest financial and emotional pressures facing American families. Rising costs, longer life expectancy, and limited insurance coverage have created a situation few retirees are prepared for. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola joins us to explore this issue. He leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage and works closely with families navigating long-term care decisions.Accola describes long-term care as “the elephant in the room.” As Baby Boomers age and care needs rise, families are trying to balance support for aging parents with raising children and managing their own financial responsibilities. Many households avoid discussing care needs until a crisis forces difficult decisions.The numbers reveal why planning is essential. Studies estimate that between 50% and 70% of retirees will require some level of long-term care during their lives. Yet more than 90% of those individuals have not purchased long-term care insurance—and many

Kids are always watching—especially when it comes to money. Every purchase, every act of generosity, and every expression of contentment quietly shapes how children learn to view God’s provision.To help us think more clearly about this, John Cortines joins us today on Faith and Finance. John serves as Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and is a longtime contributor to FaithFi. Through his writing and teaching, he helps families see how God’s Word speaks into every part of life—including how we disciple our children through everyday financial decisions.John begins with Deuteronomy 6, where God calls parents to teach His ways diligently—when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. Financial discipleship, John explains, isn’t a one-time lesson or a class on money management. It’s a daily, relational process, woven into the ordinary rhythms of life. Money is one of the most tangible tools we have to shape a child’s heart toward God.While financial literacy

Spending decisions aren’t just financial—they reveal what, and whom, we value. That was the central insight Dr. Kelly Rush shared in today’s conversation on Faith & Finance, where she unpacked the Old Testament story of Jonah through the lens of money and stewardship.Dr. Rush, Professor of Finance and Financial Planning at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, explained that Jonah’s story isn’t only about a prophet running from God. It’s also a revealing case study in how financial choices often mirror the condition of the heart. Her core conviction is simple but challenging: every spending decision is a spiritual decision.According to Dr. Rush, money functions like a mirror. It reflects what we care about, what we trust, and what direction our hearts are moving. That principle, she noted, is woven throughout Scripture—and Jonah provides a surprisingly clear example.Many readers miss the fact that money appears twice in Jonah’s short book. The first instance comes right at the beginning. When God calls Jonah

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

It’s only day two of the new year. How are those resolutions holding up?Every January, many of us recommit to eating better, exercising more, or finally getting our finances on track. And yet, most resolutions fade long before winter does. The issue usually isn’t a lack of desire—it’s a lack of accountability and perspective.That’s especially true when it comes to budgeting. Managing money well requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity about why we’re doing it and a system that supports us day by day.To explore that idea, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at FaithFi, to discuss what actually helps people follow through on their financial goals.Why Budgeting Often Feels Like a DietChad shared an observation from years of building budgeting tools: many people view a budget the same way they view a diet. They know it’s necessary, but it feels restrictive, temporary, and easy to abandon when life gets busy.The problem usually isn’t the budget itself. It’s the missing “why.”You ma

Every January, millions of people set fresh goals: eat healthier, exercise more, or get their finances in better shape. These are good and worthy aims. Yet studies consistently show that most resolutions fade within a few weeks.So if this is the year you want to steward money more wisely—get out of debt, save consistently, or live with greater margin—what actually helps habits last beyond January?The answer isn’t more motivation. It’s a better foundation.Why Good Intentions Aren’t EnoughResolutions often fail for predictable reasons. We set goals that are vague or unrealistic. We don’t connect them to a meaningful “why.” Or we jump in without a system to support change. When life gets busy or discouraging—as it always does—old habits quickly take over.If you’ve ever tried to stick to a spending plan, curb impulse purchases, or make steady progress on debt, you know those difficult moments will come. Lasting change doesn’t happen by hoping harder. It happens when old patterns are replaced with new, intentional

A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.That’s where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.Why Willpower Isn’t EnoughTaylor explained that most resolutions fade because they’re built on effort rather than formation.“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we’ll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”According to Taylor, the problem isn’t that people set bad goals—i

As we step into a new year, one question guides everything we do: How can we better serve believers who want to manage God’s money, God’s way?At FaithFi, that question has shaped a season of prayer, growth, and fresh vision. Today on Faith & Finance, we sat down with Afton Phillips, our Head of Content, to talk about what God has been doing—and where He’s leading us next.What follows is a look at the remarkable momentum of the past year and the exciting resources coming in the year ahead.A Year of Remarkable Growth and God’s ProvisionThe past year has been one of extraordinary growth for FaithFi—growth that reflects a deep hunger for biblical wisdom applied to everyday financial decisions.Our podcast audience grew by 55,000 listeners, bringing the total to more than 880,000 listeners.Faith & Finance is now heard on over 2,000 radio stations nationwide.Our FaithFi Partner community grew by nearly 600 partners, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.Behind the scenes, God also provided th

