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Summer’s not that far off, and the kids are already thinking “vacation.” Will you be ready for it?How can you make great family memories without breaking the budget? That’s always the challenge, but Crystal Paine joins us today with some great tips for a budget-friendly family vacation.Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year. How to Take a Great Family Vacation Without Breaking the BankPlanning a family vacation is one of life’s great joys—and, if you’re not careful, one of its greatest budget busters. Here are some practical and encouraging tips on how to plan a memorable getaway without coming home to credit card regret.1. Start with a Plan—and Start EarlyPlan ahead. Start early to maximize your options. That includes scouting for affordable destinations—especially those a little off the beaten path—and using tools like Google Flights to find the best travel de

What’s the difference between a bank and a credit union? More than you might think.At first glance, banks and credit unions can seem pretty similar as they both offer valuable financial services. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that credit unions can be a powerful partner for managing money. Aaron Caid joins us to explain why.Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. A Different Kind of Financial InstitutionCredit unions stand apart from traditional banks because they are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members. That means the focus is on long-term member relationships, and service is preeminent.However, Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) goes a step further. Their mission is rooted in striving to serve and love others like Christ. This distinctly faith-based approach transforms everyday banking into a form of ministry that seeks to honor God and expand His Kingdom.At Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU), t

Did you know there’s a way to tap into your home’s equity for tax-free cash—without having to make monthly payments? It’s true.It’s called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—what many of you know as a reverse mortgage. But today’s reverse mortgage isn’t what it used to be. Harlan Accola is here to help us unpack how they work and whether one might be right for you.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. What’s Changed? A Safer, Regulated OptionWhen you hear the phrase reverse mortgage, you might think of outdated financial tools with a bad reputation. However, home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) significantly differ from those in the past.Reverse mortgages today are not the “Wild West” products of decades past. Since major reforms were enacted during President Reagan’s term in 1988, HECMs are now heavily regulated unde

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” - Psalm 82:3–4As followers of Christ, we’re called to advocate for the vulnerable and protect the oppressed. One of the most urgent needs today is among girls and young women in Lebanon. May-Lee Melki joins us with a powerful story of hope and a way you can make a difference. ​May-Lee Melki is a Lebanese-American advocate, legal scholar, and ministry leader dedicated to advancing justice and holistic transformation in the Middle East. She serves as the Strategic Engagement Manager at Heart for Lebanon, an underwriter of Faith and Finance.The Crisis Behind the HeadlinesIn a society shaped by shame-and-honor dynamics, without a biblical understanding of human dignity, refugee girls—especially Bedouin and Kurdish—are often seen as burdens or liabilities. Add to that multiple wars, a collapsed economy, and weak legal protections, and the dang

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…” - Proverbs 13:22That verse teaches that a life of faithful stewardship will enable you to leave something of great value to your heirs. How you do it can impact future generations. Jeanne McMains joins us today to talk about “intentional inheritance.” Jeanne McMains has been a practicing attorney in estate planning, business succession, and non-profits since 1995. She currently serves as the Vice President of Gift Planning with The National Christian Foundation (NCF), where she assists families nationwide with achieving their charitable gift-planning goals.What Is an Intentional Inheritance?An intentional inheritance is more than the distribution of wealth. It’s a prayerful, purposeful plan for shaping the lives of those who will receive what we leave behind. Inheritance is one of the most significant stewardship decisions we make. It’s not just about how much but how—and why—we give.This perspective calls for a deep shift. Before passing on wealt

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9Each year, Christians pause to remember Good Friday—the day Jesus Christ was crucified. At first glance, calling this day “good” may seem strange. After all, it marks one of the darkest, most sorrowful moments in human history. But for those who trust in Christ, Good Friday isn’t the end of the story—it’s the turning point. It’s the day God’s grace was poured out most fully and most freely.Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one of deep sorrow and overwhelming gratitude. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die for us—He died instead of us. The pain He endured was not only physical but also spiritual. The weight He carried to the cross wasn’t just a wooden beam but the full weight of our guilt and rebellion.And yet, it was love—not nails—that held Him there.The Financial Language of RedemptionHere on Faith & Finance, we ofte

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, for her profit is better than silver, and her gain surpasses gold." - Proverbs 3:13-14Making wise financial decisions early in life can set the stage for long-term stability and generosity. But where should students and young professionals begin? Today, Bob Doll joins us to share practical financial advice to help young adults start their careers on the right foot.Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. Building a Life of Faithful Stewardship from the StartFinances can feel overwhelming for students and young adults stepping into the world of work—budgets, debt, investing, generosity…where do you even begin? Yet these early years are some of the most formative when it comes to your long-term financial health and spiritual growth. That’s why it’s critical to lay a foundation not just of financial lite

