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“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19Those six words beautifully capture the foundation of our relationship with God—we can only love and give because He first gave to us. Today, Sharon Epps joins us for a fascinating discussion on the generosity of women in the Bible.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.The Women Who Provided for JesusLuke 8:1-3 records an often-overlooked detail:“Soon afterward, He went through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”This passage tel

What do Bigfoot and credit reports have in common? They’re each the subject of many myths.We don’t know much about 8-foot furry creatures, but we can dispel some of the folklore about credit and credit reports. Neile Simon is here to help us do that today.Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.If you've ever wondered whether closing a credit card boosts your score or if credit counseling hurts your credit, you're not alone. Let's dive into these common misconceptions and separate fact from fiction.Myth #1: Paying Off Debt Instantly Improves Your Credit ScoreIt’s a common belief that paying down debt will immediately result in a perfect credit score. However, credit improvement takes time because credit scores are based on your payment history.Reality: Your credit report gives lenders a snapshot of how responsibly you've managed debt over time. Consistently paying bills on time is the best way to build and maintain a strong scor

When we invest our hard-earned money, we naturally seek a financial return—but could there be other rewards as well?Faith-based investing offers more than just financial gains. Today, Finny Kuruvilla joins us to explore the deeper impact of aligning our investments with our values.Dr. Finny Kuruvilla serves as a Co-Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and founding member of Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and a bachelor’s degree from Caltech in Chemistry.Common Objections to Faith-Based InvestingIndeed, Christians might have different views on some of these, but here are three of the most common that Finny hears consistently:Objection 1: “I’m not responsible for the actions of the companies I invest in.”Many investors assume that purchasing stocks or mutual funds does not conn

There’s a saying, “The best time to plant a tree is right now.” Does that logic apply to inheritances?Well, it might in some cases. In other words, is there a benefit to giving your kids an early inheritance? And how exactly would you do that? Harlan Accola joins us today to talk about how a reverse mortgage can accomplish that.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. Understanding a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)Reverse mortgages have evolved significantly over the years, offering new opportunities for financial planning in retirement. A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), often referred to simply as a reverse mortgage, is an FHA-insured loan that allows homeowners to convert part of their home equity into cash while still maintaining ownership.Unlike some traditional reverse mortgages of the past, a HECM is non-recours

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26In that verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, teaching them about the cost of discipleship and the value of the soul in contrast to worldly gains. The question remains: is there a spiritual cost to achieving financial success? John Rinehart joins us today to talk about it.John Rinehart is the co-founder of Gospel Patrons, an international organization dedicated to inspiring a generation of business professionals to fulfill their God-given callings. He is also the author of Gospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World and 31 Gospel Patrons.The Hidden Danger of WealthFinancial success is often seen as a blessing, and rightly so—Scripture tells us that God gives both riches and poverty according to His sovereign will. We see many wealthy individuals throughout the Bible who were faithful followers of God. However, Jesus frequently warned His disciple

"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” — Matthew 25:21Those are the words every believer longs to hear. That’s why it’s important to regularly reflect on how we’re stewarding the resources God has entrusted to us. Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to share three key Scriptures and prayers to help guide us in faithful stewardship.Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.These passages reveal that what seems wise from a financial standpoint may sometimes be wasteful in God’s eyes, and what appears to be wasteful may, in fact, be an act of deep wisdom. True stewardship isn’t just about following formulas—it’s about surrendering our hearts to God.1. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus: Extravagant WorshipOur first passage comes from a well-known story found in all four Gospels—the woman who anointed

Did you hear about the guy who owned last year’s top-performing funds? Yeah, it's too bad he bought them this year, though.There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that buying and holding index funds will pay off in the long run. Benji Bailey joins us today to make the case with some impressive numbers.Benji Bailey is Vice President of Investments and Senior Fixed Income Manager at Praxis Mutual Funds, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.The Importance of Indexes in InvestingTo understand index funds, we can view them like guideposts in a national park. Just as signs direct visitors to scenic views and help them stay on the right path, indexes serve as essential benchmarks for investors. These benchmarks, such as the S&P 500 for large-cap stocks or the Bloomberg Aggregate for bonds, allow investors to measure their progress toward financial goals.Without these guideposts, investors risk straying off course, possibly realizing too late that their portfolio has been heading in the wrong direction. Publicly av