Missionary martyr Jim Elliot famously wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Those words capture a vision of life that values eternal reward over temporary success—and they’re being lived out today in an unexpected place: the NFL.When many people think of professional athletes, generosity may not be the first word that comes to mind. But Kirk Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is quietly challenging that assumption. For Cousins, faith isn’t a compartment—it’s the lens through which he approaches football, finances, family, and the future.A Faith Shaped at HomeKirk often points back to his upbringing as a pastor’s kid. His parents modeled two complementary virtues: careful stewardship and open-handed generosity. Budgets mattered. Overspending was avoided. But when it came to helping others, generosity was practiced freely.That example left a lasting impression. As Kirk puts it, generosity was caught, not just taught. Watching his parents hold money loosely prepar

High-yield savings rates have dipped slightly since early spring, but they remain strong enough that choosing the right account right now can still be a wise move. After several quarter-point interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, savings yields have eased—but not disappeared. In fact, many online banks continue to offer returns well above those of most brick-and-mortar institutions.Understanding what’s happening—and how to respond—can help you steward your cash with wisdom and confidence.Why Savings Still Matter in Your Financial PlanSavings and investments play very different roles. A savings account is designed for money that must remain safe, accessible, and dependable—your emergency fund, short-term needs, and dollars you’ll rely on in the next few years.Savings won’t deliver investment-level growth, but the interest they earn still matters. Every bit of growth helps preserve purchasing power and strengthens your financial footing over time.Over the past few years, inflation rose well above the Feder

Every Christmas season, A Christmas Carol returns to our screens and pages as a story of generosity, redemption, and hope. But beneath the familiar narrative, Charles Dickens was also making a powerful argument—one that challenges how society views the poor, children, and human worth itself.In today’s Christmas episode of Faith & Finance, we sat down with Jerry Bowyer, our resident economist and president of Bowyer Research, to explore the deeper economic and theological message Dickens embedded in this classic tale.The Meaning Behind “Surplus Population”One of the most disturbing lines in A Christmas Carol comes from Ebenezer Scrooge, who suggests that the poor might be better off dying to reduce the “surplus population.”Jerry explained that this phrase wasn’t casual or poetic—it was loaded with meaning in Dickens’ day. It reflected the influence of Thomas Malthus, an economist whose ideas shaped early 19th-century thinking. Malthus believed population growth would always outpace food and resources, maki

The Bible contains many stories of God’s miraculous provision, but few are as rich and practical as the account of the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4:1–7. Though only seven verses long, this passage offers profound insight into how God provides for His people—and how He invites them to participate in His provision.On today’s Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joined the program to unpack this story, one she often describes as a clear picture of “God’s part and our part” in stewardship.A Crisis That Drives a Cry for HelpThe story opens with a widow in dire circumstances. Her husband, a member of the company of prophets and a man who feared the Lord, has died, leaving behind unpaid debt. With no means to repay it, she risks losing her two sons to creditors.In desperation, she cries out to the prophet Elisha for help. His response begins with a question that shapes the entire story: “What do you have in your house?”Her answer is simple and heartbreaking—nothing, except a small jar of oil.

As Christmas draws near, many of us feel the pressure to buy just one more thing—or worry the season won’t feel special unless we spend more. Tight deadlines, emotional expectations, and last-minute sales create the perfect environment for impulse spending to quietly take over. But Scripture offers a wiser, more freeing way to approach giving—one rooted in love rather than pressure.Christmas brings out many good desires. We want our homes to feel warm, our families to feel loved, and our gatherings to feel joyful. Emotional spending happens when those good desires turn into pressure—internal or external. We begin asking questions like: What if this isn’t enough? What will they think if I don’t give something big? If I don’t hurry, will Christmas feel incomplete?Emotional buying often peaks in the final days before Christmas, not because we’re unwise, but because we’re human. We feel the weight of expectations, the excitement of the season, and the fear of missing out. But perfect moments aren’t purchased. The

We live in a world overflowing with stuff—and messages about stuff. Everywhere we turn, someone promises that the next purchase, upgrade, or financial milestone will finally bring joy or peace. But Scripture offers a far better—and far more freeing—vision for how believers relate to money and possessions.The Bible doesn’t ignore material things. It puts them in their proper place.When Good Things Promise Too MuchWe’ve all heard the phrase money can’t buy happiness, yet it’s still easy to live as though it might. When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for the nearest distraction—a purchase, an upgrade, or a new financial goal—hoping it will calm our anxiety or restore a sense of control.But Scripture never teaches that possessions themselves are bad. In fact, Paul writes, “God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). Ecclesiastes adds that when God gives someone wealth, possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, “this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).Enjoying God’s go