In the first century B.C., the Roman historian Sallust wrote, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.” That statement still holds true today. While most people would gladly accept financial prosperity despite its pitfalls, few are as eager to embrace financial hardship. Yet both seasons—wealth and want—reveal what we believe, what we value, and ultimately, where we place our trust.When things are going well financially, it’s easy to take the credit. But self-reliance and comfort can open the door to pride and greed. As Jesus warned in Luke 12, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”Prosperity can dull our spiritual sensitivity. We may forget our dependence on God or assume His blessings are tied to our performance. But success isn’t always a sign of God’s approval—sometimes it’s a test.The Temptations of AdversityFinancial hardship brings its own spiritual challenges. Temptations like bitterness, envy, fear, and self-pity can creep in. We mig

For the past decade, U.S. stocks have stolen the spotlight. Fueled by the dominance of tech giants and ultra-low interest rates, American equities have outperformed much of the world—leaving many investors to wonder if there’s any need to look beyond U.S. borders. But history—and current market conditions—suggest it may be time to take a fresh look at foreign stocks.A recent article from Sound Mind Investing by Mark Biller outlines why international markets could be poised for a resurgence. From valuation gaps and shifting fiscal policy to global capital flows and post-COVID economic trends, several factors are aligning that could make foreign equities an important part of a well-diversified portfolio again.Let’s walk through the key highlights and insights from the article—and why this may be a wise moment to think globally in your investment strategy.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Why Should U.S. Investors Consider

In today’s fast-paced world of cryptocurrency booms, sports betting apps, and market volatility, it’s easy to blur the lines between investing and gambling. Some even suggest they’re essentially the same: putting money at risk in hopes of a reward. But that’s a serious oversimplification—and it misses what sets these two activities apart, not just financially but morally and biblically.Let’s examine closely how Scripture, wisdom, and faith guide us in thinking rightly about risk, wealth, and the difference between gambling and godly investing.Surface Similarities, Foundational DifferencesYes, both investing and gambling involve uncertainty. But the nature, purpose, and outcome of that uncertainty reveal a stark contrast.Investing is thoughtful risk—measured, intentional, and directed toward long-term growth and productivity. It’s about building something: a business, a future, a legacy. Gambling, on the other hand, is a zero-sum game. One person’s win always comes at another’s loss. There’s no product created

Israel is a nation often in the news but seldom for its potential as an investment.​Israel is a tiny country but a powerhouse for investing opportunities, particularly in the tech sector. Brian Mumbert joins us today to examine Israel in a different light.Brian Mumbert is Vice President and Regional Sales Executive at Timothy Plan, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Is It Safe to Invest in Israel?Despite frequent headlines about conflict in the Middle East, Israel stands out as a remarkably resilient nation with an entrepreneurial spirit.Israelis have a low view of debt culturally. In fact, at one point, the government even sent out piggy banks to every citizen to encourage savings and wise stewardship. That mindset—combined with a tech-forward economy—creates strong fundamentals that appeal to values-based investors.Understandably, some investors may wonder about the safety of investing in a country with frequent regional conflict. Israel is regulated just like the U.S. They have their own stock exchange—

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t out-give God.” It may initially sound like bumper-sticker theology, but the truth behind it runs deep. Though you won’t find those exact words in Scripture, the idea captures something profoundly true about God’s heart: His generosity is limitless—and it’s meant to shape our own.From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who gives. But nowhere is His generosity clearer than in John 3:16:“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”This is the ultimate act of giving—motivated not by our merit but by His love. Romans 5:8 echoes the same truth:“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”God didn’t give to get. He gave because He loves. And when we receive that love, it transforms how we view giving—not as a transaction but as a response.Giving as a Response to GraceLet’s be honest: Giving can feel risky. You might wonder,

Most people would say their most important relationships are with their spouse, children, or close friends. These connections are deeply meaningful and essential. But there’s one relationship that surpasses them all—your relationship with God.You might be wondering, What does my relationship with God have to do with money? That’s a fair question—and the answer is, quite a lot.While human relationships are a gift from the Lord, none carry more eternal weight than our relationship with Him. God invites us into close fellowship, and how we manage what He’s given us is part of that journey.The Bible provides three foundational truths to help us understand the significance of this relationship, especially when it comes to money.1. God Owns EverythingColossians 1:16 says,“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him.”God is the Creator and Owner of everything, including your money, time, possessions, and even your abilities.2. G

Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once said, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.”Every parent hopes to leave an inheritance for their children, but doing so wisely takes careful thought and prayer. Today, Ron Blue joins us to discuss the Uniqueness Principle and how it can guide parents in passing down wealth effectively.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, including Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives.The Uniqueness Principle: Equal Love, Unique TreatmentProbably every parent of more than one child has asked, “How can children coming from the same two parents, with the same gene pool, living in the same environment, with the same stimuli…be so different?” Of course, we all know that estate planning can be challenging, and we understand the desire to be fair. However, the answer lies in what Ron Blue calls the Uniqueness Principle: Love your children equally, b