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" - Matthew 25:40Millions of people around the world need the basic necessities of life, but even more importantly—they need the Gospel. One organization is helping them receive both. Kelly Miller joins us with an impact report.Kelly Miller is the CEO and President of Cross International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.A Ministry Model Built on PartnershipCross International’s approach to global missions is unique. Instead of working independently, they partner with local Christian organizations, churches, and nonprofits in the countries where they serve.These local partners know their communities far better than we do, and Cross International’s role is to walk alongside them and help them expand on what God has already called them to do.This collaborative model not only maximizes impact but also reflects the unity of the Body of Christ as believers across the globe work toget

They say you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the big stuff, either. When it comes to finances, and especially investing, it’s important to get the big moves right. Mark Biller joins us today to go over the things that need special attention.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Today, we’ll cover some key takeaways from Sound Mind Investing’s recent article, Getting the Big Moves Right, which explores seven critical investment decisions that can make or break your financial future.1. Have a Clear Investing PlanAs the old saying goes from the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, "If you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which way you go." A successful investment strategy starts with a plan—one that outlines:Your target retirement dateThe amount you hope to have saved by that dateThe steps needed to achieve that goalWithout an investment plan, it’s easy to drift or make h

As the saying goes, you don’t need to be wealthy to start saving—but you do need savings to build wealth.Right now, one of the best ways to grow your savings is by taking advantage of high-yield savings accounts. But how long will these elevated rates last? Let’s explore what’s driving these rates and what you can do to maximize your savings.The Role of a Savings AccountBefore we dive into high-yield savings, let’s clarify what a savings account is—and what it’s not. Unlike investing accounts involving higher risk, a savings account is a secure place for short-term financial needs.A savings account is ideal for:Your emergency fundBig purchases you plan to make in the next few years, such as a car or home repairsCurrently, some online savings accounts offer interest rates between 4.75% and 5%, significantly outperforming traditional brick-and-mortar banks. But why are these rates so high?The Inflation Factor: Why Rates Are HighInflation plays a significant role in determining interest rates. The Federal Reserv

"If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" – Luke 16:11Managing money wisely in today’s fast-paced world isn’t always easy. With so many financial demands, it’s tempting to take shortcuts—grabbing coffee on the go, eating out instead of cooking, or neglecting a budget altogether. But faithfulness in finances requires intentionality. Here’s how you can stay faithful in managing your money according to biblical principles.Before making financial decisions, seek God’s wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Set aside time each week to pray over your finances and seek God’s direction.Create a Spending PlanA budget is essential for financial faithfulness. Without one, it’s easy to overspend and struggle to meet obligations. If you don’t have a budget, download the free FaithFi app, which provides step-by-step guidance for setting up a plan and tr

A.W. Tozer once wrote in The Knowledge of the Holy, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our understanding of God influences everything—including how we handle what He has entrusted to us.In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells a story that reveals how our perception of God directly affects our stewardship. Three servants are given different amounts of money while their master is away. Two invest what they receive and are rewarded for their faithfulness. The third, however, buries his portion out of fear. His failure wasn’t just financial—it was a failure of understanding his master’s character.A Misunderstanding That Led to FearAt first glance, the punishment of the third servant might seem extreme. After all, he didn’t lose the money—he simply didn’t invest it. But Jesus’ parable isn’t just about financial stewardship; it’s about how we see God.The third servant viewed his master as “a hard man” (Matthew 25:24), someone to be feared

Martin Luther once said, “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.”A strong marriage is a blessing but requires intentional effort, especially in a blended family. Today, Ron Deal and Greg Pettys join the show to discuss a valuable resource for second marriages.Ron Deal is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who specializes in marriage enrichment and stepfamily education and is the co-author of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning: Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family. Greg Pettys, CLU, ChFC, CFP, has thirty-four years of specialized experience in securities and life insurance sales and services. He is the co-author of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning: Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family.Understanding the Financial Challenges of Blended FamiliesWhen two people enter a marriage with previous financial histories, child

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… “ -   Matthew 6:19-20Would you like to rethink your approach to money? Six powerful principles can shift your focus from the temporal to the eternal…and best-selling author Randy Alcorn is here to talk you through them.Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the New York Times Bestselling author of more than 60 books, including Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Treasure Principle, and Giving Is the Good Life. His books have been translated into over seventy languages and have sold over ten million copies.The Foundation: God Owns EverythingWhen we take our cues from the world, it’s easy to develop a flawed perspective on money. But Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That transformation begins with the first principle:God owns everything, and I am His money mana

“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” - Deuteronomy 8:17-18This passage powerfully reminds us that God owns everything, and we are merely stewards of what He has entrusted to us for a season. Today, Cody Hobelman joins us to discuss how you can establish your first financial finish line.Cody Hobelmann is a Certified Financial Professional (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and is the Chief Business Development Officer at Turning Point Financial. He and his brother Kealan founded the Finish Line Pledge and cohost the Finish Line Podcast, where they discuss the intersection of faith, generosity, and personal finance.The Challenge of ProsperityProsperity presents a significant challenge—perhaps more so than hardship. While we live in one of the most prosperous nations in history, this struggle with abundance is not unique to our time.The book of Deuteronomy

Many people consider frugality to be a Christian virtue—but is it, really?We often equate frugality with good financial stewardship, but they’re not exactly the same thing. While frugality can be a wise practice, it doesn’t necessarily lead to true peace or biblical financial wisdom. Let’s explore the key differences and signs that frugality might be going too far.What Is Frugality?Frugality is about being careful with resources—spending less than you earn, saving money, and making economical choices. If you or someone in your household is a conscientious penny-pincher, you likely embrace frugality as a lifestyle.Frugality certainly has virtues, such as self-control and patience. Benjamin Franklin’s well-known phrase, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” supports the idea that being financially cautious is a wise practice.At Faith and Finance, we encourage people to:Save for the futurePay down debtsAvoid overspendingHowever, biblical financial stewardship is much bigger than frugality.The Biblical Perspective o

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17Despite living in an era of unprecedented wealth, many individuals and families struggle to meet basic needs like food and shelter. Today, Brian Holtz joins us to discuss a new resource aimed at helping communities in need. Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.A New Focus: Addressing Financial HardshipNavigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, especially for those who struggle to make ends meet. While many financial ministries focus on middle- and upper-income groups, Compass Financial Ministry has taken a bold step to address the needs of those with little to no financial margin. Their latest initiative—Making Ends Meet—is a resource designed to help individuals and families move from financial struggle to stability.Key Takeaways from the ResearchMany of the financial issues we associate with low-income communities ar

They’re not listed on stock exchanges, yet private market investing opportunities are becoming increasingly popular.So, just what are private markets? Why would you want to consider making them a part of your portfolio? And how would you go about it? Cole Pearson is here today to break it all down for us.Cole Pearson is the President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies seeking to help people align their investments with their Christian values. OneAscent is also an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What Is Private Market Investing?Private market investing involves putting capital into companies that are privately held rather than those listed on public stock exchanges. Unlike investing in publicly traded firms, private market investments focus on businesses that are in earlier stages of development.You might think of the local hardware store or a manufacturing plant in your area—these are privately held businesses. Private market investing tends to focus on rapidly growing for-profit

You might be surprised to learn that most Americans are satisfied with their healthcare insurance. But the rest are more than a little dissatisfied.A vocal minority of health insurance policyholders are frustrated with their insurers for any number of legitimate reasons. If you’re in this group, you don’t want to miss today’s show. Lauren Gajdek joins us with details about an efficient, affordable alternative to health insurance.Lauren Gajdek is the Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Why Are People Frustrated with Traditional Health Insurance?Healthcare is a significant concern for many families, especially as costs continue to rise. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) offers an alternative rooted in faith and community support for those who feel frustrated with traditional health insurance. Some of the most common frustrations they see are:Complicated Policies—Many insurance plans have intricate rules and coverage limi

Paying off debt is always a smart financial move—but eliminating it before retirement is one of the best decisions you can make. With more people than ever retiring with debt, financial security in retirement is at risk. Let’s explore why carrying debt into retirement can be problematic and what you can do to avoid it.The latest statistics reveal a concerning trend. According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, 65% of individuals aged 65 to 74 carry debt—a significant increase from 50% when the Fed began tracking this data 35 years ago.Debt in retirement severely limits lifestyle choices and, for many, leads to an unwelcome necessity: returning to work. A study by T. Rowe Price found that 20% of retirees have gone back to work full-time or part-time, and another 7% are actively looking for jobs. The primary reason? They need more income.Inflation has only worsened the situation. Prices today are around 15% higher than they were three years ago, catching many retirees off guard and stret