“And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” - 2 Corinthians 5:15.Most of us view our income as God’s primary way of providing for us—and then, almost as an afterthought, we consider giving. But what if Scripture teaches the opposite? Paul David Tripp is here to flip our theology of money upside down.Paul David Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a pastor, best-selling author, and international conference speaker with a heart for connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. He has written over thirty books and resources on Christian living, including Redeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts.Why We Struggle to Be GenerousSin causes us to live with an obsessive self-focus, and money often becomes the most obvious place that focus shows up. We think first about what we need, want, and what dreams money can buy…and only then might we consider being generous with it.We need to

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21When Jesus said those words, He wasn’t just giving us a lesson on giving or saving. He was getting to the root of something much deeper: our hearts.At Faith & Finance, we often say that money touches every part of life, but the most important part is our spiritual life. Our financial decisions, priorities, and fears don’t just reflect our budgets—they reflect our beliefs, values, and, ultimately, our worship.Let’s explore how our money issues are really heart issues—and what that means for how we live and give.More Than Just a ToolMany people see money as a neutral resource—a tool to earn, spend, save, or give. But Scripture reveals that money has much more influence than we realize. It can:Shape our desiresTest our trustReveal what we truly worshipThat’s why issues like debt, greed, anxiety, or even generosity aren’t primarily financial—they’re spiritual. When we overspend to maintain a lifestyle, is it because our identity is tied to

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” — Proverbs 10:4At Faith and Finance, we believe the Bible offers timeless financial wisdom—and sometimes, that wisdom shows up in the form of gentle correction. Let’s face it: we all make financial missteps—some intentional, others unintentional. But every mistake is an opportunity to grow in wisdom and stewardship.If you’ve made some poor decisions with your money, don’t let Proverbs 10:4 discourage you. Instead, take heart in Proverbs 19:20:“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”Let’s walk through six money mistakes that can quietly erode your wealth—and how to avoid or correct them with diligence and wisdom.1. Living Paycheck to PaycheckOne of the most common financial traps is spending everything you earn. When there's nothing left over at the end of the month, you're missing an essential part of wise stewardship: saving.The solution? Pay yourself first.Start by setting up an automatic transf

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." – Matthew 6:33This verse calls us to put God’s Kingdom first in every aspect of our lives—including our investments—trusting that He will provide and use our efforts to advance His purposes. Today, Will Lofland joins us to share how that’s happening right now.Will Loftland is the Managing Director of Investments Distribution at GuideStone Funds, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He also oversees GuideStone’s shareholder advocacy strategy and represents the firm as a participant in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility.Who Is Guidestone?Guidestone is more than a financial services firm—it's a ministry to ministries. It is focused on serving ministries in all financial aspects of their work, including retirement plans, insurance solutions, wealth management, and the nation’s largest Christian-screened mutual fund family.By equipping ministries with financial stability and security, Guidesto

"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." — Proverbs 13:11This verse offers a powerful lesson on financial stewardship—true and lasting wealth isn’t built through shortcuts or speculation but through steady diligence and faithful management. In today’s fast-paced world, financial success is often measured by how quickly one can accumulate wealth. Social media is filled with stories of overnight millionaires, high-risk investments, and shortcuts to riches. But is this the right approach? Let’s explore how this biblical principle plays out in real life.The Temptation of Instant WealthTo illustrate this principle, let’s look at the real-life story of an executive at a major Western bank—we’ll call him Brian to protect his anonymity.Brian began his finance career in the 1990s, confident in his ability to manage money. However, he now admits that he was living beyond his means and accumulating debt. This financial instability made him especially susceptible to the

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." – Psalm 127:3Children are a precious gift from God—a reward and a heritage to be cherished. With the incredible joy of welcoming a newborn also comes great responsibility, especially in managing finances wisely.To help new parents navigate this season, here’s a New Baby Financial Checklist to ensure you’re covering all the essential financial bases.1. Add Your Newborn to Your Health InsuranceIn the whirlwind of 2 AM feedings and endless diaper changes, don’t let updating your health insurance slip through the cracks. Most plans allow a 30-day window after birth to add your baby to your policy.While you’re at it, double-check that your plan covers:Pediatric careVaccinationsEmergency hospital visitsThankfully, welcoming a new baby qualifies as a “life event,” meaning you can make necessary adjustments to your plan.2. Secure Life Insurance CoverageLife insurance isn’t for the baby—it’s for you. Ensure you have a term life policy tha